Down in Charlotte I spent some time with Al Ciner & Joe Emig, both were interested in setting up a gathering in the general area of Illinois/Indiana. I knew Jim Rippe was also from that area, as was Kevin Pittman - I figured what the heck, let's set up a Gathering!!

Woudl anyone be interested in this? Nothing formal, leave the suits & ties at home - just a fun hang out session somewhere in this area, sometime in teh future. I'm trying to see what teh interest level is in this area, and if we should make plans to set something up. I have a place we could meet, but if someone has a better idea, please let us know.

I've done several of thee gatherings up in teh NY-Mass area, and cannot tell you waht a benefit they've been for me. Not that I learned everythign I know about Rodbuilding, but the friends I've made have really made coordinating these gatherings a worthwhile endeavor.

Eitehr post here you are interested, or shoot me an e-mail (please dont' just shoot me, that would hurt)

I would have some interest in this. I am just outside Chicago in Aurora, Illinois.

Mike Sledden

Mike , Send me an e-mail. That goes for anybody else that might be interested.

I was contacted that a group from the North, up near Minnesota may swing down with a carful of guys.

The ball is rolling. Please contact Al Ciner, as he's been kind enough to offer his shop as a meeting place.

Please post the time and place when it is known, if nothing else going on would be very interested in attending. Mike, maybe we could meet somewhere and car pool im in whitewater wi.

Hey Billy bob. lol I have already contacted Al. Mike Barkley, just move closer please.

I would be interested but it depends on the location.
I live in Western Kentucky.

Lynn Williams

I would be interested depending on time and location. I am making the transition now from building rods to using rods. By mid July, I'll be heavy into the salmon slaying season.

I am definately in! Looking forward to meeting you guys.

I also have a few friends that are interested

let me know place and time ideas

Al,

You know I'm in!!! Hope you have a BIG shop!!!! You feeding everyone???LOL


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

My gosh. I think this one is getting really big. But thats o.k. I think the Mid-West can out do the Nerbs. Now thats cool.

Very good response!!! Were gonna work out the logistics and post again in a few days. So far about 15 people have responded with interestlet's see what happens when an actual date and site are set.

PS - if you are interested, please feel free to make suggestions. I have no idea how far people are willing to travel, nor am I familiar with that part of the country so I have no clue how far Chicago is from Minnesota, or Kentucky. All it takes to put one of these together closer to where you live, is a few guys and a place to meet. Only way to get a place to meet - is to open up YOUR shop to have the gathering there.

It would be great to see this come together. All it takes is someone to take a risk and open their "shop" or home, and others to help by attending, and helping out with food or whatever the host may need.

The last Gathering I had in MA, I had at least a half dozen builders that traveled between 2-4 hours to attend. None seemed mind that sarifice in order to hang out with a bunch of other bulders for a day of sharing information and techniques.

Mike this is going to work. My home is open to all who wish to attend. We'll have a date soon. Could be the Midwest chapter of NERBS?

I would be interested as well. Living in central Indiana, my pref would be to keep it out of the Chicago. Getting in and out of Chicago is a pain.

Ryan

I'm only two to three hours from Chicago so I would love it, just let me know.

Ryan-I live in Indy. Whereabouts are you?