Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Guildmaster’s Message about The 2024 Horn Fair and Annual Meeting

January 2, 2024 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays coming to a close, I look forward to settling into a slower schedule- who am I kidding!?! Winter shows start as early as January. One I personally plan to attend is the 18th Century Artisan show which will be held at the Carlisle Expo Center on Feb. 2nd and 3rd. The Guild will have a display table with a good representation of horn items, membership information, fundraising displays and Guild merchandise for sale. If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you!
There’s a few more shows on my schedule, but the biggest one on my mind (by far) is our Annual Meeting at the Altoona Grand Hotel on March 8th and 9th. Plans have been set and reservations have already started rolling in. Remember, if you’re planning to book a room, call the hotel directly at (814)946-1631 and say you want a room in the “HCH room block”. Dinner reservations are also needed for the Saturday banquet. Information on acquiring banquet seats, display tables and raffle tickets can be found here on the website by clicking here.

Please mark your calendars for this event. As it’s the biggest Guild function we have during the year, I’d love so much to see more of our members there than ever before! If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at polizzifam@netzero.net.

Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster
God Bless America!

Guildmaster’s Message about The Gunmakers Fair at Kempton – Register for the Summer Reception – Please Volunteer

I’m thankful we’re actually having spring-time in Pennsylvania this year! For the past few years it seemed to go straight from winter to summer!  I know summer is close at hand, and with that comes the excitement of the biggest event of the season- The Gunmakers Fair, now at the Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, Pennsylvania.

Plans have been put into place and many people have donated so much time and effort to make this event happen. As the HCH is one of the four sponsoring organizations, I would love to see a large showing of our membership at the event. More volunteers are needed, so if you can spare some time at some point over the three days of the event, please let John Dewald or myself know ASAP!

Here is a link about the Summer Reception. Please reserve your spots as soon as practical. We need all reservations by the 16th of July. Last year we had a great time and the food was delicious! As our group only formally meets twice a year, I find it’s always enjoyable to see everyone at the reception and catch up with friends. There will also be a fundraising event over the weekend. Tickets for the raffle will be available for purchase at the HCH tent. If you cannot make the event, you can purchase tickets by following this link as well.

I hope you all have a safe and fun summer! See you at the Fair!

 

Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster
God Bless America!

December 2022- End of Year Message. Looking forward to 2023. Merry Christmas!

December 16, 2022 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

As I write this a quarter inch of ice clings to the tree branches outside my window. A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain falls from the sky. Winter is finally here. Luckily for me, I’m sitting in front of a crackling fire thinking of all the members of the Guild spread across the country, and even the world, who are also getting ready for a new year to start. There are many things to be thankful for this time of year. And I for one have many blessings to be thankful for, including all of the friends I’ve made through this organization. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as together, we head into 2023!

At the Fall Executive Committee meeting (with most of the committee chairs present) many things were discussed, many plans were made and many updates given. There’s so much going on behind the scenes in this organization! If you’ve ever thought of joining one of our committees, please reach out to me to find out where the best place for you to “plug-in” would be!

Make sure to check out the latest issue of The Horn Book, coming out the end of February to find out about all of the “Happenings Around the Guild!”Make plans to attend the Annual Meeting in Altoona, Pennsylvania on March 10th and 11th, 2023! What a wonderful time of fellowship and fun, education and learning and growing as an organization! I hope many of you will be able to attend. If you are unable to make it this year, please find other ways to stay active in the Guild! One of those ways could be submitting a design for the Guild flag! Please send your digital design to Bill Carter along with a brief description by January 16th. We want this flag to represent the Guild as a whole and we’re looking for your thoughts on its design!

 

Wishing you and your family and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster

God Bless America!

A bit about the Guildmaster's Challenge 2023! (At the Annual Meeting in Altoona, PA)

November 17, 2022 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

Fall is officially here and has brought hurricane season with it. I’ll be praying for all of our members that may experience bad weather this fall and winter- stay safe! As the summer and fall events are winding down, our thoughts turn to winter horn projects, next year’s activities and have no fear- planning for our own Annual Horn Fair is underway. Keep an eye out for information about details in the next issue of The Horn Book. One bit of “sneak peak” info I can give you is next year’s Guildmaster’s Challenge.

For years, the Challenge has been the same; make a horn item in a completely traditional manner- no power tools, electric lighting or modern day means. From my own personal experience, this wasn’t an easy task! When I became Guildmaster, I started to think about what I would choose as my challenge. Would I continue with tradition, or veer off for something new? After some discussions with Past Guidmasters and Executive Committee members, I decided to take a different look at the idea. As you’ll see in my article in the Fall issue of The Horn Book, “Traditional vs. Contemporary…”, I’ve been thinking quite a lot about this very thing!

So, I’ve designed the 2023 Guildmaster’s Challenge to stretch your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.I hope that it will spark an interest within many of our members new and old alike! Your item may be made using any means you have at your disposal. It is to be a completely contemporary piece- one that can be found in any modern home, office, workshop or school. Something that others might look at and not realizeit’s made with horn- but what a great conversation starter when you reveal its secret! Use your imagination! Your items will be judged on creativity and of course workmanship. Let the fun begin!

 

Excitedly awaiting the next time we meet,
Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster

God Bless America!

If you have not gotten your HCH 25TH Anniversary Pin yet, you can order it from our Merchandise Page. Click Here.

Click Here

Register by the July 14th, 2022!

More about the Summer Reception at Kempton!

Register NOW if you have not already!


Join us at The Gunmakers’ Fair at Kempton.

July 29-31, 2022

As the temperatures start to rise, thoughts of great summer activates start floating into our daydreams. After the disappointment of having to cancel the last two Summer Receptions, we are more than happy to announce that this great tradition is back! As you all should have heard by now, The HCH, along with three other organizations have sponsored a new Summer event- The Gunmaker’s Fair at Kempton. As one of the sponsors, it’s more important than ever for us to make sure this event is a success! We hope to see many members there!

The Summer Reception will take place Friday, July 29th at 6 PM on the grounds of the Kempton Community Center.  This is the same location as the Gunmakers’ Fair, so no need to travel anywhere else for the dinner.  Dinner will be catered by the Kempton Kitchen with a buffet that will include:  Salad bar, pulled pork, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and green beans, rolls along with coffee, ice tea, water and assorted desserts.  Also available will be non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine.  In continuing with the HCH anniversary celebration, we will be offering samplings of five 18th century punches to include Fish House, Rum, Gin, Arrack and whiskey.

If you have not registered for the Summer Reception, you can do so via PayPal by using this form.

            This year’s raffle consists of a collaborative horn and bag set crafted and donated to the Guild by members and supporters. Daniel Boling has created a elegant York County Screw-tip horn engraved by John DeWald.  It will be paired with a wonderfully crafted bag by Shelly Gier. Tickets will be $5.00 each or a sheet of 5 for $20.

Print off and mail in raffle tickets here.

 

During the evening reception we will also hold an auction for an amazing set including a horn tobacco box, created and donated by Billy Griner, and a brass tamper paired with a beautifully crafted pipe with a custom case donated by Manfred Schmitz.

 

Help is always needed to support the Guild’s table.  If you would like to assist in selling merchandise, recruiting new members or just answering general questions,

please contact Mark Amey at: wmarka13@gmail.com.

June 14, 2022 – The Gunmakers Fair at Kempton is around the corner!

Summer events are now in full swing and the excitement is building for one of them in particular- The Gunmakers’ Fair at Kempton! We all were overjoyed when the news broke that The Gunmakers’ Fair would continue. This amazing event always brought so many people who love the longrifle culture together and it will continue to do so! Invites to the Guild’s summer reception will be arriving in your mailboxes soon and the next issue of  The Horn Book will have even more information. As the Guild is one of the four organizations sponsoring this event, we should be working even harder to ensure its prosperity. Spread the word, plan to attend and bring some friends! It will take everyone’s help to make this event the huge success that it has the potential to be! We are looking for volunteers to fill various jobs at the fair. Anyone who is interested in helping can contact Jeff Warner at leftylongrifle89@yahoo.com.

The second thing I’d like to mention is this, I’ve been informed that many of our members have not paid their dues for this year. We will not be able to continue our amazing Horn Book publication as well as other programs without everyone’s help. If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please do so now. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at polizzifam@netzero.net!

Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster

God Bless America!

Date Set for 2023 Horn Fair and HCH Annual Meeting (March 10&11, 2023 in Altoona, PA)

April 14, 2022 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

Member’s must call the reservation desk to receive any discount. Do not use the online registration system.

814-946-1631

https://www.altoonagrandhotel.com/

 

It’s amazing when you see how much our Guild has grown and changed during such a difficult time in our country’s recent history. Our membership numbers have fallen off during the pandemic for various reasons, but I hope, now that the worst seems behind us, that we will be able to pull those numbers back up.

The record attendance at this year’s Annual Meeting shows that our membership is ready and willing to get back to what we do best – spreading the history, art and knowledge of hornwork! The amazing displays and unique items that were present made this meeting one of the best ever! We had so many favorable comments about the location, we’ve reserved the Altoona Grand Hotel for next year. However, due to it’s availability, the date had to be moved to the second week on March, so next year’s Annual Meeting will be March 10th and 11th, 2023. I hope the early news of the date change will give everyone time to get it on their calendars and plan to attend!

More news on Guild events, projects and activities will be in the Summer issue of the Hornbook.

Enjoy the Spring weather!
Kris Polizzi – HCH Guildmaster
God Bless America!

John DeWald’s Last Message as Guildmaster

March 14, 2022 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

As I begin this, my last Guildmaster’s Message, I want to focus on an introduction to your new Guildmaster.  Welcome, Kris Polizzi!!

The passing of the mantle of leadership to Kris comes with a feeling of pride and of love.  Love for this guild, and pride in that my choice as my successor was such an easy one.  Her steadfast support of this Guild is apparent in everything that she has done for us and will be in her dedication as she carries the Guild into the next two years.

I said it once, and I’ll say it again; She is a prize fighter and knows what it takes to overcome obstacles.  Know this, an acquaintance became a friend, a friend became a confidant, a confidant became a lifelong sister.  My two years as Guildmaster would have been much more difficult without her support and counsel.  As she and Clint Byers take the helm, I ask all of you for your continued support of both of them and the Guild as you have done for me.  Good luck little sister, I have faith in you, you will do well.


Regards as always,

John L. DeWald Jr., Past Guildmaster

See You In Altoona - HCH Horn Fair and Annual Meeting

March 1, 2022 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

It is with great anticipation that I write this because in only 2 days we will all hopefully be together at the Altoona Grand Hotel, celebrating our 25th Anniversary!!!  I can not think of a single meeting I have attended that filled me with such excitement except for maybe my first time at Ft. Roberdeau.  25 years!  I mean think of it.  It was 1996 and a group of like-minded folks sat down and came up with the idea that became the Honourable Company of Horners.  In the years that followed, the people that came together and the leaders of the Guild ensured that it not only grew in membership but in knowledge and resources. And wow!  What a guild it is today!!

I have been truly honored to have led this guild for the last two years albeit from my computer and my home.  This is why I am so excited to see our membership again.  Nothing fulfills the horner’s heart than being with friends old and new and sharing in such an ancient for of art and craftsmanship that we all love.  The 25th Anniversary is going to be an event to remember.  Your Excomm has been planning this for the past three years and there is no doubt in my mind that its culmination will leave a lasting impression on all who attend this year.

There are several special treats in store, and several presentations that are sure to impress. A very special lapel pin will be available in limited quantity, and a new t-shirt will be available as well.  So, pack up your horns, bring along your cameras and notebooks, put the family in the car and head on out to Altoona, Pennsylvania for a great time is about to be had by all.

Safe travels and I look forward to seeing everyone.

YMH&OS
John DeWald Jr.
Guildmaster

December 26, 2021 - We Have a New Location for the 2022 Annual Meeting!

December 26, 2021 by  
Filed under Message from the Guildmaster

 

We as a Guild are grateful for the dedication of Kris Polizzi. She has spearheaded the effort to find a suitable location for the 2022 Annual Meeting and has met with success! Our thanks go out to Roland Cadle and Art DeCamp also.

Please read the Update in Kris’ own words below.

John DeWald, Jr.
Guildmaster

Well, this has been one whirlwind of a week! I’ve heard the stories of how our brave leaders once had to scramble to change the location of the Annual Meeting. To be honest, I’ve always thought, “Glad that wasn’t me”! Well, last week I got an unexpected e-mail from AHEC and you know the rest of the story.

I’d first like to thank all of our members who jumped in to help by suggesting new locations to use as a venue. We quickly started making calls and sending e-mails. Within a few days we had some pretty solid leads. I’m happy to announce that on Thursday we finalized a location that was suggested by both Roland and Art, The Altoona Grand Hotel (1 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601). Not only will it be able to furnish beautiful and large rooms for our event, we are also able to have a block of rooms reserved, so that your entire weekend can potentially be all in one place! We’re also able to keep all of our original plans as far as scheduling and prices!

To reserve a room, just call the main number (814-946-1631) and request to be in the “HCH” block. Rooms reserved for Thursday, March, 3rd through Sunday, March 6th will be at a discounted rate of $85/per night. There are plenty of restaurant choices within walking distance and even more with a short drive. I‘ve been assured their food is top notch, so I’m really looking forward to the banquet! There will also be a cash bar and appetizers at the mixer before dinner.

There’s plenty of room for display tables and demonstrating stations, so sign up today if you’d like a table. Please fill out this form. Print it out and mail it with your payment please. The address is on the form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 717-367-3883 or polizzifam@netzero.net. Thank you so much for “hanging in there” with us through this hectic time!

Kris Polizzi- Guildmaster-Elect/Events Committee Chair

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