It is with deep regret that I must inform everyone we have to cancel our Geichner Memorial  Hammer-Inn for 2021. With the spread of the Corona virus as well as the new travel restrictions placed on us, there is just no practical way to host such an event at this time. In the coming days we will be putting a plan in action to hold a virtual Or skype meeting on Saturday evening January 9, 2021. Details on how to log on will be located in the newsletter & placed on all of our social media. I encourage everyone who is a member of MASA to spread the word to those who regularly attend, who may not be members. I would hate for them to make an unnecessary trip. Anyone who has already paid for this event, your registration can be applied to next year’s event, or we will destroy the check. Send me an email with your decision. With the current price of postage & the state of the Post Office, I don’t recommend mailing the checks back. That being said, don’t forget to send in your annual dues. This will ensure you get the newsletter on time.

During our virtual meeting we plan on having a short business meeting to discuss upcoming events locally, as well as the ABANA event in April in Johnstown, Pa. I certainly hope by the time we have the joint meeting in Furnace Town in March, this Corona mess is behind us. I hope everyone stays safe during what should be the last phase of this epidemic. Having spoken to several of our members & friends from around the country, it’s interesting how this has affected the blacksmithing community. While craft fairs & art shows have all been canceled, some smiths have done well with on line sales. Some smiths have done well with in person teaching. I am also hearing tool sales are through the roof as hobbyists are working from home. If you are having trouble with a project, don’t be afraid to reach out to one of the officers or directors of this organization that lives near you. We are here to help.

Happy New year!

Eric Harvey  President MASA