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 2,609 members on April 12, 2004. 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!)
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
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I am very unhappy to have to announce such un-Smurfy news - Suzanne Lipschitz (founder of the Smurf Collectors Club Intl.) has recently passed away. Upon learning of this bad news, I posted a notice to the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board which I echo in the newsletter below. If you did not know Suzanne, please take a moment to learn about her - she did more for Smurf collectors than you may ever realize!
Knowing that Suzanne would want us to continue enjoying the hobby as she did, a full newsletter follows. We have new listing, new promos, new reader mail, the results of our 2005 new Smurf ideas submitted to Schleich, a new Give-a-Way, and more!
So it's that time once again! Settle in for a good, long read - this is the longest Smurfy News ever published!!! And Suzanne, this one's for you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunities you gave me, and all the caring support you provided. I will never forget you.
-Pete
MushroomVillage.com
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CONTENTS
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1) GOODBYE SUZANNE LIPSCHITZ
2) WHAT'S NEW?
3) NEW MALTESER PROMOS
4) SCHOENWALD PROMOS
5) SMURF MAILBAG
6) 2005 SMURF IDEAS
7) SMURF MOVIE RUMORS
8) NEW EXHIBIT IN MUSEUM!
9) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY
10) CLOSING
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1) GOODBYE SUZANNE LIPSCHITZ
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April 8, 2004 I received a terrible phone call - my good friend Suzanne Lipschitz, founder of the Smurf Collectors Club Intl., passed away April 7 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Many of you knew Suzanne, or knew of her - the rest of you should know just what Suzanne did for this hobby you enjoy so much.
Suzanne was one of those collectors who was bit by the bug after building a collection for her child. Her quest to build her son's collection and identify variations during the early 80's led to numerous friendships that came together under the banner of the SCCI in the mid 1980's. For 15 years she shared her passion with thousands of members around the world, documenting and providing information about the little details that may seem trivial to others, but make Smurf collecting so enjoyable for all of us today - musters, raws, promos, markings, color and mold variations, you name it - finally throwing in the towel after 15 years of uninterrupted publication of the quarterly SCCI newsletters. These newsletters comprise the most complete and valued accounting of Smurf happenings during this period. Without her work, there would be an enormous gap in Smurf knowledge today - and the hobby simply would not exist as it does.
When I decided to take my wife's collection to a new level, I approached Suzanne to propose a "you-scratch-my-back, I'll-scratch yours" deal to advertise one another's Smurfy enterprises. She invited me over and, after much guidance, MushroomVillage.com was born (it was known as eSmurfs.com back then, before IMPS got involved - she warned me about them!)
Suzanne expressed to me a desire to pass on the torch, so that she could spend more time with her family - but at the same time her fierce devotion to her Smurf family was amply evident - she made me promise, again and again, that I would take care of her members - that I would be courteous, prompt, factual, and offer nothing but the finest quality to her members, who were apparently very important to her. She did not take this lightly - not just anyone would do, and I spent months convincing her that my heart was in the right place, and that I would do right by her members. Finally Suzanne gave me her blessing and referred her membership to me in her final newsletter.
She minced no words when it came to making sure I delivered on my promise! She was always in the wings, watching everything I did, providing priceless feedback and advice, making sure I dotted every "i" and crossed every "t."
As we lose Suzanne, so we lose one of the most impressive walking Smurf encyclopedia's this world has ever known. I regret deeply that she has been taken from us, especially now, as we are surely on the cusp of the Smurf revival we have waited so many years for. How she would have reveled in their return! Perhaps she and Peyo can now witness this spectacle together!
On this very sad note I want to assure all of you that I hold my promise to Suzanne as firmly as ever, and let you know I am now acting as steward of the entire SCCI collection. Suzanne worried about me making this public, as she feared it might be interpreted as her "pulling out" of the hobby. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. If Suzanne had anything to say about it, I know she would be serving us still, but alas, we cannot control everything in this world. Situations dictated that Suzanne pass her torch and I am honored to have been chosen as her successor.
Suzanne has put into my hands the entirety of the SCCI holdings - this includes every piece of Smurfabilia owned by the SCCI, the SCCI archives, originals and raw materials for all of the SCCI publications and newsletters, SCCI contacts and suppliers, the complete member list - everything.
Indeed, the Smurf room I have been working on for so long was designed around these materials - so that I could properly preserve, display and have easy access to all her resources as I continue to serve all of you. How bad do I feel that I was not able to complete it early enough to share with her? I wanted her to see how serious I was about preserving all she has done for us. Well, regret will get me no where.
Please everyone, I ask you to spend a moment today remembering Suzanne. If you did not know her, please understand how important she was to this hobby you enjoy. It is no understatement to say that she, more than any other, is responsible for the state of the hobby as it is today. So much of the information we "experts" share really comes from her mouth - she laid the foundation much of the hobby is built on today. I am told very often that I do so much for the hobby. Well let me tell you something, I sat on the shoulders of a giant.
Suzanne, thank you so much for all you did for me. You were the best mentor a Smurf could ever ask for. I will miss you dearly. Say "hi" to Peyo for me :)
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Suzanne's viewing was held at the Massapequa Funeral Home in NY, in her hometown and SCCI headquarters for 15 years. I very regrettably was unable to attend (dang day job, just gets in the way of everything) but I arranged for a floral display to be delivered to the funeral home reading "From Peter & all your Smurfy Friends at MushroomVillage.com - The world is a Smurfier place because of you, we will miss you dearly."
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2) WHAT'S NEW?
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Well, I am sure Suzanne would want us to dwell on happier thoughts, so let me get on with Smurfy business!
What's new? PROMOS! That's what's new!! There have been several promos announced since our last issue, and we are accepting preorders for all of them right now!! Click here to preorder any or all of the FOUR new German Aid Organization promos:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-malteser.html
AOL Click Here!
Click here to preorder the latest Schoenwald Resort promo Smurf-a-Gram:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-schoenwald.html
AOL Click Here!
We have also started a new project at MushroomVillage.com - expanding our catalog of Smurf PVC's to include mold/color variations with different markings! Most Smurf molds can be found in a variety of many different markings. Advancing collectors pay more and more attention to these markings - in recognition of that fact; we began adding markings to all our new listings quite a while ago, but stuck with just one marking for each color/mold variation in our catalog. This is not to say that is all we have for sale - we have thousands upon thousands of other Smurfs not offered for sale because their markings did not match the site's listing. We are now going through this excess inventory and adding it to the site! Here is a list of recently added markings:
20101 Angler (1 piece mold) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20102 Archer (1 piece mold, horizontal bow) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20102 Archer (1 piece mold, horizontal bow) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20103 Pupil [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot]
20104 Pirate [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20106 Hunter [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20106 Hunter [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20108 Sauna (brown) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20109 Knight [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20112 Carpenter [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20112 Carpenter [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20112 Carpenter [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot]
20114 Magician (black hat) [Markings: CE Hotstamp, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20114 Magician (black hat) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20116 Alchemist (mint green) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20117 Cornucopia [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20117 Cornucopia [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20117 Cornucopia [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20118 Umbrella (orange, yellow stem) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20118 Umbrella (orange, yellow stem) [Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot]
20120 Frogman [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20121 Ice Skater [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20122 Cowboy (white rope) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20122 Cowboy (brown rope) [Markings: Portugal, red paint dot]
20122 Cowboy (brown rope) [Markings: CE, Portugal, no paint dot]
20123 Policeman (white) [Markings: Portugal, no paint dot]
20123 Policeman (white) [Markings: Portugal, red paint dot]
20124 Santa (yellow horn) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot]
20124 Santa (yellow horn) [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot]
20126 Roller-skate [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20129 Baseball Batter (brown bat, with "3") [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20130 Graduation (glossy purple) [Markings: Portugal, red paint dot]
20131 French Fries (yellow) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20131 French Fries (yellow) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20133 Field Hockey (white injected) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20134 Judo [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20134 Judo [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot]
20134 Judo [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20135 Tennis Smurfette [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20135 Tennis Smurfette [Markings: Portugal, no paint dot]
20138 Haymaker (Brown) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20141 Captain [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20141 Captain [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20142 Mermaid (green) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20143 CB-operator (black antenna) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20144 Indian (black feathers) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20144 Indian (black feathers) [Markings: West Germany, green paint dot]
20145 Farmer [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20145 Farmer [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot]
20146 Baseball Catcher (white) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20148 Bricklayer (blue overalls) [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20148 Bricklayer [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20160 Apple (dark green) [Markings: CE, no paint dot]
20161 Clumsy [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20190 Smurfette With Ice Cream (version 1) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20402 Slouchy [Markings: Applause, CE, China, no paint dot]
20514 Smurf with Egg (red bow) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, blue paint dot]
51903 Papa with toy sack [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
51903 Papa with toy sack [Markings: Portugal, no paint dot]
The new 2004 Soccer Smurfs are now available individually:
20525 Goalkeeper Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20526 Benchwarmer Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20527 Playmaker Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20528 Goal-getter Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20529 Trainer Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20530 Fan Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20531 Fan Smurfette [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20532 President Smurf [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
We also have a few of the very popular candy toppers from BIP in the Netherlands:
Baby with Blocks
Smurf Tied to Rocket
Smurf on a Tricycle
Smurf & Smurfette in a silver plane
Smurf in a Row Boat
Tourist Smurf
Smurfs dancing around a Christmas Tree
You can view all of these newly added listings by clicking this link:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new0304&bool=AND
AOL Click Here!
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3) NEW MALTESER PROMOS
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Many of you are familiar with 20054 Malteser Smurf that was produced last year by Peter Neubauer, an avid volunteer for the Malteser Hilfsdienst (Maltese Aid Service). This promo was such a successful fund raiser for Peter that he decided to produce more promo Smurfs to raise money for his charity!
This time, Peter got permission from 2 other charities to produce promo Smurfs bearing their logos. Each charity receives half of the Smurfs produced with their logos, and they are given away to bring smiles to those in need of some Smurfing up, such as children in ambulances. The rest of the Smurfs are sold at a premium to pay for the project, and to raise funds for Malteser Hilfsdienst.
Since these promos were produced by a "regular person," we were treated to some insights into the promo process, compliments of Peter. Thank you Peter for sharing the story behind these Smurfs!!
Peter began by taking regular figurines and gluing small paper logos to the Smurfs where he wanted custom printing to appear on the finished Smurfs. These prototypes were submitted to IMPS, which used digital imaging software to create "virtual prototypes." These were digital images of the Smurf molds to be used; with digital text emulating Peter's desired logo imprints, and custom-colored according to Peter's specifications. These digital prototypes were then sent to Schleich, who produced the actual prototypes and sent them to IMPS for Peter's approval.
Upon Peter's OK, the production was ready to begin!!
The new promos honor the German helping organizations Malteser Hilfsdienst, Malteser Jugend (Malteser Youth), Johanniter Unfallhilfe (Johanniter Accident Assistance) and Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross). Through special arrangement, MushroomVillage.com has acquired a number of these pieces for distribution to our members, and preorders are being taken right now! If you would like to claim these special pieces for yourself, please visit this link now and reserve your pieces! We cannot guarantee adequate availability for regular sales in the future - early bird catches the worm!! Here's the link:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-malteser.html
AOL Click Here!
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4) SCHOENWALD PROMOS
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BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!!!
Coming soon to MushroomVillage.com - #3 in the second series of Schoenwald promos! Our order has been placed and we are accepting reservations for your piece right now!
The Schoenwald Resort is well-known in Germany for its year-round outdoor tourism activities - skiing and snowboarding in the winter, nature walks, hiking and more in the summer! The latest in series 2 is in recognition of the great hiking to be found in this region!
Several years ago, an I.M.P.S. official stayed in the spa at Schoenwald where he met the tour manager and agreed to a special deal - Schoenwald would purchase 5,000 blank Smurf-a-Gram bases from Schleich and produce their own promos by gluing regular figurines to them and affixing a custom sticker! These are unusual promos for several reasons:
- Schleich's "usual" deal for promo Smurfs is a minimum of 5,000 pieces. Schoenwald officials purchased 5,000 blank bases, but has varied the figurine used, so each promo is actually produced in numbers far fewer than most other promos.
- The great majority of Smurf promos have been regular figurines with custom imprints. The Schoenwald promos are rarer examples of Promo Smurf-a-Grams.
- All other promo Smurf-a-Grams are marked by custom imprinting on the base. The Schoenwald series is the only one where a sticker is used on an otherwise blank base.
- These are not distributed widely - they are to be sold only through the Schoenwald gift shops - and through MushroomVillage.com for our members by special arrangement!
To date, 12 Schoenwald promos have been produced:
Series 1 (White tree on label)
1) 20176 Good Luck - 180 pieces, September 1998
2) 20452 Snowboarder - 250 pieces, November, 1998
3) 20453 Snowboarder Smurfette - 250 pieces, November 1998
4) 20459 Nameplate - 800 pieces, April 1999
5) 20455 Tourist - 400 pieces, July 1999
6) 20124 Santa - 500 pieces, December 1999
7) 20460 Golf - 400 pieces, July 2000
8) 20467 Chimney Sweep - 400 pieces, December 2000
9) 20118 Umbrella - 500 pieces, July 2001
10) 20469 Bouquet - 500 pieces, February 2002
Series 2 (Green tree on label)
1) 20482 Tenor Horn - 800 pieces, July 2002
2) 20040 Gift - 800 pieces, December 2002
And now, #3 - 20473 Hiker, 600 pieces, March 2004
We are acquiring a very limited number of pieces of this promo, and do not expect them to last. We do not recommend waiting for these pieces to arrive before buying them as we cannot guarantee there will be enough pieces available to match demand, but we can promise that a piece will be reserved just for you IF you preorder through this link:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-schoenwald.html
AOL Click Here!
WE CAN ONLY GUARANTEE PIECES TO THOSE WHO ORDER THROUGH THIS LINK WHILE IT IS AVAILABLE! IF THE PAGE IS GONE WHEN YOU VISIT, THAT MEANS ALL OUR PIECES HAVE BEEN RESERVED! DO NOT DELAY, PREORDER TODAY!
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5) SMURF MAILBAG
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"I had replied to an article in the Smurfy News that was talking about people who have vanity plates with Smurfy things on them. My reply was redirected here. Anyway, here I smurf...My vanity plates have "Smurf2" on them! I've gotten many varied reactions, mostly Smurfy giggling and pointing. The only drawback is that the plates get "run" by local police quite often because they don't look real! I was wondering if any of my fellow collectors has a license plate on their car with the Smurfy name like I do? Smurfy Day! -Elizabeth Murphy, Billerica Massachusetts"
PETE REPLIES: Sorry about the bounced e-mail, I had the reply address set up incorrectly for this newsletter, and people's replies were getting bounced. It's fixed now!! Neat license plate! I guess someone else already had Smurf, and Smurf1 - Smurf fans are out there!!! Does anyone else have a Smurfy license plate?
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"I have been collecting Smurfs for over 20 years. I feel terrible, however, because my six-year-old daughter would like to have access to them, and I won't allow her. Perhaps, one day I will "grow up" and share. Unfortunately, today is NOT that day!!! (SMILE) -Robyn Murphy, Dallas, TX"
PETE REPLIES: I know many collectors have children and grandchildren who want to handle their Smurfs. One member keeps a pair of cotton gloves for each grandchild, and the kids know they must wear their gloves if they are going to look. Other collectors keep their rubbed Smurfs just so the kids have something they can touch and play with while the more precious pieces remain protected. I hope this gives you an idea or two! Remember, we want new generations to enjoy Smurfs, or the hobby could die out - so share your passion with others!!
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"I collect quite a few things, many from the 80's era, and one of the joys of collecting Smurfs is that there continues to be new products annually (or hidden gems of the past that I come across). No matter how old the Smurfs, the collection is always kept fresh. Thanks for reporting in your newsletter and showcasing in your website the past, present and future of these little blue guys (and 2 gals). -Zack Makrydakis, Kitchener, Ontario Canada"
PETE REPLIES: You must be having a ball right now, the 80's are *very* hot! I'm thankful we have the Internet these days - here in the U.S. during the 80's it was Smurfmania! Now-a-days, you have to look overseas for most new products, but I hope that will be changing soon with the new movie, etc. See our update below for movie rumor reports, and thanks for your nice comments!! Keep enjoying those Smurfs!
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"I've been collecting Smurfs since my son (he's 26) was small. We still have most of his originals and add to our collection every chance we get. We love them all, even the ones whose hands have been eaten off. -Valerie deBoer Portland, Oregon"
PETE REPLIES: Yikes! I hope you have a dog, and not a very son who enjoyed the taste of PVC, lol!
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"Collecting smurfs as an adult is much harder than as a child. As a kid, I didn't have much money, but I didn't have anything else to buy, so I could easily spend it all on smurfs. Now, I have to exercise a great deal of self restraint to keep from spending my mortgage payment on Smurfs! -Susan Conder, Raleigh, North Carolina
PETE REPLIES: Life doesn't get any easier, does it? Smurfs, house, Smurfs, house....hmmmm...I agree that is a tough decision!! Hey! Maybe you could build a house out of Smurfs? Problem solved!
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"I love the smurfs so much, I went out a got a tattoo of Jokey smurf on my ankle. -Lawris Ellefson, Edmonton Alberta, Canada"
PETE REPLIES: I have gotten quite a few reports of Smurf tattoos now! I guess it is a pretty popular character to use!!
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"Thanks for the great website. I belonged when Suzanne did the newsletter but somehow missed you were doing the web site I only thought you were providing us with the latest smurfs available. I'm so glad I decided to order on line instead of returning your postcard. -Yvette Wilde, Etiwanda, CA"
PETE REPLIES: Thank you Yvette! As you know, Suzanne announced in the Spring 2001 issue of the Smurf Collectors Club International newsletter that she was bringing the SCCI to a close. She wrote "You will be relieved to know that we have made arrangements, with a fellow collector (that's me!), that will allow former S.C.C.I. members to continue purchasing the latest Smurf products with ease. We have his promise that the excellent relationship we have had with you all, over the past 15 years, will be maintained on the highest level. You can expect prompt shipments, courtesy and the finest quality merchandise. As an added convenience, for those who wish to purchase on-line, they can also be found on the Internet."
As you have found out, we offer a lot more online than we do through our periodic snail-mailings to ex-SCCI members! However, some ex-SCCI members do not use computers, and we still maintain contact with quite a few of them through the regular mail. We do not charge an annual membership fee as the SCCI once did, and so we cannot afford to send our mailings to people who do not order from them. If we do not get any orders from a member by snail mail, we drop them from our mailing list.
If anyone would like to get on our snail mail list for one year, please send $1 ($3 for an International member) to:
MushroomVillage.com
3528 204th St.
Bayside, NY 11361-1232
USA
If you join the mailing list, you will receive our snail mailings, which are offers to buy new Smurfabilia that becomes available. It is really for those with no computer, as anything offered by mail is already offered at the site. But if anyone knows a Smurf collecting friend without a computer, please pass on our address so they can get on the mailing list!
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"Just a comment on "Communist" Smurfs. I lived last year in Russia and none of my friends had ever heard of the Smurfs. The same is true in China. So it seems to me if the smurfs were created as propaganda, they were probably meant to encourage socialist values, rather than promote a Communist village. -Areli Herring, Rock Hill, South Carolina"
PETE REPLIES: The origin of this idea has always intrigued me. After much research, It seems that this theory arose independently at least two times, and seems to have achieved "Urban legend" status. Many people have heard this "somewhere," but don't quite know exactly where. I guess it's just not that far of a stretch from the cartoon; parallels are easy to find and shoehorn into the "theory." I consider this idea (although I do not believe it) to be part of the "Smurf story," and so I have several related articles archived at the site. Here is a recently added "Smurfs Are Communists!" article:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article035.html
AOL Click Here!
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"So enjoy buying smurfs from you & service is super & I always know when I buy from you it will be in mint condition. It has always been a pleasure & I enjoy the newsletter. Know all of you work much more than we know to do such a beautiful job with this site. -Erma Jo Thomas, Iowa City, Iowa"
Erma, it's always a pleasure to receive feedback from you - I know you take your Smurfing very seriously! Readers, you can see Erma and some of her extensive collection in Schiffer's book "MORE Smurf Collectibles" by Jan Lindenburger - Jan used Erma's collection to illustrate the book!!
yes, I sell this guide and many more at MushroomVillage.com. Try this link for our Smurf guides:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&keywords=softcover&go=GO%21&maxhits=20
AOL Click Here!
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6) 2005 SMURF IDEAS
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Thank you members, one and all, for sharing your ideas for the new 2005 Smurfs!! As reported in a previous issue, Schleich is again taking a look at our ideas, and boy did we have ideas!!
Once again, Schleich plans to issue the new Smurfs as a themed set. As such, I requested that your ideas be consistent with their wishes - rather than soliciting random ideas for new Smurf figurines, I asked members to submit ideas for a theme, along with a few specific ideas that go along with that theme. Following are ideas submitted by members of the MushroomVillage.com bulletin boards, subscribers to this newsletter, and other visitors to my site. Some people still submitted ideas for a specific figurine only, and these ideas were passed on to Schleich as well.
Here are our ideas for next year's set:
"Services (Army, Navy, Air force, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coast Guard/Life Guard, Doctor/Nurse)"
"Police Set - Police Smurf and Smurfette. Maybe a criminal Smurf in handcuffs. a police Smurf with a bike helmet, Police Smurf running. Maybe police uniform styles (UK, American, Australian (all are different)."
"I'm a 911 operator for the police so I really like the idea of the civil service Smurfs - police, EMS, fire department, 911 operators"
"National Dress (American (kind of like Uncle Sam Smurf), French with cloth cap and baguette, Dutch with clogs, Britannia, Mexican with poncho etc) or if that's too much then just set of Smurfs holding/wearing t-shirts of different countries."
"I love the suggestions of Smurfs representing various countries! Perhaps Smurfs carrying flags of different countries or Smurfs holding the country's official flower, emblem, etc?"
"I like the idea of the Smurfs of different countries idea - flags on the shirts or maybe they are holding the flags high in the air."
"My first idea is International costumes Smurfs. I think it would be great to see Indian Smurfs (a Smurf playing a sitar and Smurfette in a sari), Smurfette in a traditional Irish dress (think Riverdance), a Russian Smurf in one of those furry hats, Eskimo Smurf, African Tribe Smurf, Japanese Smurfette wearing a kimono, Aboriginal Smurf with a didjeridoo or a boomerang, Mexican Smurf with a sombrero and a woven poncho, etc. Maybe they could all be able to hold hands."
"A "down under Smurf" would be good, it would be nice to see national costume Smurfs."
"Italian Smurfs; One from Florence, Rome, Sicily, Turin, Naples, Venice, Milan and of course as its Italian, it won't be completed without a catholic Smurf priest."
"A Mexican Smurf?"
"Different Smurfs of France: a Parisian, Breton, Normandy, cote d'azur, Loire, Bordeaux. Lyon, Lourdes, champagnes (each wear the cloth of the region (like the dentelle bretonne for the one of bretagne, or the fisherman outfit, and each hold some of the items that the area is famous for. Or a selection of Smurfs where each would represent a Spanish or Portuguese area, with the traditional outfits... (Madrid, Barcelona, valence, Malaga, Seville, Saragossa, Lisbon, Porto....), or maybe Latino nation, Spain, Portugal and Latin America countries, or Russians and eastern Europeans, or Smurfs of black Africa... wearing the African outfits, or Smurfs representing the nations of the European Union."
"Smurfs not related to cultures but to events and activities; dancing Smurfs (wearing night cloth) and in dancing positions, carnival Smurfs like the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil one, with outfits."
"Circus theme (ring master, lion tamer (or re-release model of him), acrobat, clowns, ballerinas, Smurf on unicycle, usher)"
"Smurfs with animals. I am personally looking for someone to create a drawing - baby smurf holding a cuddly tiger cub."
"Party Smurfs - Smurf with present, Smurf opening present, Smurf eating cake, Smurf with blind fold on playing game, Smurf giving birthday card, some dancing Smurfs, eating food Smurfs."
"I really like the birthday party idea. To add to that theme I suggest Smurfs with balloons, a bouquet and a Smurf with a Mylar type balloon that says, "Happy Birthday" A Smurf with a camera taking pictures. All the Smurfs wearing party hats. The blindfolded Smurf with the donkey's tail in his hand."
"Beach Smurfs - sun bathing, sand castle building, holding bucket and spade, playing sport, eating ice-cream, and beach towel Smurf"
"I would like to see all the players on a baseball team. would only need 7 new figurines...You could add the coach, trainer, manager, owner and one fan or a bat boy or girl to make 12."
"Religious; like Buddhist monk, Jewish rabbi, Christian priest, Hindu Smurfette in sari..."
"Would be fun to have Vatican Smurfs... from Pope to Swiss guards (going through a nun, a local priest, a cardinal, a baby being baptized, a Smurf with a candle, a Smurf praying (and if more than 8 Smurfs, we can get the Smurflings as children coming from 4 different countries to the Vatican, each wearing a mix of Latin symbols and their local traditional cloth (like African necklaces and beads and feathers with the cross...), or one of the Smurfs can be receiving his first communion."
"I have been waiting for a Nativity Set issue. Smurfs as Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Shepherds, Wise Men and even dressed as animals. Throw in a manger and it is complete!!"
"Christmas crib set. This would be appealing to every age, every country. There would be of course Mary & Joseph with the little Jesus, the three magi, and angel and a shepherd. They could add a few animals. Also it's been a long time since we had a new house to collect so they could issue a nice Christmas crib!"
"I think it's unfair that the Smurfs only have figurines for Christian holidays. What about all the other religions of the world? Why not a King David, or Moses Smurf? Or Buddha, or Muhammad? There are so many cute Christmas Smurfs, and no Hanukkah ones. As a Jew, I got over the fact that I don't celebrate Christmas when I was in 5th grade. But when it comes to Smurfs, I demand equality for all religions! The people deserve a "Religions of the World" set!"
"It would be great to get Smurfs from the Louis XIV time, great king of France. We can get Smurfette as a noble princess, Papa Smurf as the king, brainy Smurf as a cardinal, Poet as the kings court poet (with the outfit of the time), an actor Smurf (that represents moliere, as in a comedian actor (moliere is the one that created funny plays, he is a pioneer in comedy arts and literature), Hefty Smurf as the guard, and of course 2 to 4 peasant Smurfs (or even better a peasant Smurf with a son and a daughter, which can be 2 of the Smurflings)."
"Medieval Smurfs - jousting, jester, king, queen, peasant Smurfs."
"Smurfs in history - king Tut, Cleopatra, Greek, Romans, pioneer, explorer, Vikings..."
"Classical musician Smurfs (violin, viola, cello, upright bass, timpani, triangle, clarinet, etc."
"Smurfs in the 60's - Think 60's style clothing. Dancing Smurfette with large 60's style dress. It would be all about the clothing that would identify them."
"It seems like it has been awhile since a series has been released with a Brainy Smurf with eyeglasses or Papa Smurf. I would really like to see these two included in the 2005 set of figures!"
"Brainy and Papa were both in the Band set. I like the idea of the Smurfs around the world, maybe it could be T-Shirts on them with the flag of each country or maybe just the flag painted on the back of their hats?"
"New Years Smurfs - 4 different Smurfs each holding a number, placing them next to each other you get 2005."
"How about 'Feel Better Soon Smurfs' with figures such as Smurf with measles/chicken pox, Smurf eating bowl of soup, Smurf in housecoat/pajamas, Smurf with box of tissues."
"Smurfs of the seasons - Summer, spring, fall, and winter."
"Birthday Smurfs - for the more recognized birthdays - 1st, 16, 21, 30, 40, 50
"Birthday Smurfs that are holding a gem for the month of the birth - garnet, emerald, diamond..."
"Following birthday Smurfs - maybe anniversary Smurfs - 1st, 10th, 25th, 50th etc."
"Initial Smurf - maybe a letter on the shirt - so you can spell names out."
"Initial Smurfs, neat idea. I'd buy them all. Season Smurfs would be cute too."
"I would love to see more Smurfs with fewer costumes. Just regular Smurfs in different poses. The way Smurfs used to be before they all got careers and outfits and started playing sports . . . What about a Smurf playing football who's not wearing the football outfit? Stuff like that. I love the normal Smurfs! Doing handstands, chasing butterflies."
"Normal Smurfs pulling funny faces."
"Simply funny Smurfs, with funny expression and positions"
"Simple Smurfs making different gymnastic positions; standing on 2 hands, rolling, standing on one leg..."
"I would love to see the other characters that were never made into figurines such as Big Mouth, Big Nose, Homnibus, Hogatha, Gargamel's Mom and Dad, The King, etc. Imagine what a cool Smurf package set that would make!"
"I'd like to see some Smurfs from the comics and TV series, again!"
"A great play set would be Honibus' house, where Papa Smurf used to hang out all the time."
"I would like to see more variations of Gargamel, the greatest villain of all time. It would also be an excellent idea to make at least one bigger PVC version of Gargamel like in the pixi set. I always wondered why they made him the same size as the other Smurfs."
"I would like to see Smurfette as a brunette."
"I would like to see Smurfette with red hair (like my own!)"
"A sign language Smurf! (With hand alphabet saying "I love you") and special set of Friends of the Forest especially Laconia the signing one!!!"
"What about a Smurf with dreadlocks?"
"Maybe a deadhead Smurf in a tie-dye?"
"I would love to see a Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing), Smurf made!"
"How about a bus driver Smurf with bus? Or a crossing guard Smurf? Or maybe a toll booth Smurf!"
"A Dallas cowboy Smurf, or a welder Smurf would be cool."
"I would love to have a photographer Smurfette."
"I would love to see a gay Smurf, with a rainbow flag."
"An Oscar winner Smurf?"
"How about a llama farmer Smurf?"
"An executive with suit and tie Smurf!"
"A Smurf collector Smurf - I can see him now - holding a little Smurf, maybe a mushroom house at his feet..."
"A chocolate lover Smurf, a wine lover or viticulturalist (one who cultivates grapes.)"
"How About a Smurf holding a globe printed with "WORLD PEACE?" Maybe the U.N can give them away to promote world peace."
"I did send this idea to Schleich before but I don't know what they did with it. I call it Duet Smurfs. You could have two Smurfs piggy backing, two Smurfs hugging, two Smurfs dancing, etc. they would be sold as a set - two in each box."
"Beatnik Smurf with a goatee, wearing a beret and dark sunglasses, playing bongos."
"Punk Smurf with a multi-colored mohawk and lots of piercings."
"Yuppie Smurf wearing khakis and a polo shirt, talking on a cell phone or using a PDA."
"Uncle Sam Smurf, Statue of Liberty Smurfette"
"Construction workers (male and female)."
"Smurf playing video games."
"Rastafarian Smurf with dreadlocks."
"Mozart and Beethoven Smurfs."
"Electrician Smurf"
"Shakespeare Smurf"
"Another idea is a Shakespearean Festival with the Smurfs depicting famous characters from Shakespeare's plays. This would be educational as well as unique."
"Betsy Ross Smurfette"
"Buddha Smurf"
"Super Smurf shooting pool"
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Well, that's all of them! (I did drop a few suggestions that would require an additional license - Batman Smurf, Yankees Smurf, etc.) Time will tell if any of our ideas are used! Thanks again to all our members for submitting their ideas!
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PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER SITES!
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If you have enjoyed the quality service you receive from MushroomVillage.com, please consider visiting our other sites:
www.MegaGlass.com - Offers a growing line of decorative glass novelties for floral arrangements, aquariums, mosaics, landscaping, arts/crafts, design/decor - the possibilities are endless!
www.LandOfMarbles.com - Marbles make great gifts - nostalgic for Grandma & Grandpa, & kids love 'em too! We offer everyday playing marbles to high-end collectible & contemporary art glass marbles.
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7) SMURF MOVIE RUMORS
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Rumors continue to swirl regarding the upcoming Smurf movie! Here is a recap of the rumors and information to come to light so far:
February, 2002: The Belgian firm A&A Computer Systems issues the following press release:
"The Belgian company I.M.P.S., proprietor of the license for worldwide merchandising of the Smurfs, is working on a pilot for a new cartoon series, which will possibly be produced in 3D. "The 3D technology offers tremendous creative possibilities that are unused so far in the Smurfs' cartoon-world," states I.M.P.S.
I.M.P.S. chose the technology of A&A computer systems, which offered Discreet 3ds max on the highly performant IBM intellistations.
Decisive factors for this decision were 3ds max' market penetration and features. Of major importance were also the support, training and know-how offered by A&A computer systems.
3ds max is the world's best selling animation package, with hundreds of plug-ins available. To maintain the cartoon style, A&A advised the Illustrate and FinalRender plugins. These softwares generate a 2D cartoon output of a 3ds max animation. Of course, also Discreet's character studio, to create character animations with the "footstep" system, was indispensable too.
Now we can all start waiting impatiently to see the Smurfs back on TV!"
February 25, 2002: AWN.com reports:
"Smurfs: Back In Blue
Are you ready for more Smurfs? Because it looks like IMPS, the Belgian company that owns the worldwide license for Smurfs merchandising, is planning to create a new series of the cuddly blue creatures in Smurfy 3D. According to A&A computer systems, the technology provider to IMPS, the company is working on a pilot for a new Smurf series, which will possibly be produced in 3D. An IMPS representative stated that 3D "offers tremendous creative possibilities that have so far been unused in the Smurfs' cartoon world."
1/27/03: DarkHorizons.com reports:
"The Smurfs: Filmscope reports that New Line Cinema have apparently committed to a movie based on the classic cartoon."
1/27/03 Moviehole.net reports:
"New Line commits to a "Smurfs" movie
According to Dark Horizons, Filmscope is reporting that those lovable Blue creatures "The Smurfs" are coming to the big screen. New Line Cinema is said to be guiding the light for Poppa Smurf and his band of blu-tac like groupies."
4/1/03 ProductionWeekly.com reports (NOTE - THIS WAS A CONFIRMED HOAX!):
"The Smurfs - The Movie!
Casting has started on the live-action musical version of "The Smurfs," based on the 80's animated series, created by Peyo. Casting directors held open auditions in Los Angeles and New York over the weekend (3/29-30/03). Jeff Goldblum will make his feature directing debut and star as the Smurfs nemesis Gargamel. In 1995 he directed the Oscar nominated live action short "Little Surprises."
The classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featured magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These lovable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree...except for one major threat to their existence: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.
The script follows the Smurfs' efforts to fight off Gargamel, as he tries to smurf the smurf of Smurfette, in order to obtain her magical secrets and gain dignity among the wizard's fraternity. With the help of Brainy Smurf, Papa Smurf is able to smurf a plan to make Gargamel more Smurfy to thwart his efforts to ever smurf again."
5/9/03 DarkHorizons.com reports:
"The Smurfs: Latest wild rumour - Filmink reports that Jeff Goldblum is looking to both direct and play Gargamel in a big-screen version of the cartoon."
6/12/03 I attend the 2003 Licensing Fair in NYC where I meet with IMPS who confirms there is a movie in the works, but will not provide any other information.
11/14/2003 A Schleich rep tells me that there have been a few articles, and now some industry interest in a Smurfs revival. IMPS is announcing a deal with a Hollywood studio to do the Smurf movie. There has been some information discussed in meetings and licensing of other companies are now on hold while they take the highest bidder. I am told "Have fun while it lasts!"
Starting 3/16/04, Unregistered Guest User "SpySmurf" began posting messages to the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board - here are some excerpts and information from his posts:
Hello, I am a new and huge Smurf Fan - I have been collecting Smurfs for 2 months now but I have always been a huge smurf fan and I wanted to share some Smurf movie rumors with all of you. Here is what I know and have been told, these are just rumors so take em with a grain of salt...
Jeff Goldblum was going to produce, that's a big fat lie! Jeff Goldblum is in talks to provide the voice of Gargamel for the New Smurf movie after or in between Filming Jurassic Park 4, Frank Welker will provide the Voice of Azrael, Papa Smurf and Hefty Smurf as he did in the 1980's Cartoon. I have been told Kelly Ripa is in talks to lend her voice for Smurfette.
I hear New Line Cinema will carry the Movie here in the U.S.A.
The Smurf Movie will be CGI and will look something like between Shrek & Ice Age.
It is unknown at the current time if the movie will go to theaters or go stright to DVD & video like the Care Bears Movies, the new Inspector Gadget Movie, etc.
Hot Topic will be selling Smurf Merchandise in Fall 2004. Some Hot Topic stores across the USA have Smurf Merchandise already. Hot Topic will most likely be the first place to have Smurf Merchandise until the movie comes out and then the Merchandise will spread out into other stores like Wal-mart, Target, K-mart, Bestbuy, Sam Goody, etc.
They are stocking Smurfs because a lot of people have asked them to stock more Smurfs (PVC's), Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Transformers, etc. The 80's cartoons are VERY popular right now and yes they will probably stock for the Smurf Movie as well. Hot Topic stores are all over malls in the U.S.A. They sell shorts, shirts, pants, CDs, toys, printed tees - almost anything you can think of!
As for the stocking 2005 Smurfs, yet to be said.
I have been told that there will be PVC smurfs based on the movie when it is released.
Burger King may have Happy Meal toys based on the movie, and a Smurfberry Ice is said to be part of the promo.
There will be a Smurf [video] Game coming soon I promise!
WOW, THAT'S A *LOT* of info to announce! Who is this Spy Smurf? Where did this info come from? Spy Smurf says:
"Hey, this is what I know, hope you all can make something outta all of it. I do my best...let's just say I have friends in VERY high places. BUT my rumors will be comfirmed sooner than later!"
OK SPY SMURF! I would *love* to see all of this happen! Us Smurf fans have waited over 20 years for this - I don't know if we can hold out much longer!!
By the way, I recently registered to attend the 2004 licensing show in NYC June 8-10, 2004. I will be meeting with IMPS to try and get more info, and with New Line Cinema to try and confirm rumors that they are producing the movie - that is, unless the movie is released by then!! I will report my findings in a future issue...
This article was posted to the MushroomVillage.com archives:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-library.html
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8) NEW EXHIBIT IN MUSEUM!
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I have added a new "exhibit" to the Smurf Museum at MushroomVillage.com, a Smurf hot-air balloon! Why don't you swing by and check it out?
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-museum.html
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9) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY
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And now here are our lucky winners:
Congratulations Cassandra Morris of Markdale, Ontario, Canada! You are our first winner this month! Here's what Cassandra said in her entry:
"I love your site, it is great info for smurf collectors. Excellent job. I would also like to say, if I am picked I would like the snail cart play set. Thanks, look forward to the next issue of the Smurfy News."
Enjoy the Snail cart, you got it! And thanks for the kind remarks!!
Congratulations Marie Elena Dunakin of Marysville, Washington! You are our second winner! Here is Marie's message from her entry:
"I look forward to your Smurfy newsletter. I have been collecting Smurfs for a long time and always happy when I see anything new on the Smurfs."
Well, you'll be seeing something new soon - a Gargamel's Castle Pop-Up playset! Enjoy it, it is on its way to you now!
Congratulations Paula Lewis of Byford Perth, West Australia! You were the third winner drawn!! Here's what Paula had to say:
"Pete you are truly wonderful. You do us Smurf fans the Smurfingest best with your fantastic Mushroom Village :) Keep it up, you rock."
Well Paula, that's very nice to say!! The last prize is 40503 Discus Thrower, and you have won it! What a long trip it has half way around the world, but it is on it's way!! Here is what Paula had to say when I e-mailed to tell her she won:
"Thanks so much Pete, that is just fantastic. I'm so excited and I can't wait. This is truly the best thing I've ever won. You're just the best, thanks so much mate. You rock! :o) You've made my day! week! month!"
Gee, you guys always say such nice things :) It must be because you are Smurf collectors - I think they are nicer in general, don't you?
OK, now for the new prizes!!
First is a die-cast Ertyl vehicle licensed through Wallace Berrie. It's a yellow bi-plane with a Smurf pilot at the wheel! The wings are emblazoned "AERO-SMURF!" A very nice non-PVC collectible!
Next is a 40090 Well Playset! 11 piece well assembly includes base, bucket and working winch. This discontinued play-set has not been available for some time!! Here's your chance to get it for FREE!!
Our last prize is a 20936 Millennium Smurf!! This is the Special Release done a few years ago that was created in such short supply; it sold out before it ever hit the market! This one has a tiny unpainted spot on the rear of his nose, don't even see it when it's on display, but MushroomVillage.com only sells MINT Smurfs - anything else we give away!!
Enter the drawing by completing our secret entry form - only Smurfy News subscribers are given this link! Be sure to tell me what your #1, 2 and 3 picks are! The first winner drawn gets their 1st choice. The second winner gets their choice of the remainder, and the third winner gets whatever is left! If a winner does not specify a preference, they will receive whichever prize remains that was most requested!! Here's the form:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/contestform.html
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THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SMURFY NEWS!!
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10) CLOSING
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With this, I bring another issue to a close.
I want to point out that a phrase I have used often - "Sharing is Caring!" - comes from the mouth of Suzanne, she used it often in her newsletters and without embracing that sentiment, MushroomVillage could cease to exist. As I struggled to pick up Suzanne's reins I realized that much of the SCCI came not from Suzanne, but from the members. Sure, she pulled it all together and reported it back out, but without the army of world-wide members who submitted their findings to her, the SCCI would have been so much less than it was.
And just as the SCCI depended on it's membership to share amongst one another, so does MushroomVillage.com One set of eyes and ears just isn't enough! So, as I've said so many times before, don't think "Pete must already know." If you come across some Smurfy info, PLEASE share it with me, so that I may share it with every other member! Together we can continue to make this hobby an enjoyable one for many years to come!
Take care now, and have a Smurfy day, ya hear?
-Pete
www.MushroomVillage.com
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'SMALL PRINT'
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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! 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.
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
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