Hi all!!
After the great time I had meeting everyone at the last cleanup, I was discussing it with rashore and we both thought a 'meet up' of sorts would be a great thing to get everyone together on a casual basis to come together, socialize, and talk!
Ideally, I would like to see 'Meet and Greets' frequently - if not monthly for the site members! These will be great opportunities to discuss future cleanups, events, experiences, etc. Of course, the main goal for me is to help foster a sense of friendship, friendliness, and community in those who wish to be involved in this great location.
I've hosted a fair share of Geocaching events in the past, which are ALWAYS great things to introduce people, and make some new friends. There is no better way to bring people together with a common interest than the lure of a nice walk, and good food and conversation!
So... I am in the process of planning a casual 'Meet and Greet' for the website members - potential, new, and existing - to meet and get to know everyone else. The plans are, we will pop by the Grove for a short time, take a nice walk around and check things out, then we will meet up at a nearby establishment. This will be great for people to get introduced and put a face to the 'usernames', and to talk about some of the things going on at the Grove, and just to generally have a great time.
So, at this point, Im in the beginning stages of planning - but will be posting on this thread as I progress with all the information. To start, I'll list the general idea!
Where: The Grove for a quick walk around! Then we will all move over to an as yet undetermined location for food and tasty beverages and chat!
Who: EVERYONE is welcome! Active members, lurkers, potential members, and those interested in Bachelors Grove! No 'experience' required. This is just a casual meetup - not a cleanup, nothing else. We're all going to be here for the company!
When: October! Im still looking over the calendar, but wanted some input on ideal times/dates. Im thinking a Friday afternoon/early evening as to keep our grove visit absolutely in permitted hours. Input on ALL these things is welcomed and encouraged.
Ideally - Id like to do this before Halloween to perhaps encourage new visitors to the site this month to get to know those involved and maybe to be encouraged to be a part of something bigger than a simple visit.
As I said - EVERYONE is welcome!! This is an absolutely social event, so just expect to show up, talk, and make new friends.
IF after details are posted you plan on attending - PLEASE drop me a line, or post! That way I can notify the establishment we will be meeting at, and first, find out if meeting there is acceptable (I've never had a 'no' answer!) and to let them know how many will be attending. Any help, input, or ideas of course are welcome! So, please spread the word to those you know, and keep me posted on your interest.
I already met a few of you, and would love to put faces to the names I see here on the forums, as well as meeting some new people.
I think this could be a great way to get the word out, and maximize involvement - and heck - who doesn't like to talk and make new friends!?! I hope to see MANY of you there!
