The Eagle's Lair: Premier Issue
by Joel Ferich, April 16, 1990

I would like to thank everyone who turned out on March 31 at the library [I remember the early days at the William Jean Library in Conshohocken ... ]. Napoleon's Last Battles, Wooden Ships & Iron Men, Panzergruppe Guderian, and Civilization were the games played at the meeting. No complaints from Mrs. Hoschulz, the director of the facility, so I'd like to thank everyone for the clean up, etc. The room accommodated us easily and it was very impressive, we had a great time. Our next meeting will be at the library on May 5th, 10am. Originally April 28th was our date, but a scheduling problem at the library forced us to be bumped back to May 5th. Please excuse any inconvenience.

The only complaint I heard from club members concerning the facility at the library was regarding the time constraint. 10am to 4pm is just barely enough time to play even a short scenario leisurely. I have made arrangements therefore with a local (Conshohocken) tavern owner to use their meeting room. It is not as large as at the library but it will suit our purpose nicely. No fee is required -- only that we drink their beer and eat their food, so plan on at least having lunch there, as we are not permitted to bring in refreshments. We have access on our scheduled day from (get this) 9:30am Saturday morning to closing, 2:00am. Is that enough time for a Third Reich game? [not really ... no] Their beer is cold and the menu is reasonable so I figure we'll give them a try on May 19th. That's two meetings in May -- May 5th at the library and May 19th at "The Boathouse." Details regarding the 19th will be reviewed at the up coming meeting or by phone.

Our treasurer, Carmen Petruzzelli and I have decided on a $20.00 yearly dues or $3.00 per meeting fee. Please give your dues to Carmen or myself as soon as you can. Please make checks out to Carmen and he will roll the funds over into a savings account in the group's name. First timers will not be required to pay dues until they decide to join us, at that time they can decide which type dues they wish to pay. All generated revenue will be used to further the aims of the group. [It amazes me that our dues format has changed very little over the years, and that the amount has actually decreased! When we mention our club's name to officers of other clubs one of the reactions we most often get is "oh, you're the club that's in the black ..." Go figure!]

A name for our club is needed, suggestions please or the officers will label us. [Actually, I don't remember if the choice of the "Eastern Pennsylvania Gaming Society" was a group decision or was arbitrarily chosen by me and printed on the banner of the newsletter ... it's all history now!]

The Newsletter:

This is a scaled down version of what is to come. Contributions are encouraged. "The Eagle's Lair" belongs to everyone, so let's hear from you. Articles, game critiques, complaints, whatever -- you can help make this thing work. It's your forum. I do plan on having a couple regular features such as interviews, short historical biographies and perspectives, etc, so please be patient while I get all the complexities worked out. I plan to leave copies of the newsletter (when properly assembled) with local newspapers, libraries, the Compleat Strategist, etc, for wider visibility. Suggestions in this area are welcome. "The Eagle's Lair" is to be our main avenue of communication. [On another note, as the first editor of the newsletter, I could never remember if it was called "The Eagle's Lair," or "The Eagle's Nest" ala der Fuhrer's alpine hide-away. Consequently, the title kept switching titles until it was finally taken off my hands ...]

Finally, I'd like to say that I'm positive of our club's success. I believe that this thing can fly as long as a degree of enthusiasm and commitment exists and we are all willing to contribute in some way to ensure its existence. I hope this club can be an accessory to our pre-existing levels of gaming and that these new friendships and interactions can enhance our hobby. I'm sure we all share these goals. Have fun, good luck and may all your combat attacks result in 'DE.' [Amen, Joel!]