January 26, 2001
Tony Shaman will edit The Canadian Philatelist

(Toronto, ON) The Canadian Philatelist, bi-monthly journal of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC), will have a new editor beginning with the May-June 2001 issue.

Well-known philatelic writer Tony Shaman replaces Bill Pekonen, who, as interim editor, gave a new direction and strength to the journal. In making the announcement, Charles J.G. Verge, FPRSC, President of The RPSC, paid tribute to Pekonen who "brought new writers to The Canadian Philatelist, got the journal back on schedule, and maintained that schedule."

In setting a several month "transition period", Verge said, "it will allow a continuous and timely flow of The Canadian Philatelist (CP)."

Tony Shaman was "astounded" when he was approached to edit CP. He said, "Bill was doing an excellent job (so it) never occurred to me that the executive was looking for an editor."

In accepting the challenging task as editor of The RPSC journal, Shaman said "it is one of the most important jobs within The Royal as I see our journal as the glue that holds the Society together." Shaman is excited about the new position, and one of his first "objectives" will be "to try to make the magazine more inclusive."

He explained that inclusivity will mean having more members contribute to the publication. He said that he is not necessarily looking for in-depth articles from all members. "They can be tidbits about research that members are conducting or it may be views on the current state of the hobby." He wants philatelic news too. Shaman also plans, "with the co-operation of show, bourse, and convention organizers," to expand the Calendar of Events.

Tony Shaman brings wide experience to CP. He has written for In Touch, Stamps, Global Stamp News, Linn's Stamp News, and Stamp Magazine. He contributes regular features for Canadian Stamp News. He has also written extensively for the non-philatelic press, including a long-term stint for a senior's paper called Today's Seniors. At present he is on the Community Editorial Board of The Record, which serves Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding Ontario communities, including Cambridge and Guelph.

The new editor is also a collector whose wide range of interests include general collections of Canada, United States, and Austria. His specialty collections focus on postal history of Norfolk Country, Squared Circle time marks for Saint John, Halifax, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, postmarks on the 1-cent and three-cent 1897 Jubilees, Santa Claus on stamps, and Klussendorf covers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Carol S. Law 416-979-8874