With this issue, I am now officially out of Cover Art. No more appears forthcoming from the Commercial Art class whose drawings adorned 10 of the dozen issues I've edited. Actually, this cover was drawn by Great Lakes member Robert Hagerty. The Imperialist Enterprises owner drew it for his catalog, but donated when it proved extra. So, for any of you out there with a flair for art, The Herald could use similar donations. If you don't feel you're "up" to cover quality, I can always use interior art, too. "Hard copy" mailed to me, as opposed to attached, e-mail files, works out best for the covers.

This being the Holiday Season, perhaps our members will also be in the spirit of giving. What Great Lakes needs most, now, is not money, or even items like cover art. It is time. Great Lakes needs a good handful of members to step forward and donate their time by serving on the board of directors. As you will see in Ray Garbee's column on page 5, perhaps only two of the current board are running for reelection.

We need new "blood" -- strong, new shoulders to take their turn carrying the load and inspired members who want to make Great Lakes even better. Currently, most of the board is from the Dayton/Cincinnati, OH, area. I'd love to see someone from Columbus, northern Ohio, Michigan or Indiana to step forward and represent their growing membership base. Contact Ray or me (see page 1), and send us a short platform or "bio." Your time and ideas could be the best gift you give this year.

Although, I am not looking forward to Wintry weather, I am ready for the opportunity to work on some painting projects. I am determined to break out my Seven Years War armies, again. I've got some Austrian Croats crying out for red paint. And I never did finish all those Hungarian Musketeers.

Also, I just bought a batch of Rank & File medieval knights, longbowmen and sergeants. I'm looking forward to using them in a few games of Chipco's "Days of Knights," and need them to flesh out my medieval armies. Plus, I've always been tempted by the Italian Medieval period, with its warring city-states and professional, mercenary armies. Do any members know of a good history book covering these wars? If so, I'd love to hear of one. My library's sources are scanty on this topic,

Oh, and finally, Happy Holidays to all Great Lakes members!