Oregon club gives education a push

All visitors who attended the third annual Polk County Coin Club Show in Rickreall, Ore., on Oct. 7 were treated to an all-day, fun-filled numismatic learning experience complete with hands-on games and activities focused on attracting youth and families into the coin hobby and, ultimately, club membership.

PCCC President and Show Chair John Brown said, “Our club voted to add an educational outreach and hobby information table at the 2018 one-day show.American Numismatic Association Past President and youth-family numismatic outreach educator Walt Ostromecki was the perfect fit.”

Above, Mom Michele and daughter Kennedy, age 15, enjoy a numismatic learning experience at the table staffed by Walt Ostromecki, American Numismatic Association past president and numismatic educator.

Brown continued, “Walt has a vast wealth of numismatic knowledge that he passionately shares with others. His personable, hands-on approach to numismatic learning made a great impact on all our show visitors, especially kids and families. I believe his participation did in fact increase this year’s attendance, which topped 200, and helped make the show a great success!”

PCCC Treasurer Danny Bisgaard handled the club’s donated numismatic book fundraiser table adjacent to Ostromecki. Many a first-time non-hobbyist visitor eager to learn more about the fun, fascinating, and historical hobby of coin collecting purchased many a Red Book, along with other beginning hobby basic title guides. Overall, sales netted the club a healthy income, which is earmarked for educational outreach.

Buyers were given a specially designed Club Information and Meeting Card with a 2018 Georgia Cumberland Island National Seashore “P” Mint America the Beautiful quarter and 2018-P Lincoln cent attached.

Bisgaard commented, “I was amazed by the fact that most visitors to the coin show had absolutely no idea there was a coin club in Polk County. This is something the club is going to have to work on if our club and local hobby interest is to grow.”

The PCCC issued a limited-edition elongated cent to commemorate the show. A small number of pieces remain available. Send inquiries for price and shipping to John Brown at: brownjoheil65@gmail.com.

PCCC is already working on plans for another educationally enriching 2019 October show. It will include a larger dealer table bourse from the current 28.

More information about 2019 show, the club, and its meetings can be found online at oregoncoinclubs.org or by contacting PCCC President John Brown by telephone at (503) 949-4381.

PCCC meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the The Monmouth Senior Citizen Center, 180 S. Warren, Monmouth, Ore.

Monmouth is located just outside the city of Salem, Ore. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Guests are always welcome!