We are ringing in the new year with the announcement that GEM
circulation has now reached and topped the 20,000 figure-and we
shall do everything within our power to keep our growing family of
subscribers and advertisers happy.
Reaching 20,000 would undoubtedly please the late Rev. Elmer
Ritzman, who founded GEM in 1966 after having pioneered with
Iron-Men Album, his magazine for steam traction engine
collectors.
With the entry of the new year we announce with mixed emotions
the retirement of Helen Ament, who has been business manager of
Stemgas Publishing Co since the present ownership started in 1973.
Helen, after years of steadfast service, has decided to try a more
relaxed way of life with her husband, Jim, who has also been with
Stemgas since 1973. We’ll miss the Aments deeply, yet we
rejoice that they are young and healthy enough to enjoy many more
years.
Helen’s successor is Mary Ann Nielsen, and we hope to tell
you more about Mary Ann in the next issue. Jim’s work in
shipping and receiving will be carried on by Don Beck; more on him
later too.
Another announcement is one we regret to have to make. George
Neal, our cheery representative for recent years at Pennsylvania
and Maryland shows, has died. We express our sympathy to his widow
and partner, Pauline, whose address is 230 N. Aurora Street,
Easton, Maryland 21601.
Our show directory work is proceeding on schedule and copies
should be available as usual at the end of February. If you have
not placed an order, please do so now. This will be our 15th Show
Directory.
The Collector’s Network project is tootling right along and
you’ll hear more on that soon.
