20th ANNUAL NFGS CONVENTION July 31, August 1, August 2, 2010 Convention headquarters - Comfort Inn, Marietta Ohio  Call 740-374-8190 for reservations  We encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible The discount rate will apply to reservations made by 07/01/10 Be sure to ask for the special NFGS member's room rate Reservations issues??? Some NFGS members have reported trying to make reservations, only to be told by the hotel that they are fully booked. The hotel does have plenty of rooms available as of March 31.   Also, if you have made a reservation, please call to verify. There has been a report that a member's reservation was no longer on record. If you have any trouble with reservations, please contact Claire at 513-858-1984 or ckauffung@fuse.net   This just in: There will be an auction of several Fenton one-of-a-kind pieces of glass on Friday, July 30th, from 3:30- 4:00, at the Comfort Inn, Marietta, OH.  Stretch Glass Society and National Fenton Glass Society members are invited to attend.  Glass Displays & Seminars are open to public Educational and entertaining seminars are scheduled Members and their guests will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, participate in Glass ID, attend the NFGS annual meeting, play Fenton bingo, and enjoy the  banquet followed by a lively whimsey auction.  More importantly, you will enjoy the fellowship of Fenton collectors from across the United States.

Convention souvenir has significance for NFGS.........................By Sharon Fenner The convention souvenir for the 20th year of the NFGS is special to our club in many ways.  First, it is our club emblem, the 5197 Happiness Bird.  Second, it is decorated with the NFGS exclusive "Patches" design.  This is the ninth Burmese "Patches" animal offered to NFGS members.  Check the patches on the back of the bird!

Convention raffle features great OOAKs .......................................By Doug McIntosh  The raffle for the NFGS 20th anniversary convention features three outstanding one-of-a-kind pieces.  First prize - Ruby cased 12 inch vase with a swirl design, created by Mastercraftsman Dave Fetty.  This vase makes a statement!! Second prize - Key Lime Happiness Bird on the font, decorated by Robin Spindler.  Our feathered friend is highlighted with gold and delicate flowers.  A true One-Of-A-Kind!!  Third prize - Emerald Green Stretch glass whimsy basket with a lily crimp and twisted handle.  It is an awesome example of Fenton hot-metal artisrty!! Raffle tickets are $10 each, or three for $20.  The raffle is open to all NFGS members.  You need not be present to win.

Comfort Inn - Improvements in all areas The pictures below reveal the improvements that have been made since the 2009 convention.  First, the lobby has been beautifully updated, including the computer stations.  A laundry area for guests has been added on the first floor.  The hallways are looking great.  The guest rooms each have a cabinet which houses a refridgerator, microwave and television.  The bathrooms have been renovated as well.  During the 2009 convention we observed improvements regarding the air conditioning in the ballroom.  Plans are being finalized for improvements and additions to the pool area.

The dates for the 2010 NFGS convention are July 31,    August 1, and August 2.  Make your reservations now!

Other lodging facilities in the area: Days Inn, Williamstown - (304) 375-3730 Holiday Inn, Marietta - (740) 374-9660                                                                                                  Lafayette Hotel - (740) 373-5522                                                                                                                 Hampton Inn - (740) 373-5353                                                                                                                         Microtel Inn - (740) 373-7373                                                                                                                         Super 8 - (740) 374-8888                                                                                                                                   Best Western Hotel Microtel Inn - (740) 374-7211                                                                                      Wingate Inn, Vienna - (304) 295-5501 Also: Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Antique Shops Hermann Fine Arts Building - Marietta College - 1 p.m. July 29, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. July 30 & 31 Check the park in Williamstown - no schedule available Williamstown Elementary School - July 28 to Aug. 7 Williamstown Antique Mall Many antique shops in downtown Marietta area - near the NFGS office at 156 Front Street Room sales at the Comfort Inn and possibly other lodging facilities