Our prime mission, as a chapter of HMGS, is to promote historical miniatures. A "Dirty Dozen" or so Great Lakes game masters accepted that mission, and soldiered away in the trenches of Origins 2001 this July. They, along with other historical miniatures enthusiasts, put on nearly 100 games as part of the HOT project (Historicals at Origins Team). The HOT games introduced gamers who may have showed up for roleplaying, card or board games into the thrill and spectacle of commanding armies of well-painted troops.

A major percentage of those gamers who filled our events were new to historicals. Both of the events I ran were full (with roughly half newcomers), and looking around, that seemed to be the case with many of our GMs. This demonstrates that our visually appealing and challenging games are perhaps our best recruiting tool. Find fertile ground to plant the historical miniatures seed, and our hobby (and chapter) is bound to grow. Origins brings in thousands of gamers. Our distinctive events draw them across the hall, where they watch, ask questions and often sign up for a game.

It is then we find our fertile ground -- those who have "like minds" -- and hook them. In the past, Great Lakes netted about 20 new members each Origins. Due to the decision to forgo a cash box and collect membership forms, I do not have final numbers on our recruiting. We will have to wait and see how many of the applications, sample Heralds, Warparty! or ATC flyers bring in.

I'd like to thank the Great Lakes members who supported HOT this year. The efforts of veterans GMs like Terry Hollern and Eric Adamaszek with their Desperado games, Phil Fry and Bob Wicks with their naval games, George Soika, Jeff Russ and Rich Smethurst with their Ancients games, Paul Westermeyer and Brad Ruppel with their gunpowder era games, and George Koncar with his 20th century games, are greatly appreciated. Hats off to Event Director Paul Westermeyer for signing up these excellent game masters. A special salute is also due to Pete and Jodie Panzeri. They, along with Paul, logged heroic hours at the HOT desk, answering questions about our hobby, pointing people towards their games and beating the recruiting drum. Without them, HOT might neve have happened.

Next year, Wizards of the Coast hands over the reins of Origins to GAMA. Paul Westermeyer is stepping down as Event Director, due to time constraints, but Pete Panzeri says he will work with the new bosses to continue getting us a "HOT deal." Any members interested in helping, please contact me.