Around the MWG

by Badmommy

Once Dave Hodo (TD 5052) and Justin Caton (TD 9543) found out that the 70th Explorers were unable to make a local gaming convention in Springfield, IL, they sprang into action. Loading up their armor along with a gonk droid, the two members arrived at the convention to a very welcoming crowd. Hodo even convinced his daughter to dress as a Jawa for the day! Read here to find out more about this convention in downstate IL - the 501st has been welcomed back again next year and the plans for the con are already under way. FULL REPORT

posted by dustrho

By Badmommy

On August 25th, Robb Roidt (TK321) organized members from IL and WI to appear at a major department store's grand re-opening. Kids and parents dressed in Star Wars apparel lined up in the children's department, and waited their turn for photos with their favorite character. The store made a generous donation on behalf of the 501st Legion to the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. Read the full mission report here.

posted by dustrho

by Badmommy

Kids and adults lined up before the start time of 6:00am to be among the first at the WGN's 6th annual Back to School Fair. Alongside Jesse White's Tumblers, mascots of the sports world, and characters from popular PBS children's show were members of the Midwest Garrison. Read the report in its entirety here.

posted by dustrho

Members of the Midwest and Bloodfin Garrisons joined forces to induct Star Wars Artist Cynthia Cummens http://www.cynthiacummensart.com/starwars.htm as an honorary member of the 501st Legion during Wizard World in Rosemont, Illinois Saturday, August, 11th, 2007.

article:
http://www.midwestgarrison.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=113642#113642

posted by MarStoq

By Badmommy

The City of Chicago is currently hosting Art of Play which is for locals as well as tourists alike. With over 150 activities that have to do with toys, games, and the spirit of play, it was just natural to find Vader and his entourage right in the middle of it all! Members of the MWG participated on August 25th and 26th. For those attending, not only were there plenty of photo oppurtunities but a chance to be tattooed as well! New member Vicki Silva had a chance to participate in her first 'troop' as a Tie Pilot although she experienced being called "Vader" on more than one occasion. FULL REPORT

posted by dustrho

by Badmommy

Please join us in welcoming the Midwest Garrison's newest unit: the Wisconsin Squad. They have officially entered their 6 month probation period and they look forward to working together to better the Legion. State Representative Gregg Bywater (TC 1900) will act as Squad Leader and has aggressively begun work on organizing local events for the public. Thanks to the contribution of many members, the squad's logo and mission statement are ready. Phil Zeman (TK2720) is to be congratulated on his outstanding contributions with building the squad's website as well as the graphics for the logo. Beth Johnson (TB 5852) has also been a great asset to the group stepping in to help out with the squad leader duties. Bywater says, "We do hope to see everyone from the garrison at events in WI, and I want to encourage the WI members to keep up the hard work and participation that enabled us to get this far." Check out the WI Squad's website at wisquad.com.

posted by dustrho