Last Call!!!

If you're attending the HLCCA Conference in just a few days and would like to be part of a fun photo game, we need your pictures now! This year's kick-off mixer is titled "Dishstock: Three Hours of Peace, Love, and Dishes" and it's a trip back 40 years to all the incredible events of 1969.

Can you contribute a picture of yourself in or around that year? We'll print and post the photos, then everyone can try to match up the images from the past with the people in the present. The 24 photos we've gotten so far are fantastic: we have beehive hairdos and pigtails, hippies and nerds, babies and Brownies, and a mom in a really cool bikini!

Please e-mail your images to Kathy Holley at p-kholley@sbcglobal.net no later than Wednesday, July 1st. Then be sure to check out everyone's photos as part of the fun at the Conference Mixer!

This blast from the past is shaping up to be a totally psychadelic, far-out, groovy happening. Peace, love, and dishes!

Kathy Holley

(As seen above in 1970: the girl most likely to collect dishes someday?)

What a DISH!

...and WHAT will YOU be wearing for the Conference 2009 Saturday Night Vintage Attire Contest? HLC Art Director Judi Noble has created a brand NEW award for this yearly HLCCA contest event.

Everyone registered to attend the annual Saturday Night Award Banquet during Conference 2009 will have a chance at winning this year's outrageous award -- this One-of-a-Kind Lemongrass "What a DISH!" Fiesta Carafe.

Simply dress up in your most glamorous, be-dazzled or outrageous vintage attire for the banquet and the best of show will be chosen by ballot Saturday Night during the banquet. See you at the Conference!!

(Photo credit: Judi Noble & David Schaefer)

Reminder Regarding Cancellation Policy

We hope that everyone who's signed up to attend this year's annual conference can make it, but if something comes up and you need to cancel, here's a reminder of our cancellation policy:

• Cancel on or prior to June 24th for a full refund;
• Cancel from June 25th through June 30th for a 50% refund; and,
• NO REFUNDS for cancellations after June 30th

Happy Father's Day!

Even if Dad sometimes ends up being a "dish widower," make sure to do something special for him today!

NO VACANCY

Apparently, the Embassy Suites is completely booked (although you might still try giving them a call in case they've had a cancellation). However, there are many other reasonably-priced hotels nearby surrounding the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Check with a travel agent or your favorite on-line travel site for alternate accommodations.

HLC's June 2009 Outlet Sale is Coming Soon!

The annual HLC Outlet Sale is scheduled for June 25th though June 27th. Check out the new and improved Factory Outlet website for details. Drive carefully, get a good night's sleep and don't forget your dish-wiping sock!

(Photo credit: HLC website)

LAST DAY for Guaranteed Conference Hotel Room Rate

Today, June 17th, is the LAST DAY for the guaranteed $109/night rate for the Embassy Suites. See last week's post of June 10th for details and contact information.

See you in a few weeks!!

HLCCA Salutes Flag Day

Be sure to show your patriotism correctly and respectfully--check out the American Legion website for proper flag etiquette!

(Photo credit: David Schaefer)

Volunteer Opportunities for HLCCA Conference 2009

Each year's annual conference provides many opportunities for you to volunteer your time and services. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities. If you can help out, please contact Sandra.Bond@hlcca.org.


Thursday – Mixer – July 9, 2009
Registration

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Wendy English
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. - 1 or 2 people
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. - 1 or 2 people


Thursday – Mixer -- July 9, 2009
Help with games (12-14 volunteers needed)

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. - 4 - 5 people
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. - 4 - 5 people
9:00 – 10:00 p.m. - 4 - 5 people


Friday – Hotel Lobby – July 10, 2009
Registration

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. - 1-2 people


Friday - Factory Tour – July 10, 2009
Coordinate Bus Loading

8:00 a.m. – Buses depart for HLC – 2 people, 1 per bus
11:30 a.m. – Buses depart for East Liverpool – 2 people, 1 per bus
2:30 p.m. – Buses depart for hotel – 2 people, 1 per bus

(Checklist will be provided)


Saturday – Show and Sale – July 11, 2009
Registration

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. – 1 or 2 people
8:00 – 9:00 a.m - 1 or 2 people
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – 1 or 2 people
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – 1 or 2 people
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - 1 or 2 people
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - 1 or 2 people
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 1 or 2 people
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – 1 or 2 people

Those staffing this table will also need to collect $5 from non-members attending the Show and Sale. The Show and Sale does not open to non-members until 10:00 a.m.


Saturday – Show and Sale – July 11, 2009
HLCCA Consignment booth

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Merrill Miller/Jeremy Stein
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – 2 people
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – 2 people
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – 2 people
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – 2 people
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – 2 people


Saturday – Show and Sale – July 11, 2009
Security for exhibit set-up

7:00 to 10:00 a.m. – 1 person

At 10:00 a.m. a hired security guard will take over. Before 10:00 a.m., the person on security must make sure no one enters the exhibit room except for those setting up their exhibits.

One Week to Go for HLCCA Hotel Conference Room Rate

Remember, the $109/night rate at the Embassy Suites is only available until June 17th. Be sure to make your hotel reservation soon to get the discounted HLCCA Conference group rate. Book your reservation by calling the hotel directly at (412) 269-9070, by calling Embassy Suites toll-free reservation line at (800) EMBASSY (362-2779) or on-line by clicking here. Be sure to mention that you are with the "Homer Laughlin China" group to get the conference rate.

See you next month!

East Liverpool High School Alumni Association Pottery Auction

For those of you who can make it to East Liverpool, OH or place absentee bids, the annual ELHSAA pottery auction will be held on Sunday, June 28th.

The Summer 2009 issue of The Dish includes photos of the auction exclusives produced this year by HLC and Hall Pottery.  Only 12 (rather than 24) of each exclusive piece will be produced this year.  HLC's contribution will be the retired Fiesta coffee pot in Chocolate.

Click here for the ELHSAA website for more information.

(Photo credit: HLC & David Schaefer)

Don't Forget about the Saturday Night Conference Exclusive Auction

Keep your paddle-flipping wrist in shape for the auction after Saturday night's HLCCA banquet. The Board has some fabulous surprises in store for you--and all the proceeds go to HLCCA!

On-Line Registration Still Available

HLCCA members can still register on-line for $170.00. So far, we have 114 on-line registrations--this could be a record year! Also, remember to sign up for bus transportation to the HLC factory tour and shopping in East Liverpool, OH on Friday, July 10th.

Update on HLCCA Conference 2009 Friday Night Auction

The annual Friday Night Auction--coordinated by Sid & Maryann Cannon--will be held on Friday, July 10th. Click here for the lastest updated on-line catalog for the Friday Night Auction.

See you all in a few weeks - and be sure to warm up your paddle-flipping wrist!