Greater Massachusetts Chapter 87 NAWCC

Past President John Wetherell lead our "meeting in the corner of the room" program with a discussion of things to consider when evaluating a watch. John shared his extensive knowledge and long experience to share tips for making decisions related to condition, collectability, and value.

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March 16, 2008
Peabody Holiday Inn

Our "Talk In The Corner of The Room" speaker was Arek Baizerman. He told us about his experiences as a student at the Swiss Watch School (Wostep). Arek recently completed the intensive 5 month, 7 day a week program. Arek gave a most interesting presentation.

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January 20, 2008
Peabody Holiday Inn
 

President Dan Haff trying to get the attention of the mart goers.

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November 11, 2007 Peabody Holiday Inn Woorkshop Bob Howatt "Old Books"

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March 18, 2007
Peabody Holiday Inn
 

Presenter Jon-Weber "Contemporary Topics From the World of Time" or Time and Location via satellites.

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January 21, 2007
Peabody Holiday Inn

Richard Pompeo giving his presentation on auctions. Richard had several local antique artifacts on display.	President Dan Haff making morning's announcements.

Meeting Highlights by Arek R. Baizerman

Chapter 87 members awoke early and made their way to historic Peabody for the "Year-Opener" Meeting and Mart on Sunday, January 21, 2007 at the Peabody Holiday Inn. Members from all around came in abundance to spend their bitterly cold Sunday morning with their Chapter for the 8:15 door opening. The many new faces were mingling and making deals with the longtime members at the Mart tables.

The Chapter 87 Council has extended invitations to many in recent months, and has been pleased with the support we have received.  In all, 90 members hovered over tables for about 2-1/2 hours. There was plenty of dealing and conversation throughout the morning.               

The Mart was steady through the 11:00 AM Door Prize awarded to Mark Kozinskis for being the last table-holder fully set-up.  Please remember to bring something to the next meeting for the silent auction table. The Mart Tables continue to sell well, but we can accept several more reservations for those on the fence about buying a table for the upcoming meeting.

During the meeting member Dick Pompeo of Quincy , MA gave a presentation titled "Adventures in Auctioning of Antique Clocks."  Dick has been auctioning antiques and old clocks and watches in particular, for many years.  It was a well given and well received presentation with many members stopping their trading to hear his insight. Remember, we always welcome suggestions for guest speakers at upcoming meetings. If you have an idea for a speaker or would enjoy presenting yourself, please contact a Council Member.

Chapter 87's Council President Dan Haff held a vote of members around 9:30 AM to gauge support for a Multi-Chapter Meeting to bring together several of the New England Chapters of NAWCC. There was a unanimous show of hands from members in favor of the idea. I guess that means the Council will be hard at work as you read this to make tentative plans concerning possible dates and locations, and hopes to unveil them at the upcoming 2007 Meetings.

Most of our members can attest to the notion that Horology is a bug that spreads rapidly, so expose a friend or colleague to your sickness by inviting them to a Meeting.  The Council reminds it's members to invite them to check out a meeting as your guest. Existing Members - try your hand at a table. It is an exciting way to participate and a great way to socialize.  Help keep membership strong by word of mouth!

Members of all ages came in great numbers to spend their cold and rainy Sunday morning with their Chapter for the 8:45 door opening. Many new faces accompanied the longtime members buying and selling at the Mart tables. The Chapter 87 Council has directed a great deal of effort to extend invitations to past members and non-members living in the area, and the brotherly-attitude has helped the Meetings and Marts.  Members carried, rolled, and dragged goods for the Mart tables early and made a strong start. In all, 90 members hovered over tables for about 2-1/2 hours. There was plenty of dealing and conversation throughout the morning.     

The Mart was steady through the 11:00 AM  Door Prize, awarded to one lucky member for being the last tableholder fully set-up. Members voted to approve John Fitzwilliam  to the post of  2^nd V.P. on the Ch 87 Council. His election filled the last open seat from the September 2006 Meeting.  The Silent Auction tables begun last year have continued with some success. Please remember to bring something to the next meeting for the auction table.

Chapter 87's Council President Dan Haff hopes everyone had a great Holiday , and hopes to see them at the upcoming 2007 Meetings.

Initial review of write-in comments from ballots cast in September ranks email contact the No.1 request of members. Many members have email access and agree it is easier than calling each member for reminding them of upcoming meetings, and more economical than printing extra mailers. Please include an email address when sending in your registration if you wish to be emailed about future meetings once we begin group emails. Unconnected members fear not- we will continue to mail out our registration form.

As a final note, The Council encourages members to bring a friend to one of our upcoming meetings. Share your interest in horology with someone you know by inviting them to check out a meeting as your guest.

Chapter 87 members awoke early and made their way to Boston's metro-north for our Annual Meeting and Mart on Sunday, September 17, 2006, at the Peabody Holiday Inn. The crisp fall morning drew members of all ages for the 8:45 door opening. The hordes arrived with plenty of fresh merchandise for the Mart. Turnout continued to exceed the Chapter 87 Council's expectations by being significantly higher than years past. In fact, turnout has been higher for the entire year-to-date. Everyone seemed pleased by the record turnout for our annual meeting. Clocks, Watches, Books, and Tools filled Mart tables early and made for many good deals. 104 members made good use of their Sunday morning with us. Coffee and Pastry greeted guests, and tea was added by popular demand.

The action in the Mart stayed strong through the 11:00AM  Door Prize, awarded to member Alex Bucell for being the last tableholder fully set-up. Members' ballots were cast and counted for the Ch 87 Council; luckily without any worries over hanging-chads.  The Silent Auction tables begun last year continue to be well received by members. Remember- any member can bring items for the silent auction.

Chapter 87's Annual Meeting was brought to order by President John Wetherell with the "State of the Chapter" address, outlining our strong membership and financial status. John then introduced the new slate of officers for 2006-08, with all current members returning to continue building our chapter, headed by incoming Council President Dan Haff. The revised chapter bylaws were also approved.  Ballots also included area for suggestions and constructive criticism, and many contained good feedback which we are now reviewing.

We all owe a great debt to our outgoing President for his efforts in building bridges within our area and for leading the chapter to record growth while many chapters throughout the country are struggling to retain their groups' numbers. Mr. Wetherell will now assist the Council in his post as past-president.

The Council encourages any NAWCC members to join us for one of our upcoming meetings. Our chapters' recent success proves when there are more attendees, the morning is more enjoyable for everyone involved.  Check our website for info and pictures from Meetings past. Remember, your support is essential to Chapter 87, so please let us know if you would like to see a multi-chapter meeting in the future.

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January 15, 2006
Peabody Holiday Inn

Despite the freezing snowy weather, the mart tables were well occupied. View from down the line from Ron Price's end table. First in view are Bob Howatt (back side) trying to sell a "treasure" to Art Fitzgerald.

Dan Haff gave a very interesting presentation on military timepieces. (photo by Jon Weber)