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Sad news was given on the death of Steven Books, a noted tobacco blender from the House of Calabash in Oregon. It is our understanding that the shop was closed for the past several months due to Steve’s failing health and that only online orders were being taken and filled. Steve Books was an acknowledged master tobacco blender and will be missed in the hobby.  It was reported that members Judd Pearlson and Rex Poggenpohl represented the Club at the recent Columbus and Kansas City pipe shows. Thanks, guys. Show Director Craig Cobine reported 215 tables currently sold for next year’s Show at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, IL. Mike Khalil gave information on recent issues with the FDA’s attempts to control premium cigars and pipe tobacco. The issuance of final rules has been postponed until August of 2021. There is currently pending legislation before the Senate to exempt premium cigars from federal regulation. A bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate. More information can be found on the Cigar Rights of America website and, I suspect, on other sites as well. Let’s hope that this bill also includes relief for pipe tobacco producers as well.