Philatelic News

OCT 16: Scott Stamp LLC Announces Purchases from Amos Media

TSDA dealer Jonathan Topper has forwarded news of interest regarding the Scott Catalog, Scott Stamp Monthly, and Linn's Stamp News publications: Scott Stamp LLC, a new company formed by Jay Bigalke, and David Fritz, has acquired the aforementioned publications from Amos Media Co.

"It's incredibly meaningful to see these trusted names in philately return to collector ownership", said Jay Bigalke, President and CEO of Scott Stamp LLC. "Our mission is simple: to honor the legacy of Scott and Linn's while investing in new tools and ideas that help the hobby thrive."

"This is a great day for stamp collecting," said Don Sundman of Mystic Stamp Company and one of several collector-investors supporting the new venture. "The Scott Catalog and Linn's have guided generations of collectors—including me—and now they'll continue to do so under leadership that truly loves the hobby."

OCT 3: New Meeting Site Needed for Arlington

The City of Arlington has increased the rental fee for the use of the Bob Duncan Recreation Center room currently being utilzed by the Mid-Cities Stamp Club Arlington branch. The stated amount would be in the range of a 150% increase. The club is currently looking for a new meeting location, and leads from the membership would be appreciated. According to MCSC Treasurer Tom Cunningham, we are currently paid and under contract through the February 2026 meeting.

SEP 13: Granbury Auction Sept 23

Dave Stockbridge, MCSC VP/Granbury advises of the upcoming auction in Granbury at the Sept 23 meeting. (see below for the list of auction items to date).

If you can not attend the auction you may bid by sending Dave an email. It should identify the (1) bid number and (2) the maximum you are willing to pay. All items start at the minimum bid price stated on the auction list. I will bid for you, and will start the bidding with the minimum bid ($). I will continue to bid, if others bid against you, until I reach your maximum bid limit. If you win an item(s) I will notify you of your successful bid and identify how much your successful bid was. I will request payment for the item(s) and request how you want the item delivered. If you request mailing those costs will be added to your successful bid total. After payment, the item will be mailed to you if you request mailing.

Bids will be accepted until 12 noon the day of the auction September 23rd, 2025.

See the list of auction items a/o Sep 23.

AUG 12: Club Loses Gary McNamee

Dave Stockbridge informs us of the passing of long time Granbury member Gary McNamee on Sunday, August 10. Gary's daughter Amanda commented on how "the club and his participation in presentations were a joy for him." A ceremony will be held this Saturday in the White Chapel, next to Acton Methodist, at 10 am with a burial in his beloved Waco at 2pm.

JUL 8: APS - New Executive Director

The American Philatelic Society has announced the hiring of Kirk Gillis to be the 8th Executive Director of the Society, effective July 14, 2025. The hiring process was conducted through a Search Committee led by outgoing APS President Cheryl Ganz as Chair. Gillis replaces outgoing Executive Director Scott English, who announced his departure in November 2024, after almost ten years in the role. English will remain at the APS through a transition period ending at the Great American Stamp Show in Schaumburg, Illinois, in August.

According to the announcement, "Kirk brings a global perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to lead the APS into its next chapter."

JUN 12: EXPO 2025 Update

EXPO Dealer Liaison Tom Cunningham reports that he has received checks for 21 fully-paid tables, 2 cabinets, and a $20 ad, totaling $9085. Contact has been made with the remaining unpaid dealers. Additionally, there is still one table available, due to the withdrawal of a dealer who had made a preliminary commitment to EXPO.

MAY 8: Post from Scott English

This link is to an Instagram post from Scott English, expressing his appreciation for a lifetime membership award in the Mid-Cities Stamp Club. During COVID Scott was a great champion for the hobby. (You don't have to have an Instagram account to view it; just close the initial login box.)