Welcome to the latest issue of the Smurfy News(TM) - a FREE e-mail newsletter published by www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue was sent to 2,613 members on November 14, 2003. Welcome to our new subscribers! (Note: This newsletter is "voluntary double opt-in." Subscribers request, and then confirm their subscriptions - we do not spam! We respect your privacy - we never share your e-mail address!) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Smurfy Good Day to all our readers! We have a packed newsletter for you this issue! The big news is Malteser Smurf - an ALL-NEW PROMO being issued soon! We have reserved a limited quantity for our members, and are accepting preorders. See below for details. We are also pleased to announce that we have completed out markings project - all in-stock PVC Smurfs now include markings info! Our popular Mailbag feature is here, as always. We have news, of a new Holland club, the results of our 2003 Favorites survey, a new article in the Article Archives, an update to our Reproduction Alert, Our Give-a-Way, and more!! So put on your Smurfing caps, and let's be on our way! Smurf On!! -Pete =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? 2) SMURF MAILBAG 3) MALTESER SMURF 4) 2005 SMURF IDEAS 5) 2004 CANADIAN KINDERS 6) SMURFS HAVE RETURNED... 7) ANIMAL CONTROL FIGHTING SMURF INFESTATION 8) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY 9) CLOSING =============================================== =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have been working hard to prepare for the holiday rush - Remember - Smurfs make great gifts for everyone, not just for Smurf collectors! We know the larger pieces such as Gargamel's Castle, the Farmhouse and other pieces are very popular holiday gifts, so we have stocked up on all the buildings - AND REDUCED THEIR PRICES THROUGH THE END OF 2003 - if they last! We have made several major purchases recently - we acquired the unsold Smurf store stock from an old U.S. Hallmark dealer, acquired Schleich inventory that was liquidated after they were forbidden to sell figurines made with the old PVC formulation, and also purchased several advanced collections. Melissa has been working hard at MushroomVillage.com headquarters to sort all of this material by markings. Many pieces are all-new stock, never before offered by MushroomVillage.com! I believe this may be the single largest addition of new and back-in-stock listings we have ever offered, including regular figurines, raws, promos, Smurf-a-Grams, Smurf-a-Grams on postcard backings, music boxes, candy toppers and books! Here's the list: 20001 Papa [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20001 Papa ('Happy Anniversary' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20006 Brainy (red glasses) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20008 Spy [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20009 Drummer [Markings: Hong Kong, stickman logo, no paint dot] 20009 Drummer ('Happy Birthday to You!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: West Germany] 20010 Prisoner [Markings: Hong Kong, stickman logo, no paint dot] 20012 Mechanic (light wrench) [Markings: Hong Kong, stickman logo, no paint dot] 20014 Sunbather (green/black) [Markings: Hong Kong, stickman logo, no paint dot] 20014 Sunbather (black/yellow) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20017 Mirror [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20018 Crying [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20021 Sleepwalker (yellow) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20023 Rock 'n Roll (red) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20023 Rock 'n Roll (orange) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20023 Rock 'n Roll ('Happy Birthday to You!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20024 Watchman [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20025 Swimmer (large mold, red tube) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20026 Sitting [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20028 Gardener (small mold) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20028 Gardener (large mold) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20030 Torchbearer (white shorts) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20033 Clown [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20034 Smurfette [Markings: CE hotstamp, Portugal, red paint dot] 20034 Smurfette (flirting) [Markings: Bully, no paint dot] 20035 Soccer (red/yellow) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20036 Glider Smurf [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot] 20038 Singer (golden yellow sheet) [Markings: Hong Kong, stickman logo, no paint dot] 20040 Gift (raw) [Markings: CE, Germany] 20040 Gift (Schönwald promo Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CA, Germany] 20042 Chef [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20042 Chef ('Thank You!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20043 Digger (large) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20044 Lover ('Good Luck on Your Wedding Day!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20045 Artist [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20046 Emperor (yellow PVC) [Markings: Portugal, no paint dot] 20046 Emperor (yellow crown) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20047 Trumpeter (yellow) [Markings: Stickman logo, West Germany, red paint dot] 20047 Trumpeter (brown) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20049 Tennis Star [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20050 Pointing [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20051 Bowler [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20053 Ice-Lolly (red) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20053 Ice-Lolly (blue) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20054 First Aid (yellow) [Markings: China, Germany, no paint dot] 20054 First Aid (white) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20054 Malteser Smurf [Markings: CE, China, Germany, blue paint dot] 20055 Golfer (black shoes) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20056 Cardplayer (with circle) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20056 Cardplayer ('Good Luck' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20057 Thirsty (thin yellow straw) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20059 Teacher (red) [Markings: west Germany, no paint dot] 20059 Teacher (brown) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20060 Candle [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20060 Candle (You Light Up My Life Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20062 Telephone (thick cradle) [Markings: Germany, no paint dot] 20062 Telephone (thin cradle) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20062 Telephone (raw) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20063 Tailor (thread) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20064 Toothbrush (long toothpaste) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20064 Toothbrush (raw tube) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20068 Football Player [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20073 Cook [Markings: Bully, Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20075 Quack (music box) [Markings: Germany, no paint dot] 20076 Courting [Markings: Bully, Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20076 Courting (Music Box) [Markings: Germany] 20077 Naughty [Markings: Wallace Berrie, West Germany, no paint dot] 20080 Biscuit [Markings: Germany, no paint dot] 20083 Hammer [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20085 Cushion [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20089 Painter [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20090 Jester (gold stars) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20091 Skier [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20092 Conductor [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20094 Bookworm [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20096 Sledgehammer (light hammer) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot] 20097 Injured [Markings: Bully, Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20097 Injured ('Get Well Soon!!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20098 Ballerina [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20100 Cake (red) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20118 Umbrella (raw) [Markings: Germany, no paint dot] 20138 Haymaker (Dad You're Grrreat! Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: Germany] 20157 Grouchy ('I Miss You!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CE, West Germany] 20158 Burger (Musicbox) [Markings: Germany, no paint dot] 20158 Burger ('Have a Yummy Birthday' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CE, West Germany] 20196 Smurfette with Thanksgiving Pie ('The World's Best Mum!!' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CE, West Germany] 20202 Pink Baby with Rattle ('New Baby' Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CE, Germany] 20203 Blue Baby with Rattle (music box) [Markings: Germany] 20411 Azrael [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20412 Bride [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20443 Inline Skater Smurfette (raw) [Markings: CE, Germany] 20482 Smurf with Tenorhorn (Schönwald promo Smurf-a-Gram) [Markings: CE, Germany] 20517 Hippie Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20524 Trendy Smurfette [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] Candy Topper (Smurf Playing Drum) Candy Topper (Smurf Gift) Smurf Collectibles (Book by Lindenberger/Martone) Schlümpfe (Soft covered book by Schleich, out of print) Some pieces are available in very limited quantities, so if you see it mentioned here, but do not find it at the site when you visit, then it is probably no longer available. Do not delay in grabbing anything you need!! Click here for our newest listings: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new1003&bool=AND AOL Click Here! Oh yeah, almost forgot! For those of you who have not purchased Malteser Smurf, you are in luck! We had reported in our last newsletter that we had acquired distribution rights to *50* pieces of the new Malteser Smurf promo. Well, presales for this piece came pouring in and we were able to secure an additional 100 pieces, for a total of 150 Smurfs! However, we now have very few pieces left, and we do not expect to acquire any more when these are gone - take advantage of this opportunity while it still exists! All Malteser Smurfs sold through MushroomVillage.com are accompanied by a glossy 4x6 postcard featuring the figurine with a short history. This is a very nice addition that will enhance its display! I would not be surprised to see these Malteser Smurfs trading at increased premiums in the future! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2) SMURF MAILBAG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "Dear Pete, I recently read an article in the September 2003 Smurfy News ("Are the Smurfs Closet Communists?"). I have some questions about the third paragraph where the writer talks about getting Smurf glasses from Pizza Hut. My research shows that Hardee's was actually the restaurant that sold Smurf Glasses - two sets. One in 1982 consisted of 8 glasses; Gargamel, Papa, Brainy, Jokey, Smurfette, Hefty, Clumsy, and Lazy. Another set of six glasses was issued in 1983; Smurfette, Baker, Grouchy, Harmony, Papa, and Handy Smurf. If anyone has information about Pizza Hut glasses, please share with me. Thank you. -Cheryl Wagoner" PETE REPLIES: Indeed, you are right Cheryl! Thank you for the correction. I have added a notation to this article in our archive so it does not cause further confusion! ----- "I feel like you are working so hard for us, that I have decided I will never buy another mint condition Smurf unless it's from you! Thanks again Pete! -"GiggleWorks," Federal Way Washington" PETE REPLIES: Well thank you! We do not charge our members any fees to join MushroomVillage.com, receive this newsletter, use our e-mail service, bulletin boards, collector checklists, etc. Our activities are funded solely through the Smurf Shop sales, so your pledge is appreciated!! I have always said that if anyone wants to support our activities, they should consider making a purchase. I am very happy you are committed to doing so, and I hope others will follow your lead ;) Here's a link to the Smurf Shop: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-shop.html AOL Click Here! ----- "How is this for a Smurfs collectors dream come true? I was in an antique/vintage/collectors retail store in Melbourne Australia that sells Smurfs. This shop is full of display cabinets that have all types of collectables locked up for people to choose items from. There was one cabinet full of Smurfs all priced according to rarity, the prices were what you would expect to pay for retail and therefore I decided they were too expensive and would be better off buying them directly through Smurf sites or eBay. I continued walking around the shop and discovered another cabinet with only 5 Smurfs in it, stuffed in it amongst a whole lot of other toys. Amongst the five Smurfs was the Aussie Rules VFL Smurf variation of the Aussie rules Smurf for only $8. The same Smurf was in the other cabinet in the same shop for $75 - a $67 dollar difference!!! For some reason this shop had not noticed it. I quickly got a shop attendant to unlock cabinet number two and purchased the $8 golden find - it was a great day in Smurf collecting history!! - Stephen Harris Melbourne, Australia" PETE REPLIES: Score! It's always schweet when you find an undervalued treasure and scoop it up - it pays to become familiar with the valuable variations and markings, you never know where you'll stumble across one! Thanks for sharing your story, and continued good luck in your collecting! ----- "I'm so Smurfy about this site! My sister and I have been collecting all things Smurfy! From bed sheets to a kiddies swimming pool! But the Smurf magnets, nope we haven't come across any of them yet! I'd love to win or get a set for my sister (and of course myself)!! I know she would totally freak if I were to get her a set for Christmas! Winning a set would be totally cool, but can I buy them? Pete "PLEASE," Smurfy please, could you let me know!! Thanks so very much! - Michele Collins/Inglehart, Grimsby, Ontario Canada" PETE REPLIES: We have decided to discontinue our magnet freebies, because we have too many problems producing them, so we won't have any for sale, or even for free pretty soon. However, we'll be sending a set out to you, just because we want to encourage you and your sister to keep up the hunt! Enjoy Smurf collecting, Smurf on! ----- "Another great job on the newsletter!  It's wonderful how you keep the Smurf collectors connected. As for 2004 Smurf ideas, there was a thread you started a while back. Will you submit any of those ideas?  I'd love it if something I recommended was created. - Andrew Somer, Baldwin, New York" PETE REPLIES: Oops, in the last newsletter I said I was beginning to collect ideas for 2004, when I meant to say 2005! The deadline for 2004 ideas was March 31, 2003, and yes, I did submit all of the ideas members submitted to me. Schleich is very secretive about the new Smurfs, so I will not even say which ideas they liked, but if any of member ideas are made into figurines, I am sure we'll hear about it :) More on this below... ----- I am 62 years old and have been collecting Smurfs the last 15 years, after my daughter left home and didn't want her Smurfs.  I Love Smurfs! - Gail Hillen, Key Largo, Florida PETE REPLIES: Quite a few of our members came into their collections because they inherited it from a child or grandchild that "outgrew" them - and oftentimes they are the ones who funded the collection in the first place! I'm glad you enjoy the hobby; it is enjoyed by people of all ages! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3) MALTESER SMURF =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In our last newsletter we reported that "3,000 of the 5,000 Smurfs will be distributed through the 600 Malteser departments - given to children in ambulances, for example. The remaining 3,000 are being sold through a distributor of official Malteser model cars." Thanks to several alert readers who found that math just doesn't add up! The distributor of official Malteser model cars is selling only *2,000* of these pieces to collectors. We apologize for the error. The good news, as mentioned above, is that we were able to acquire an additional 100 pieces for distribution! Very few are left, so if you need this Smurf, your final chance to get it may be slipping away. Check here for availability: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/malteser.html AOL Click Here! We have also added Malteser Smurf to our "Featured Figurines" page! Check it out by following this link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-featured.html#malteser AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4) 2005 SMURF IDEAS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In the last Smurfy News, I stated I was beginning to collect ideas for the 2004 Smurfs. I am sorry if I confused anyone with this typo, I meant to say I have begun collecting ideas for the *2005* Smurfs!) Of course, as reported earlier, ideas for 2004 needed to be in by March 31, 2003 and I did submit them on that date. Many of the ideas will not be possible because of licensing issues (sports teams, superheroes, movie stars, etc.) - I'm sure it's hard enough just dealing with the one licensing company (I.M.P.S.) to use the Smurfs' likeness. There did seem to be many people interested in Smurfs representing different cultures around the world, and I personally liked the idea of a Smurf-Collecting Smurf, or the simpler "old-style" theme ideas like a Smurf birthday party, or a Smurf picnic. Will any of our ideas be made into figurines? We will have to wait and see! But not *too* long! As a matter of fact, we have been told the 2004 Smurfs have been selected and Schleich is working on them right now so that they will be able to start shipping them by January, 2004! That's right, there is no "official" release date yet, but from now on, Schleich plans to ship the new Smurfs for each year in January! The number and identities of the new pieces have not been released - We have been told an announcement may come mid-November. "Will there will be super-Smurfs or other pieces?" We asked Schleich. "Yes," they said "We do know - BUT WE WILL NOT TELL YOU YET!" Oh, they drive me crazy! I can't wait! Well, we'll keep asking, and of course, we will report on the new 2004 Smurfs just as soon as we have information for our members! In the meantime, we continue to collect suggestions for new Smurfs. These will be submitted to Schleich for their consideration early next year. We will need to submit ideas for 2005 Smurfs before you know it! Please hit reply now if you want *your* idea submitted to Schleich! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5) 2004 CANADIAN KINDERS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I received an exciting report recently that the Canadian 2004 Kinder set would include a series of Smurf figurines: "I Just thought I would share some exciting Smurf news with you: Kinder Surprise Canada is again distributing a new series of Smurf figures in the 2004 Kinder Surprise eggs! I plan on eating many a Kinder Surprise egg in an effort to collect the complete set of Smurfs! -Naomi H. (British Columbia, Canada)" I was hoping these Kinders would be all-new, however, according to Jean-Pierre Comtois (an advanced French Canadian Kinder collector), other than different paper inserts and slight variations on some of the stickers, the Canadian Smurfs are identical to the 2001 Italian set. Several MushroomVillage.com members have acquired cases of the 2004 Canadian Kinder eggs (they are being distributed now) and this has been confirmed. I am told that it is normal for Canada (as well as Australia, and perhaps other countries) to be a year or two behind the European Kinders. This latest Kinder set actually uses the exact same mold as the 1996 set of garden/music Kinder Smurfs, however, new accessories have been created to create a new theme - the 2001 Smurfs are all participating in various sports and leisure activities, such as skateboarding, archery, fishing, gymnastics and tennis. When conducting my research, Jim MacKenzie of www.kinder-eggs.com shared this excerpt from an article that appeared in the June 24, 2002 issue of the Wall Street Journal; "...While the FDA can seize Kinders, regulations allow FDA personnel to "use their discretion and allow entry of shipments when the quantity and purpose are clearly for personal use." The FDA doesn't spend valuable resources pursuing "little Grandma" said FDA spokesperson Ruth Welch." As many of us know, technically it is illegal to sell Kinder Eggs in the US, as it is illegal to market any confection in the US containing a non-nutritive component. However, FDA has gone on the record stating that they will not go after small shipments of product into the US! If you'd like to try Kinder eggs, give Jim's site a visit and he will send you one or more cases of eggs! Jim sent me a complementary box of Kinder eggs, and I must report that I was tickled pink with them! Smurfs are the premium prize, most eggs do not contain a Smurf, but they all contained tiny toys I found simply amazing! Each is disassembled inside the egg, but putting it together is a cinch (and half the fun) and the finished product is almost always larger than the egg it was packed in - how impressive! I urge everyone to Visit Jim's site and give them a try! I promise, you will enjoy the experience, and if you have a kid handy, let them play too! My nephews absolutely adored the concept, and *loved* all the toys! What a unique holiday gift! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6) SMURFS HAVE RETURNED... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ...from the '80s to retail shelves near you >From USA Today 10/8/03 Life section By Christine Rook, Lansing State Journal "Regardless of whether you collected Smurf figurines in the '80s or the sight of them made your teeth hurt, they are back with the same cloying grins and a new hipster appeal. For 2003, there's Techno Smurf, Hip Hop Smurf, video-game-playing Smurf and Smurf with a laptop. Oh, it's a Smurfy day in retail-land. The Smurfs, icons of '80s kids, are making a comeback, but with 2003 styling. The reincarnation was inevitable. Marketers have burped up happy retreads of Strawberry Shortcake and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So it's not surprising that the Smurf play figures - credited with launching the '80s cartoon series - have awoke from hibernation to peer from their teensy mushroom houses and demand a market share... For the rest of this article, please visit our Archives: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article032.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER SITES! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you have enjoyed the quality service you receive from MushroomVillage.com, please consider visiting our other sites: www.MegaGlass.com - We have added beach glass to our line of decorative glass accents! For floral arrangements, aquariums, mosaics, landscaping, arts/crafts, design/decor - the possibilities are endless! www.LandOfMarbles.com - Marbles make great stocking stuffers - nostalgic for Grandma & Grandpa, & kids love 'em too! Selling everyday playing marbles to high-end collectible & contemporary art glass marbles. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 7) ANIMAL CONTROL FIGHTING SMURF INFESTATION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Discovered at TheToque.net, Canada's source for humor and satire, July 2003 DENVER, CO -- The Animal Control Office is having a particularly difficult time this year with Smurfs in the mile-high city. Harsh conditions in the Fall have forced the normally reclusive creatures into town where they comb parks, and residents' garbage, looking for mushrooms and other sources of food. "These blue critters will wander in looking for food, but many end up on the side of the road," said Animal Control Officer Geoff Sturgess. "They get hit by SUV's, trucks or other vehicles. They just don't have any comprehension of how dangerous the road is." State highway crews have no reports of numbers, but Smurf road kills are frequent. Estimates are hard to obtain as people will often peel the lifeless Smurf corpses off of the roads and highways, and sell them to collectors who have them stuffed, and resell them on eBay. For the rest of this article, please visit our Archives: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article033.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 8) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Congratulations Denise Houk of Rolling Prairie, Indiana! You won a 40602 Smurfette's Bedroom play set! Congratulations Christa-Blaise Hollack of Lakewood, Ohio! You have won the vintage Gargamel's Castle Pop-Up Playset by Wallace Berrie, Mint in the Box! I want to point out that of the 2,581 members who received our last newsletter, only 69 submitted entries for the Give-a-Way! With 2 prizes awarded, that made the odds of winning 1 in 34.5! Compared to many other contests, those are fantastic odds! "You gotta be in it to win it!" We have THREE prizes to give away this issue!! First is another Mint-in-box Gargamel's Castle Pop-Up Playset by Wallace Berrie! This is unsold store stock, never opened or played with. It was never sold because the box was damaged and it was deemed unsellable. The tear is not even noticeable when viewing the box from the front or back, it is just a minor tear on the edge of the box. Second is a Mint 20005 Gold Smurf, valued at $22! Whoever painted him was pretty sloppy, he has stray gold paint marks on his mouth and ear! Still a very desirable Smurf! Our Third prize is so cute! It is a pair of vintage Harmony earrings! Harmony is marching along wearing a bright red shirt and tooting a song on his trumpet. Gold-tone metal and ceramic earrings. when you enter, be sure to let me know if you want the play-set, the gold Smurf, or the earrings! Enter the drawing by completing our secret entry form - only Smurfy News subscribers are given this link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/contestform.html AOL Click Here THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SMURFY NEWS!! =-=-=-=-=-= 9) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= This closes another issue of the Smurfy News brought to you by www.MushroomVillage.com! We hope you continue to enjoy your free subscription and the various resources available to you FREE as a member of MushroomVillage.com :) Remember, MushroomVillage.com does not charge any fees for our newsletters, bulletin boards, e-mail, collector checklists, online ID & Price guide, and our other free collector resources! We are funded *solely* by sales of Smurfabilia from our Smurf Shop. If you use and enjoy our tools and resources, please consider contributing to our activities by making a purchase for yourself, or a loved one! If you are a Smurf collector, let a loved one know what they can get you from MushroomVillage.com to make your holidays a little Smurfier! And please do not overlook the possibility of buying someone you love some Smurfs! They make great gifts, even for non-collectors! Kids and adults love them!! I'll leave you with a link to our Smurf Shop. Until next time, SMURF ON!!! http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-shop.html AOL Click Here! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FORWARD, SEARCH, SUBSCRIBE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or associates. Thank you so much! You may search for Smurfabilia in our database, the largest resource of its kind on the Internet! Please visit our ID Guide page: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-idguide.html AOL Click Here! To subscribe, unsubscribe, or edit your profile, please visit www.MushroomVillage.com and enter you e-mail address in the Smurfy News subscription form, or use the link at the very bottom of this e-mail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=- 'SMALL PRINT' =-=-=-=-=-=-=- The "Smurfy News" is a FREE e-mail newsletter published periodically by your friends at www.MushroomVillage.com - joining or leaving the list is voluntary, we do not spam and we never sell, rent, share or distribute your contact information in any way! www.MushroomVillage.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of their retired line and other Smurfabilia. If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts! SHARING IS CARING!! We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! Please submit information, news, articles, stories and anything Smurf-related to www.MushroomVillage.com - just hit reply now, or use the "Contact Us" link at the site. Submissions become the property of MushroomVillage.com. They may be edited and republished in all media. The Smurf character is a registered trademark of Studio Peyo - License I.M.P.S. MushroomVillage.com is a collector resource and retail Smurf shop only, it is not affiliated with I.M.P.S. or Studio Peyo. For information on licensing the Smurfs name and/or character, contact I.M.P.S. at rue du Cerf 85, Genval 1332, Belgium The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MushroomVillage.com. MushroomVillage.com makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents or information provided by the sponsors or by the writers. Use info contained herein at your own risk. (C) 2003 MushroomVillage.com All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or host our materials on your website without our explicit written permission.