MiGO Winter Social 2005 Event Cache

Michigan Geocaching Organization
Winter Social 2005

The date and location have been set for our third annual Winter Social!  Plans are still cooking, but there will be lots of fun, food, and friends as usual plus our third annual MiGO Poker Run.  Put a watch on this page to receive notifications of updates to the cache page which will include important event details.  This is one you won't want to miss!!  We will also have our annual membership meeting during the event.

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When	February 26, 2005
Where	(click for link to mapquest) N 43 22.762 W 084 39.838 His Place Family Enrichment Center 200 West Superior Street Alma, MI 48801 PARKING PARKING PARKING His Place has limited parking so here's the coords for more. At the "Filling Station" also owned by His Place: 43 22.751N 084 39.916 W Also, public parking at: 43 22.777 N 084 39.788W
Schedule	9:30 - 11:00 Setup 11:30 OFFICIAL START, doors open 12:30 - 02:00 Arrival, Registration, Meet&Greet Snacks and beverage out during this time 02:00 - 02:30 Official welcome, explanation of Poker Run and rules 02:30 - 03:00 Time for everyone to get ready for the Poker Run start! 03:00 - 05:00 POKER RUN, strict ending at 5pm 05:00 - 05:30 Regroup and warm up 05:30 - 7:00 Catered Dinner 7:00 - 8:00 Membership Meeting 08:00 on, Close up, clean up, and git Auction to be run during the event.  You'll see the area to view the items and you'll see where the bid sheets are posted.
Food	Catered Dinner This year's Winter Social includes a catered dinner as part of the registration fee.  The menu for the dinner will be: Baked Seasoned Chicken Three Cheese Lasagna Rice Pilaf Buttered Green Beans Italian Vegetable Pasta Fresh Fruit Platter Fresh Baked Bread Sticks "Sogno" For Dessert (2 brownies with carmel and fudge in between w/whipped cream)  = Vegetarian Dish
Activities	Third Annual MiGO Poker Run! This is a friendly non-competitive activity we've run with great feedback for three years running!  Although there are winners (and losers!) the activity is suitable for cachers of any skill level.  Those with 1 find have as much chance of winning as someone with 1000 finds!   Please read the rules if you have questions.  The game is quite simple to participate in and you will be able to go out as families, teams, paired up with more experienced cachers, or individually if you choose.  And remember rule #1 of Poker Run:  Thou shalt not need to know how to play Poker to play Poker Run!  ;)     Update 1/9/205: As in the past, two of the stops on the poker run are bonus stops.  You can stop in before the event or during hte poker run to collect this card.   The Main Cafe 10% off your meal.  Great place to stop for lunch on Saturday or warm up.  Or you can just stop in an nab the poker card that will be located there.  Good food and very reasonable prices. Open 6am-8pm Friday, Open 6am-3pm Sat. N43 22.741 W084 39.656 Redbird Pet Food Center 10% off any purchase.  Great place to take the kids!  Hint:  Look where the birds live. Open 9am-8pm Friday Open 9am-after poker run Saturday Great place to take the kids! N43 24.504 W084 39.093 MiGO Benefit Auction This year during the Winter Social we will have a "Silent Auction" to benefit MiGO and provide those who attend with a chance to snag some great swag.  MiGO will be contributing a lot of items for the auction.    Here is a sample listing of some of the great stuff we have in the auction so far!  There is a lot of good stuff so far!   Members may contribute to the auction table if they like, all contributions would be appreciated.  LongitudeStore.com Bronze Plaque  Walking sticks from Wilderness Walkers Team CoyChev's Carved Cacher  Potting bench/bar table Windrose's mini scenes cast iron cook set Poker set Dart Set Coleman Inflatable Queen Mattress Coleman Hunter's Cooler Shrinky Dink Maker Jeep travel mug Tent stake mallet Various travel coins Garmin gift packs (Shirt, Hat, Coozie, Bumper Sticker) Ready-made cache by Northern-Lights MUCH, MUCH MORE!    = Member contributed   Kids ONLY Penny Auction Kids, save those pennies!  There will be a special auction set up just for you!  All items start at just one penny and you bid up from there.  Make sure to check out this special area when you arrive!  Ask any event staffer and they will be able to point you to the area.  Children 13 and under only!  (Sorry all you "Old Kids")   Second MiGO Membership Meeting! We will be holding the second General Membership Meeting after dinner at the Winter Social.  The agenda is in the works.  This is a good chance for members to hear updates from the MiGO Executive Committee and Board, ask questions, and provide feedback.
What To Bring	There will be snacks provided but if you would like to bring a snack or have a special food need not satisfied by the menu for the event, please feel free to bring something you like.
Registration Fee	REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED A limited number of late registrations can be accomodated.  Contact events@mi-geocaching.org to see if there are any additional.  Because this event is catered, pre-registration will be required.  A limited number of additional plates will be purchased to accomodate last minute drop-ins but we cannot gurantee dinner availability for drop-ins.
Sponsors/Prizes	Winners of the Poker Run will receive a custom made etched glass mug as a trophy!   Currently seeking sponsors or prize donations.  Contact events@mi-geocaching.org if you wish to help in this manner.
Lodging	Team CoyChev's "Winter Social Event" Hotel recomendations. We drove thru Alma and checked out the 4 closest places to get a room. here are the results. Comfort Inn: 3110 W. Monroe Rd. -(989) 463-4400 Location: 2 miles north of the event. Description: A little upscale hotel that's clean, with a restraunt and banquet hall. Cost: If we ask for a block of rooms, we could get them for $75.00. If you don't mind the price, this is a great looking place. trippy's note:  We have gotten a block of rooms.  When reserving here mention you'd like to book under the block for Michigan Geocaching Organization.  February 11, 2005 is the cutoff to get in on the room block. Days Inn: 7996 N. Alger Rd Location: 2 miles north of the event. Description: It doesn't appear the owners spend much money on maintaince. lots of broken trimboards, worn carpet and in need of paint. It does have a nice swimming pool. A large area for semi trucks can be seen to the rear of the building. Cost: One or two bed price: $65.00 they say no need to reserve a block, they will give anyone that price. Alma Motel: 1575 Wright Ave - (989) 463-1135 Location: 1.1 miles north of the event. Description: we didn't even stop here, the roof looked bad, curtains mismatched, I din't want to ask anything. Price unknown. Petticoat Inn: 2454 W Monroe Rd - (989) 681-5728 Location: 2.1 miles north of the event Description: A nice and clean Mom & Pop motel just off the freeway. We looked at 2 rooms and they both were decorated nicely. They only have 10 rooms available, Cost: 5 rooms with one bed at $42.00ea, and 5 rooms with 2 beds at $47.00 If we stay in town for the night, we'll be staying at the Petticoat Inn.