WMRC's 1st meeting (Need your input)

[skeety]

OKay guys...time we get this ball rolling.

I'd really like to just get together, meet some people, maybe discuss some simple issues, etc. Break the ice, get to know some of the other reefers in the area. I dont' expect a large turn out, but certainly welcome one.

I'd also have liked to do a frag demonstration/give away, but that would depend on you guys. If we do this on a weeknight (which the general concensus seemed to vote for) then time might not permit that. But maybe we could do that at the 2nd meeting some Saturday/Sunday afternoon, or something.

Also not sure whether people would feel comfortable coming to our place (which we would gladly open up to you all), or if you'd rather meet somewhere else? (LFS? Restaurant? etc?) Not sure what people are comfy with.

Anyways...below are summary questions. Please post a response with your feed back on them. For the dates, please explain if there is are certain dates that don't work for you, as well as a preference.

I'm aware that I can't please EVERYONE, but I'm going to try to pick the date that seems to work for the most people.


Possible 1st WMRC meeting:

1. Which date(s) works/don't work for you:

• Thursday, Feb 23rd
• Friday, Feb 24th
• Saturday, Feb 25th (Frag demo and give-away)
• Sunday, Feb 26th (Frag demo and give-away)
• Monday Feb 27th

2. Which would you prefer:

• A weekend afternoon BBQ with a frag demo and free frags for attendee's? Or
• A quick couple hour week-night get together just to meet everyone? (We do the frag demo at the 2nd meeting?)

3. Where would you like to meet:

• My place - Damascus, MD (N of Gaithersbugh, S of Mt. Airy)
  - I have 4 display tanks, enough space for everyone to be comfy
• Some where public
  Any recommendations? I can try to find a LFS that might host? Or a Sports Bar/Restaurant somewhere? I think this might be harder to pull off, but if everyone feels strongly enough about it, I'll try to work something out.
• You place - Wanna offer to host? Feel free. Let us know where you're located. I'd like to find somewhere central to the members who plan on attending.

4. Any specific topic(s) you'd like to discuss?


5. Anything else?

[WilyGuy]

Thanks Mike for getting this going. Pretty much right after my daughter's birthday and before my Brother-In Law's birthday, so chances are good for a party or a dinner out at some point. Other than that I will be in town.

You're about an hour in traffic from me, so weekends would be best unless we are going a bit later in the evening.

Sports Bar or any place is likely going to want money. I would say an LFS would do it thinking of getting some business. Maybe they'll get in on the giveaways. Perhaps a gift certificate to spend.

Your house doesn't bother me, if it doesn't bother you. Love to see your tanks up close.

Hasta la bye bye...WG

[naztaz]

Skeety,

1. I'm fine with any of the dates you have listed
2. No real preference
3. Anywhere but my place

Dave

[FastFish720]

Speaking from an established reef club, this is what we have been doing for the past few years. Not that this is the best way to do it, but maybe you can get some ideas. Our club is fairly large, so we always have a monthly meeting (getting closer to 2 a month). The meeting usually takes place at a members house, but we do occassionally hold them in public places. For example, one member is a college professor so we have one at his aquarium at the school, another does maintenance for a large restaurant chain so we had a holiday party there. Our meeting are pretty casual, but we have a sign in sheet and a new members form. Members are notified of upcoming meetings through e-mail to keep the home owner's address private. The meetings are usually week nights alternating from Tues, Wed, Thurs, so everyone has a chance to come. Occassionally we hold them on the weekends. We do not have dues in our club. A typical meeting is people get together and trade stuff and generally chat. Then about 15-30 minutes after the start time the host talks about their aquarium and new members introduce themselves. We used to do an intro for every member that was present, but our group is too big to do that now. Then we discuss any club matters, like who is hosting the next meeting etc. Then people go back to their own business. We usually start around 6-7pm and end at 9-10pm. Hope this helps.

[skeety]

That does help. VERY much appreciated.


One thing I was thinking was, sure...we'll have the normal meetings (like you described) on weeknights, but for this FIRST meeting...have it on a SUnday afternoon (Feb 26th). Just cause it's our first meeting, it'll probably take longer. I was planning on a sign-in sheet/new member form. And to get a good attendance for the first meeting, I was going to give away a free frag to everyone. So figured I'd do a demonstration of the fraggin' as well. Also going to provide food. Either BBQ something, and have people bring sides...or just order pizza.

Then, since some of the people have met, the ice has been broken, so to speak, and we've all gotten a chance to talk...we can move the meeting to a weeknight, since a lot of people around here are busy on the weekends. Just some of my thoughts.

But I DO appreciate the input, and will keep it in mind!

[FastFish720]

Oh yea, usually what we've done is the host supplies the food and what not, but many members bring the host free frags for his or her tank. When we mail out the e-mails for the meetings we also include what type of tank the person has etc. On the sign up for have members include TRT handle name, first and last name, address, phone, e-mail, then anything else you want. The TRT handle name is nice because we send out a club roster, so as the club grows you can look back at someone's online name to know their first name.

SUPER IMPORTANT!!! EXAMINE ALL YOUR CORALS FOR PESTS.
We had/have a huge problem with sps pests in our club.

If you need any help, just let me know!

[143gadgets]

Saturday, Feb 25th works best for me. I would love to come. Will the meeting be held at a place that is close to a metro station? As far as topics are conderned, I am up for learning anything new.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by 143gadgets

Saturday, Feb 25th works best for me. I would love to come. Will the meeting be held at a place that is close to a metro station? As far as topics are conderned, I am up for learning anything new.

hmm...didn't think of that.

Well...if we have it at my place, my house is about a 20 min drive from the Shady Grove Metro station.

I'd be willing to make a trip to pick up anyone that needs a lift. Maybe we could set up a time for pick up, and I could make one trip out, and pick up everyone then drop everyone off at the end?

[143gadgets]

Sounds like a plan to me Just let me know the date and time. Can't wait to meet you guys!\

[pballafreak]

From what i can tell any of those dates seem fine to me, and if the meeting is located at ur house, i should i no problem getting there, cause it sure is a longgggg walkkkk lol, so i can get there, just let me know date and time

[skeety]

okay...appreciate those that did respond. Didn't get quite the input I was looking for as only a few of you replied. But anyways...I've narrowed it down to these two days.

Saturday, Feb 25th (starting around 2 or 3?)
Sunday, Feb 26th (starting around 2 or 3?)

We'll have it at my place this time.

I was gonna go with Sunday, but Chris (143gadgets) said Sat would be better. So if no one has a problem with Sat, we more than likely go with Sat.

If anyone has a problem with this, speak up quick, so I can finalize my fliers, and get them out.

[skeety]

Just a heads up. Haven't heard anything back, so we're gonna go with Saturday, February 25th. Anyone have a problem with a starting time of around 2?

[pballafreak]

Alright skeety, i should be able to be there.
And since im so close, just let me know and ill be down there early to help you get ready. Let me know, i would be happy to help.

[tims]

mike toss me an email with your address on it.. coming from I-95 delaware..
i will see if i can make it down.. i was not impressed withthe local club up here..

what topics are you thinking about? or will this be a meet and greet?
if any frags are going, better make sure people have conatiners to travel with..
one suggestion.. if you are plannignon bringing in speakers, look in to a meeting room at a public libabry, i have a ttended a few and they will usally let you have the room or lecture area for free, also a raffle for things is usally pretty good , if you can talk a LFS in to donating some stuff even better.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by tims

mike toss me an email with your address on it.. coming from I-95 delaware..
i will see if i can make it down.. i was not impressed withthe local club up here..

what topics are you thinking about? or will this be a meet and greet?
if any frags are going, better make sure people have conatiners to travel with..
one suggestion.. if you are plannignon bringing in speakers, look in to a meeting room at a public libabry, i have a ttended a few and they will usally let you have the room or lecture area for free, also a raffle for things is usally pretty good , if you can talk a LFS in to donating some stuff even better.

Tim,

I was thinking it could just be a meet and greet. Maybe with some Q&A at the end. It's our first meeting, so I think the main thing is for people to just get to know each other.

I'd also like to talk about what everyone would like from the club. What they expect. What they'd be willing to contribute...etc. More of a "What direction would you guys like to go?" kind of thing. From there, we can maybe schedule the next meeting, discuss what topic everyone would like to hear info about, etc.

So I guess it's gonna be a meet and greet with a bit of planning. hahaha

I plan on makin some burger's, sharing some eats, etc.

I'll be sending out an e-mail here in a day or two, but just wanted to post a response here.

Keep me posted on if you can make it or not!