Below is an article that I wrote for the BCCS Journal
detailing my efforts to promote the CCF on a regional level.
From the Journal of the Barber Coin Collectors' Society
Volume 24 Number 4 [Dec 2013]
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Long After the Toys Are Forgotten...
by Matthew Student
... a child's memories of time spent with parents, grandparents and other relatives remains. And the time spent looking at coins burns a very deep memory.
I remember those evenings when my dad retired to the bedroom to dig out his coins. I would beg him to show them to me. That "O" mint mark on the
Barber coins was always a fascination to me. He was reticent but always relented, even giving me his duplicates. We had many years together searching through our pocket change. A memory dear to me.
So when the CCF (Coin Community Family) began its outreach to Young Numismatists, my interest was aroused. I thought, "New England is a hotbed of YN activity. Perhaps this should be our next outreach." And since I was in a position to kick start the program, much as the BCCS and LSCC did in July of 2011, I lobbied my cause.
Sowing the seeds of a regional presence.
I attended this past October's New Hampshire Coin Expo, bringing along my
Barber dimes, a modest set which always manages to attract the attention of at least one Barber fanatic. And I brought as many other coins as I could carry, all destined to be exhibited at the
New England Numismatic Association's (NENA) table in conjunction with the New Hampshire Expo. The NENA's agenda that day included the John Kittredge Young
Numismatists Program sponsored by the NENA and the Kittredge Foundation.
Within several weeks of my lobbying, I had received two boxes of the same packets as are passed out at the national shows; donations from CCF members. And I passed them out in Manchester. I thanked my two years of high school debate for it gave me the courage to stand up
in front of strangers, pleading the need to encourage the kids. "Time spent together with coins will last a lifetime." was my message.
Leftover packets were given to four groups with active kid's programs. I do not know what fruit my efforts will bear, but I had a GREAT time at the show.
May I ask you all to never overlook the opportunity to encourage a new generation of coin collectors?
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Once again I ask you all to promote the CCF in your own style. No need to speak in front of a crowd of people.
Just add, "HELLO! My name is John Smith, member of the CCF" to your badge at the FUN show. When you are asked to explain what it is, just TALK about it!
And a shout out to Eileen Ribar, my editor who takes my
drafts and turns them into art.
Posted 01/01/2014 1:19 pm
