In our last episode, George’s teenage son Mark gave him an idea for a new tweezer market. Will his idea suceed? Will he find new outlets for his products or will he end up ostracized by his own community? Find out by reading the continuation of George’s adventures . . .

The much-anticipated Wednesday finally arrives. As planned, George and his son drive over to the community centre in the shiny sky blue and white Chevrolet Bel Air George bought himself two years ago after a year of record sales. George and Mark—both a little nervous but for different reasons—enter the room. The boy is immediately drawn to the tables where stamps are on display for buying and trading.

George just mills about, scoping the crowd. Almost exclusively male, the crowd is made up of more adults than George had expected. The Stampers (George can’t help but smile at how childish the club’s name sounds) are mostly men in their mid-thirties to sixties. They all look respectable. George even recognizes a couple faces from in town, guys he has run into at the grocery store or seen at Sunday brunch at Monica’s Diner. He nods hello.

That’s what was running through George’s mind was when a surge of excitement shoots through the crowd. Everyone starts hustling—almost simultaneously—towards a platform set up in the corner. A short, balding man climbs nimbly onto  the platform. He is dressed quite modestly and has a determined, almost-magnetic look in his eyes. He takes the microphone and addresses the crowd in a warm, deep tenor voice that grabbs George’s attention.

• “Good evening, fellow Stampers!” the man cheerfully announces into the microphone. “The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here. In just a few moments, our friend Lucien B. will give his presentation on the colour variation between 1922 and 1928 on the 8¢ US stamp featuring General Grant. “

Excitement and impatience starts to build all around him. Out of the corner of his eye, George glimpses his son’s pleading look. George—without really understanding this activity’s appeal—gives Mark permission to attend the conference. Meanwhile, he continues taking stock of this strange universe.

The man who just announced the conference steps down from the platform. His and George’s eyes meet. George detects a hint of amused curiosity. The man heads in his direction, greeting people along the way as they stampede to the conference. At last, he stands before George. He exudes confidence and there is something very serene about him.

• “Hi there,” he says. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you at one of our meetings before. I’m Albert E. Are you into stamps?” he asks, extending his hand.

With the ice broken, George’s sales instinct kicks in.

• “Pleasure to meet you, Albert. I’m George V. and no, stamps aren’t really my thing. I’m here with my son, who is an avid collector. He is absolutely tickled to be attending the talk you just announced.

• “I totally get it. I was the same at his age. You know, there is much more to stamp collecting than meets the eye . . .”

And Albert goes on to give George a brief rundown of the history of stamps and philately. George also learns that Albert—who just moved to town two years ago—started talking about his hobby to his neighbours, who in turn spoke to their friends, and so on, until finally the Stampers Club was formed, and the members have been meeting once a month for the past year.

• “You know, there really aren’t that many hobbies for men our age [the author reminds readers that television was still in its early stages; that there were only six teams in the National Hockey League; and that the Internet wasn't even a concept yet]. Other than tinkering with our cars, manicuring our lawn, or going bowling, “manly” activities are few and far between. I think this is part of the reason the club is so successful.”

George nods. Even though he’s quite fond of lavishing care on his car and mowing his lawn, and he loves his Sunday bowling with the guys, he feels like he’s developing a better understanding of Mark’s interest in stamp collecting. Of curious nature, Mark had his nose in a book and asked questions about everything since he was a sprout. As the discussion goes on, George learns that Albert is a lawyer and his interest in stamps is something he got from his father, who learned it from his father, and so on. From a very young age, collecting was an infinite source of relaxation, escape and knowledge for Albert. George realizes that Albert could talk about his love of stamps for hours; and that he—enthralled by Albert’s passion and charisma—would have no trouble listening to him.

• “What about you, George? What line of work are you in?”

• “I’m a salesman. I sell tweezers,” answers George imperceptibly puffing out his chest.

Albert’s smile disappears. Anger flashes through his eyes, which had been so calm until this moment . . .

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Why does Albert show so much animosity towards George’s line of work? Was he the victim of some traumatic experience with tweezers as a child or—worse yet—is he in one of those anti-hair-removal groups that have started popping up all over the country? Find out in the next (and final) episode of The Adventures of George and the Stampers . . .