Advance the Colors 2003 is now history. And all I can say is, WOW, I had a great time. I'd first like to say a BIG THANK YOU to our convention Director Steve Smith and Event Coordinator Brian O'Leary. They both did a excellent job and put in a lot of hard work. Steve and Brian did so well we're having them back in 2004. Hopefully, more members will step up and help out. Kudos also go to Doug Johnson, Rich Smethurst, John Adkins, Mike Demana and Joe Cairo. They helped make ATC successful.

The Board is already working on ATC 2004, and some changes will occur. The Raffle should be better next year. Thanks to all who donated items and to everyone that purchased tickets. Even though we had some nice items in the raffle, I was somewhat disappointed at the lack of painted figures.

My apologies to anyone that bought a HMGS Great Lakes T-shirt and found that the price was higher than listed in the program. The 2002 white tee shirts were $12 last year, but this year we had colored shirts and they cost more, so we had to raise our prices. It was totally my fault as I didn't let Darryl Smith know when he put the program together, that the prices were higher.

I'm happy to announce that, thanks to those members that purchased the tape measures at ATC, our chapter is sending Fort Meigs and the Civil War Preservation Trust, each a check for $100. We still have tape measures left, and you'll see them at Drums Along The Maumee 5, Winter Warband and Warparty, and if we still have some left, ATC 2004.

Don't forget the election, more information is available elsewhere in the Herald.

If I may add a personal note, I really did have a great time at ATC. I played in the Warhammer Ancients Tourney and the Sunday DBA Tourney. I did so-so in both, but what I enjoyed the most was seeing guys I've met over the years at ATC, Drums, Warband, Warparty...I could even list more cons. I guess what I'm really saying was I liked the fellowship the best. Thanks for more great memories. And my appearance in the ladies' rest room at the holidome was an accident. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!