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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware
        
(Message started by: eyes_afire on Dec 28^th, 2002, 12:07pm)

Title: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware
Post by eyes_afire on Dec 28^th, 2002, 12:07pm

Greetings. I have been in contact with 2 fellow clusterheads (you guys can post here if you like). We want to find out how many clusterheads would be interested in organizing a local OUCH chapter. If there is enough interest, we can set up a meeting place and chart a course with the goal of fulfilling the 'Annual Charter for Chapters' as stated on the OUCH website. At this point we are just gauging the level of interest, but we are seeking active participants.

This proposed Mid-Atlantic region would probably be most convenient for those living in Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware and any meetings would be planned with that regional boundary in mind.

For those who are interested in participating, you can post here (but make sure you are reachable), email me, or message me. If there is enough interest, then hopefully we can make further plans.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Peppermint on Dec 28^th, 2002, 12:20pm

Way to go Eyes... :)
You don't need it but I'll say it anyway.. Good Luck!
You'll do great!

Pepper ;)

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Mr.Happy on Dec 28^th, 2002, 2:25pm

BBQ grill, soft pretzels and party hats are ordered.
Step right up folks; don't be shy............

Still 3 and counting,
RJ

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Jabeen on Dec 28^th, 2002, 2:40pm

Hi! I did send you an e-mail about this-if you didn't get it, let me know. Otherwise I'll wait for more info-
Where in these states are most people? I am in NJ-central western...about 20 minutes from Easton.
Jabeen

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Hound_Dogg on Dec 28^th, 2002, 3:19pm

Yo Eyes...

You know I'm in on this!!!

Jim

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by ShariRae on Dec 28^th, 2002, 9:53pm

Well.. I am in Niagara Falls NY, but would make the trip :)
Huggzzz
Shari

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by OneEyeBlind on Dec 28^th, 2002, 10:08pm

Harrisburg PA (central pa) but traveling is not out of the question. Keep me posted.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Dec 31^st, 2002, 6:19pm

It seems that we have sufficient interest to explore this option further. Right now we're looking for a sufficient meeting place. The possibilities I'm considering are in the Easton PA area or the Reading PA area. If anyone has any other suggestions, ideas, questions, or concerns you can contact me or post here. If I don't hear other suggestions, I will be staking out the Reading area this weekend for an appropriate meeting place. But I am most definately still open to suggestions.

Thanks to all who responded.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by OneEyeBlind on Dec 31^st, 2002, 6:53pm

Reading sounds real cool. Have a sister that lives there. ;D Clusterbuds and family all in one trip ... don't get much better than that !!!!!

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 1^st, 2003, 1:46am

Reading's OK by me. I once knew a girl from Reading. Well......actually, I _Knew_ her twice. Should work out fine.

Let's do it,
RJ

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Hound_Dogg on Jan 1^st, 2003, 8:07am

Reading is fine with me also. I personally like the Pictures though.

Oh you mean the town ;D My wife's always bugging me to take her to the Reading Outlet. Says everything's inexpensive. You know what's more inexpensive...Not spending it at all.

Jim

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Tim_w on Jan 1^st, 2003, 10:34am

Iam verey Interested!!!!!!!!
Reading sounds good, Will try to make it
I live in south central Pa near PA MD line
Good luck EYES_AFIRE
Tim_w

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 5^th, 2003, 6:23pm

Okay gang, I did some stomping around the Reading area. How does the first weekend in February sound (probably lunchtime on a Saturday... unless dinnertime would be better)? We could move it back a week if there is alot of opposition to that date. I realize we may not be able to accomodate everyone, but I want to have the best possible turnout. If there is no major opposition, I will proceed with making invitations and sending them to everyone who posted to this thread and use the 'Where We Live'. The place will be:

Chef Alan's American Bistro
525 Penn Avenue
West Reading Shopping Center
West Reading, PA 19611

I visited the above establishment today and talked with someone there. I will need to get a head count (via invitation responses) to make proper arrangements. I selected the above establishment because:

1. It's easy to find. It's right up the street from the huge shopping outlets.

2. They will be able to accomodate us. I looked at thier facilities. There is a dining area, banquet area, and bar. They are used to having groups of people there.

3. The menu is reasonable and has a wide variety of food.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 6^th, 2003, 7:38am

Steve,

Plans for the "Devival" are in full swing. Thank you for driving the bus, and doing _all_ the legwork. It's people like you that make people like me say thank you to people like you.
If we need guest lecturers, please advise. I talked with three folks that have agreed to speak.......one from Amway, one from Tupperware, and the "Condom Lady" at the pharmacy.
I love it when a plan comes together.

Let's "Meat",
RJ

http://clusterheadaches.com/graphics/corner4.jpg

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Hound_Dogg on Jan 6^th, 2003, 11:53am

Hey eyes...If you can, make it in the evening. I work a Seven day on Two day off schedule. (During Days). So a Saturday might as well be a Monday for me.

Also, I found A Cluster Sufferer that lives 1-1/2 miles from me in Levittown. He was on the Where we Live as ED. Don't know what his sign-on was , here but will get him to participate, also.

See what you can do...What say everyone else.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Jabeen on Jan 6^th, 2003, 10:32pm

Hello all-sorry I fell away for a while. Was busy over the new year and wasn't spending much time on the computer. Thanks for doing the leg work. I may be able to get there that weekend-I'll wait for final time. Don't mean to be a pain in the ass-but are there non-smoking restaurants in PA? I know a lot of the CH's are smokers and I am very sensitive to smoke-would be a problem. Also-what is the deal about spouses/supporters/etc...are they included? Thanks-
Jabeen :) :) :)

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 7^th, 2003, 1:45am

Jab,

I smoke and I vote......but will forgo indoor `Rets for the duration, no huhu. Don't know about the entire restaurant. Ask Eyes. He cased the joint. Bring your spouse along. He can sit there and yell "Ow, Ow, Ow" as well as the rest of us......

I'll go for a 2:00 PM start. Once I have to start driving after dark, it sort of approaches the realm of "Auto Surfing".

Yours in Nicotine Withdrawl,
RJ
http://clusterheadaches.com/graphics/button_feedback.jpg

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Ree on Jan 7^th, 2003, 1:03pm

boy us MassaCHusetts Cluster heads are boring...

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Slammy on Jan 7^th, 2003, 1:06pm

on 01/06/03 at 07:38:54, Mr.Happy wrote:

If we need guest lecturers, please advise. I talked with three folks that have agreed to speak.......one from Amway, one from Tupperware, and the "Condom Lady" at the pharmacy.

You just friggin kill me, Mr. Happy! http://www.uselessgraphics.com/party052.gif

Slammy http://www.uselessgraphics.com/devil09.gif

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 7^th, 2003, 6:30pm

Good question about smoke, Jabeen. I'm not sure (I don't smoke), I'll have to find out. I'm of the opinion that significant others/supporters are very, very, very welcome to attend. However, to be a member of the local chapter, I believe OUCH membership is required according to the Charter for Chapters. But... OUCH membership is free and easy. The more the merrier. I want to have the invitations out by no later than Sunday. I still consider the Easton area (it doesn't have to be right in the city) a likely option for a future meeting, so please keep your eyes open for a suitable location there if one exists. Easton is attractive because it is easily accessible via I-78 and is a 'travel distance compromise' between the extremes of our region.

BTW... according to the 'Where We Live' there are 262 clusterheads in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. There is good potential. In the time between now and then I will be sending out these invitations, tracking responses, writing a short and simple agenda, and hopefully starting a historical notebook in case this really takes off so that we have a record to present to 'parent OUCH'. Better to be prepared. Thanks to all who responded. I just finished pasting Pennsylvania :D... now on to those other states...

another BTW... Good going Barry, aka Silver Dolphins, way to step up in the south. I'm new at this myself, but if you have any questions I'm here to TRY to answer. Congratulations, it sounds like there may be good response in that area.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by jonny on Jan 7^th, 2003, 6:36pm

I could be wrong but I doubt it, when one joins OUCH they are asked the name of thier supporter. Me thinks both become members.

.......................jonny

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 12^th, 2003, 10:45am

Okay, all invitations have been sent out. If you didn't receive an invitation but wish to attend the gathering, please email me so I can get an appropriate headcount.

Location:
Chef Alan's American Bistro
525 Penn Avenue
West Reading Shopping Center
West Reading, Pennsylvania 19611
(610) 375-4012

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2003

Time: 2 pm

Setting: Casual dining

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 16^th, 2003, 5:42pm

So far there are 6 of us planning on gathering. 4 others are 'maybes'. If you live in another state and/or didn't receive an invitation and would like to join us, you are welcome to come. Just send me an email so I know how many to expect.

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 6:36pm

Okay, it looks like there will be 9 of us at the gathering. What I'm going to do in the next few days is contact Chef Alan's and make arrangements. I'm gonna tell them to make arrangements for about 10 or 12 people. So, if there is anyone else out there who wants to join in, let me know as soon as possible via email, or posting here.
Updates forthcoming...

EA

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Jan 24^th, 2003, 6:43pm

I made reservations today. I'm emailing the details to those who accepted and posting the email here just in case there is someone else out there who wants to come along. We can still accomodate a few more. Just email me if you want to come. Here it is:

Reservations and arrangements for the clusterhead gathering have been made. I reserved for 9 to 12 people, so we can take on a few more late-responders or newbies.
The details:

Chef Alan's American Bistro
525 Penn Avenue (at the intersection of Sixth and Penn Avenues)
West Reading Shopping Center
West Reading, Pennsylvania 19611
Phone: (610) 375-4012

The gathering will take place on 02/01/03 at 2pm.

Please note, there is another location of Chef Alan's inside the heart of Reading. Make sure you go to the location mentioned above, located in West Reading. It is very close to the huge Reading shopping outlets. Penn Avenue is also known as US business route 422.

There should be plenty of parking in the humble West Reading Shopping Center which is adjacent to and supports Chef Alan's customers. The seats have been reserved in the non-smoking section, however smoking is permitted at the bar. When you arrive, state that you are with the OUCH group and that reservations have been made.

I'm expecting the gathering to mainly be a 'getting-to-know-each-other' type of gathering. We can also discuss the possibility of future meetings and perhaps, ultimately, forming a regional OUCH chapter.

See you Feb 1,

Steve aka Eyes Afire

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Peppermint on Jan 25^th, 2003, 2:22pm

.....and AWAAAAYY we go Steve-i-o.. ;D

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by jonny on Jan 25^th, 2003, 2:49pm

MASS get together!!!!

FEB 15th

We know who we are and where we will be.

You aint from Mass?......SCREW!!!!!

J/K........ ;D

..............jonny :D

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Peppermint on Jan 25^th, 2003, 2:53pm

yOU MEANIE... :(

i still luvz ya Jonny... . :-*

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by catlind on Jan 25^th, 2003, 3:18pm

Does that mean I don't get to come to the MASS one?
*pout* :'(

Cat

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by ozzman on Jan 29^th, 2003, 9:11am

Steve,

I finally cleared all my plans for the weekend. Count me in. (My wife doesn't mind being stuck this time with the kids) so I'm cleared to go.

Ozzy

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by eyes_afire on Feb 3^rd, 2003, 3:42pm

Alright! Now nobody has to hear my whine and cheese, about 'never seeing a clusterhead in my life' :D. Anyway, the gathering was a blast and we agreed it would be good to meet again in the future. Excellent conversation and frank discussions in the midst of the restaurant from this motley crew. It rocked!

Those in attendance:

Me (Steve C aka Eyes Afire)
Randy (Mr Happy)
Patty (Peppermint)
Tim W
Robin W
Ozzie V (Ozzman)
Joe P (Pigeon)

Follow this link for pictures and record of the proceedings (with trademark dry humour):

http://www.drfeller.com/pa_meet/

BTW Randy... It's probably safe to say the rest of us had more fun than '3 men and a car' :P

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Mr.Happy on Feb 3^rd, 2003, 8:59pm

Waiting for a few more Pix from Peppy........they're still in the "developing" stage. Maybe hers will turn out decent....unlike the ones from my crappy old camera.
Perhaps, next time, we should meet in a slightly more private place. Quite a few heads were turned, as one of us would yell across the table "WHAT DRUGS ARE YOU TAKING NOW?" or "DO YOU PREFER INJECTING YOURSELF IN THE ARM OR THE LEG?"
T`was a good thing nobody developed a real Headache......moaning, wailing, writhing on the floor, brain-banging and cursing Wotan. Chef Alan would have thrown us out personally.....heh.....
The entire event was Well Worth the price of admission.

Ready to plan the next Devival.........
RJ

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Peppermint on Feb 3^rd, 2003, 9:51pm

Randy... ahem. People?....This here Mr. Happy... Really IS.. HAPPY... .. a stitch every second. Never a dull moment for sure. . . . DInG! :D

It was a real pleasure meeting you all: Joe, Ozzy, Tim & Robin, Randy and of course Steve... and to hear you share your personal cluster and life experiences.

Thanks Steve for the fun at the Silo (no more 3 wise men, EVER :P... you can laugh now Eyes)... and to all of you for your input and ideas about the project I mentioned. It really gave me some perspective... and things to take into consideration.

The drive across the states alone was a first for me... but well worth the trip!!! I hope this was only the beginning of a good thing.... it'd be great to see ya all again.

Pep ;)

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Hound_Dogg on Feb 4^th, 2003, 1:24pm

I'm sorry I missed it!!! :'( Well, it's my own damn fault. no excuses.

See everyone at the next one.

Jim

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by suzy617 on Feb 4^th, 2003, 3:24pm

Me too Jim. Around here everyday and just kept passing by this post till today. I could have hitched a ride with Peppermint.

Next time for me... :'(

suzy

Title: Re: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delawa
Post by Roxy on Feb 4^th, 2003, 5:02pm

Randy, thanks for providing the pics for everyone to see...Pep, can't wait to see yours. Looks like a great group of clusterheads. It's always nice to be able to put a face to a name.

PFDAN,

Tracey