Chicagoland Chippers Gathering on Sunday, It is my sincerest wish, that all of you are able to be there, but I accept that it is a bit unrealistic. I just hope we have so much fun the ones who are there can't stop talking about it,and the ones who miss it,regret it and that they commit to being at the next one in Sept.

We will have a lot going on, so to prepare you all, here is a rough idea of what to expect. The event begins at 11am. Although the event is in Indiana, Crown Pointe is on Chicago time. You won't want to be late for this. In case you are wondering, The Conservative Cafe is a basic sandwich shop. The food is decent, and it would be good to order some. They were real good about service also.

While we are not going to hand out schedules, I do have one so we can get the necessaries done. 11-12 will be all trade session. I suspect that there will be set up for games and such, but feel free to obsess on the trading. I know we will have the following to see and go through:

*There will be Chunks and Chips from the 'Dig'. I know Mark will have a bunch of cool stuff for trade and info if you want to buy chunks from his parents.

*Pam is in the process of reducing her collection to the horse part. The reasons have been on the board, but she will have a bunch of good stuff for sale, and I suspect she will have some good deals available.

*Ken also is reducing his collection and may be bringing as many as 1500 chips for sale or trade. Many of these have been offered on the Chip Board, so there is a good chance that he will be willing to deal.

I hope Mark, Pam and Ken all consider getting there early so they can set up, and heck if there is interest,moving downstairs or to an alternative location could be done (when our time is over @ 4p).

I will have my trader box with me, but I also will have roomkeys and players club cards, individual cards from casino decks, and matchbooks available. I amlooking for $1 chips I don't have, or good ones to add to my trader box. Also interested in Illegals, postcards, dice, cards and room keys that catch my interest, and swizzle stcks. Come on folks trade with me.

The business will be handled at noon (including the selection of the steering committee). I will discuss the old and new fundraising chips. The new chip will play with the election and halloween Chicago style. Obviously we are having Debbie do them (halloween is her domain). The chips will again sell for $10 each, and the net proceeds will be goin g to various children's charities in the chicagoland area. I will be sending out an update after the meeting regarding the decisions made.

There will be an auction (this seems to work well to cover the cost of the room). If anybody has a better suggestion or idea where we can meet, please feel free to share that info with the steering committee. I know the next meeting will be in Sept, hosted by Sheldon and Christine.

There will be some games, and then we will finish up with more trade session. Obviously looking at chips and socializng may occur while games are being played, but keep in mind there will be prizes.