How's everyone doing with their New Year's Resolutions? Better than me, I hope. My primary resolution was to find a way to keep from getting so far behind in everything. For me, that's a pretty tall order. And I don't hold much hope for being tremendously successful. It just seems like there's always so many irons in the fire. What I really need to find is a Day Stretcher. I've heard that this elusive device exists, but I've not been able to locate one. If one of you has such a device for sale - or even for rent - I'd certainly be interested. Please advise!

If you neglected to make any New Year's Resolutions, it's never too late. Here's a list of numismatic-related suggestions to get you started.
- Join a local coin club
- Regularly attend your local coin club meetings
- Write an article about coins and present it to your club, or maybe have it printed in the WINS
   Newsletter or WINS Library site.
- Acquire and read one of the recently published numismatic books of your choice
- Share your new-found knowledge with fellow members
- Mentor a young numismatist
- Anything hobby-related that you've been putting off but would probably enjoy if you just jumped
   into it.

The Club Token contest is finally over and JD White has designed a page to display all of the entries and winners. Please take a look when you get a chance at Results - Club Token Contest. The page looks great. Thank you, JD! Congratulations to Doug Prather and JD for their winning entries. And thanks to all who entered designs and to those of you who took the time to vote on them. Thanks, as well, to JD for helping several fellow members with the graphics for their design entries.

I realize many of you are excited about the Club Token and looking forward to the minting. But please be patient. We are discussing the probability of a committee of volunteer members to investigate and discern the best approach. Once we have a chance to figure out what the committee needs to accomplish we'll make an announcement.

BTW - JD White, as the winner of the Club Token reverse design states that, "In the spirit of sharing, it is my wish that the (reverse) prize go to the runner up - Max Trifan (alias Spiffy AllStar) WINS Junior Member #378". Way to go, JD. Thanks a lot. I'm sure Max appreciates your thoughtfulness. I'll probably have the reverse design prize award and the entry and drawing awards in the mail by the time you read this.

The following message was posted to the email lists, but I think it merits repeating in the Newsletter.

As WINS President, I have recently accepted the resignation of Mr. Joe Garbarini from the Office of WINS Treasurer and from his seat on the WINS Board of Directors.

As some of you are aware, previously when Joe contemplated this move, several of us joined in unison to talk him out of doing so. My initial inclination was to attempt to talk him out of it again. But, after numerous communications exchanges with him, I have come to realize that nobody knows what's best for Joe, but Joe himself. He didn't make this decision quickly, nor does he take it lightly. Joe has been very active on the Board and has contributed much to WINS' progress. He advises that he'll miss serving WINS in an official leadership role but has balanced his retirement decision with his personal needs.

Many of you may not realize just how time-consuming a position on the Board of Directors really is. Like many of us, Joe has numerous irons in the fire. He's retiring so he can relax and enjoy life a little easier, and pursue his myriad interests with less pressure. Joe will be missed in his Board capacity, but he has earned his retirement.

Joe has promised to continue his active support of the club and to remain active on the email lists and in the auction. And though I've already expressed my appreciation in a personal message, I'd like to publicly thank Joe for everything he's done for WINS, and especially for his time as Treasurer and his significant contributions as a member of the Board of Directors. It's been a distinct pleasure working with Joe on the Board. He has definitely left his indelible mark on this club.

When you get a chance, please consider dropping Joe a note of thanks.

Joe has agreed to make the effective date of his retirement coincide with the election of a new Treasurer. Therefore, we'll have a smooth transition immediately following the election, with no Treasury vacancy.

In a concurrent post, I announced a Special Election for a new Treasurer. By the time this newsletter is published, there will still be a couple of days remaining wherein you can declare your candidacy. Please consider doing so. Thank you.

The Board of Officers recently discussed and then revised the WINS Auction rules via the following motion which was passed on February 23, 2004. By the time you read this, JD White, the Auction Coordinator, may have already posted the updates to the WINS Website and made the announcement on the email lists. If not he will do so shortly. As is customary, the motion and voting is recorded below for your reading pleasure.

Board of Directors Motion 2004-02

I, Ralph J. Huntzinger, make a motion, within the Board of Directors, that the Auction Rules, as they read on the revision web page, be adopted as the Official WINS Administrative Rules governing the Society's auctions; said rules having been discussed by the WINS Board of Directors; said rules having been updated, refined and expanded for clarification, professional presentation, and ease of use; and, if passed, this motion will cause said rules to go into full force and affect immediately upon passage.

Seconded by Josh Moran.

Vote is completed as follows:

Ralph J. Huntzinger - YES
Ray Larson - YES
Dave Noble - YES
Joe Garbarini - YES
JD White - YES
Doug Prather - YES
Josh Moran - YES

If you have any questions, please contact the Auctioneer or one of the other Officers. Thank you.

Best Regards,
Ralph J. Huntzinger