It's mid-April and, in my neck of the woods, signs of Spring remain elusive. We're still having snow showers and bitterly cold temperatures and wind-chills. The adverse, Spring weather conditions encompass a large percentage of the United States and have damaged much of the newly-sprouting and fragile flora and fauna. And the news media relates that a high percentage of crops, especially fruit-bearing plants will be affected. I feel sorry for the farmers and I pray that the adversities will remain minimal. Thankfully the weather doesn't generally affect our hobby. As reported in the hobby publications, most of the Spring coin shows seem to have done exceptionally well. Let's hope that bodes well for the 2007 numismatic year.

In February, 2007 the Board of Directors considered the purchase of a software program for our Operations Administrator. The new software would be utilized to help give the WINS web site a face lift and possibly provide members a means to interact with our web site. Board of Directors Motion 2007-01 approved this software purchase by majority vote. The estimated cost to our Treasury is $25 plus shipping. The software has not yet been purchased as the Operations Administrator is still considering his best options. JD, we look forward to whatever facelift you eventually provide.

In April, 2007 the Board of Directors finalized discussion pertaining to an on-going issue that centers on a WINS member failing to fulfill a WINS Auction obligation. The issue dates back to Auction #37 in August, 2006, wherein an item which was paid for hasn't been received. Over the months, numerous messages have been sent to the member by the victim and by individual members of the Board of Directors, to no avail. The issue has also been posted on the Talk List a couple of times requesting that the member respond. None of those messages have garnered a response from the member; though the member continues to otherwise post regularly on the Talk List.

As a result, the Board of Directors considered the following recommendation from a Board member.

" ... that Michael Schmidt's Membership be immediately SUSPENDED and remain so until such time that he contacts the Board and addresses the unresolved issue from Auction 37, and that a Board vote be required for re-instatement".

This recommendation became Board of Directors Motion 2007-02. By majority vote, the Board approved this motion to be effective immediately. Schmidt's WINS membership has been indefinitely suspended and he's been removed from the Talk and Trade Lists. The suspension remains in effect until such time as he satisfies his WINS Auction #37 obligation from August, 2006.

The Board reluctantly acted on this suspension. We don't take a membership suspension lightly. But after eight months of attempted contacts by numerous means with no response, the Board felt the measure was necessary. If any WINS member desires additional information or background on this issue, please contact me and I'll be happy to provide it.

Thanks to all of the members who donated lots to the WINS Treasury in Auction #41 which recently concluded. Those small donations add up over a period of time and permit your club to purchase items such as the software noted above. The Treasury also pays for such things as computer hardware updates when needed, maintains our Talk List and Trade List accounts, pays for our Post Office Box for WINS mail, renews our WINS domain for our web site, and generally keeps our club running and independent. And, if you're ever inclined to do so, other cash or useful product donations are also graciously accepted.

Best Regards,
Ralph J. Huntzinger
WINS#158, President