Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 7, 1993 TAG: 9306050093
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"It's an idea that's been kicked around," says Kraft, head of a group known as the Enterprise Stamp Committee. "Others have tried to get a stamp commissioned, but in 1985 we said, `Let's set our phasers on stun and really start blasting at the U.S. Postal Service.' "
Volunteers in South Dakota, Chicago, Sacramento, Calif., Fort Wayne, Ind., and New York have helped spread the word about the Stamp Committee.
So far Kraft, a high school English teacher, has received letters of support from a who's who of government officials, scientists, planetarium and observatory heads, educators and science-fiction writers.
Among the supporters are Rep. Patricia Schroeder of Colorado; Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto; R. Stuart Wallace, director of the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in New Hampshire; and writers Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke.
"I've been pleasantly thrilled that so many people have endorsed this project," says Kraft, 52, who also hopes to secure the stamp of approval from members of all three "Trek" casts. "I wasn't sure anyone would take us seriously, but they have."
Kraft, a longtime "Trek" fan, says he envisions a stamp with both NASA's shuttle Enterprise and "Trek"-classic's Enterprise zooming through a field of stars. That, he explains, would logically link fantasy with reality.
"Our greatest adventures and realities start with a dream," Kraft says. "Without the synergy between science fiction and science fact, for example, our space program would never have been launched.
"An Enterprise stamp would celebrate that marriage of fantasy and reality and pay tribute to `Trek's' positive effect on younger people. It challenges them to think about space and our future and inspires them to reach for the stars."
Kraft is sending out a red alert to "Trek" fans, asking them to beam letters requesting an Enterprise stamp to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, U.S.P.S, 475 L'Enfant Plaza S.W., Washington, D.C. 20260.
Those wanting to get more involved can write to Kraft at 1032 Shady Oaks Drive, North Mankato, Minn. 56003. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a personal reply.
Trek specs
Want to write a "Trek" TV script? There are very specific guidelines. For details, find a back issue of Starlog Spectacular 3, or order one by sending a $7 check or money order to Starlog, 475 Park Ave. S., 8th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016. . . . A recent Inside Trek trivia question asked readers to identify Chekov's full name. Our answer provided only his first name. Larry King, a Trekker in Woodland Hills, Calif., wrote to tell us the full name is Pavel Andreivich Chekov. . . . Rubie's, a Richmond Hill, N.Y.-based costume shop, offers great "Trek" costumes and masks. Call (718) 846-1008 for a catalog. . . . Louise ("Brainstorm") Fletcher guests as a would-be Kai in "DS9's" season finale. . . . Avery Brooks returns as Hawk in two "Spenser: For Hire" reunion movies. The first is scheduled to air July 22 on Lifetime Television. . . . Interested in Trek memorabilia? Write to Lincoln Enterprises, a memorabilia mail-order house, at P.O. Box 691370, Los Angeles, Calif, 90069. For a catalog send a $2 check or money order.
CON CALENDAR June 18-20
SF & Fantasy Festival at the Clarion Hotel in New Orleans, La. (Call 800-824-3359.)
Michicon '93 at the Southfield Civic Center in Southfield, Mich. (313-953-2125).
Continuum '93 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Cape Giradeau, Mo., featuring Mark Lenard and Robin Curtis. (314-334-4386).
Glathricon '93 at the Executive Inn in Evansville, Ind. (812-477-9508).
Creation at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, Penn., featuring Michael Dorn. (818-409-0960).
> Creation at the South Expo Center in Chicago, featuring Armin Shimerman (June 19-20 only; 818-409-0960).
Trek Alert
If you have Trek news or trivia to share -- or if you have questions relating to "Star Trek" -- write to Ian Spelling, care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va., 24010-2491.
by CNB