Decongestant Programming Schedule — October 14–16, 2016
Friday October 14
2 p.m.—Registration opens. [Consuite]
3 p.m.—Gaming Room opens. The Gaming Room will be open continuously throughout the convention until 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. We’ll provide tables and chairs and some games. Feel free to bring your favorite games. [Gaming Room]
3 p.m.-5 p.m. —“Crafty Time”— A time to work on your art or craft projects. [Consuite, unless/until we can get into a Programming Room]
4:30-5 p.m. — Noodles and Company Dinner Order – There will be an optional organized Friday dinner from Noodles & Company. Everyone will order individual dishes and we'll place one big order. There will be paper menus available, or you can look at their website. They have two different non-wheat noodles available. Scott and Irene Raun will take orders and money to cover them (cash or check) from 4:30–5 p.m. You can also write sraun at fireopal.org ahead of time with your order. We expect the food to be at the con and ready to eat by 6:30 p.m. Coordinated by Scott and Irene Raun. [Consuite]
5 p.m.—“How to Make Rolled Paper Beads”— Learn how to make fast, fun, easy and inexpensive beads from recycled paper. Laura Krentz. [Board Room if available, otherwise Consuite]
6 p.m.—Dinner Break. Go out to a nearby restaurant or opt in to a group order of food (see above).
7 p.m. until late—“Google Hangout with Rachel Kronick”—As long as the wifi and technology work, we will have a chance to interact with Rachel Kronick starting at 7 p.m. She will hang out with us at programming, and we can have time dedicated for conversation with her from 7-7:30 p.m., from 8:30-9 p.m., and during “Mimosas and Coloring Books” from 10-11 p.m.
7:30 p.m.—“Opening Ceremonies and MnStf Anniversary Celebration”—Greetings, announcements, etc. Matt Strait, Laura Krentz, Patricia Zetelumen, Magenta Griffith, Emily Stewart, others? Followed by MnStf Anniversary slideshow: David Dyer-Bennet and MnStf Birthday cake: Kevin Austin. [Programming Room]
9 p.m. — “How NOT to Read a Legal Document”—A discussion of legal documents, and when to know to call in an expert. Emily Stewart, Jonathan Adams. [Programming Room]
10 p.m. — “Mimosas and Coloring Books” – Casual conversation while coloring and drinking. Bring your own supplies or color along with some provided. Sponsored by Minneapolis in 2073. Emily Stewart. [Programming Room]
11p.m. until late—“Howard Harrison Memorial Music Circle”— Celebrate the life of MnStf musician Howard Harrison. Anyone not already registered for the con can get a day membership for $40, or an hour membership (time is flexible, as long as it’s not close to a full day) for $20 to attend the music circle. Talk to con chair Matt Strait in cases of financial difficulties. Matt says: “I will approve any reasonable request.” [Programming Room]
Saturday, October 15
Morning – Cartoons. Kevin Austin [Programming Room]
12 noon – “Apple Tasting” – Try samples of different kinds of apples and compare them. Sponsored by Minneapolis in 2073. Laura Krentz, Dean Gahlon. [Programming Room]
1 p.m. — “Nature Walk” in Hyland Lake Park Reserve. You may want to bring a camera, hat, walking stick, sunglasses, water bottle, etc. Or go on a “Poké-walk” in the area if you play Pokémon Go. Meet in the lobby to join a group and carpool if necessary. (Videos may be available in the Programming Room for those who don’t want to go out.)
3 p.m. – Minicon meeting. This meeting is not an official, badged event, and anyone is welcome to attend. Ann Totusek. [Programming Room]
5 p.m. – “Jewelry-Making Demo.” Watch the incomparable Elise work her magic. Elise Matthesen. [Board Room]
6:30 p.m.—Dinner Break. Go out to a nearby restaurant or opt in to an order of Indian food. The optional Saturday dinner will be catered by Tandoor in Bloomington. Dinner will arrive around 6:30 p.m. and will be ready to eat at about 7 p.m. Please keep in mind that it might start slightly earlier or later. It will be served “buffet style.” Coordinated by Emily Stewart.
8 p.m. — “Blue Sun Soda Tasting” – Try samples of different and unusual flavors of soda pop and rate them. Sponsored by Minneapolis in 2073. Laura Krentz, Dean Gahlon. [Programming Room]
9 p.m. — “Synthesizer-MIDI Panel/Workshop and Performance.” Since its inception, the Synthesizer has permeated the audio realm. From Buchla to Moog, Prog Rock to Dubstep, the synth brings other worlds' sounds to the ears on planet Earth. Join Dean and Terry in a hands-on workshop of sound design utilizing analogue, digital, fm, subtractive, wavetable, and more synthesis, as well as seeing some of the things that MIDI can do. Terry Hughes, Dean Gahlon. [Programming Room]
11p.m. until late —“Late Night Music Circle”—Bring your instruments and a copy of Rise Up Singing and/or Rise Again if you want. [Programming Room]
Sunday, October 16
Morning – Cartoons. Kevin Austin. [Programming Room]
1 p.m.—“Tea and Books”—Try a variety of good teas and talk about some good books you’ve read. Optional: Bring an elegant teacup and saucer and maybe a sample of a favorite tea. Felicia Herman. [Board Room]
2 p.m.—“Closing Ceremonies and MnStf/MidAmericon videos”—Should we do this again? Do you have ideas for next year? Will you volunteer to run things? At the close of the con, enjoy some MnStf/ MidAmericon videos provide by David Dyer-Bennet. Matt Strait, Laura Krentz, David Dyer-Bennet, others? [Programming Room]
3 p.m. to whenever—“Dead Dog Party.” Hosted by Ctein. [Consuite]
3 p.m.-Midnight—“Music Circle.” Music is encouraged, but the room will be available for conversation when musicians are not using it. [Programming Room]
6 p.m.—Dinner at the Tea House in Plymouth. Sign up for dinner at the Tea House by 2 p.m. in the Consuite. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet whether you intend to meet us at the restaurant or meet in the lobby at 5:30 p.m. to carpool to the restaurant, and whether you can provide transportation if needed.