With this letter, I'm throwing my hat in the ring to earn the honor of representing the garners in the area as "regional director."

I've been gaming for about 12 years, am married and the father of two. I game on the average once a week. The way I see it, our wonderful hobby is at a very important crossroad in its existence.

Some-people feel (and have stated this in print) that within 10 years or so, boardgaming will be gone, its place totally taken by computer games. I don't like this theory one bit, feeling that nothing eliminates the fun and challenging aspects of a "face-to-face" opponent.

However, to keep our pastime alive, people have to come up with ideas to get "New Blood" into the hobby and keep the players we have.

Judging by the number of fine titles being published now and in the pipeline, there's no shortage of challenging games to play.

What I advocate is putting together a plan to:

1) Work on bringing in new members to the SGS

2) With the solicited input of game distributors, game manufacturers,, and retailers that serve our hobby, work to form and expand gaming groups/clubs.

3) Publish and make available a "kit" for planning, promoting and running a small convention or "Game Day."

4) Work to have available for distribution,, at the point of sale, lists of area garners or clubs that could help new members play their new purchases and start networking and enjoying this pastime.

These, I know, are mightly lofty goals,, but without steps like these being attempted, I truly fear our source of fun and enjoyment will eventually wither and die.