What's Happening
From the desk of your Secretary
MARCH 31/05 - We all have choices!
MARCH 10/05 - If you have been having trouble accessing some features on this site, the following may be the solution. This site uses javascript in its menus. Internet Explorer 6+ will by default block your access to the menus.
Permanent Fix?
(Note: Once you do this the menus will always
work on our site) At the top of your IE screen, click on
"Tools" then go down the menu and click on
Internet Options. A window will open. Click
on the tab that says "Security". Your screen
will look like this:
Click on the big green checkmark that says
"Trusted Sites" Your screen will look like
this:
As the image says, make sure the checkmark at the bottom of the page is not
checked, then in the top line type in
http://www.encasedcollectorsinternational.org. Click on the
"Add" button, and you screen will look like
this:
Now, click on "OK" on the two little windows
that are open, and you are done.
JANUARY 30/05 - Today finds me reviewing our first year's achievements while looking forward to and planning for year number two, beginning February 8th. Much has been accomplished, more than I would have wished for when first planning ECI. I thank you for joining and hope that you will remain with us over the years. I especially want to thank all those who have let me bend their ear on more than one occasion and those who have given of their time and resources to further our cause. Much has been asked and much has been given. My personal goal of having 150 members by the start of our second year has been met and surpassed. Thanks to Jim Lawniczak #17, our newsletter is a continuing reality and Tom Cain, Jr. #28 for kicking off our many Topics Lists and the numerous photos of pieces from his fantastic collection.
-The only thing I regret for this first year in that more members did not actively participate by contributing articles, photos and assisting with the check lists. Much needs to done with the State Check Lists and unless more members assist the catalogers, this will be a long drawn out process that may never realize it full potential. The listing of all known encased is essential to the hobby and for those collectors who will follow in our footsteps. Imagine if there were no reference books cataloging US or World coins. How would we collect of series such as Morgan Dollars if we did not know the years, mint marks or varieties available and had no way of finding out. The same holds true for any collectible and especially true for encased coins as there is one estimation of as many as 30,000 different issues. Is that an accurate guess? I don't know. Seems like a lot to me, but until we list all that we know, mine or your "guesstimation" is as good as any.
-There are three new features so far for 2005. First, the new ECI Store managed by Jerry Ferrell #93; second, the Funny Pages compiled by Hossien Pheifeir #68; and thirdly, a brand new addition called "the Wrangler". All three features are linked to the Site Features page.
JANUARY 03/05 - Happy New Year everyone. I trust you fooled Santa one more time and got everything on your list. Here in the Mountain State we're having a weird winter so far. Had a cold snap before Christmas and early spring-like weather ever since. Daytime highs in the high 50s to mid 60s and nighttime lows around 50, a little above or below with and a lot of rain. Had it been really cold we'd be up to our 'kester' in snow for sure.
- Well, we are only a few weeks away from celebrating our first anniversary in February. I am hoping that we can grow our membership to 150 by then. we are currently 12 shy of the mark. It has been a great year as we have seen our collective efforts grow the membership; add scads of listings to the Check List; posted hundreds of photos on the website; issued our first (and hopefully not our last) encased coins and kicked off an excellent electronic newsletter under the stewardship of Jim Lawniczak #17. I want to thank everyone who has helped in any way, especially Tom Cain, Jr.#28 and Jerry Ferrell #93, who's unselfish giving of their precious time has made ECI what is today, could not have done it without these two gentlemen. And to all of you who generously donated encased coins for auction on eBay, A BIG THANK YOU.
- I am looking forward to this coming year. I am encouraged as we grow, adding new members who appear to be willing to help us become the best that we can be. I hope that we will be able to issue additional ECI encased - but as with everything, money is the factor. We will be sending out an electronic survey during this quarter seeking ideas and suggestions. We have kicked off the ECI STORE but there remains a lot to be done with it. More to come in this area. Keep an eye out for the Newsletter coming later this month. Happy Holidays, Cecil.
