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<img height='175' src='http://vaticanstamps.org/VPS/images/296/1.jpg'> 
Scott 1 (1929)</center>
 
A couple of years ago, the Vatican Philatelic Society (VPS) Website Team called for volunteers to write questions to appear in the daily email distributed to its members. With a little trepidation, I decided to take a crack at writing a couple of questions on topics of interest to me. The questions were accepted and published. This began what has become a very rewarding, educational and entertaining journey for me as a writer for both the Website and the VPS quarterly journal, Vatican Notes.
 
Without a doubt, VPS is blessed to have many knowledgeable members with vast collections and expertise in a wide array of topics falling under the umbrella of Vatican philately. Perhaps you have some interesting material in your collection—interesting, rare or one-of-a-kind items that would be enthusiastically received by your fellow members if you are willing to share them in a Notes article or daily email. 
 
What do you collect? Roman States? First Day Covers and/or Maximum Cards? Oddities and Errors? Stamps alone or postal history? Have you built a collection based on your travels to Italy and Vatican City, or to religious sites or countries depicted on Vatican City stamps? Do you have a personal experience to share? These suggestions merely scratch the surface of possible topics that would make great articles. You may have seen in my articles I like to use the word connection—how can I connect my interests in Vatican philately to events, places, saints and people who have touched my life. It has been a truly wonderful experience.
 
Any of the general topics listed above serve as great sources of articles—short or long—that would be valuable contributions to our publications. Take it from me, you do not need to be a technical or scholarly writer to contribute an article of interest. Even if you just volunteer a topic and some supporting material, we can help you turn it into something to share with your fellow members.
 
I dipped my toe into the pond and eventually took the leap. I look back at those first questions I wrote and cannot believe it has led to such enjoyment and knowledge and added so much to my understanding of not only the philately of Vatican City but to my faith. I welcome all of you to join in this most rewarding venture. Contact one of us to let us know your interest and any topics you would like to tackle. Believe me, you will not regret it!
 
VPS Contacts:
 
VPS Webmaster, Marvin Lanahan: mlanahan404@comcast.net
 
VPS President and Editor of Vatican Notes, Greg Pirozzi: gpirozzi63@gmail.com
 
VPS Secretary/Treasurer, Dennis Brady: dbrady7534@gmail.com
 
Lou Giorgetti: lfg7187@comcast.net

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