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This meeting of the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club was called to order at 8 to 8 Cigars in Villa Park, IL at precisely 8pm on February 18th, 2017. Birthday cigars were distributed to members who’s birthdays occurred in January and February of this year. Chuck Martin gave a Show report indicating that there were issues with the new municipal fire marshal in St. Charles, IL. regarding the table layout for the upcoming 2017 Chicago Show. Over a dozen tables are currently being required for removal due to proximity to fire extinguishers in the exhibit hall of the Pheasant Run resort. This may balance out, if not remitted, due to cancellations received from table holders. Chuck also passed out copies of “volunteer lists” for this year’s Show. This lists gives and hourly breakdown of each day prior to the Show from Tuesday through the end of the Show on Sunday. Members are asked to fill in their name for whatever hours on whatever days they are available to cover necessary duties during the Show from setting up equipment for various seminars at the Show to helping out at the registration desk, silent auction area and other necessary activities. Everyone who can spare some time is asked to indicate what hours on what days they can work and return the information to Chuck either by handing back the form or by emailing him at cemartin@mc.net. There will be a meerschaum carving seminar this year with an entry fee of $250 which covers the meerschaum block and all necessary instruction and equipment need to complete the pipe. The pipe smoking contest at the Show, which takes place on Sunday afternoon in the smoking tent was discussed. Anyone wanting to register for the contest can do so prior to the Show by going on the United Pipe Clubs of America website at www.unitedpipeclubs.org. The site has a page where you can register for the contest at our Show plus photos and a description of this year’s contest pipe. The entry fee is $50.00 for those belonging to a pipe club affiliated with the UPCA. If you are not a member of a club affiliated withe the UPCA, the cost is $55.00. The contest pipe, which you get to keep, is worth the money plus you may very well qualify for a prize based on your time. The next meeting dates for the club at 8 to 8 in Villa Park are March 18th and April 22nd.