What's Happening

From the desk of your Secretary

APRIL 29/04 -  April draws to a close without us meeting our target of 100 members, falling short by 15. The good news is; we gained 13 new members, bringing us to the grand total of 85 - representing 28 States, a pickup of 4.

Judy Carli #39 and Kitty Stoops #22 have joined Tom Cain, Jr. #28 in compiling listings for our Topical Catalog. The following have been posted so far: 'Coin Dealers & Shops' <> 'Coin Clubs & Shows' <> 'Hotels & Casinos' <> 'Indian Head Encased' and 'Politicians & Public Office Holders'. Three new lists are currently being compiled: 'Insurance Agents & Companies' <> 'Eateries & Taverns' and 'Souvenir Of.....' To all those who have contributed to the list a big "THANK YOU". We know there many more pieces to be added and once again we ask the membership to review the lists and send in their additions. Also there are scads of mavericks in the lists that need attributed, please take time to look them over and help with filling in the ???. Judy has also agreed to design ECI's Club Logo, look for it on the site soon. Got an idea for a great slogan? Send it HERE.

Chairman Ron Mui #25 has been under the weather lately with an injured back, says he done it on the job but rumor has it that he actually sprained it while trying to lift his collection of Washington State encased off the bottom shelf in his vault. We wish him a speedy recovery.

There are only 11 State catalogs/check lists posted with NO new additions added in April. Members, please send us a list of the encased that you have in your collection from your State of residence. We can build a respectable set of State Check Lists if you help.

There are two new features on the 'Site Features' page; "ECI Standards" and "The Classifieds". The Classifieds is for members only. If you wish to place an ad, get more information HERE.

APRIL 12/04 - The promised rain showed up today watering all the new shrubs and trees the Missus and I managed to plant over the weekend. We have added seven new members and three new states to the ECI roster,  only 21 more to reach our goal of 100 by May first.

- Great things happened on our website today. First Tom Cain, Jr. #28 posted the first topic in our new Topical Catalog, Coin Dealers/Shops. He has listed 179 pieces with more to add from Carl Bangora's #12 contribution. Second James Lawniczak #17 posted two super articles. 1- "Introduction to the 1901 Pan American Expo Series" found on the Articles page and 2- "Introduction to the Catalog of New York Encased" found on the State Catalog page. I recommend them to your attention, very worthwhile reading, James is a very capable writer.

-Visit the Mailbag and click the 'Very Important Notice' sign. I added two new fake eBay e-mails I received in the last two days. These crooks never tire of trying to hoodwink honest eBay users.

-Chairman Ron Mui #25 has posted an excellent photo essay title "Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition 1909" on the Articles page. He pictures 9 of the 12 known examples including a brief overview of the history of the AYPE. Tom Cain, Jr. has also posted a photo essay featuring non-cents encased coins from his collection. There are three new entries on the What Is It" page and several new photos have been added to the ShowCase.

APRIL 4/04 - April begins with 72 members from 24 States and 3 Countries . The drive for Charter Members has ended with 67 members registered. Our goal for April is adding 28 new members. Each member is asked to sponsor at least one new member.

- Tom Cain, Jr. #28 has completed posting photos of his encased Indian Head cents collection. The photo essays are found on the "Articles" Page. There have also been several new photos added to the "ShowCase."

MAR. 21/04 -  Here in the 'Mountain State' the weather is playing tricks on us again. This Sunday finds the temps have dropped with snow flurries dancing in the breeze, winter just won't give up. Not really complaining, we missed all the real nasty stuff you folks up North got last week.

- We are now 60 members strong, representing 22 States and 2 Countries. Joe Etherington #56 from British Columbia, Canada is our first International member. There are only 11 days left in our Charter Membership Drive.

- We have worked on the 'Message Board' again and believe we have it working a little better. So here goes:  It seems that once you have registered for the Board you have to log on twice (don't know why, has to be a code problem from the provider) anyway keep logging on until the 'log on' button turns into a 'log off' button. When you log in each time, click on the little white box beside the line that says, "Log me on automatically each visit:" This will keep you logged in as long as you are browsing the website at that time.  We are looking for a different message board, but all the free ones we've found so far are loaded with pop-up ads and that just don't do. By the way, if you are fed up with 'pop-ups' and you use Microsoft's Internet Explorer, click on this link  Google Toolbar . You will download a new toolbar for your browser. After you have made the proper setting, pop-ads will be a thing of the past. (NOTE; THIS FEATURE MAY NOT WORK ON SOME OLDER COMPUTERS) NEXT: If your system does not have JAVA installed, click on this link to download it, it is free - http://java.com/en/index.jsp . Most windows operating systems already has a version of it called "Virtual Machine". Sun, the developer of the JAVA,  sued Microsoft over the use of it's program and now Microsoft no longer includes it in their OS and they no longer support it.

- Trustee Vic Nolan #18, has posted a check list for Tennessee. The list includes some pieces where more information is needed, if you can help fill in the blanks, please drop Vic a note with the details. Tom Cain, Jr. #28 has posted a new article featuring Encased Mirrors from his collection.  Also Tom and Ron Mui #25 have posted photos of some very nice pieces from their collection in the "The ShowCase"

- There is a new feature on the "Site Features" page called "What Is It?". If you have a piece in your collection you would like to learn more about, send it HERE with what you know about it.

MAR. 17/04 - Well, its been a good day down on the farm. James Miller #47 has accepted appointment to the Board of Officers as a Trustee representing the Southern Region. James, retired from the coin business, now makes his residence in Florida. James, welcome to ECI and to the Board....

- "The ShowCase" is off to a great start. Bob Kirk #7 and Tom Cain, Jr. #28 have posted photos of three very unique encased pieces from their collections. If you have special pieces in your collection that you would like to share, please do. Send your photo/scan to the link found on "The Showcase" page .

MAR. 16/04  - Indiana has moved into the forefront with 7 members with the addition of Bryan Ryker #51 to our membership roster. Bryan joins fellow "Hoosiers": Ray Lockwood #4 - Bob Perdue #5 - Harley Bissell #20 -  Kevin Grant #34 - Gary Roessler #37 and Jack Smith #49.

- Carl Bangora #12 from the "Sunshine State" has posted a terrific article telling how he started collecting encased coins and the collections he is putting together.  I have known Carl for a number of years and must admit that I had no idea the extent of his collecting interest. I found his story fascinating and recommend it to you as worthwhile reading. He serves as an inspiration to us all.  After reading Carl's work, please take a moment to share your story with us.

- After seeking advice and council from the Board of Officers, I have abandoned the idea of adding an auction and classified ad feature to the ECI website. It was pointed out, and I have come to concur, that eBay auctions service the hobby very well and that ECI should not enter that arena at the present time. I thank those whose advice was offered for their candor and wisdom. The same holds true for posting classified ads on site. These notions will be revisited when our membership has grown large enough to support having specialized auctions from time to time.

- A new feature "The ShowCase" is up on an experiment basis providing a venue for members to exhibit photos/scans of special pieces from their collection. If there appears to be no interest in this feature its lifespan will be short lived. We are always open to member's suggestions and ideas, so please be a participant when possible and not a member of the "Sidelines Crowd."

MAR. 13/04 - Dan Agler #46 from Texas has joined our merry band and has graciously posted his 'Texas Encased' check list on the "State Listings" page. Dan has also posted a request for member's assistance, it can be found in the "Mail Bag." Bob Perdue has been granted permission from NTCA allowing ECI to post his 'Encased Mavericks' column from the January issue of "Talkn' Tokens" on site. It is a excellent piece of work and should be required reading. It can be found in it's entirety on the "Articles" page. With any luck we will be able to post future columns after they have appeared in "Talkn' Tokens". Send comments or contributions about Bob's column HERE and they will forwarded to him.

MAR. 11/04 - As of today we are 47 members strong. Pennsylvania with 6 members, Indiana 5 while Ohio and West Virginia are at four each. There are 30 States without a member one being registered. Also there are only 20 days left for an individual to be registered as a Charter Member.

- There have been some problems with the "Message Board" that we are working on. There is a great possibility that the current board may have to be taken down and new one posted. If so, members will need to re-register and re-post their messages. Sorry for the extra work.

- We have had only one member respond to our poll concerning the possible start up of an ECI On-line Auction. It appears that there is no interest at this time. If you are in favor of an auction let it be known or that feature will not be added to the website. The poll will remain open until March 31st.

- More sad news: Not a soul has submitted an idea for a club logo. Also there has not be any response to the 'bulk e-mail' sent earlier in the week. Let us know if this is a tool that that we should use to communicate with you or is it just more clutter for your "in box"? Without two-way correspondence we are left without a clue to what works and what don't. Be a part of the evolution of ECI by actively participating or it will be run by only a few well-meaning members doing the best that they can, which may not always hit the mark.

MAR. 03/04 - Two new State listing were posted today, Connecticut and West Virginia.

MAR. 02/04 - In these parts it looks like old man Winter may be on the run. We've been having days of late in the 50s with a few welcomed 60s scattered here and there. The goldfish ponds have thawed and a few my wife's flowers are poking up thru the mulch. "What's all this got to do with ECI?", you ask. Well, before long we will be spending more time in the great out-of-doors; planting the garden, mowing the yard, sneaking in a little golf and fishing here and there - not spending a whole lot of time in front of the computer. And this brings me to my point...."Out of sight - out of mind." Most hobby organizations go into a kind of hibernation during the spring and summer and ECI will probably be no exception, so remember to visit the site every once in a while when you're checking your e-mail just to ...'stay in sight..'

- Good friend Gary Roessler #37  joined our ranks today.

- A new button has been added to the "Site Features" page. 'Precious Metals'. I'm sure that the most of us have some silver coins in our collection and with the steady increase in silver values over the past month, this is a feature that will allow you keep up with the 'spot markets'. Click on stuff while on the site, there are a lot of charts and other good material to study while there including stock market quotes.

FEB. 28/04 - It appears that some of our members using Macintosh computers along with some who subscribe to AOL or use the Netscape Internet browser, are having trouble accessing some or all of the features on this site. It is regretful that this is occurring and I am at loss to offer a solution. I had an opportunity to work on a newer computer this afternoon using Windows XP with AOL and navigating the site went without a hitch. Should any member know why this may be happening on some systems and can suggest a fix, please notify me HERE.

- Click on the "ECI Auctions" button and preview the format for future club auctions. There is no start date set at this time as the details for conducting the auctions are being finalized. Any suggestions, make them known. Members sort thru your extras and get them ready to submit to auction. Watch this page for further announcements concerning the rules of submission and start time.

- ECI is still in need of two additional Trustees to fill out the Board of Officers. And remember this - "Never has a husband been shot while doing the dishes."

FEB. 25/04 - Sam Allen #33 from New Hampshire, has allowed ECI to post his New Hampshire State check list of encased cents. Thanks Sam and we hope that your action will spur others to follow suit. The Board of Directors is inviting members to submit a club logo design for consideration. Get your name in lights, there is sure to be 'world-wide fame' bestowed upon the winning design and its creator!

FEB. 23/04 - We put some fun on the site today. If you're bored, looking for something to do or really 'po'd' at  somebody and need to take out your aggression on something, hone your swatting skills by squashing dozens of flying pests. DISCLAIMER: No actual bugs were killed in the creation of this little diversion. Your computer has to be "JAVA" enabled or the game won't work, sorry.

FEB. 22/04 - Chairman Ron Mui #25 initiated a discussion within the Board of Officers today via e-mail concerning the future of the  Associated Collectors of Encased and the current name of this organization. A record of those exchanges is HERE. 

- We gained three new members this week which represent 18 States - bringing the total to 31. If you are involved with eBay auctions; buying or selling encased coins, please mention ECI in your correspondence. There is a new "Correspondence" feature on the "Site Features" page. If you have a message or announcement that you would like to share with the membership, send it HERE and it will be posted. You can also leave a very short note that can be posted on the "Post Scripts" feature. Send it as above.

FEB. 16/04 - Ron Mui #25 of Washington State has accepted his selection as our first Chairman. I know that we all appreciate his stepping forward and wish him God's speed in leading us over the next several months to great things. Ron has also graciously allowed ECI to post his excellent catalogue of Washington State Encased Cents. Another new member was added to the roster today from the fine State of South Carolina. We are still in need of a Trustee for the Southern Region and another at large Trustee to represent the international community. Don't be shy, if you would like to join the Board of Officers in either of the two capacities drop us a line HERE.

FEB. 15/04 - IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY AN A.C.E. MEMBER THAT THE ASSOCIATED COLLECTORS OF ENCASED's OPERATIONS AND ASSETS WILL SOON BE TURNED OVER TO THE MEMBERSHIP BY FOUNDER JERRY BINSFELD. IT IS FURTHER REPORTED THAT THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE MORE ISSUE (#29) OF THE ENCASEMENT SENT TO PAID UP A.C.E. MEMBERS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE. IT IS SAID THAT THE TRANSITION WILL COME SHORTLY AFTER THE MAILING OF THIS ISSUE AND IT WILL BE DISCUSSED IN SOME DETAIL WITHIN THE NEWSLETTER. WATCH THIS PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS AS THEY BECOME KNOWN.

- WOW what a first week ECI has had, 28 members to register from 17 States. I personally want to thank each and everyone of you for your support and kind words. Most Officers for the Board have been selected, with the three remaining hopefully filled very soon. Now the task at hand is finding and publishing meaningful content for the site. I have a partially completed article on site about encased cents from WV. I hope to get it completed this week if I can find the time to do the scans. It would be really great if other members can write about their State Collections. It would also be interesting to me; and I am sure to everyone else, to learn how each of us started collecting encased cents. Write a small piece and let us know. Mine started with finding a piece at a flea market issued in 1948 by WSAZ Radio in Huntington, WV, celebrating their 25yr anniversary  What about you?

FEB 12/04 - As of today ECI has 16 members, really good for the first 4 days. There are three great features on the "Message Board". 1) Members can post a list of encased coins they have to trade, please keep the number of items to 10 or less for each posting. 2) Members can post a list of encased coins from their want list, same goes here too please - 10 or less for each posting. #3) Messages of any nature can be posted by all visitors. Take a minute to register and visit the 'Board' often. One never knows what may be found, there may even be that special encased you've been looking for.

FEB 10/04 - All the features on the "Site Features" page now work. When using the "Message Board", to exit the page and return to the "Site Features" page click on the browser's back arrow. All other pages have a back arrow button at the left side of the bar directly below the Club's title. If you haven't done so already, please sign the guest book and complete the membership registry form if you wish to join our ranks. Visit this page often for the latest news about the site and ECI.

FEB 8/04 - StarFam International; the hosting service for this site, through a special arrangement with ECI, is offering super low pricing for personal website hosting (non-commercial) for ECI members only. StarFam will provide a 10mb site with URL registration for a $30.00 a year payable in advance. If a member already has a domain registered, the cost is $20.00 per year. When a member signs up, StarFam will be donate $5.00 to ECI. This is the best pricing found on the web anywhere. If you are currently using one of the so-called free site services like "geocities" with all those annoying pop-up ads that drive people nuts and away, here is your opportunity to upgrade at a give-a-way price. For more information contact the WebMaster. Remember this deal is for hosting alone, there is no design work or other services being offered.

- All new members registering by April 1, 2004 will have the designation of being a Charter Member.