By the time you read this plans will be in the final stages for Hurricon 97. A preliminary events listing (PEL) will soon be ready for those interested in attending the convention. Stay tuned. The PEL is an interesting item, both in concept and design.

The discussion about having the PEL was in itself a microcosm regarding the philosophies which divide HMGS South and many other clubs. The two outstanding belief systems which seem to clash most frequently are those of the people who want structure and predictability to things and those who think things will all just work out. Those opinions are closely related to the practices of people who have a million good ideas they feel the club "should do" versus the number of man hours available to those who are actually doing the work.

If I were to spin cast the perfect club member I would add the following ingredients to the metal mix. I think I'd add equal parts of hard work, reasonability and compromise, sound judgement, follow-through and even temperament. You'd see these talents at work at the gaming table and on special committees. I know you have seen these people, they play well in the sand box.

None of these talents is as important as all of these talents. Some of the nicest people I know never get anything done. You can't hate 'em because they are just so darn nice. I'd just prefer not to have them on any committee. Next time you are conversing about the club just ask your self or the complainer next door this question. Are you asking more of the club than you are willing to offer? Also please offer this reminder, we're all volunteers here and we are all on the same team.

At the recent meeting of the National Board of Directors at Historicon it was obvious that HMGS-South is something special. We have a strong membership base, an intact treasury and tremendous potential. After listening to all the other clubs' problems it was nice to sit there and brag.

Flag:

The Bonnie Blue was the original state flag for Florida, now adopted by HMGS South.