Another autumn has started and another Advance the Colors has passed. From the incoming reports, it was an excellent show. I wish I could have made it, but a last minute project forced me to work through the weekend. It sounds like the show was one of the best yet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank in print Jack Shaw, David Van Hoose and Jeff Chattin for helping to man the front desk, Jim Robinson for running the auction and the rest of the HMGS board and volunteers that made this year's ATC such a success. To those who helped organize this event and find us a venue, you have our undying thanks. Remember, we almost didn't have an ATC this year because of a lack of venue. Great job folks!

From the reports, it sounds like the games and dealers area were a hit, as well. Brian O'Leary ran his "Vacationing at Ponape" scenario yet again to rave reviews (one of these years, I'll have to play this scenario). Now, what's this I hear about some of the Colbys committing atrocities on that lovely tropic isle? I wish I could have seen it. Believe me folks, if you EVER get a chance to see or play this one with Brian, DO IT! From the sound of things, many other events had similar great visual appeal and interest. That is great, as it helps to dispel the myth that historical miniatures are dull and boring compared to science fiction and fantasy miniatures gaming. It's nice to see a great selection of games and eras being represented.

For next year, we are already working on ATC 2001, and also have Drums Along the Maumee 2001 nailed down for May 18-19. To the Colbys, thanks for doing the footwork on this one and helping to get everything lined up. We had a few hiccups on getting this one rolling and fortunately everything got sorted out. This is another convention that has great potential for us.

It is really quite heartening to see what this hobby can provide for entertainment value and visual appeal, let alone the camaraderie of playing and participating in these events. Something else of positive note, we've received some contact from the Heart of America chapter about sharing information on conventions and articles for our newsletters. This is a positive step for us and for the HMGS as a whole. Cross communication like this helps strengthen the ties between each chapter and helps us in planning and promotion.

For those of you who are interested, there are going to be two conventions held in the Indianapolis area at the RCA center. The conventions are called Gamefest Indy, one is to be held Nov. 17-19, and next year in September (right around the time of ATC, dang it!). These conventions are a sort of "pre-GenCon" in the Indy area to help set up for the main event in 2002. Anybody who is free that weekend and can make it, please go there. The web site for the folks running Gamefest Indy is: http://www.advantageconvention.bigstep.com/homepage.html.

For those a little closer to the Michigan state line, the same weekend there is U-Con 2000, at the University of Michigan Student Union. It is worth going to as well. That's it for this edition's dispatch, now back to the front.