Greetings
Spring is officially on the horizon, and with it comes a sense of renewal for our hobby. As the frost thaws, I know many of you are already dusting off your finds and checking the calendar for upcoming shows. There is something uniquely energizing about this time of year—the anticipation of the hunt and the chance to finally get back out on the road to visit fellow collectors.
While we look forward to the season ahead, we do so with heavy hearts as we reflect on the loss of two cherished members of our community. This past month, we said goodbye to Hazel Munson and Troy Burkett.
Both Hazel and Troy were members of the MAFJ&BC family. On behalf of the entire club, I want to extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends. They will be greatly missed, but their contributions to our shared story will not be forgotten.
We often talk about the items we collect—the rarity, the condition, the history—but if you strip all that away, the true heart of this hobby is the people.
The joy of collecting isn’t just found in a display case; it’s found in the stories shared over a cup of coffee and the excitement of a peer who understands exactly why a specific piece is special.
My Challenge to You:
Visit a Show: Get out there, support local events, and see what’s new in the world of collecting.
Make a Direct Connection: Pick up the phone or drop by a fellow member’s home.
Share the Knowledge: If you’re a veteran collector, reach out to someone new.
The strength of our club lies in the connections we build. Our hobby is a community first, let’s make this spring about strengthening those bonds.
Matt