Monthly social meetup in LM?

[CastawayReef]

Hi fellow hobbyists!

Anyone up for a monthly social meetup in the lower mainland? Share AEFW war stories, fish tales and whatever reefing related topics over beers.

The frag swap was great to connect with fellow hobbyists so let's continue the trend.

Any takers?

Castwayreef

[hunggi74]

I'd be down with that. Great suggestion. Those reefers in Calgary get together over wings. We should do it over kale and quinoa salad:lol:

[CastawayReef]

I'd be down with that. Great suggestion. Those reefers in Calgary get together over wings. We should do it over kale and quinoa salad:lol:


Lol. No kidding. Leave your yoga mats and $10.00 lattes at home.

At least we got brew pubs!!

[Bblinks]

I am down

[gregzz4]

I'd be into it, but only if we spent time talking without people futszing with their phones/texts etc

Nothing I hate more than people spending time on their phones when we are in person :twised:
I mean, c'mon, can't you ignore your phone for a half hour while we talk ?

[jorjef]

I mean, c'mon, can't you ignore your phone for a half hour while we talk ?

And have everyone break into a numbing cold sweat and go mute because trying to talk without the mutli task of texting at the same time paralyzes them with the fear of missing a blip and then pretend to have to go to the bathroom so they can check their phone....Seems like a little much to ask Gregory

[gregzz4]

Seems like a little much to ask Gregory
Ya you're probably right

[Tn23]

I think this is a great idea as well. Would be fun to sit down and share husbandary techniques.

What's a centralized location for everyone?

[spit.fire]

I think this is a great idea as well. Would be fun to sit down and share husbandary techniques.

What's a centralized location for everyone?
Abbotsford

[AquaAddict]

The MetroTown area in Burnaby is probably central to the Lower Mainland. We just have find someone willing to host or agree on a restaurant or coffee shop.

AquaAddict
North Vancouver

[Tn23]

The MetroTown area in Burnaby is probably central to the Lower Mainland. We just have find someone willing to host or agree on a restaurant or coffee shop.

AquaAddict
North Vancouver

If the place where we had the frag swap isn't too far for everyone, I could perhaps ask the guys that run the lounge to let us host our meetings there.

They have beer, wings and a bunch of different types of food as well as TVs incase we need to watch some boring reef videos :mrgreen:

[The Guy]

I'd be into it, but only if we spent time talking without people futszing with their phones/texts etc

Nothing I hate more than people spending time on their phones when we are in person :twised:
I mean, c'mon, can't you ignore your phone for a half hour while we talk ?

I'm in, I think New Westminster is about as central as it gets for a get together, but I agree with Greg leave the phones "off", I mean really a cell phone is not a crucial body part that has to be up and running 24/7, we can actually talk to one another while we are trying to enjoy swapping reefing info and tips. :tea:

[albert_dao]

Mezzzzz lounge.

[WarDog]

Mezzzzz lounge.

Good venue, willing to put up with us reef geeks, but too far for anyone east of Burnaby IMHO.

[rsisvixen]

Mezz is too far for me, couldn't we find a place near JL?
That way I can shop too-lol

[albert_dao]

It's funny, Thomas and I were actually talking about doing something like this TWO DAYS before Ivan posted this, lol:

http://i.imgur.com/LjnOW7h.png

Complete with gratuitous nerdgasm.

Anyway, if this has legs, I'll go talk to Sube over the weekend about using Mezz :D

What day works for everyone?

*** We can even have some unofficial frag swapping on the side (shhhhh, super secret stuff).

***** Also, I am on call, I cannot turn off my phone. I don't look at it unless it rings though.

[crimper]

*** We can even have some unofficial frag swapping on the side (shhhhh, super secret stuff).


Wow WEEKLY FRAGSWAP, sweeeeeeeetttt! I'm in. :lol:

[rishu_pepper]

It's funny, Thomas and I were actually talking about doing something like this TWO DAYS before Ivan posted this, lol:

http://i.imgur.com/LjnOW7h.png

Complete with gratuitous nerdgasm.

Anyway, if this has legs, I'll go talk to Sube over the weekend about using Mezz :D

What day works for everyone?

*** We can even have some unofficial frag swapping on the side (shhhhh, super secret stuff).

***** Also, I am on call, I cannot turn off my phone. I don't look at it unless it rings though.

Lol at the bottom part of the convo.

I'd be down for meet.

[rsisvixen]

Bummer if its that far out I won't be able to go.

[The Guy]

New Westminster looks pretty central on this lower mainland map and the Boathouse restaurant at Riverside Quay can offer an area for a get together in the back section of their restaurant at no charge just buy your beer, coffee or whatever and they have appie's too. They just need a bit of notice to set it up. And hey J&L and other LFS are not far away.

Have a look at this map >>> http://www.hellobc.com/getmedia/0311461e-5003-4da8-8d4b-029ea716729d/maps-lower-mainland.pdf.aspx

comments:

[Bblinks]

I say a pub like Jon Bs or townhall coquitlam which is 5 minute drive from JL is a pretty good choice. Just a thought

[Coasting]

I have avoided going to all of these things due to the location.
How on earth is the Mezz central to everyone? Unless the only people you consider being worth including are from Richmond and Vancouver.

East New West or South Coquitlam or near JL are good options. They leave lots of room for Fraser valley people to join. Those from Surrey or Richmond can opt to take a free bridge. Its right along Highway 1 so easy access for those from the valley or West Van. But still main roads and highways for those coming from Delta, van, or Richmond. Lots of options like Braid Station for those who have to travel by Transit. TONS of restaurant options within that area.

[albert_dao]

I have avoided going to all of these things due to the location.
How on earth is the Mezz central to everyone? Unless the only people you consider being worth including are from Richmond and Vancouver.

East New West or South Coquitlam or near JL are good options. They leave lots of room for Fraser valley people to join. Those from Surrey or Richmond can opt to take a free bridge. Its right along Highway 1 so easy access for those from the valley or West Van. But still main roads and highways for those coming from Delta, van, or Richmond. Lots of options like Braid Station for those who have to travel by Transit. TONS of restaurant options within that area.

Wellp, no law that says there can't be multiple outtings for multiple neighborhoods :)

Mezz has been wicked for us thus far. Great food (really, it's honestly something I look forward to all the time), awesome atmosphere, and Sube and Derrick have been gracious enough to provide us with a great venue without so much as a request that we give them a few days notice.

[Bblinks]

mezz is a great place just sucks its in Richmond....45 minutes driving for me. Guys from poco, maple ridge, or even further would have a tough time justify driving all the way there. Once a year.....for sure buddy.

Now I know for a fact everyone goes to JL, so once a month meet around JL is mor likely and realistic to organize. We can try one first and see how it goes and next one can be some where else.

[albert_dao]

mezz is a great place just sucks its in Richmond....45 minutes driving for me. Guys from poco, maple ridge, or even further would have a tough time justify driving all the way there. Once a year.....for sure buddy.

Now I know for a fact everyone goes to JL, so once a month meet around JL is mor likely and realistic to organize. We can try one first and see how it goes and next one can be some where else.

I like the Korean restaurants on North Rd :)

[Bblinks]

I like the Korean restaurants on North Rd :)

Let's do it! :biggrin: love Korean BBQ! No better Korean food than northrd korean food. Lol

[gregzz4]

I say a pub like Jon Bs or townhall coquitlam which is 5 minute drive from JL is a pretty good choice. Just a thought
I'd be in for JBs
I'd personally prefer a pub over a restaurant. This way we can go whenever we choose and no worries about ordering dinner just to 'hang out'
Anyone can drop-in anytime while we're there

[The Guy]

I'd be in for JBs
I'd personally prefer a pub over a restaurant. This way we can go whenever we choose and no worries about ordering dinner just to 'hang out'
Anyone can drop-in anytime while we're there

Jon B's sounds good to me it's pretty central for everyone to get to. :thumb:

[WarDog]

I'm down for Johnny B's, Townhall or Korea Town! The John B has amazing wings (take that Calgary)! Lol.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I'd be in for Johnny B's as long as the timing fits my work schedule.

[duncangweller]

I'd pop down for a beer too.

[Reef Pilot]

Doesn't always have to be same location every month. Maybe have one in Aldergrove (for the people in Langley and Abbotsford) and would be close to Oceanic Corals. Then one in Surrey somewhere, and other locations in New West, Vancouver, Burnaby, and even North Van. Some diehards will travel, but at least those that don't will have a chance to go to a local one. Just saying...

Doesn't matter to me, I will travel, but the timing matters more, esp if it overlaps with some of my other fav activities.

Also maybe house visits, like the guys in Prince George do every year. I think Rich did it one year, as we had in Langley at Dave's place, too. I like to see other people's set-ups, too, and maybe learn something.

[CastawayReef]

Looks like my thread has been hijacked lol!

I prefer Mezz, not cause its a 10 min drive from where I live :p . The biggest reason is no 1. They have beer! (If you pour it they will come.) and no 2. As Albert said they have been accomodating for us with the frag swap and they know what we are about.

My intention was to be an informal meetup for reefers, anyone can arrange another meetup in other cities like Burnaby, Surrey etc..

How cool would that be to have multiple social gatherings for us each month. Just don't pick the same day.

[Tn23]

Doesn't always have to be same location every month. Maybe have one in Aldergrove (for the people in Langley and Abbotsford) and would be close to Oceanic Corals. Then one in Surrey somewhere, and other locations in New West, Vancouver, Burnaby, and even North Van. Some diehards will travel, but at least those that don't will have a chance to go to a local one. Just saying...

Doesn't matter to me, I will travel, but the timing matters more, esp if it overlaps with some of my other fav activities.

Also maybe house visits, like the guys in Prince George do every year. I think Rich did it one year, as we had in Langley at Dave's place, too. I like to see other people's set-ups, too, and maybe learn something.


Agree with Walter, thats a great idea to rotate and have them in different areas that way everyone can potentially get out to one.


Looks like my thread has been hijacked lol!

I prefer Mezz, not cause its a 10 min drive from where I live :p . The biggest reason is no 1. They have beer! (If you pour it they will come.) and no 2. As Albert said they have been accomodating for us with the frag swap and they know what we are about.

My intention was to be an informal meetup for reefers, anyone can arrange another meetup in other cities like Burnaby, Surrey etc..

How cool would that be to have multiple social gatherings for us each month. Just don't pick the same day.

I prefer the Mezz, however I live in Burnaby not far from JL. However for the same reasons you have mentioned, plus there's a little nano tank and the people running the Mezz are reefers as well :)

[gregzz4]

Looks like my thread has been hijacked lol!

I prefer Mezz
Maybe you shoulda mentioned this before now, like when you first started the thread ... :lol:

[Etaloche]

I'm completely new to the hobby and new to the city actually too. Would love to come out meet new people and learn about this hobby in greater detail before I dive in :redface:

[The Guy]

Maybe you shoulda mentioned this before now, like when you first started the thread ... :lol:
Agree totally! :twitch:

[Wretch]

Did something get decided here? :confused:

[WarDog]

Did something get decided here? :confused:

Yup, we're meeting at your house. Put some wings in the oven!

[albert_dao]

I'm thinking something for the end of the month.

[gregzz4]

I'm out 'till you guys decide what you're doing :twised:

I agree that we could do a meet monthly on a rotating basis throughout the GVRD

[The Guy]

I'm out 'till you guys decide what you're doing :twised:

I agree that we could do a meet monthly on a rotating basis throughout the GVRD
+1 lets rotate!

[albert_dao]

Well, I'm gonna do something with the boys (and girls) here near Richmond and South Van at Mezz. Just need to nail down a day with Sube. Will report back in a couple days.

[duncangweller]

I don't understand why it has to be so structured. Just treat it like a normal pub night with friends. If you want to go for a pint, call a couple of the local reefers and go for a pint. Simple

[input80]

I don't understand why it has to be so structured. Just treat it like a normal pub night with friends. If you want to go for a pint, call a couple of the local reefers and go for a pint. Simple

+1 make it simple,,,,,,, pub, timmys whatever

[CastawayReef]

Well, I'm gonna do something with the boys (and girls) here near Richmond and South Van at Mezz. Just need to nail down a day with Sube. Will report back in a couple days.

How about the first thursday in April, the second.

Keep me posted Al!

[Bblinks]

What about the first Saturday of the month, beats a weekday meet. That will give us enough time to visit jl and have a few brews without worry about working next day. JonB or townhall Coquitlam, say first Saturday of April at 5:30?

[Bblinks]

How about the first thursday in April, the second.

Keep me posted Al!

We just had the swap at Richmond, like the place but just tooooo damn far. I really don't want to go out there again.

[Aquattro]

you all suck at organizing these things :razz:

[BobFish]

I am in Abbotsford, new west isn't bad, but van, burnaby and richmond are to far for me....made it to the frag swat, but it was a long haul for me.

[albert_dao]

Wellp, Ivan, myself and a couple others are gonna just go hang out for some grub on Tuesday at Mezz. This is not an event, just a couple nerds getting together to talk reef and gossip about how crappy sixline wrasses are. 7pm for anyone interested. No need for a reservation.

[AquaAddict]

Good for you for taking some initiative. However, since Richmond is one big confusing maze of no-man's-land to North Vancouverites, I have to defer.

I will wait until we have established a site near J&L as it seems the most mentioned site. That's not to say there isn't another viable option.

AquaAddict

[gregzz4]

you all suck at organizing these things :razz:
I'll agree


Guess we'll all have to start our own threads for places to meet ...

[albert_dao]

I'll agree


Guess we'll all have to start our own threads for places to meet ...

I don't agree, lol. There's just a lot of separate conversations converging in one place and it makes for a lot of noise. So far as I can see, there's about four minutes worth of planning should anyone up at Burnaby + North Van feel like putting something together. It's not like you gotta make reservations to get a buncha people out for some drinks and food :)

Anyway, social meet at JL Saturday, end of month, 7 PM. Bam, if someone wants to take the reigns on that one, you have an instant meet up :D

[Aquattro]

I don't agree, lol.

Ok, I'll expand that to you all suck at this, except Albert :)

Albert, if I go to your party, can I bring my phone?

[albert_dao]

Ok, I'll expand that to you all suck at this, except Albert :)

Albert, if I go to your party, can I bring my phone?

You can spend the entire duration of the dinner with strapped to the side of your face for all I care :P

Honestly, if we can't keep someone's attention on the topic at hand, then there's no real reason to get together. I highly doubt that it's going to be an issue though. This is not to put down the 'no phone' idea, as I see a lot of value in severing the umbilical cord many of us have grown to our smart devices -- But I'm not going to ostracize or proselytize to someone who's developed an addiction (and it IS an addiction!). Here's a sobering thought for y'all; who still remembers phone numbers told to them without a pen and paper anymore?

[Aquattro]

who still remembers phone numbers told to them without a pen and paper anymore?

Me. I never enter stuff into my phone. I'm actually very detached from my phone and can't say for sure where it is right at the moment. Then again, I'm weird with numbers. I remember every phone number I've ever had.

[gregzz4]

Me. I never enter stuff into my phone. I'm actually very detached from my phone and can't say for sure where it is right at the moment. Then again, I'm weird with numbers. I remember every phone number I've ever had.
Me too
I only got a smart phone to check prices while I was in stores and now everyone wants to text me ....

I turn it off when I get home and peeps wonder where I am :smile:

[Bblinks]

What about the first Saturday of the month, beats a weekday meet. That will give us enough time to visit jl and have a few brews without worry about working next day. JonB or townhall Coquitlam, say first Saturday of April at 5:30?


WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS LOCATION?

[Wretch]

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS LOCATION?

hmm. Sounds like a plan...

[rishu_pepper]

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS LOCATION?

I like JonB, haven't been there since my practicum way back in 2006. Would be down to go there, and it's less than 10 mins from JL.

[WarDog]

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS LOCATION?

I'm down, as long as that's not the evening the wife is planning Easter dinner.

[Bblinks]

Jon B it is! We can try it out and see how it goes. I'll post a proper post tomorrow about the exact location.

[chef]

I'm 99% in. And I always bring culinary treats!

[Bblinks]

I'm 99% in. And I always bring culinary treats!

Sweet! I can't wait. Let me know if you want me to pick you up from Jl or sky train station?

[The Guy]

I'm down, as long as that's not the evening the wife is planning Easter dinner.
Same here afternoon would be great.

[chef]

Sweet! I can't wait. Let me know if you want me to pick you up from Jl or sky train station?
Thanx Rich, I'll probably take you up on that offer.
Xtra treats for you!!! Didn't see you @ fragfest so Albert got all the grub!

[Bblinks]

Thanx Rich, I'll probably take you up on that offer.
Xtra treats for you!!! Didn't see you @ fragfest so Albert got all the grub!

Some one should feed Albert, poor guys is losing weight as we speak. :mrgreen: I on the other hand probably should pass off some of those treats but you know me, I won't say no....:redface:

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Jon B it is! We can try it out and see how it goes. I'll post a proper post tomorrow about the exact location.

So is this a go now?

[Bblinks]

Yes it is.

[straightrazorguy]

So, there's a Richmond get-together and a Coquitlam one. Since I live in New West and get lost every time I go to Richmond, I think I will go to Jon B. Can't wait!...

[Wretch]

Just to get this straight for everyone

Date: April 4, 2015
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: John B Pub

Is all this correct?

[Bblinks]

Yes it is

[The Guy]

Sounds good, should be able to make it.

[BobFish]

John B pub is in Coquitlam?

[The Guy]

John B pub is in Coquitlam?
It's @ 1000 Austin Ave. near Blue Mountain, easy to find. :smile: Should be a fun time.

[acepumping]

In..
Late response haha

[RMC]

I'm in.
Assuming Newbies are welcome :lol:

[rsisvixen]

I'll pop on by, are we meeting inside or outside? umm and for those of us that don't know people in the group how do we find the group? Someone going to be wearing a sign? ;P

[WarDog]

I'll pop on by, are we meeting inside or outside? umm and for those of us that don't know people in the group how do we find the group? Someone going to be wearing a sign? ;P

Rich will be wearing an octopus hat!

[Bblinks]

I guess I should be making reservations for this event. ill think of a way to get some name tags.

[The Guy]

Rich will be wearing an octopus hat!
Or look for folks with salt creep on their sleeves, :lol:
And of course anyone into SW are welcome I say!

[Bblinks]

Thought I posted already but guess I didnt. Lol octopus hat, no problem. I guess we should make reservation for the place and I'll bring some stickers so we can put our Canreef name on it so we know who's who. Warren(wardog) will be the contact person for this meet, any issues just contact him as he will be responsible for everything...:twised: just kidding.

[WarDog]

Lol. I am at least planning to show up and devour as many wings and nachos as possible!

[WarDog]

Bump!

Saturday April 4th.
5:30 PM
John B Pub
1000 Austin Ave Coquitlam
Everybody welcome.

See you then!

[daplatapus]

I'll be there in spirit :D

[Bblinks]

I'll be there in spirit :D

We can face time with an iPad.....

[Coasting]

Id go but.... 1. I'm on the island and 2. I really don't want to be the only girl lol

[daplatapus]

What? Are you kidding? As the only girl you'd be treated like a queen :D

[WarDog]

Just a last minute reminder of our meet today at 5:30, John B Pub, 1000 Austin Ave. Coquitlam.

[rsisvixen]

Can't make it unfortunately :(

[RMC]

Kids are sick, wife is tired = not going to make this one :sad:

[Bblinks]

We are here at the very end left hand side. See you guys.

[daplatapus]

Well... How was it?

Or are you all still there?

[Aquattro]

Sounds like it went well, I think Wayne is still drunk :)

[WarDog]

Unfortunately turnout was smaller than predicted. However, myself, Joe, Rich, Peter, and Wayne (all the way from the Island I might add) had a great time. We killed a few dozen wings and a few pitchers! Some frags may, or may not, have been involved, lol!

[The Guy]

I totally planned on being there, but am going though a medical treatment these days and was just not feeling well enough to come out, Sh***Y timing. :sad: Hey Warren no Nacho's! :lol:

[WarDog]

Lol, yes Laurie, nachos too!

[duncangweller]

I planned on coming but had to work nights. Next time

[Coasting]

If somebody plans something between the 22nd and 29th i might attend if its similar area hahahah thouvh again the being the only girl thing is awkward enough....

[rsisvixen]

I'll show up then coasting and you won't have to be the only one :)

[Coasting]

Yay lets do this! Hahahaha.
Or do a girls only meet and dont invite the boys? :P

[rsisvixen]

lol-might be a very small meet then

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Sorry everyone. I ended up working all weekend and taking care of a friend's kid as well so couldn't go to the pub with three little girls.:wink:

Hopefully make it for the next one.

Anthony

[summer57]

Sorry we hoped to go on Saturday but I guess Easter's just too busy a weekend! Next time!

[straightrazorguy]

Yep, same here. Didn't make it, in spite of my best intentions. Next time?

[Wretch]

So was this a one time thing? Its hard to socialize at coral pickups.

[F.H]

I just saw this thread, sounds like a fun time if we get another meet going. I vote thomas' house so we can oogle the rainbow loom :eek: :D haha j/k.. (maybe).

[Bblinks]

I am in

[crimper]

Sounds like another Frag Swap... I'm in! :twised:

[Wretch]

Same location fine with everyone?

John B Pub
1000 Austin Ave Coquitlam

I guess no one can really complain there was only 5 of us last time.

[rsisvixen]

I'll be in

[gregzz4]

I might make it this time, but not if it's 5pm
I'm all for a brunch kinda time

[Wretch]

So whats everyone like for a time? Something like 1pm or 5:30pm like last time?

[WarDog]

You make the call Joe. This is your baby this time. Otherwise it will be debated forever lol.

[Wretch]

Any time works for me. I can eat, drink, and talk all at once any time. I will see if anyone else has a preference and go from there.

Saturday the 23rd work or is it not enough time?

[WarDog]

The 23rd works for me.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

23rd works for me too.

[The Guy]

23rd is good for me, suggestion how about afternoon around 2-2:30 ish at the John B?

[Wretch]

OK here we go official day/time/place.

Day: Saturday, May 23
Time: 2:00pm (still brunch and allows people to get home for dinner)
Location: John B Pub
Address: 1000 Austin Ave Coquitlam

See you all there.

[rsisvixen]

I'll be there :)

[Coasting]

I have a feeling every single one of this is going to be when I'm not in town. Never mind the fact that I still refuse to be the only girl.

[gregzz4]

I'm definitely there, barring helping my buddy move his shop that day :biggrin:

[gregzz4]

I have a feeling every single one of this is going to be when I'm not in town. Never mind the fact that I still refuse to be the only girl.
Let's get NorthVan to come too !!
I'll contact her and her hubby

[rsisvixen]

What am I? chopped liver?

[Coasting]

Ill be hanging out with all the 80+ folks where I live until June so I still cant go :P Sorry haha but I think it was all guys that did that last page of planning

[rsisvixen]

Ill be hanging out with all the 80+ folks where I live until June so I still cant go :P Sorry haha but I think it was all guys that did that last page of planning

Well you're not that far from me-we can always do a girls only coffee meet sometime :)

[gregzz4]

Well you're not that far from me-we can always do a girls only coffee meet sometime :)
There's nothing stopping you from joining the crowd
It's not just a 'guy' meet :smile: