As you know, the Society will convene its 2010 Annual Meeting at the Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition in Oaks, PA during the weekend of April 9th through the 11th.  On Saturday, April 10th, we will hold our General Membership Meeting in the early afternoon.  One of the highlights of the meeting will be the presentation of Membership Award Pins to those who, during 2010, will have attained 50, 25, and 15 years of membership.  These members are:

50 Year Members

25 Year Members

15 Year Members

If you are a part of this distinguished group, why not plan on attending the meeting and receiving your pin, and the Society’s thanks, in person? If, however, you are unable to attend, your pin will be mailed shortly after the meeting.

Time is getting short!

With just two months to go until our Annual Meeting at the Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition, there is still some time left to reserve space for your exhibit at the show.  But you have to hurry!  Only a few frames are still available.  You can download the necessary form directly from the show website at http://www.pnse.org.  Remember that this is the only show during 2010 where you can compete for the Society’s two most prestigious exhibiting awards, the Hugh M. Southgate Memorial Trophy for the best exhibit of 19th century material and the Walter W. Hopkinson Trophy for the best exhibit of 20th century material.  In addition to being eligible for these awards, you’ll also help the Society put its best foot forward on the exhibition floor.

You can also give a presentation about your exhibit or favorite collecting area during the show.  Just let me know which day and time slot you’d like to have and I’ll work with the show committee to make it happen.  Take the opportunity to share your passion and knowledge about your particular specialty with the rest of us.  It will be greatly appreciated.

—Nick Lombardi
President

Reminder postcards were sent out in January to those of you who have not paid their dues for 2010.  If you do not respond promptly, this will be your last issue of The Specialist.  The annual dues of $25.00 (foreign members extra for postage) buys you an excellent monthly journal on U.S. philately, discounts on Society books, two free ads per year in The Specialist, and access to research papers, reprints, and copies of member exhibits.  Please renew now before you forget.  You will be doing a service both to yourself and to the Society.

—Larry Ballantyne