this year. One of the things that I wish that new members would take advantage of is the club's mentoring program. Each new member packet comes with an application to the mentoring program & it seems to me that it would be the easiest way to connect with at least one person that has the same collecting interest as you. Or even asking for assistance or help with one's collection right here on this BB. Most people here are helpful when they can be and if you don't get the answer that you're looking for, hopefully you get steered to someone else that can. It's a fun club & a fun hobby filled with some wonderful people. And there are many in our club (like Brian Cashman, Fred Bergman, Doug Smith, Quintin Kamm, etc...) that are very welcoming & easy to approach & are ALWAYS willing to offer help, assistance & a welcoming smile. Sometimes all it takes is cracking that door open just a little.

The volunteering suggestion is not meant to make or force anyone to introduce themselves to other people, it just makes it much easier when THEY approach YOU (as you work at your respective volunteer area) to say "Hello" & start up a conversation. We all can't be Quintin Kamm or Doug Smith or Brian Cashman and many others who seem to have the gift of making anyone & everyone feel welcome. I'm glad that you renewed & will give it some more time.

Steve Bedo