I was saddened to hear of the loss of our good friend Gene Grossblatt. We spent many wonderful hours with Gene and Arlene, and I have been reliving many of those times in my mind. None was more memorable than the first time I met Gene.

It was at the first national convention at the old Aladdin Hotel. I had been looking forward to meeting all those wonderful voices I had spoken to on the phone when they called to "talk chips" with Allan. I was at the craps table and the shooter was having a rather good roll. I was a "come bettor" and had all of the numbers covered and was reaping the rewards. A rather large man came to the table and pushed his way in to my right (I was standing next to the stickman.) He threw a $100 bill on the Don't Come, and started calling "c'mon 7, c'mon 7." I glanced over at the stickman (now my friend as I had been betting for him) and he whispered "Don't worry...it doesn't mean anything." RIGHT!!!!!!! Sure enough, the next number was a 7. This continued for several more rolls...The obnoxious man to my right kept betting the "Don't" and calling "c'mon 7, c'mon 7." I was about ready to either kick this guy, utter an obscenity, or walk away when Ernie Wheelden appeared and said "Hi, Diane....I see you met Gene Grossblatt!" We laughed, hugged, and the friendship grew from there. It was always a "joke" between Gene and me...

Gene is now reunited with his beloved Arlene. We will miss you both. Rest in peace, my friends.