Category Archives: eBlast

May 01

May eBlast of PENPEX and the Sequoia Stamp Club

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Ed Bierman

Ed Bierman, Webmaster for PENPEX and Sequoia Stamp Club

In this months eBlast, I was asked to give you a bit of history of our website and some information about myself, Ed Bierman, the webmaster for the group.

I’ve been a member of the Sequoia Stamp Club since 1999.  I started out collecting stamps of the Marshall Islands but now spend most of my time looking for old postcards, especially the Cliff House in San Francisco.  I work as a profession webmaster for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Mills-Peninsula Health Services.

The website, penpex.org, I believe I set up in 2000 to promote the show and stamp club on the Web.  It was also a place to get a nice color version of the newsletter, The Chatter.  The site still has a lot of historical information and images from the past 13 years.  If you look under the archive of the PENPEX show you will find my images and documents such as  programs and cachets from the past.

Our site stayed pretty  ”traditional” with static pages of information until about 2 years ago when I went to our current WordPress blog format.  Along with all the traditional webpages about the PENPEX and the Sequoia Stamp club, I now post blog articles 3-4 times a month on various topics around stamp collecting.  Most of the post are interesting videos about collecting or information about past stamp issues that I find on the web.  I also publish individual stories out of The Chatter.

I’m always looking for articles from members.  Kristin Patterson posted a whole series of articles on the history of PENPEX stamp show. I would really love to have other authors share their knowledge on the site and you can do that by emailing me.

Mar 31

April 2013 eBlast

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Happy Easter: We hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday with family and friends.

PENPEX is run by Sequoia Stamp Club members. The club offers much for local collectors from auctions, presentations, local news, and question answering opportunities. A new Elementary Stamp Series is being offered four times a year at 6:30 pm in the conference room of the CAB. The Series is offered immediately proceeding a regular SSC meeting.

The first session was held January 22 where Kristin talked about How to Be a Satisfied Stamp Collector. It was attended by a dozen people who were both new to the hobby and have been collecting for decades. They all enjoyed it.

2013 Scott Specialized Cat

On March 26, Kristin presented this time on How to Use Scott Specialized Catalogue. The catalogue has so much information about U.S. stamps that I am sure the fourteen people in attendance learned something new.

The next Elementary Stamp Series will be held Tuesday, July 9. Jim Sauer will discuss “What to do with Used Self-Adhesive Stamps.” These self-adhesive stamps make franking a letter easy, but have many challenges when putting them into your album.

If you have a topic that you think would be good for the Elementary Stamp Series and can be discussed in a 30-minute time period. Please email Kristin at Kristin_email@yahoo.com with your ideas.

Included in this monthly news eBlast are the upcoming Sequoia Stamp Club activities and area stamp shows. 2013 Schedule:

  • Apr 9 – Getting the Most from Attending WESTPEX Stamp Show by Kristin Patterson
  • Apr 19-21: Santa Clara Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Show, Santa Clara Convention Center
  • Apr 23 – APRL Delivers—To Your Mailbox and Your Inbox by Tara Murray, APRL Director of Information Services /Librarian
  • Apr 26-28: WESTPEX Stamp Show, Marriott Waterfront, Burlingame
  • May 14 – Western Philatelic Library benefit auction
  • May 28 – Minerals on Stamps by Don Windeler. [6:00 pm: Governing Board meeting, open to all members.]

See you all at PENPEX 2013 on December 7 and 8.
Kristin Patterson, PENPEX Chair, penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com

Mar 02

March 2013 eBlast

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Picture of Liam

Liam

Last December, Liam attended PENPEX for the first time. He was 18 months old. While it can be assured that he had a good time, it is likely because he saw many people and colorful displays. Everything was new and exciting to someone his age.

Some things are new and exciting to those of us a bit older. PENPEX 2011 fit the bill for me. I’m Liam’s dad, Craig.

I’ve been a stamp collector since I was ten. I was given collections that each of my grandfathers kept – one more extensive than the other. I’m fairly good at identifying and excellent at sorting and categorizing. EBay and Vanik’s Stamp Shop in Brookfield, IL were my main and infrequent pipelines to older material.

I never knew other collectors. I had no idea what one might do at a stamp club. Well, actually that is an incorrect statement. I was sure that stamp club members traded stamps and that was it.

I didn’t want to trade my stamps. I had a few duplicates, but they had belonged to my grandfather. I wanted to keep them as they held sentimental value. No need for a stamp club.

For years, attending a show here and there satisfied my interest in acquisition. PENPEX 2011, however, was the one that really sparked my enthusiasm. At the silent auction, a discussion with a Sequoia Stamp Club member started it. It was a visit by the then-president and current “Spark Plug” that cemented it.

I bid on two auction items – a new experience for me. I won a set of U.S. wine stamps. I’d never won a stamp auction before and was impressed at the modest cost. When the stamps were delivered to my house, I learned that the Sequoia Stamp Club has silent auctions at its meetings!

I went to a Sequoia Stamp Club meeting, and met nearly 50 local stamp collectors. I learned that I don’t have to trade (but can). I learned that I am not the only one in the area collecting U.S. used stamps. I learned that I can also get new stamps from live auctions, direct member deals, and club circuits. I also saw that club members did talks on specialty areas of stamp collecting.

I’ve missed only one stamp club meeting since. It took me quite a while, but I finally found – as Liam had – that there was excitement to be had by attending PENPEX. I look forward to seeing you at PENPEX 2013.

Craig Butterworth, PENPEX 2013 Vice-Chair

On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Sequoia Stamp Club holds their meetings at RC Community
Activities Building (CAB), 1400 Roosevelt Ave, California. Doors open at 7:05 pm and the
meetings start at 7:30 pm and run until 9:30 pm.

There is an auction at every meeting. The live auctions are posted and every meeting
where there is not a live auction then there is a silent auction.

Mar 9-10: FRESPEX, Veterans Memorial Building, Clovis
Mar 12 – Lindbergh Flight Covers by Jim Giacomazzi.
Mar 26 – How to Get the Most from the Scott Specialized Catalogue – Kristin
Patterson (6:30 pm in Conf. Room),
Mar 26 – Live Auction (Anonymous Donation)
Apr 9 – Getting the Most from the WESTPEX Stamp Show – Kristin Patterson
Apr 23 – TBA.
Apr 26-28: WESTPEX Stamp Show, Marriott Waterfront, Burlingame

Feb 02

February eBlast 2013

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PENPEX held their Appreciation Brunch on January 26 at Sizzler in Redwood City. The meeting was attended by 15 volunteers who helped with planning, setup, youth area, auction, welcome table, awards banquet, photos, and finances. Because of the success of the PENPEX 2012 show, PENPEX donated $1,000 to the Sequoia Stamp Club to further their philatelic endeavors.

At the meeting Chair Kristin Patterson, Vice Chair Craig Butterworth, Sec. Darlene Hickok, and Treasurer Eduardo Martino were unanimously elected to the PENPEX 2013 Board. Also, new to the Board is Sequoia President Hank Shoolman. This group is looking forward to another successful show Dec. 7 & 8, 2013.

On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Sequoia Stamp Club holds their meetings at RC Community Activities Building (CAB), 1400 Roosevelt Ave, California. Doors open at 7:05 pm and the meeting starts at 7:20 pm and run until 9:30 pm.

There is an auction at every meeting. The live auctions are posted and every meeting where there is not a live auction then there is a silent auction.

  • Feb 12 - Postage Stamps of Tannu Tuva – Alain Ridard and Hank Shoolman
  • Feb 26 – Swap Meet – Gil Goodrich  [6:00 pm Governing Board Meeting, open to all members.]
  • Mar 12 - open
  • Mar 26 – How to Get the Most from the Scott Specialized Catalogue – Kristin Patterson (6:30 pm)
  • Mar 26 - Live Auction (Anonymous Donation)
Jan 01

January eBlast 2013

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Joe Ross Bangladesh Revenue Stamps

Bangladesh Revenue Stamps, PENPEX Grand Award Winner

Here is a quick summary of PENPEX 2012. We always hope for perfect weather but in the fall it does rain in California and this December 1 and 2 had its fair share. All the dealers who responded to a follow-up email were happy with the show and are looking forward to coming back next year. The show had 66 exhibit frames, the most we have had since moving from 12-page to 16-page frames. The Awards Banquet was again held at Harry’s Hofbrau, a location that is only two minutes from the Community Activities Building. The awards were presented quickly and everyone enjoyed the hardy German meal with chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert. Congrats to Joe Ross for winning the Grand Award with his Bangladesh Revenue Stamps exhibit.

Once again the youth area was packed with many fun activities for young collectors and free give-aways. Some returning from the year before and registering again for the Sequoia Stamps R Us youth program. The silent auction had lots of activity as people watched their lots as the clock struck 2:30 pm on Sunday. Winners were able to pick up their lots at 3:45 pm.

PENPEX 2012 Auction

PENPEX 2012 Auction Room

Many thanks to Joan Doherty, Kjell Enander, Wally Jolliff, and Ken Lewetzow for stepping up to run the snack bar on Saturday and Sunday. The snack bar again supplied patrons with tasty sandwiches along with the long-time favorites; donuts and cookies.

Frame SetupThe show’s success could only be accomplished by a hardworking team of philatelists and friends. The setup team lead by Eduardo Martino was on their game as we were ready for dealer move-in and exhibit mounting by 4:30 pm. I commend everyone involved for a job well done!

If you are interested in getting involved and being a part of this team, please contact PENPEX Chair Kristin Patterson at penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com or 408-267-6643. All questions are welcome and encouraged.

Mark your calendars for PENPEX 2013 on December 7 and 8.

The Sequoia Stamp Club offers much for local collectors from auctions, presentations, local news, question and answering opportunities, circuit books, and fun with friends. Included in this monthly news eBlast are the upcoming Sequoia Stamp Club activities and area stamp shows.

Items in red are part of a new 30-minute talk for novice stamp collectors which is part of the Introduction to Stamp Collecting Series. The Series is intended to assist adults new or returning to the hobby. It is open to the public and starts at 6:30 pm.

2013

  • Jan. 8 – Inauguration of new officers and past Presidents present
  • Jan. 22 – How to be a Satisfied Stamp Collector – Kristin Patterson (6:30 pm)
  • Jan. 22 – TBD
  • Jan. 25-26: Great American Expo by Chris Clemens, Napredak Hall, San Jose
Nov 27

December eBlast – Welcome to PENPEX 2012

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December 1, PENPEX Stamp Show will open its doors at 10 am for attendees to visit 19 stamp dealers, view 66 frames of exhibits, bid on over 500 silent auction lots, bring their children to the Youth Stamp Area for fun activities, and talk with philatelic friends. The show is open Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Redwood City Community Activities Building.

There are plenty of things to do:

  • This year PENPEX has two show themes. First, the commemoration of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America Centennial. Second, a Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio cachet is available. On Saturday, PENPEX will have a special Girl Scout cancel and on Sunday a special Baseball All-Stars cancel. Matching stamps and cachets are available for sale at the Table #16.
  • There are 19 dealers including the United States Postal Service.
  • The exhibit area has 66 frames of exquisite material including 1-frame of Sequoia Stamp Club members’ 1-page exhibits. A professional panel of judges will award ribbons and prizes at the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening at Harry Hofbrau.
  • A Silent Auction will be open for viewing throughout the show. It will end promptly on Sunday at 2:30 pm. High bidders may collect their items at 3:45 pm.
  • Enjoy the food, refreshments, and beverages with fellow collectors. The snack bar is open Sat. 10 – 3pm and Sun. 10 – 2pm.
  • Check the schedule for group meetings that may be of interest to you. They are all open to the public.
  • Hey Kids!!! There is plenty for you to do. Make sure to visit the Youth Area at the far West end of the building for free stamps to all young collectors.

On behalf of the sponsoring club, Sequoia Stamp Club, and the Redwood City Community Activities Building, we thank you for attending our show, sharing your camaraderie, and furthering the hobby of stamp collecting.

Welcome,
Kristin Patterson
PENPEX Chair

Jim Giacomazzi
Vice-Chair

Darlene Hickok
Secretary

Eduardo Martino
Treasurer

Nov 03

November eBlast

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PENPEX 2012 is only a month away!
December 1 & 2

The PENPEX Committee is busy at work getting ready for this years show and we look forward to seeing you there.  We have all the great features of a fabulous show:
  • Free admission and parking – snack bar
  • U.S. Postal Service will be selling items on Saturday
  • Show Cachets and Special USPS Cancels — this year feature Joe DiMaggio and Girl Scout Stamps
  • Stamp Exhibits – the largest number of exhibits we’ve ever had
  • 17 Stamp Dealers: Check out our list of dealers 
  • Beginner and Youth Activity Room
  • Silent Bid Sale with hundreds of items
Information is on our website with more updates coming throughout the month.  
Previous Articles:
Oct 01

October 2012 eBlast

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Bill Moll, last living Sequoia Stamp Club founder.

On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, a good time was had by all at the Sequoia Stamp Club’s 65thAnniversary party. Over 55 members and guests got together to celebrate the occasion by viewing photos of our early days, reminiscing with the old timers, and enjoying the refreshments. A special anniversary yearbook and newly designed membership pin were distributed to all members with the first recipient being Bill Moll, our only living charter member. Ten lucky members won door prizes and will have a $10 credit toward their next purchase in either the silent or live auction.

Space for exhibits still available

The November entry deadline is approaching soon, but there is space for exhibits still available. There are a few frames available for single frame exhibits; multi-frame exhibits will be appreciated. As a reminder, PENPEX does not accept exhibits which have attained a Gold Medal at a National WSP level. We encourage novices and brand new exhibits from more experienced exhibitors.

PENPEX 2012 has a jury panel of three (one being an apprentice.) There is an accredited APS juror on the team. A critique at the frames will be available and a standard UFE form with comments will be provided to exhibitors so that they can learn what the judges liked and how to improve their exhibit in the future.

As always, there is no entry fee! PENPEX appreciates your participation. Entry forms are available at http://www.penpex.org/penpex-2012/sample-page.

Special note to Sequoia Stamp Club members

PENPEX 2012 is your chance to show off and display for others what favorite items are present in your collection! Please consider showing them to fellow members and viewers at the show. Your 1-page creation will be appreciated; multiple 1-page creations are allowed! Your 1-page does not need have stamps only – it can be covers or postcards. Perhaps, it is just a single item that is special to you.

The 1-pager need not be computer-generated. Show your item and write a short description about it, telling us what it is interesting about it. It need not be valuable or expensive as it just has a special meaning to you. Share it with us! If you are interested, give your 1-page or pages to Kristin Patterson by November 13.

The Sequoia Stamp Club offers much for local collectors from auctions, presentations, local news, question and answering opportunities, circuit books, and fun with friends. Included in this monthly news eBlast are the upcoming Sequoia Stamp Club activities and area stamp shows.

2012 Schedule:

  • Oct 9 – Philatelic Quiz – Ken Lewetzow
  • October 16 – Pizza Party, Mountain Mike’s [5:30 pm]
  • Oct 23 – Live Auction – 3rd Club Donation
  • November 9-11 – Filatelic Fiesta, San Jose
  • Nov 13 – Swap Meet – Nomination of Officers
  • Nov 27 – The Maiden of Maiden Flights – Jim Giacomazzi – Election of Officers [6:15 pm Executive Board Meeting]
  • December 1-2: PENPEX Stamp Show, Redwood City

Happy stamp hunting.
Kristin Patterson, PENPEX Chair, penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com

Please forward this page to anyone who might be interested in attending PENPEX or a Sequoia Stamp Club meeting.

Sep 01

September 2012 eBlast

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At its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, Sequoia Stamp Club will be celebrating its 65th anniversary with a huge party!  And all stamp collectors and friends in the bay area are welcome to attend and help us celebrate.

There will be a special PowerPoint presentation with photos from the “olden days.”  Join us in honoring Bill Moll, founding member #9, and other luminaries from the club’s past.

There will be refreshments of coffee, lemonade, and a special anniversary cake. In addition, there will be ten drawings for door prizes where lucky individuals in attendance can win a $5 voucher valid toward the purchase of auction items at the club’s 2012 live or silent auctions.

All Sequoia Stamp club members will receive a newly designed membership pin, along with a special edition 65th anniversary yearbook. Make sure to be there to be the first to see the pin and yearbook. Also, members will be available to sign this special edition.

The festivities start at 7:15 PM at the Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue, Redwood City, CA.  There is no admission charge. We have plenty of free parking and non-members as well as club members are invited.  So bring a friend and help Sequoia Stamp Club celebrate this special, one-time event.

The Sequoia Stamp Club offers much for local collectors from auctions, presentations, local news, question and answering opportunities, circuit books, and fun with friends. Included in this monthly news eBlast are the upcoming Sequoia Stamp Club activities and area stamp shows.

2012 Schedule:

  • September 1 & 2 – Great American Stamp Expo, Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose
  • Sep 11 – Live Auction – Members
  • Sep 25 – Sequoia Stamp Club 65th Anniversary Celebration – Honoree: Bill Moll
  • Oct 9 – Philatelic Quiz – Ken Lewetzow
  • October 16 – Pizza Party, Mountain Mike’s [5:30 pm]
  • Oct 23 – Live Auction – 3rd Club Donation
  • November 9-11 – Filatelic Fiesta, San Jose

Hope to see you soon at a Sequoia meeting.

Jim Giacomazzi, Sequoia Stamp Club President, sequooiastampclub@yahoo.com

Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested in attending PENPEX or a Sequoia Stamp Club meeting.

This electronic news blast is brought to you by www.penpex.org. If you wish to receive or be removed from these email blasts, please email penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com with your request and we will add or remove your name from future emails.

Jul 01

July 2012 eBlast

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Summer is a time for vacations, seeing family, cooking out, and working on our stamps. Not necessarily in that order as many of us attempt to try to work on our stamps whenever time permits.

If you live in Northern California or like to travel, the big 4-day annual APS StampShow will be held in Sacramento, California on August 16 to 19. The show will have 150+ dealers, 900+ frames of stamp exhibits, philatelic auctions, First Day Ceremonies, meetings & seminars, and beginners & youth programs. The show offers something for any collector. For more information visit the APS website, http://stamps.org/STAMPSHOW-SS.

The Sequoia Stamp Club offers much for local collectors from auctions, presentations, local news, question and answering opportunities, circuit books, and fun with friends. Included in this monthly news eBlast are the upcoming Sequoia Stamp Club activities and area stamp shows.

2012 Schedule:
July 6-8 – ASDA Summer Stamp Show, Crown Plaza Hotel, Burlingame
Jul 12 – Wrangel Issues – Hank Shoolman
Jul 24 – Live Auction – 2nd Club Donation
Aug 14 – The Digital Microscope – Dave Abrahms
August 16-19 – APS StampShow, Sacramento, CA
August 21 – SSC Potluck Picnic at CAB [5:00 pm/Dinner at 6:00]
Aug 28 – Swap Meet – Gil Goodrich – [6:30 pm Executive Board Meeting]

See you all at PENPEX 2012 on December 1 and 2.
Kristin Patterson
SSC Director at large and PENPEX Chair, penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com