ANA gets big check

It was out with the old and in with the new for the American Numismatic Association board of governors in two meetings Aug. 14 and 15. Before the old board…

It was out with the old and in with the new for the American Numismatic Association board of governors in two meetings Aug. 14 and 15.

From left, Walter Ostromecki, Gerome Walton, Kim Kiick and Rod Gillis pose with a facsimile check for $163,000 given for college scholarships.

Before the old board left, it held a final meeting at which Treasurer Gerome Walton presented a check to the organization for $163,000 designated for use to fund college scholarships.

The donation came from the Colorado Springs, Colo., chapter of the Modern Woodmen of America.

The ANA agreed to continue funding the eight students currently getting funds.

Outgoing president Walter Ostromecki said that thanks to a $5,000 donation from Chester Krause of Iola, Wis., that the ANA’s new grading game would go up online at the organization’s website.

Ostromecki also showed his thanks by presenting board intern Sam Ernst with a Presidential Award. By doing this, Ostromecki has created the first father and son team to possess the award. Sam’s father Mitch, also has been given the recognition.

There was some discussion about Germany’s proposed law to severely restrict the ability of coin collectors to collect coins.

Ostromecki noted that during his term the ANA has received donations totaling $563,000, more than any other presidential term.

The next day, new President Jeff Garrett got the ball rolling making appointments to ANA’s committees.

Walter Ostromecki gives ANA board intern Sam Ernst a Presidential Award.

However, the main order of business at the Aug. 15 meeting was discussion of National Money Shows to be held in 2018 and 2019.

This show is the smaller of the organization’s two annual conventions.

Garrett began by pointing out that National Money Shows shows were money-losers for the ANA. They might have to be shrunk in size to fit into a hotel ballroom to keep costs under control, or they could be abolished, he said.

He moved on to specific proposals and polled the board members for their views.

Oklahoma City, Okla., is the leading location for 2018. Pittsburgh, Pa., seems to be the favorite for 2019, though Charleston, S.C., is still a strong contender.

The convention sites will not be chosen until October as the board seeks more input.

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News.
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