Message from the Chair

chair Jeanie Crone chair elect TJ Simmons treasurer Theresa Duncan secretary Tom Rushton directors Ron Solomon, Sari Wiaz, Gene Murtha, Azhelle Wade, Brice Elvington, Patrick Holland, Cassidy Smith, Darby Zahradnik, Maryam Al-Hammami, Sandra Malott, Rachel Jones

Magazine

editor Tom Savage assistant editor Briana White graphic artist Maia VanOrman

Editorial Advisory Committee

chair Tom Savage Amanda Gummer, Genius Expert Theresa Duncan, Villa Villekulla Toy Store Tami Murphy, Grand Prix International Lisa Orman, KidStuff PR Kemi Tignor, Little Likes Kids LLC Allison White, Sugar B Sales Phil Wrzesinski, HABA USA

ASTRA Staff

president

Sue Warfield

membership specialist

Jenna Stirling

special projects and events manager

Michael Foldeak

communications and marketing coordinator

Briana White

administrative assistant

Ashlee Cammack

education coordinator

Katie Cooley

Toy Times Magazine is published by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, 312-222-0984, info@astratoy.org, www.astratoy.org. Copyright © 2022 American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. All rights reserved.

Advertisements are accepted. For more information, contact Rick Kauder, Fahy-Williams Publishing, rkauder@fwpi.com, 315-789-0458.

All articles for Toy Times are supplied by ASTRA and its members, with Fahy-Williams assembling the magazine, and managing the advertising sales function.

ASTRA reserves the right to accept, reject, or alter all editorial and advertising material submitted for publication.

Advertising in ASTRA does not imply endorsement of products and services. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are those of the authors, not necessarily of ASTRA or its individual members. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

Join the ASTRA volunteer army!

I’m a big believer in volunteering. Giving my time to worthy causes has always been a part of me. In fact, I began volunteering in my teens. I have found that organizations sincerely appreciate their volunteers, giving unselfishly of their time. When I first became a member of ASTRA, I was more of a taker than a giver, but after seeing how much I got out of being a member, I realized that I had to do more to give back. I began to join committees where I thought I could make a difference with my expertise and time. I found it to be very fulfilling work, and I met new people whose friendships I value. I still serve with many of these people.

There are many ways to volunteer within ASTRA. You can serve on temporary committees, or serve on our permanent committees. Your knowledge and skills will be matched to a committee that fits your expertise.

Some of us have enjoyed our committee work so much that we eventually applied to become board members, making an even stronger commitment to the organization that we love. If selected to be a board member, you will serve a three-year term and will be a part of the major decision-making and direction of the organization.

Calls for new board member applications normally open in December, so watch for that announcement!

ASTRA is your organization. There can be no better cause than giving back to the organization that you belong to, making it better through your participation and valuable knowledge. I hope you will consider joining us in making ASTRA even better by volunteering.

Please contact Sue Warfield or Michael Foldeak at ASTRA if you are interested in a volunteer role.

Jeanie Crone OjO Chair, ASTRA Board of Directors