If the column looks a little light this issue, it's because I haven't heard from you guys (and gals). While I like to get the initial info so I can get you in the listings, this column is also the place to highlight what your club has been up to. You don't have to be the club president either. Just drop me a line or call and tell me what's been going on, or interesting things coming up (i.e. your 50 person refight of the Little Bighorn where everyone dresses the part, or a "teach the public" demo setup at the Mall of America on some upcoming date.)

I received a nice letter from Jonathan Keepers at Tornado Alley HMGS. He wrote to update some of the game club listings in Oklahoma (see list below), and to say that our glorious editor in chief has been invited to Twistercon 5 as their guest of honor. Bravo! Jonathan also has a great title, "Guardian of the Secret Hand Shake." I don't know what he does to earn that, but it's cool! If you live in the Oklahoma/Texas area, contact Jonathan at concerning Tornado Alley or send $10 to TAHMGS P.O. Box 20863, Oklahoma City, OK 73156 for membership.

Jim Birdseye, wargamer extraordinaire and all around nice guy from HMGS Mid South has begun something interesting you might want to try in your area. He has organized the local high schools in his area to support the development of history clubs and encourage inter-high school competitions. The finale of each year's competitions is held at Siege of Augusta where participants from high schools and middle schools compete for individual and team gaming awards, as well as painting awards and bragging rights. This year's Armati tourney winners were Barrett Layman with Early Swiss, while Judson Baxley and Thomas Key won the team tourney. Monroe Hivard had the best looking troops--11th century Byzantines. Viking Forge, Buffalo Books, and HMGS Mid South all sponsored awards. Further events are scheduled roughly monthly.

In addition, Jim will be running Military and Naval History Camps for kids in middle and high school. The camps are organized in two levels, beginner and experienced. These were formerly held at Augusta College but will move this summer. If you live in the area, contact Jim to get your kids involved. For you brave and energetic souls who'd like to sponsor a program in your area, Jim can give you all the details on how to set them up, curriculum, books, demonstrations, and likely locations and sponsors. remember, tomorrow's wargamers are today's kids. Get them involved now! Jim Birdseye can be reached at 3411 Kerry Place, Augusta GA 30909.

We have three groups this issue. The first is the Crystal Lake Gamers. They meet the second Saturday of every month at the Crystal Lake Park District's Administrative Offices at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake IL. Jeff Hammerlund is actively trying to increase membership, and has been hosting many beginner level games from 1-7 PM There's no cost, so drop in.

Our second new group is the Indian Hill Gaming Club. They meet the second Friday of every month from 7- 11 PM at the College of DuPage, Building M, Room M- 165G in Glen Ellyn IL. They play all types of miniatures, and beginners or old pros are welcome. Recent games included 15mm Cog Wars, 20mm Command Decision, and 20mm Charlie Company (Vietnam skirmish). If you'd like to pop in for a game, you can get more info from Dave Hermann at David.J.Hermann@att.com.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Historical Gamers are our third newcomers. Welcome! They just put out their first newsletter called Le Grognard, under the stylish editorial leadership of Mike McClellan. His group of 25 meets at the Keesler AFB heritage center and museum in Mississippi. Articles included a description of their Napoleanic campaign which just ended, including some criticisms and plusses of the campaign which most wargamers could learn from before they try their own campaign. One idea I especially liked was putting the finished campaign in a notebook with all maps and OBs and orders so that others could reference it in the future. Other actions were reviewed, as well as books and magazines of interest. These folks meet Thursdays and weekends, and support HMGS Gulf South for Bayou Wars annually. Contact them at their club at Mike McClellan at PO Box 5393 Biloxi MS 39534.

Mike also mentioned that HMGS Gulf South's convention Bayou Wars was a great success. Participants from 4 states, dealers, and many well done miniatures events including Boxer Rebellion, French and Indian War, DBM, Samurai, Tactica Medieval Siege, and Napoleanics were present. Sounds like fun!

While the Lion's Den Wargames are not new to our listing, they have not been mentioned before in expanded format. However, I recently received a copy of their newsletter The Penny Whistle from their editor Ken Van Pelt. Ken did a nice job as editor of the HAHMGS newsletter from 1994 to 1996, and he continues using his skill for the Lion's Den. Articles from the two latest newsletters included a WWII African desert scenario, a western gunfight with family feud overtones, a list of on-loan books, magazines, and games for members of the Solo Wargamers Association, figure and magazine reviews, and a calendar of events. Ken also included his set of I /700th aircraft rules which are reasonably simple, yet seem to keep the flavor of WWII air combat. One special item of note was Jared Hayworth, age 6, Lion's Den member, who while attending at Call to Arms '96, saved the HATSOFF standard from hitting the floor when someone inadvertently jostled it. Jared was awarded with a free membership to HATSOFF and plenty of acclaim. Nice going Jared! Contact the Lion's Den at 1205 Allendale Dr., Greenwood MO 64034.

Historical Gamers of Indianapolis under Carl Overshiner's tutelage are working hard at their hobby this summer. They have major game events planned all summer using a variety of ACW, Napoleanic, Old West, WWII, DBA/DBM, and fantasy rules. Other games are played also. Their latest newsletter included a nice descriptive article by Mike Galbraith on how to make scenic trees and groves for the tabletop, as well as a game auction they held and reduced club rates! Prices going down anywhere is a good thing!. Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the game days available at the club Nineteen Plus One at 2060 E. 54th St., Village Commons, Suite 4, Indianapolis IN. Or you can contact Carl Overshiner directly at 2118 N. Fisher Ave, Speedway IN 46224.

Heart of America HMGS has some fine inclusions in their recent newsletters. March/April included a list of events hosted at their annual convention Call to Arms including a display by the Buffalo Soldiers Association, a description of army organization for the Waterloo campaign, Napoleanic battlefield deployment problems, and several interesting historical tidbits including an interesting description of "petards" and how they were used. The May issue declared Bill Boyle's ascension to the Presidency of HAHMGS (good luck Bill), a review of Steel Panthers computer game, a stirring account of the man who killed Custer, an early Roman army list for WRG, and 15mm Jacobite Rebellion rules. Of course the usual calendar of events, want ads, and club notes were included. Sounds as if they are busy as ever. Contact them at 2550 W. 47t St., Kansas City KS 66103. Only $10.00/year.

It was great to hear from the Triangle Simulation Society again. Their latest newsletter was comprised of several after-action reports from the Great Northern War and Pathan War, and the development of the fire team in the Marine Corps. Sounds as if the Neal Smith is doing all the work for the club, leading to intermittent publication. If you live in the Raleigh area, and have a desire to get involved or just join a group of gamers, contact Neal at TSS, 915- 10 Shellbrook Ct., Raleigh NC 27609. Show your support folks.

HMGS Northwest continues their excellent wargaming reputation. The recent issue of The Citadel continues a series on boardgame conversion to miniatures -- this one is Avalon Hill's 1809 game, with the article detailing the OB and starting locations of units. Chris Leach wrote a favorable Shako rules review, figure reviews, a feature piece on Tacoma wargaming, and a convention report about Enfilade! If you game in the Pacific Northwest, join these folks through Mark Serafin, 2614 Rucker Ave, Apt #14, Everett WA 98201, or e-mail mserafin@halcyon.com.

I have contacted Joey Lacour of Gulf-South HMGS and Greg Skelly of Rocky Mountain HMGS. Hurrah! They both promise to send me information about their organizations so look for it next issue.

Game Club listing

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