Advance the Colors `97 was a success. Despite a string of bazaar obstacles prior to the convention, from set-up Friday morning on the convention flowed without incident.

Despite the increased site expenses, the convention turned about a few hundred dollar profit after the membership and renewal dues were broken out of the receipts. Attendance (weekend passes) was 134, one more than last year, and additionally there were over 20 visitors passes sold. Considering the last minute change in location and, the staff was quite happy with the support that the convention received. As near as I could tell, about 36 events ran during the weekend, and there were 10 dealers in attendance, most of whom were very satisfied with the convention.

Advance the Colors `98 is scheduled for September 12-14, 1998 at the Holiday Inn and Suites Dayton South, 455 Dryden Ave., Monaine OH (same location). All of the details haven't been worked out, but the dealers will be more spread out next year, there will be two additional rooms for gaming, gamemasters will get a discounted admission, and there will probably be one day admission passes. The Holiday Inn did us a great favor. and honored the terms of the Radisson's broken contract for Advance the Colors '97. For '98 Great Lakes will be charged an additional $200 per day for the site, and will be required to rent about $450 worth of tables. As the costs for the convention are going up, I ask that you please support Advance the Colors '98.

HMGS-Great Lakes membership is up to 180 current members. This makes Great Lakes the fourth or fifth largest chapter according to what I've been told ffom the National BOD.

Great Lakes has a new editor. Starting with the January/February issue of the newsletter, Mike Demana will take over as Editor of The Herald. All future newsletter correspondance should be sent to Mike, at 4685 Lodgelane Dr., Columbus, OH 43229.

Board of Directors elections are here. The inside back cover of the newsletter is your ballot. See "Candidates for the HMGS-GL BoD elsewhere in this issue.