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Pre-Dig Gig, Rehash Bash and other Cooler events

Submitted by Clue Master on

18th Annual Re-Hash Bash 
Newell Park, St Paul, MN 
Sunday, February 1st, 2015 
11:30-2:30 

http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/facilities.aspx?page=detail&RID=76 



 

Attachment:rhbnow.jpg



 

CerealKiller

LOL!! Thats not THE BIGGEST LOL they have one BIGGER!!! Have to order it off line thought!!! lol :eyeroll: maybe I should get one for next year if it lasts that long HEHE :cool: :cool:
Fri, 02/01/2008 - 8:19 PM Permalink
Eags

I think there should always be an opportunity to go to the park before or after the RHB or at least at the pity party. But some years the medallion location is just not conducive to a RHB.

I think changing to a Saturday will just leave out a different group of people.

People who post their opinions here, especially after the hunt when a lot of folks have stopped reading and posting, might look like a concensus when its really not.

The Cooler Crew has gotten so many members and that is wonderful, but it is bound to complicate things in terms of events that don't fit everyone's schedule or commitments or preferences.

There are a lot of valid points being made here. Although I was a member since the 1998 Chair-o-key hunt, I moved away from MN in 2001 so have been absent from a lot of the recent hunts. I know we started doing this on that particular Sunday for a lot of reasons, and we were aware that we were NOT, at that time, interfering with people's Super Bowl plans, cuz the Super Bowl used to be in January.

Perhaps keeping this the way it is and then see if the attendance continues to support it on its usual day?
Fri, 02/01/2008 - 9:19 PM Permalink
CerealKiller

Like I said I can work eather day! i just would like to see more people show up!!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 12:48 AM Permalink
green

A lot's changed in 10 years.

The demographics of the 'Crew mostly. Prolly median age has increased since not too many families have hopped on the band wagon and the families with kids - those kids have gotten older.

Initially, as the group continued after the Annaugral Re-Hash Bash, the principal idea was family and thus family-friendly venues were a priority. Some of the changes being asked for, in my opinion, are a bit tunnel visioned and the principal idea this be a family/group of all ages is either not kmowm about or known about and not important.

Currently the pendulum as swung to the side of fewer children/children have grown. Wright Wringer, Emily and Hannah, Tim are older now and not many kids have come along to take their places. Thus changing a venue for the Pre-Dig Gig was warranted and it was done. But not in a knee-jerk reaction(ary) way. It was thought about long and hard before the decision to leave MacGovern's was made - as it was so descriptively put forth here. I think, when/if ittiz needed, the pendulum will swing back as the people here become parents and have kids of their own. Maybe it won't. Maybe these things we do will become Mom and Dad only outties, and that's okay, too. One change.

A second, and earlier change was to heve a Pre-Dig Gig.

A third change was in the mind-set of the group. To become more open and accepting of all who hunt. That was thought about and noolded and we went forth with a more open, tolerant stance on others joining us. At the outset whinning, temper-tantrums and "I WANT"s - among more henious commisions - weren't tolerated and poofed from the Cooler via Casey, myself and/or I believe Terry (I think she also was given the ability to monitor the thread but I'm not posisitve). We don't do that today. Poof people based on opinions or actions.

Having yet another 'party' with the inception of the Pity Party was nother change. And that, itself, quickly changed from an outtie to an innie. I don't remember much discusion on the type of venue, but it seems to me it has never been a family-oriented, kid friendly place but for the initial one at Newell. Again, I don't remember if there was discussion or not.

Open-faced turkey sandwiches have never been a criterion for where the Cooler Crew does what. What's guided us has always been respect, caring, family and friends. And when making decidsions it takes awhile to consider those and remain as true to them as we can when implenting a change(s).

It hurt to read about Ian not wanting to come if not in the park the Med was found in. Given my druthers, I'd also like it to be in the park the Med was found it but I just can't take the cold as long as I could and I have whuuused out. :sad:

I do like having the Re-Hash Bash indoors.

As far as having a home, possibly because I'n not here throughout the year I missed something. But what I saw is that a 'home' was found based on proximity to the paper (excellent idea), a group moved in and then proclaimed it as a done deal. No condideration given to family or kids, but just "I want, I like, Let's do." So there's another change.

So far that's five changes I count.

Things have changed a lot in ten years, I think. I think the biggest change I feel is a change in spirit. That makes six changes.

As far as The Re-Hash Bash, I really don't have an opinion one way or the other any longer. Sat, Sun, the day the Med's found; daytime/nitetime; in a bar, in a restaurant, in a Mason Lodge, in the park; inside/outside; what time; pot-luck or no pot-luck; kids/no kids. I've not a strong opinion any longer. Whenever. Just let me know when and where and if food should be brought or not.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 5:52 AM Permalink
ares

that idea rox!!!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 6:38 AM Permalink
ares

no we shouldn't have the hunter fred repellant. if you look at coolercrew.com, he's actually invited by name :smile:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 7:03 AM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

I'm keen on the idea of a summer reunion - any key summer "Hunts" that would dictate what weekend would be better than the others?

The only hitch about summer - more things are going on - so advance planning is REQUIRED.

________________________________________________

I don't know how much interest Coolerheads have in this:

Tickets go on sale Today 10 am (2/2/08) for the Blue Man Group Concert at Excel

8 pm Saturday, March 29, 2008

Cheap Seats: $50 - Pricey - $85

Its 9:20 am and I'm still at home in my bathrobe - Is this going to be one of those "sold out in 20 seconds" shows or what? I love their videos that I've seen on the net - should be a great show.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 7:27 AM Permalink
Terry

Thanks!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 7:39 AM Permalink
Terry

And if you would like to support tpt2 (Twin Cities Public Television), you can get a pair of tickets for $300.

Details:

Pair of tickets to see the Blue Man Group at the Xcel Energy Center, Saturday, March 29th, 2008 @ 8pm. Your seats will be located on the main floor starting at Row 11. The Blue Man Group has mastered the rock concert experience. Blue Man Group has performed all over the world including New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Berlin, Oberhausen and Orlando. Come and see this dynamic performance that's great for the whole family!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 7:51 AM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

There's another thing that has changed in the Cooler Crew in the last 10 years. It's also about 5 to 10 times bigger than it was in the beginning. There's some number of people, I think it may be 120, that scientific studies have shown is a critical breaking point in societies. For whatever reason, once a group exceeds that size, it simply becomes unmanageable and people either drop out or split off. We may also be seeing a bit of that going on.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 7:55 AM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

OK, we'll need to instigate a reproductive ban, then. No sex for anyone under 40 allowed!

:wink:

Oh, wait! That includes me! Um, can I make an amendment for anyone under 35?
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 8:02 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

the principal idea was family and thus family-friendly venues were a priority. Some of the changes being asked for, in my opinion, are a bit tunnel visioned and the principal idea this be a family/group of all ages is either not kmowm about or known about and not important.

I think we have all expressed the opinion that the RHB be family friendly. How isn't the mason lodge family friendly? Or being on saturday instead of sunday not family friendly? Isn't that what people are asking for?

Currently the pendulum as swung to the side of fewer children/children have grown. Thus changing a venue for the Pre-Dig Gig was warranted and it was done.

How is McGoverns kid friendly and Matty B's isn't?

What's guided us has always been respect, caring, family and friends. And when making decidsions it takes awhile to consider those and remain as true to them as we can when implenting a change(s).

I think everyone agrees with this. Thats why it has taken so long to change things.

It hurt to read about Ian not wanting to come if not in the park the Med was found in.

It does hurt to read that. But how many dont come because its too cold? How is a cold park really kid friendly? I think more would come if we knew in advance of where the RHB will be. When we get 12 clues we only have 3 days advanced notice of where it will be. (maybe more if were sure of the park, but we really never know for sure till its found. Remember cono 03?) By having it set earlier we could potentially have more people attending because they will already know where its going to be.

As far as having a home, possibly because I'n not here throughout the year I missed something. But what I saw is that a 'home' was found based on proximity to the paper (excellent idea), a group moved in and then proclaimed it as a done deal. No condideration given to family or kids, but just "I want, I like, Let's do." So there's another change.

Why do you think no one considered any of those things. In my memory those decisions were made mostly by the people that actually came out to the preclue gatherings. A lot of people have opinions, but the main decisions, I think, were made by those that actually participate. And how would you suggest we meet each night before the clues to involve kids? Proximity has to be an issue IMO. I dont see any McDonald playlands around downtown/PP that we can meet at.

As far as The Re-Hash Bash, I really don't have an opinion one way or the other any longer.

I think you do have strong feeling on this, or you wouldn't have made the posts that you have. I think we need to take all things into consideration. Expecailly the long time members of this group. I think we all want to see the group flourish and succeed. Hopefully we can all make that happen together.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:04 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

We get together on a somewhat regular basis. Cant give any "Key dates" at this time but I know AW's hunt is usually around march/april. Ian has events usually at Crosby around Earthday and halloween. Some others have hunts they do. (I'll have one hopefully this year time TBD) A lot of people from here get together for the taste of minnesota. The oakdale hunt usually gets some involved as well as roseville hunt etc. Just keep checking in and check the cooler crew calendar.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:11 AM Permalink
ares

hmmm. i vote for 30. :smile:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:24 AM Permalink
ares

And how would you suggest we meet each night before the clues to involve kids? Proximity has to be an issue IMO. I dont see any McDonald playlands around downtown/PP that we can meet at.

proximity is a huge issue, and (this is just mho), most nights are too late for most kids to be out in line waiting for the clue.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:27 AM Permalink
Eags

As an older member, here is my recollection.

Even though we were careful to have events only at public places at first, we were always inclusive of all hunters. We started right out inviting the medallion finders to the RHB, and I hope we will always do that. And I love it when people think about the impression the Cooler Crew is making, and go out of their way to be considerate of others and make them feel welcome.

Green, especially, saw the vision of the Cooler Crew growing to large numbers. In fact, we thought so many of those online that year would want to come out to rehash the clues at Chair-o-key, that she brought 24 pounds of potato salad to the first picnic!!!

I think its a very good point that we have grown beyond that magic number of 120 and things are just not as manageable as they once were, in terms of logistics.

We could choose to be come more organized, elect officers, create a mission statement, have rules and by-laws.

But it still is not going to solve the Saturday vs. Sunday conflicts that are just a part of people's lives.

What started as a Sunday hunt-wrap-up event on a non-super bowl Sunday, ended up with a conflict mostly because the Super Bowl changed their date, not because the CC decided to have it on Super Bowl sunday.

Family friendly - yes, we always were and are. But we have always had a mix of events. Some include kids and some don't. Always been that way.

PDG: Matty B's is fine. I never thought much of McGovern's. They were OK at first, especially when we used to stick around and play cards - they weren't very busy in those days. But the service always sucked, IMHO. Now that I know that Matty B's doesn't serve food late every night, I will plan accordingly. I think its great that it is close to the PP, which makes so much sense for clue-getting.

Doing pity parties and RHBs at the med park sometimes requires permits, getting electricity turned on, and sometimes is just not feasible. Conway was great as there was the heated building. Phalen was miserable - we managed to stay long enough to do prizes and eat. Its different to be out digging and then go warm by the fire than it is to try to have a picnic if the weather is real cold for the RHB.

I don't see changing the RHB to Saturdays as solving the problem. There are a few Super Bowl fans who would be helped by changing it to Saturday. I'm hearing a lot of people say they need Saturday, though, for catching up with errands and chores after the hunt.

Times change and circumstances change. I am a pretty flexible person and I'm sure whatever gets decided over the years, I will participate as much as I am able. I've been away a lot over the past several years, so I'm sure I don't have as much investment in these decisions as a lot of people do.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 10:39 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

no BFG last year made some on a old spray bottle it was funny we should see if he could dig it up it was BFG's calling to be Freed by me I am the one who takes credit for crupting the poor kid!! I feel bad But on another note Next year is going to be hard! to get Reg to come out of his shell!! and when he dose Look out World!! who knows he is so quite that I think he could go Nutz and start knocking people in the head with a Rake or his diggin implements out in the parks!!! LOL :eek: :eek: :eek:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 1:42 PM Permalink
ares

yeah, i remember that.

but hunter fred wasn't invited by name last year either.

it would be rude to invite him by name an then repel him. :smile:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:03 PM Permalink
Mr. Med Hunter

Still no words from this year's winners. I've left voicemails and emails and haven't heard back from them. :frown:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:04 PM Permalink
luckykitten

nicely put 3M.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:07 PM Permalink
l and a mommy

I just spend 15 minutes typing up a response to questions about where when why and because why. I've decided I'm going to just leave it at. Please just let me know what the powers that be decide.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:16 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

BFG won that as a door prize last year. I made the Hunter Fred Repellant.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:26 PM Permalink
Wicked Nick

damn...

im glad I had a chance to check this thing today... otherwise I woulda been at Mounds Park, all by myself...

I had to skip a couple hundred messages, so I dont know... - did anybody have a chance to invite the finders? anybody know if they'll be showing up...

Its too bad we're not having it at the park, this year... or atleast closer to it.... I'd like to see where exactly they picked it up at... I need to convince myself that I didnt walk over it again this year.... although that will probably be a lost effort anyhow... :coolfrown:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:44 PM Permalink
Eags

Nick, finders have been invited, haven't responded yet.

No reason why people can't go to the park before or after the RHB. I know at least two people know where the med was found and could show you. I'd have to slog for who they are, though. I think Jake was one of them.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:46 PM Permalink
Wicked Nick

yeah... I taped the channel 4 stuff the day after, when they showed where they found it.... Jake was there with them....

Im kinda bummed that I didnt make the press conference this year, to congratulate them.... I think this was the first one Ive missed in a few years...
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 2:52 PM Permalink
KITCH

I got bbqwings..and...I'm going to some joint on front at noon...thats all I know...
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 4:24 PM Permalink
Terry

We just got our sour grapes, chicken, noodling, nutty salad done and in the fridge. I'm excited to see everyone tomorrow!

Even though we all don't agree on things, I appreciate how everyone is respectful in agreeing to disagree.

I love youz!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 4:45 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I have 40 door prizes, so I hope theres at least 40 people there. Plus me2 has some more.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 4:50 PM Permalink
barefootguy

I have my Ziti done!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 5:19 PM Permalink
Terry

I'm getting sparklies!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 5:37 PM Permalink
mucluck

I'll be bringing the Devils food Cake
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 6:35 PM Permalink
green

I'll be bringing my appetite! Since Mrs. MNMikey's deigned to make Deviled Eggs, I see no reason in duplicating the effort. I hope she makes a minimum of 2 doz worth... <and I hope for mayo, NOT Miracle Whip/salad dressing> Guess beggers can't be choosers! :sillygrin:

I've got to work tomorrow :crying:

so will stop by, snarf and be off like a prom dress.

Looking forward to seeing EVERBUDDY!!!!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 6:49 PM Permalink
mucluck

no cake :frown: minor kitchen crisis :frown:

not sure what to do now :angry: :chagrin:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 8:22 PM Permalink
KITCH

:frown:

just was staring to look forward to your cake :frown:

Minor?? hope so..
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 8:24 PM Permalink
me2

penny makes wwwwwwwonderful deviled eggs!!!!

Im impressed barefootguy
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:32 PM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

How about baking a double batch of Brownies -

When they are done baking and still moist, mash and mold them together until it looks like a big fallen log.

-- Even if its too late for this year - your can probably still save this idea for 2009!
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:33 PM Permalink
me2

Tami, I'll give you my bag of candy hearts to bring because we still have you with us :sheepish:
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:50 PM Permalink
l and a mommy

Just sent Daddy out to get the ingrediants that I was missing for my cheese cake. I'll be there with the kids don't know about Daddy...his first response when I asked him today if he was coming was...But its SBS I said thats later he said but what about the pregame... :eyeroll: I said come or don't come but I'm going. We'll see.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 9:52 PM Permalink
ThoseMedallingKids

One thing we can all agree upon is that the Cooler Crew has been welcoming and inclusive. We all were new to the Crew at one point. Being welcoming and inclusive means that we are going to be continually growing. The more people we have, the harder it's going to be to please everyone. Our demographics will probably always be changing- if nobody else were to come into our group the kids would become adults, the single people would get married, the married would have kids, those with kids would have them grow into adults, people will retire, etc. Things will change with time, it's inevitable.

I don't think that there is a perfect answer that will satisfy everyone, whether it be the PDG, the re-hash bash, or things going on during the hunt. There's enough of us here where at least one of us would come up with the perfect solution for everyone, if there was a perfect solution.

For the re-hash bash, Sunday works for some better, while Saturday works for others better. If you think about it, we put our lives on hold for 1-2 weeks to feed our hunger for the hunt. After it's done with, some of us go back to work right away. Either way, I think the weekend is important for us in getting back to our normal lives, it's just that we all choose how to use that weekend differently. Having the re-hash in the park has been great because it allows us all to see where the treasure was found, it helps connect us with the park, and it family friendly in that kids have things to do usually. We were spoiled for a while in that we had sheltered areas to keep warm with, along with good weather. I understand though the times when there wasn't the best weather conditions with no shelter. Minnesota winters are damn cold at times, and it's easy to stay warm while you're digging, but not as easy when you're just standing around chatting. I personally think that it was really nice at AW's Masons Lodge because no matter the weather you knew it was going to be nice inside. I think the kids missed the opportunity to be outside playing, but they still had some space to do things together.

For the nights downtown for the clues, personally I think Matty B's is the best spot. It is really convenient for getting the clues and meeting together. There isn't much down there for family-friendly with having kids there. Most of the kids aren't down there late night because of school. I guess the reality is, during the hunt, people can meet where they want. A lot of people hang out there, but if someone prefers Great Waters or somewhere else, they can certainly hang out there. I think during the hunt it should be what people enjoy and makes them happy.

People have expressed their thoughts and feelings on the pre-dig gig. I'm not saying who is right or wrong, just that I think it's showing for itself that there is a wide range of opinion. I like the layout and space of McGoverns as opposed to Matty B's. I have not had a bad experience at McGoverns, but other people have had them. Who knows what time will show for Matty B's. I think each year it would be great for people to come in here a while before the PDG (preferably hang out all year) and let their opinion be known. I think each year we should consider what is the best option for us. Who knows what things will be like for us next year? Who will be here, what Matty B's will be like, what else there may be for consideration. I think it's just a matter of discussing it as a group. We won't be able to please everyone, and I think we have to realize it and accept it. I don't think that it's personal against anyone if what is chosen doesn't work out for people. It's just not going to be able to make everyone happy.
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 10:07 PM Permalink
Clue Master

This is a good debate, I'm glad everyone is being civil.

And as an FYI, the powers that be = all of us
Sat, 02/02/2008 - 10:58 PM Permalink
green

Great! I loved Deviled Eags! I've always had requests for mine year after year. They're funny, Deviled Eags. Mine are never the same way twice, yaknow? I don't follow a recipe, just tossing in whatever I've got or feel like. Sometimes bacon and green onions, sometimes chipoltes, sometimes olives on top. Never use"regular" mustard but sometimes stoneground, or I use horseradish. Whatever.
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 7:10 AM Permalink
green

I cracked up at your word "debate." I laughed because I'm in this discussion and you used the word "debate."

I'm not good at debating, too emotional, and other than the things I strongly feel, I'm very gray and cannot easily see one set way.

I proficientcied out of most of my college English. So early on I took a speech course. After giving a persuavise speech, the professor asked if I would join the debate team. Can you believe it? :goofy: :goofy: :goofy:

Maybe I could debate in that type of situation, I don't know. Maybe you gather your facts, put them them together and just use what you've found and there's no emotion whatsoever. I don't know because I didn't join.

But every time I see "debate" and it anyway refers to me or what I'm doing I just bust a gut laughing!
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 7:20 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

REHASH TODAY AT NOON!!!



11th Annual Cooler Crew Rehash Bash!

Location: Mason Lodge (Thanks again for this one, AW!)

1044 Front Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55103

Sunday, February 3, 2008

12pm until the last Coolerhead clears out

Sun, 02/03/2008 - 8:49 AM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

I've got a creative solution:

PARK POOL WINNER PICKS THE RHB LOCATION

(obviously not for this year,but...)

Whattaya think?
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 9:04 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

WAY TO MUCH CONFUSION!! thats All I can say on that one!! :ooh: :ooh:
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 9:18 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

See You all at the Rehash!!

HAy mucky if you are trying to get ride of your stuff for real then you should hold a auction at the Rehash LOL!!

Jk

I woudnt buy your stuff for a few reasons because if you wanted to come back next year I would want to sell it right back to you!!! :cool: :cool:
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 9:20 AM Permalink
Terry

Great fun and great people. I feel so blessed to know all of you.

For those that couldn't make it, we missed you.

Big thanks to Mikey and me2 for great door prizes. You did a real bang up job.

The food, as usual, was simply delicious. Thanks to everyone for another great feast.

Fabulous to have the finders there! Glad they could make it. They seem so nice.

And thanks Allison for allowing us the use of the lodge again. Its so much more conducive to conversation and fun to be somewhere that it's warm and comfy.

Fun to see some of the new cooler babies and some of those that aren't such babies any longer.

What a satisfying way to put another hunt to bed. Only another 50 weeks before we can start over noodling clues for the Winter Carnival hunt next year. I just hope we don't end up in the woods again.
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 2:54 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

RHB was great! The 2nd one at Obbs was fun too! Special thanks to Janna for donating the great prizes for the "12th clue prizes". They were the best ones!

Another special thanks to all the people that donated to the cost of the lodge and also to help pay for some of the door prizes.

We had 49 prizes and only 2 people that didnt get prizes. (exept babies)

We were all winners in my opinion!

What a great bunch of people we are!!

I'm proud to be a part of the Cooler Crew!
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 4:18 PM Permalink
Eags

WOW! What a fun afternoon!!

Thank you to everyone who put this on - to Allison for making his lodge available and all the work that goes into that, to Mikey and me2 for the creative and fun prizes.

I can't tell you how heart-warming the past week or so has been for me, getting to see so many of the Cooler Crew and getting in on all the fun again.
Sun, 02/03/2008 - 4:24 PM Permalink