Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club June Gazette

Farewell to an SHPC Icon – Steve Gutz
We learned late last week that our good friend and a founding member of the Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club had passed away from complications of kidney failure. Steve Gutz, nick-named “Mass Consumer” for his vast collection of anything related to pipes and tobacco, rarely, if ever missed a pipe club meeting up until the time he got sick. We’re talking from 1989 until early in 2007. That’s a pretty good attendance record. Steve was always a focal point at whatever table he was sitting at. He was a wealth of knowledge and loved to tell a story. Steve was also the 2004 winner of the Kaywoodie Pipe Smoking Contest (his tongue will never forget it). Years ago he started the annual SHPC barbeque at his home which was always well attended and a great time. His house was like a pipe & tobacco museum. At one of the barbeques he had bought a bunch of different blending tobaccos for everyone to try their hand at creating the “ultimate blend.” That what a great idea and everyone loved it.
After he got sick and was confined to a wheelchair his passion for pipes never faded. He’d have Francis his driver or a family member drive him around to antique shops and book stores looking for old pipe related items and books and he continued to buy pipes on Ebay. He would always bring his new acquisitions to the club meetings to share them with the others. He was a key component to the Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club and if there is one thing we can do for him now, it’s to keep the club going strong. Steve you will be sorely missed. – Nelson

Kahn’s Korner
After hearing about Steve’s passing, I was in a depressed mood, as you can well imagine. He’s been a friend for many years. Probably the first to befriend me when I joined SHPC. A number of years ago, he gave me a tin of Condor Ready Rubbed. It was old, and when you shook it you could tell that the contents had dried out. But the tin was pretty rare these days. He’d given it to me as a birthday present. When I got home, just for yucks, I put in in my refrigerator humidor and let it sit. I never really thought it would rehydrate; figured that it was past dust. I’d truly forgotten about it, completely.

But that evening I wanted to have a special smoke to his memory, and I keep some special tobaccos in the humidor. So I opened the humidor, and because it was so packed, I had to pull out a few things. And there it was, the tin he’d given me. Could it be smoked? I shook it, and there was no movement like I’d heard before. I thought I’d give it a try, I had nothing to lose. The can was rather corroded and pitted. The lid was not a twist off, you had to place some coin or leverage against it to open it. The tobacco was perfect. Just right for smoking.

I placed some in a bowl. Thinking to myself how appropriate it was that I smoke some of this Condor. Steve and I both loved Condor. I would always make sure I got some for him when I was in the UK. So I imagined Steve sitting next to me, and sharing a bowl, deeply regretting that it can never again be. I lit up the tobacco, not knowing what to expect after years in the humidor. It was wonderful. Smooth and rich in complexity. Round and deep. Just like my friend Steve.

Details of the April & May Meetings
Seems like the April meeting was a long time ago now, and my memory’s not getting any better. I do remember we had a good turn out although Neil missed his first meeting so I had to drive to the meeting alone. Don’t do it again Neil.

Bob brought a friend with him but did I remember to write down his name. Of course not. Well, hopefully he’ll be back again and we’ll let you know his story.
In May the major topic of conversation was the 2011 club pipe. We had been communicating with Erik Nording which seemed promising but the communication broke down and then we were told that he wouldn’t make small number of pipes but we could use one of his production pipes if we wanted. Unfortunately, the selection was very limited so we’ve decided to look elsewhere. This was a disappointing endeavor.
Mike has taken on the task of talking to Mastro Beraldi and Neerup, both of which are interested in doing a pipe for us. Mike’s done a great job with this and we will discuss it further at the June meeting and make a decision. Right now we’re leaning towards Beraldi and can set up Neerup for 2012.

Next meeting is Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Sportsman’s Club. Meet Early C.B. Perkins at 5 PM – Cobb’s Corner, Canton.

World Slow Smoking Pipe Championship For Club Teams

Click on picture to enlarge:

World Cup Slow Smoke Pipe Championship

UPCA National Slow Smoke Championship

This year’s United Pipe Clubs of America (UPCA) US National Champion and Overall Champion is Mike “Doc” Garr. Doc is president of the Pocono Intermountain Pipe Enthusiasts (PIPE) in Wilkes Barre, PA. He has been competing nationally and internationally since 2002 and was the Northeast Regional Champion in 2007 and 2008 and the Southeast Regional Champion in 2009.

Manduela is this years Women’s Champion, repeating her win from 2010. She is well know as a premier Danish pipe carver. Her pipes reflect her distinctive style and appreciation of clean lines.

First Out was Kevin Godbee. Well known for his website and online magazine PipesMagazine.com. Kevin is a devoted pipe enthusiast and supporter of pipe clubs as a means to promote the “Brotherhood of the Briar”. He is especially excited about educating those new to pipe smoking and expanding their knowledge of pipes and tobacco.

The pipe for this year’s contest was by Antoine Grenard of Chacom, St. Claude, France. The tobacco was Dunhill Early Morning Pipe. All contestants were very complimentary of the pipe and tobacco, considering them some of the best used in the American competitions.

This year’s contest consisted of 50 pipe smokers from the United States, Canada, Belgium, Great Britain, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and France. Thirteen UPCA clubs were represented in the contest. These contests affirm the bonds of friendship among pipe smokers throughout the world.

Fresno Pipe Club May Newsletter

American Carvers
For the month of May, members are encouraged to bring in pipes carved by their favorite American artisans. There are many talented Yankee carvers and we would like to see your favorites (Try to limit yourself to two or three examples from two or three of your favorites). The club has been lucky to have had acquaintance with some very talented people including Joel Shapiro, Jeff Gracik (pictured at left), Darius Dah, our own Bobby McBride and some other talented club member carvers.

Drugstore Pipes
April was Drugstore pipe month for the Fresno Pipe Club. It was absolutely amazing how many members had a collection of Yello Boles, Medicos and Dr. Grabows. Drugstore tobacco was also plentiful and on hand. It got to the point that Dennis’ collection of Amphora pipes was a natural consequence of that tobacco’s mail-in program (See below). Various and sundry accessories were also on display.

Proposed Schedule of Programs For 2011 – Up For Discussion At This Month’s Meeting
May 15 American Pipe Night
June 19 Meerschaum Night
July 17 Pipe Smoking Contest
Aug 21 Italian Pipe Night
Sept 18 Pipe Carving Contest
Oct 16 Annual Picnic
Nov 20 Pipe Swap & Show
Dec 18 Christmas Party

Next Meeting Sunday, May 15th at 6:00 P.M. at Cigars Ltd., Fresno

A Smoking Ban Too Far (NYTimes OpEd)

NEW YORK CITY’S ban on smoking in its parks and on its beaches won’t go into effect until May 23, but notices about the rule are already appearing on benches and lampposts around town.

The City Council passed the ban on the principle that a nonsmoker shouldn’t have to inhale even a tiny amount of secondhand smoke, whether in a bar or a Central Park meadow. But while there is a strong public-health case for banning smoking indoors, the case for banning it outdoors is much weaker — particularly when it runs the risk of a backlash that could undermine the basic goals of the antismoking movement.

For 25 years I have testified before court proceedings, city council meetings and Congressional hearings in support of smoking bans in workplaces, including restaurants, bars and casinos. I base my position on the scientific evidence demonstrating that chronic exposure to secondhand smoke — the sort of levels you’d experience working in a smoky bar or restaurant — significantly increases the risk of respiratory disease, heart disease and lung cancer.

Inevitably, smoking-ban opponents ask me, “What’s next, banning smoking outdoors?” My answer has always been no: not only can people move around and thus avoid intense exposure, but smoke quickly disperses in the open air.

True, there is evidence that being near someone smoking, even outdoors, can result in significant secondhand smoke exposure. Researchers at Stanford found that levels of tobacco smoke within three feet of a smoker outside are comparable to inside levels. But no evidence demonstrates that the duration of outdoor exposure — in places where people can move freely about — is long enough to cause substantial health damage.

But that hasn’t stopped many opponents of smoking. Citing new research, they have argued that even transient exposure to tobacco smoke can cause severe health effects like heart disease and lung cancer. For example, last year the surgeon general’s office claimed that “even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cardiovascular disease and could trigger acute cardiac events, such as heart attack,” and that “inhaling even the smallest amount of tobacco smoke can also damage your DNA, which can lead to cancer.”

However, the surgeon general’s statement conflates the temporary negative effects of secondhand smoke on the circulatory system, which have been shown to occur with short-term exposure, with heart disease, a process that requires repeated exposure and recurring damage to the coronary arteries. It also conflates one-time DNA damage, which occurs with any carcinogenic exposure, with cancer risk, which likewise generally requires repeated exposure.

Moreover, bans like New York’s may actually increase exposure by creating smoke-filled areas near park entrances that cannot be avoided.

To make matters worse, in trying to convince people that even transient exposure to secondhand smoke is a potentially deadly hazard, smoking opponents risk losing scientific credibility. The antismoking movement has always fought with science on its side, but New York’s ban on outdoor smoking seems to fulfill its opponents’ charge that the movement is being driven instead by an unthinking hatred of tobacco smoke.

That, in turn, could jeopardize more important fronts in the antismoking fight, in particular the 21 states that still allow smoking in bars and restaurants.

A ban on outdoor smoking may provide a symbolic victory. But from a public health perspective, it’s pointless. Instead, antismoking organizations should focus on extending workplace protections, already enjoyed by millions of New Yorkers, to the 100 million Americans still denied the right to work without having to breathe in secondhand smoke.

Michael B. Siegel is a professor of community health sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health.

New York Pipe Club May Newsletter

Please be sure to attend our May meeting, on Tuesday, May 10th, where we’ll be welcoming, once again, special guest, and current owner of Genod Pipes, Sebastian Beaud. Sebastian is making a stop in NYC before heading to Chicago for the “big show”. He will be bringing with him a fine selection of Genod Pipes so please be sure to join me in giving him a big New York welcome.

And speaking of the “big show”, once again, a number of our members will be heading to the Midwest for the Chicagoland International Pipes & Tobacciana Show which takes place on May 14th – 15th at the Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Illinois. If you can make it, you will not be disappointed! It is the Show of Shows!

Balkan Sobranie Throwdown! – Attendees of this year’s Chicago Show are in for a real treat. If you haven’t heard already, the Seattle and New York Pipe Clubs will be co-sponsoring a friendly competition between three of the hobby’s most respected blenders along with three judges who are equally as renown. The “Throwdown” is the brainchild of Matt Guss, President of the Seattle Pipe Club and brother of our own Peter and Jon Guss. As per Matt, “This Throwdown is purely for fun — we don’t expect to faithfully actually recreate Sobranie for many practical reasons. This is just the kind of event that breathes fresh air into the pipe world.” What is it all about? Take a look at the following links for full details: http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-news/2011-balkan-sobranie-throwdown/ and http://www.apassionforpipes.com/neills-blog/2011/4/24/balkan-sobranie-throwdown.html Complete rules can be viewed in PDF form in the 2011 Balkan Sobranie Throwdown Welcome Letter. This event will be great fun, great for the hobby and in the end, we will all come out winners with what I am sure will be some very good blends!

We Need Volunteers! – as with any event, help is always appreciated and the Throwdown is no different. I am asking anyone who is attending the show and is willing to give up just a short amount of their time to please contact me. There are a few areas regarding preparation for the Throwdown that I could use help with so I am asking for volunteers. It won’t take long. Please see Lou Carbone if you are able and willing.

Briar Club Meeting Report and Smoking Contest

The meeting last night came off without a hitch, in spite of the sky opening up rain and hail. In attendance were 8.

The club pipe made by Bill Feuerbach of Kaywoodie is a real beauty and it got rave reviews from our club members. Special thanks to Bill for the great pipes. They smoke very well!

The contest also took place last evening, following the rules as set forth by UPCA and provided to me by Steve Fallon. It was obvious that most of us were new to the smoking contest, but it was a blast anyway. We had the new Kaywoodie pipes of course along with the blend “Ramback Balkan by 2 Daughters. Despite the name, this primarily VA blend is a good all around smoke.

Results:
Bob 27:14 winner, getting a pound of Ramback!
Monti 27:00 getting a old can of CAO Midnight Ride
Gary ZZ 26:00
Tim 20:28
Gregg 19:46
Colin 18:12
David 17:58

Thanks to everyone for participating in the club pipe!

Next meeting: May 17 at Up In Smoke Lewisville

Southeast Regional Slow Smoke Contest Results

On Thursday March 24th, the Boca Raton Pipe Guild held our annual smoking contest. As always the meeting is at West Boca Moose Lodge (131 N. Powerline RD. Deerfield Beach).

Dale Levesque 42m 35s
Darryl Hurwitz 37m 18s
Larry Lampner 35m 18s
Bill Brown 33m 45s
Richard Vavra 25m 56s
Ron Estrada 25m 06s
Michael Bambas 24m 15s
Bob Ewart 20m 53s
Ron Levine 19m 49s
Dave McAndrew 19m 09s

2011 ANNUAL MEETING – NOTICE AND INVITATION

THE UNITED PIPE CLUBS OF AMERICA (UPCA) WILL HOLD ITS NINTH ANNUAL MEETING AT 3:30 PM ON FRIDAY, MAY 13 IN THE RUBY ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR AT PHEASANT RUN RESORT

The Agenda for the meeting is set out below. The names of candidates for the election of officers should be sent to Pete Prygelski, Chairman of the Nominating Committee at petepry@bellsouth.net.

Please also let us know if there are questions, comments or suggestions for additional Agenda items. Minutes of the 20010 meeting are available on the UPCA website.The Treasurer’s report will be available before the meeting.

It is important that all UPCA Member Clubs be represented at the meeting by one or more of their members in order to constitute a quorum and to reflect all views. All other interested persons and organizations, including in particular groups forming new clubs, are invited to attend to learn more about UPCA and its activities.

This is an opportunity to meet members of many different clubs, to exchange information and to pick up ideas for your own group. The Annual Meeting permits you to participate directly in a review of UPCA’s activities and to help chart its future course.Note that there will be three speakers on topics of important current interest.

Please come with your suggestions regarding UPCA’s role and how the organization can provide greater value
to its Members and to the broader American pipe smoking community.

Agenda
Welcome, Roll Call, Introductions and Opening Remarks

Approval of Minutes of 2010 Meeting and Treasurer’s Report

Report of the Nominating Committee and Election of Officers
– President, Vice President and Secretary/ Treasurer
– Executive Commitee – 2 persons
– Nominating Committee – 3 persons
– Honorary Member(s)

Report on Membership
– New clubs in formation
– Associate Membership

Reports on Activities
– International Pipe Smoking Day (IPSD)
– Regional Smoking Competitions
– 2010 World Championship Estoril, Portugal
– 2011 World Cup Eindhoven, Netherlands October 15-16
– U.S. National Championship – Sunday, May 15, 2011

Speakers
– Kevin Godbee on Importance of the Internet
– Cam Schutte on use of the UPCA website
– Paul Creasy on Legislative Developments

Other Business
– Club blends/ starter Kits?
– UPCA TENTH ANNIVERSARY MAY 2012

We look forward to seeing you at the Meeting.

Fresno Pipe Club April Newsletter

How Do You Pack Your Pipe?
Method #1: The Three Step Method: (1) Start by gravity feeding tobacco into the bowl all the way to the rim. Tamp VERY lightly. (2) Feed more tobacco into the bowl. This time tamp it just a little more firmly. (3) There should be room for more tobacco, so add it. This time tamp the tobacco down firmly, but not so much that it won’t spring back slightly. See the video online.
Method #2: The Frank Method: Perhaps a little mysterious, this method involves gravity filling the bowl first and then forming a “plug” of tobacco to insert on top. A little hand dexterity is required for best results. This is a labor intensive process, but those who master it swear by it. See the video online.
Method #3: The “Stuff And Puff” method: We have all seen or used this method at one time or another. Dip your pipe into a pouch, jar or tin of tobacco. Scoop the leaf into the bowl with fingers and/or thumb until you have it packed down about right (a judgment call if ever there was one). Tamp? What’s a tamper? Light up and enjoy!

Drugstore Pipes
We are long overdue in paying tribute to the venerable “Drugstore Pipe”. This consists mainly of those made by Medico, Dr. Grabow, Yello Bole and Kaywoodie. Some would argue that Kaywoodie belongs in an upper echelon of such pipes, but, rightly or wrongly, they tend to get lumped in with the other big three anyway. I’m sure there are some others brands that also deserve attention and sharing.

For the month of April, those attending our meeting are urged to bring examples of those icons of Americana to discuss and admire. While we’re at it, there’s no reason not to light up some Carter Hall, Half and Half, Prince Albert or Sir Walter Raleigh if anyone can come up with a stash. I’m sure that some other OTC blends will come to mind as well. Those are also welcome!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
The St. Patrick’s Day Theme for March resulted in a laid-back time with some nice Irish pipes and clays on display. Those souls hardy enough also partook of some Peterson’s tobacco and other stout blends.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Next Meeting Sunday, April 17th at 6:00 P.M. at Cigars Ltd., Fresno.