8th annual MPG is in the books

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Peoria, IL, USA.
You can tell we are getting some history under our belts at MPG, there were bits of nostalgia at this years event. Greg Cozad stopped by. We talked a bit and I confirmed that we first met at a Park District building in Champaign, in 1987. I was pretty confident that was the year, but nice to have it confirmed. He guided the first 4 years, I did the second 4 years. Today we reached an agreement, that Bob Jackson will start guiding the event next year. Thanks for stepping up Bob, that's very generous of you.
Ed Brown's discussion was very interesting on the history of pen turning (it's being discussed in another post) added to the history. Along with the new IAP Collection that will protect some of our history.
Thanks to all those that helped this year, especially the demonstrators; Ed, John, Chris, Mark, Kenny, and Bob. Thanks to all the guys that stayed till the doors were locked to help clean and straighten up the building. Thanks to Mark for setting up the web page. I really think the social media focus added to the attendance. It's hard to get a perfect count, but easily between 80-85. Thanks to Jeff for paying for lunch and refreshments, expertly prepared by Mike and David. Perfect driving weather, great friendships, just a perfect event! Hopefully everyone gets home fine.
I am so grateful to all those that have helped me over these past 4 years. After demonstrating for all 8 years in a row, and organizing the last 4 years, I'm looking forward to sitting back in the chair a little more at a couple of future events. We're in good hands for the future!!!!!!

Thanks everyone, Rich
 
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My thanks to Rich for the years of organizational skills!!!

We have had a GREAT time at all the MPG's we attended, the first and the last 4. We look forward to continuing to participate, wherever the event "lands", next year.

I hope to write up the "history" information and make it available in a PDF in the next couple weeks. It was fun interviewing Mr. Ed Levy of PSI and Mr. Jim Heusinger of Berea---two of the major players in the founding of "penmaking". I'd like to get more information from Dick Sing--who was also there "in the beginning". (And I really enjoy talking with Dick---might have to have lunch in Illinois!!)

Would be fun to become the "industry historian"!!

Thanks to all for coming!!

Ed & Dawn
 
Thank You Rich! for all of your hard work and time over the past several years. You have been a great host and organized a very enjoyable show. Thank You MY Friend! This years attendance was great. It was nice to see and speak with familiar faces and make new friends. The demonstration were full of knowledge and entertainment and the food was delicious! Thank you all for a great time. I look forward to seeing you all again next year.
 
To all the Illini hosts, demonstrators and folks who donated the great prizes/donations - THANK YOU!!! This was a wonderful event - You did a superb job... with a perfect fit and finish :biggrin:!

To all the great folks behind the scenes from the Local Turning Club and the facility - A very deserved thank you.

And a special shout out for "Jon" who went beyond the call of duty to help me get the IAP Collection Powerpoint Presentation working - Whew, you saved my a**, I'm neither a dynamic speaker, a comfortable speaker nor even the slightest photogenic, so at least everyone could look at a slide show narrated by the "guy behind the wall."

Great Time!
 
The 2015 MPG was a wonderful event. Thank you Rich and to the others who worked so hard to put this event together. The information provided by all the presenters was excellent. The donors of prizes were very generous. The food was great. I left a few $$ with the vendors and got some good deals in return. The real benefit of these gatherings is getting to meet and talk with the people who make up the IAP community.

The MPG 2016 is, as of right now, a blank slate. Bob Jackson enthusiastically volunteered to take the lead when Rich announced that he would rather be more of an MPG attendee / participant instead of the MPG organizer. I'm sure Bob would love to hear from anyone with ideas for demos, a willingness to assist or be a presenter, or who can offer any other suggestions related to the administration of this great annual event.
 
2015 MPG

My wife and I would like to thank all the people who donated their time and expertise to put on another great show. Everything was professionally handled and things went real well. I have been there for 2 years and always have to stop at Hobby Lobby in Bloomington on the way home. The presentations were excellent and once again we want to thank everyone everyone involved. We also want to give a big hand to Rich for all his help with the gathering. Once again, thanks to everyone. Happy turning.
 
I wish I did not have to leave early on Saturday. I really enjoyed it so much. Not only the demos but more so the networking and socializing with others that share your hobby.

Thanks so much to all who did demos and thanks to Rich for organizing.

Really enjoyed it this year guys. Looking forward to next year.
 
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