GLB Holiday Party 2012

This past weekend, members of Great Lakes Base from both Ohio and Michigan gathered – along with some of our friends from Great Lakes Garrison, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan – to celebrate the end of a record-breaking trooping year; as well as enjoy the holiday season together with friends.  Rebels, Troopers, and Mandolorians alike braved the snowy weather those who live/troop around Lake Erie are accustomed to -- with “Jed’s Fireballs and Brew” restaurant in Maumee, Ohio as our destination.

Before I say anything else, I want to thank the staff at Jed’s for their excellent service and great food! Second, how about the job Lindsay did on the decorations!!! And lastly, WELL DONE to the folks at Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for keeping the roads clear – allowing our guys to drive in/home safely from as far away as Cleveland, Cincinnati and those who journeyed in from “that state up north.”

As for the party itself, we’re a fairly entertaining bunch on a “normal” day – you put nearly thirty of us together in a room and OMG!  After dinner, Jaster and BrianKenobi made a few announcements – including the news that GLB trooped 225 events in 2012… breaking our record from last year.  Later, many of us participated in Sheikahchica’s White (Bantha) gift exchange – which you had to be there to truly appreciate.  Then it was time to test our newest Jedi’s lightsaber to bust open the pinata – like it was a Jedi Training Probe (full of candy).  Even after the party left Jed’s, the night wasn’t over as several of our group found a local karaoke bar and kept the party going late into the evening.  Overall, the GLB Holiday Party was a day to be long remembered.

This also marks the 1-year anniversary of “All Wings Report In!”  Those of you who’ve been following us since day one (thank you BTW) recall this blog was originally designed to broadcast news from all across The Rebel Legion, before we became the official web blog of Great Lakes Base.  Well, I’m pleased to report the AWRI is getting a bit of an upgrade in 2013 as the all-NEW “All Wings Report In” Rebel Legion podcast is scheduled to launch in the New Year!  I’ve been asked to join the podcast team, as well as continuing to post here at “All Wings Report In!”

That being said, there’s only one thing left to say about 2012…

“Your Highness, there's nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors MUST be closed." - Major Bren Derlin (ESB)

Fight Like a Jedi

by: dankelzaga

On December 16th, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison joined forces to help a young Jedi Knight and his family in their battle against cancer.  On Halloween of this year, young Jedi Matthew Litchfield (a huge Star Wars fan) was diagnosed with brain cancer.  He has since been receiving ongoing treatment at the children's hospital in Ann Arbor.  A fundraising event was held at the Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Michigan with a goal of providing funds to help Matthew's family with the medical costs associated with his fight.

Jedi "youngling" Matthew

Rob Humphrey, a friend of Matthew's family, decided to work on organizing an event to show community support for Matthew.  Given that Matthew is a huge Star Wars fan, it was only natural that the theme of the event revolved around "a galaxy far far away."  The event was given the title of "Fight Like a Jedi", and the slogan became not only the name for the event, but the moniker for all aspects of young Matthew's ongoing brave battle.  Members of the community, Star Wars fans/costumers, and even Lucasfilm rallied to the cause.  Thirty artists -- each incredibly talented -- created one of a kind licensed Star Wars sketches for Matthew.  Copies of the artwork were combined into a sketchbook that was available to purchase at the event.  A silent auction, traditional auction, sales of "Fight Like a Jedi" t-shirts and sketchbooks, along with donations from local businesses all raised just shy of fifteen-thousand dollars for young Matthew and his family.  The highlight of the day was watching Matthew receive a portfolio of all the original artwork as well as various other Star Wars related tokens.

Shadow 6 and "Red Leader"

Costumed troopers from the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison, as well as R2-D2, attended the event; bringing forth smiles from Matthew and all the attendees.  The original "Red Leader" -- otherwise known as Santa -- was also in attendance to lend his support.  Darth Vader even received a formal lecture in the ramifications of being "naughty"!

The outpouring of support and love witnessed during this event was both inspiring and heartwarming.  As members of these Star Wars costuming organizations, we are often asked by the general public just what the motivation is behind our "trooping."  Words can't express the good feelings that come from assisting in this sort of community endeavor.  To share something that is so special to us as Star Wars enthusiasts, in a way that truly makes a difference in a child's life is an amazing privilege and gift.

GLB "Mission Photos" - "Fight Like A Jedi" fundraiser

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” -- Frederick Buechner

Until next time, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you!

As always, “stay on target” and “straighten up and fly right!”

Lt. Daan Kelzaga

Shadow 6

Great Lakes Base

Rebel Legion

Mike's Place

Mike's Place "Fill the X-Wing" event

The truth is, the “Fill the X-Wing” Toys For Tots event this past weekend as something of a guilty pleasure for me.  I’ve wanted to troop at Mike’s Place in Kent, Ohio for as long as I’ve been a member of Rebel Legion.  The X-Wing replica has been one of my favorite local landmarks, ever since I was a student at Kent State University.  So when the opportunity presented itself to organize our annual Toys For Tots trooping event for Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan… there’s no place like home!

This past weekend, we met up at Mike’s Place early Saturday morning for breakfast prior to the event.  After some good food and laughs, it was time to suit up – made interesting by the fact that our changing area was right next to the bus dining booth’s windows!

Mike’s Place had put the word out that any customers who donated toys during the Toys For Tots event would get a discount on their meal.  In addition, several GLB members helped put the word out to friends and family (living in the area) to stop by and donate toys.  Even my longtime Kent State buddy and his family – including my godson – showed up with some toys.  However, the “medal of honor” mention of the day has to go to the folks at Schumann’s Roadside and Towing LLC – who pulled in with a tow truck, filled with toys, specifically for our toy drive!  After just a few hours, we’d managed to fill an entire Toys For Tots collection box.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Mike's Place "Fill the X-Wing"

Talking with Mike, the owner, he shared some history of the famous X-Wing – and hinted that 2013 could see the legendary starfighter getting a complete overhaul.  If/when that happens, Shadow Squadron will be sure to offer the old girl a proper sendoff!

Mott's Children's Hospital

by: Tiernan

In 1965, C.S Mott's Children's Hospital opened and is among the nation's leading pediatric health care centers. The staff at Mott’s has dedicated their time and energy to research and giving children medical attention that is needed.  On December 1st, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison had the pleasure of spending the day with children staying at Mott's, as well as their families.  It was a humbling experience that left smiles on both their faces as well as ours.  It was a time for the kids and their families to relax and have fun.

photo courtesy of Blasty

As we all gathered in a conference room inside the Family center to change, staff members gave us details and our “mission” for the day.  It was a day for the Rebels and the Empire to call a “cease-fire” for the better of citizens at the hospital.  The “mission” was to walk around and meet with as many children and their families as possible, say hi to them, sign pictures and hand out books to them.  We were led to the 12th floor of Mott's with nurses, doctors and visitors stopping us to take pictures -- or to just have a look.  When the troop reached a room that was setup to host a party for the kids and their family, we were all greeted with an applause and excitement!  Children lined up with their mother, father, siblings and/or nurse, we greeted them with smiles on our faces, happiness in our hearts and for some -- if not all -- the yearning to do more than give an autograph and shake hands.

After spending some time with those who were able to leave their rooms for a larger gathering, our team split off into groups -- each taking a different floor, with a specific Ward specifically designed to suit the needs of the patients.  Two of the floors we visited were the Cancer Ward and the Cardiac Ward.  While both squads took extra care not to be too loud or overcrowd a patient’s rooms -- while still trying to visit as many rooms as possible, the squad visiting the Cancer Ward made a special visit to one patient who really loved Star Wars!  Even as tired as he was, the young boy managed to smile, say hi and tell us how big a fan he was.  It turned out to be so much more than a "Hi, I'm a Jedi." or "Hi, I'm a Stormtrooper."  After visiting a few rooms in the Cancer Ward, there was one patient who was overly excited and thrilled to see a Jedi, Storm trooper and R2D2.  Skittish and unsure at first, he warmed up to the volunteers and followed them around floor, going from room to room with the group.  In between visits, the Trooper and Jedi took pictures with him and his mom, and even went as far to let him play with a light saber hilt.  With a smile on his face, laughter and full of energy, he raced the R2 unit down the hall and had as much fun as possible.

On all floors that we visited, Mott's staff, parents, visitors and even some children stopped to have their pictures taken with Troopers, Jedi and R2.  As the day came to an end, the last of the pictures were taken and we all ended back in the Family Center.  But as troopers marched in from their final rounds, their were a few more children in the center playing, with smiles on their faces and happy to see "The Star Wars Guys" as we refer to ourselves at times.  They were handed an activity book just like every other kid there.  Most gathered around to play with the two children for the last few minutes left before it was time to change and leave.  

This event was an honoring and humbling event with many great moments that left the children and their families of Mott's along with doctors and nurses smiling and filled with joy and fun even if it was just for a few hours and a small break from reality.  Even though members of the GLB and GLG left wanting to do more for these people, we gave them a small break from life.  Just moments for them to forget about what was happening, to play and have fun or talk for a short time was our gift to them.  We reached out to these people and made a small difference, which is what matters!  It was a moment for us to look back on proudly and inspire us to want to do even more next time. Even though we gave the children a moment of fun and games for their joy, it was them who gave us so much more and touched our hearts.

Good Neighbors

Good Neighbors - Tallmadge

Since their founding in 1957, Good Neighbors, Inc. has been helping those in need through the help of volunteers. Good Neighbors is a non-profit organization that asks for volunteers who are willing to donate anything -- whether it’s their time, talents and sometimes cash or food donations -- to help those less fortunate in their local communities.

This past weekend, Great Lakes Base, Ohio Garrison and Rancor Clan offered to be Good Neighbors -- with members of Tallmadge Police Department -- during their “Fill the Cruiser” food drive at Giant Eagle. As you’d expect, a bunch of Star Wars characters standing around a police cruiser will draw a lot of attention. Once people realized what we were doing there, many were more than willing to hand us cash donations; others went inside and came back with extra groceries -- specifically for the purpose of donating to be “Good Neighbors” to those in need!

As the morning passed by, our police cruiser was starting to run out of room -- so we had to “call in for backup.” Even with the second cruiser, food donations kept coming in! As we got near the end of the toy drive, one of the managers showed up with grocery carts filled with bags of food -- donated on behalf of Giant Eagle staff members. By then, the second cruiser was filled to nearly to capacity as well and it was safe to say that we’d had a very successful food drive!

GLB "Mission Photos" - Good Neighbors (Tallmadge)

When everything was said and done, we helped bring in two police cruisers filled with groceries as well as $1,000 in cash donations -- all going towards Good Neighbors’ efforts to help feed those in need during this holiday season.

I think next year… “we’re gonna need a BIGGER (transport)!”

Santaland Parade of Garden City

by: rob2112

photo courtesy rob2112

Well, what can I say? The morning of the Garden City Santaland Parade was one of the coldest days we have had this year!  Yet despite the chilly weather, we had a real good turn out -- both by the public and among the Troopers/Rebels!  Many of the “younglings” showed up to march along with us, which always makes it more fun.

Along the parade route, we collected toys for the local "Toys for Tots" campaign.  People would walk right up to us to donate toys -- both during and after the parade.  We managed to collect plenty of toys on behalf of Toys 4 Tots and the US Marines; people were very giving – and we are very grateful!

This year’s parade contingent from Great Lakes Base, Great Lakes Garrison and Mando Mercs had a very diverse group; a real good mix of Rebel and Imperials.  Even the “younglings” enjoyed having the Muppet Troopers – those guys are always so much fun!

You can even watch our group marching in the Garden City Santaland Parade, as it aired on local TV. Go to the link HERE to view the transmission.

GLB "Mission Photos" -- Garden City Santaland Parade

In the end, we were all outside in the wind and cold for about 3 1/2 hrs. I thought everyone was in good spirits, especially the younglings! The actual parade time was about a half hour worth of walking for us.  We stuck around afterwards so the little ones could see Santa and boy were they excited!

It was a very successful troop and I will be looking forward to this parade next year.  Since I live in Wayne, which is right next door to Garden City, I think we all know how nice it is when that happens.

Merry Christmas to everyone out there in the galaxy -- hope you all have a safe and happy Force filled holiday!

Matthew's story

by: Lumpy

Matthew (age 8) lives in Traverse City, Michigan.  Born with a very rare form of short stature (Primordial Dwarfism) he already faced many barriers and hurdles in life.  Matthew has lived life to the full and supported by a wonderful mum (Heather), dad (Bryan) and sister (Jessica) he strived to overcome the many barriers he faced in life!

This past October, his parents decided to take him to his local ER as he was suffering with dizziness, pains in the head for several days.  This is when their collective nightmare became a reality -- a CT scan of the head showed something was wrong and he was transferred to the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for a MRI scan.  The scan showed that he had a brain tumor, which was caused by an aggressive form of cancer called Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).  After 13 hours of surgery, the majority of the tumor has been removed – however, Matthew still has a LONG way to go!

In terms of Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison part in all this, we first met Matthew at Cherry Capital Con back in 2011.  We were informed that there was a "special guest" who would be at the con -- who LOVED Star Wars and requested to just make sure we gave him a little extra attention when we saw him around.  Well, it didn't take long for anyone who met Matthew to absolutely love that little dude!!!  When we found out about this most recent round of medical issues, we were ready to do what we could to help out.

photo courtesy Lumpy

This past weekend, Matthew’s aunt organized a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.  For our part, we just mingled, danced, and had a good time to help with the atmosphere at the event.  Matthew did attend the event with his family, and while he looked very tired, the smile was still there.

Dayton Children's Hospital

by: BrianKenobi

photo courtesy of Jedineeson

One of the most rewarding things we get to do is visit kids in the hospital.  Members of the Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison made an appearance at Dayton Children's Hospital.  We were there to visit a young boy named Luke.  A few weeks ago, a nurse asked Luke if he wanted anything else before she left his room.  He replied, "a wookiee."  Little did he know that the wheels of action started turning.  The nurse relayed that message to a woman named Samantha, whose daughter was in the same hospital a year ago that still helps out – and Samantha just happens to know me!  Soon after I got a phone call from Dayton Children's and was told about Luke’s request.  On the day they requested, GLB and OG descended upon Dayton Children's Hospital; including Marc "Marcus" Gau as the mighty Tarfful. 

"it's what we do!"

While our resident Wookiee and Luke Skywalker (played by myself) waited in a separate room, a nurse met Luke in the hallway and told him she had a friend waiting to meet him. That is when I stepped around the corner -- Luke meets Luke!  Luke was presented with some Rebel Legion and 501st patches as well as trading cards.  Next, the nurse and I lead Luke into the room with his family and all the characters.  Luke's facial expressions told the story.  Then, Tarfful walks in -- and Luke was speechless!  We took a lot of pictures with Luke and his family.

But the mission wasn't done yet.  The GLB and OG members went for a stroll around the halls, which the all the nurses at the nurse’s station thought was the best thing ever.  There was a touching moment with a little boy that I was so happy to witness: I was in a room with a little boy dressed in his Avengers pajamas.  Tarfful walked in to the boys delight.  The kid stood up in his bed -- carefully not to disrupt the 6 or so tubes in him -- to get a better look at the wookiee.  Marc walked over to the boy’s bed to get a picture.  The boy reached out and hugged Marc and then got a few pictures taken.  It was a great moment to see.

Youmacon

by: Jawa Juice

It’s called Youmacon, which is an anime convention located in Detroit Michigan.  I have been going since 2008 and have never missed a single year.

photo courtesy of Jawa Juice

Let me start off with a little history lesson -- nothing too much -- just talking about what the convention is and why people attend it.  Youmacon got it start as a small little gathering of Anime nerds.  Every year the convention gained more publicity and grew from a small hotel in Troy Michigan to the Renaissance Center and The Cobo Arena today. 

Over the years, Youmacon has become less about anime and more about pop culture and just an excuse for people to get together and have a good time!  These days Youmacon still has a heavy focus on Anime and Japanese media, but Star Wars has found a home there in the hearts of the con goers and it looks like we are there to stay.

Now that I said what Youmacon was, now I’ll go over what I did there.  Over the weekend I had a lot of fun, mostly just talking to people.  I even had the opportunity to meet several of my new comrades from Great Lakes Base, along with meeting some old friends as well.  I went over to the dealer’s room, where one can purchase just about anything: video games, clothes, pictures, you name it.  There were many panels there that were silly and fun, others featured famous voice actors or YouTube stars.  Saturday was the busiest day of the convention, with most people attending that day.  There were a few members of Great Lakes Garrison in attendance on Saturday.  Later that evening, Youmacon hosted an event known as “The Rave” -- which is more or less a techno party where people can just go to have fun and burn off energy. 

For more information, please visit http://www.youmacon.com

Youmacon has such a big future ahead of it; I can see this convention getting bigger and more popular over time.  Hope to see all of you at next year’s Youmacon!

Boo at the Zoo - Episode Two

photo courtesy Snips92

As you’d imagine, the weekend before Halloween is a very busy time for us here in Great Lakes Base.  All across the region, local communities were having their kid-friendly Trick-or-Treating events.  This includes a return visit to the Cleveland Metropark Zoo, for the final “Boo at the Zoo” weekend.

What a difference a week makes: the weather had turned a bit cold and rainy then last week, with the approach of Hurricane Sandy – so everyone had to bundle up more then last week.  But anyone who remembers our first year trooping at this event – when the weather changed from cold rain…to hail… to wet snow, in a matter of minutes – would say this was mild by comparison; ya gotta love northeast Ohio weather!  The good news is, the weather didn’t seem to discourage many people from coming out dressed in costume to enjoy the zoo’s Halloween fun.

Star Wars Dance Party!

The weather did force those of us from Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison to change our “battle strategy” for the evening.  While we did start off posing for pictures by the main entrance (TKs and certain Princesses aren’t equipped for “cold” climates) we ended up wandering over to the Elephant Crossing exhibit and warmed up by watching the elephants play for a while.  After warming up a bit, we decided to move further up the hill and passed the tent where there was a kids’ DJ dance party going on…

If you were sensing “a disturbance in the Force” at this prospect, you’d be right! ;)

Thankfully, we left it up to Sheikahchica, Snips92 and the TKs to hit the dance floor during some crowd favorites such as: The Hokey Pokey, YMCA and the ever-popular Gangnam Style!  And before you ask… YES, there’s video of all the shenanigans.

VIDEO: GLB and OG go "Gangnam Style"

After the Star Wars dance party, we made our way over to the Wolf Lodge – where once again, our musician friends played their entire “Star Wars” playlist to welcome us back.  I’ll tell ya who seemed to enjoy the colder temperatures this week – the wolves!  This weekend, two of them decided to come out of hiding in the woods (within their enclosure) just long enough for us to get a good look at them. Maybe next year, we should get some 104th “Wolf Pack” Clonetroopers to convince them we’re the good guys! ;)

GLB/OG "Wolf Pack"

GLB "Mission Photos" - Boo at the Zoo (both weekends)

Great Lakes Base would like to thank Cleveland Metropark Zoo (and all their sponsors) for hosting “Boo at the Zoo” and allowing us to be part of two weekends of Halloween FUN!

Boo at the Zoo - Episode One

photo courtesy Snips92

One of my favorite annual trooping events is “Boo at the Zoo” at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  There's a few of us who've been participating in “Boo at the Zoo” for several years; longer then many of our current members have been part of The Rebel Legion.  “Boo at the Zoo” has grown to become one of the Cleveland area’s signature events during the Halloween season and tickets to this kid-friendly event are SOLD OUT weeks in advance. Kid-friendly events... "it's what we do!"

On what turned out to be a beautiful fall evening, members from Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison were on hand to interact with zoo guest as they entered the zoo for an evening of Halloween fun!  And we’re not the only costumed characters guest can take pictures with: “Slider” from the Cleveland Indians, the Energizer Bunny, the Duck Tape “Duck” and our good friends Cinderella and “Pirate Captain” Pe-Chee from past years.  This may sound funny, coming from people who dress up in costumes all year round, but one of my favorite parts of trooping during “Boo at the Zoo” is the chance to see what types of costumes the public is wearing.  As you’d imagine, “The Avengers” were well represented, as were many of your favorite comic book and Disney characters.  In addition, you had a lot of people who made their own impressive costumes.  Star Wars is still a popular theme with many of the kids attending “Boo at the Zoo” – including one little Darth Vader who got to battle this Jedi, over by the tigers exhibit; we’ll call it a “draw.” ;)

Having fun at Wolf Lodge

After walking around the zoo for a while, leading our lone TK by the light of lightsabers, we decided to meet with the rest of our party – who switched over to street clothes – over at the Wolf Lodge.  Inside the cabin, they always have a pair of costumed musicians sitting over by the fireplace – this year, they were matching fall colored trees.  And if we Star Wars characters hangout by them long enough… they always seem to find time to play “Imperial March” for us – which always gets a big response from the crowd.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Boo at the Zoo 10/20

We’ll be back for the final weekend of this year’s “Boo at the Zoo” (Saturday only) – so if you’re planning on attending, come by and see us over at the main entrance.

Star Wars Reads - Night and Day

photo courtesy of
Brunswick Library

For the Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison, “Star Wars Reads Day” actually started the night before – at the Brunswick Public Library.  You may remember we’d (not long ago) visited that library for Free Comic Book Day, and the response by the public was so overwhelmingly positive that the library decided to host a second Star Wars themed (after hours) event.  And just like last time, many of the librarians decided to get dressed up and help make the evening full of Star Wars/Reading FUN!

This time around, I decided to go with my Jedi costume – which may have been a tactical error (on my part) when you realize that I’m the 6’2” guy carrying a lightsaber, in a room full of maybe a dozen kids wearing Darth Vader Halloween costumes – oh… it was ON!!!

The next morning, after some breakfast while watching the newest episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” – it was time to head over to Barnes and Noble at Crocker Park.  This was our first time EVER trooping at the popular outdoor shopping mall.  As you’d expect, both the staff and costumers were excited to have us there for “Star Wars” story-time – complete with homemade cookies – and all sorts of games and activities for the kids.

One of the great things about Crocker Park is the relaxed atmosphere and fun things people can see/do while they’re shopping. Now, I don’t know if the mall’s designers had Darth Vader and Princess Leia in mind when they put in the over-sized chessboard in the plaza (across from Barnes and Noble) but I can tell you that it draws a crowd to see what is going on.  In fact, the early fall weather made it perfect for us to stand around outside – using a “jedi mind trick” to draw shoppers and other passersby over to see what was going on at Barnes and Noble.  As things drew to a close, everyone started wanting to take more and more goofy pictures like: Darth Vader reading “Game of Thrones” or a bunch of Star Wars characters riding the escalator.

Checkout more "Mission Photos" from Star Wars Reads HERE!

Books-A-Million

But the day wasn’t over, as most of our Crocker Park crew packed up our gear to drive over to Sandusky, Ohio – over by where Sheikahchica lives – for her local SWR event at a Books-A-Million store. Despite being later in the day then most SWR events, this was another region of northeast Ohio we’ve never had the opportunity to troop – so you can imagine how thrilled people were to see us!  The staff at Books-A-Million had come up with all kinds of local games, puzzles and even trivia contests (with separate divisions for adults and kids) to entertain shoppers as they checked out the latest Star Wars books.  Would you believe this one teenager knew his Star Wars trivia so well, not only did he win the “Jedi Master” (adults) division – but he also stumped some of the Star Wars characters? 

Star Wars Reads Day Strikes Back

by Vacuum:

photos courtesy of Vacuum

At the Royal Oak Library “Star Wars Reads Day” event, I was the lone Great Lakes Base member – along with a few troopers from Great Lakes Garrison.  It was a nicely done event with around twenty families; mostly younger children and everyone seemed to really have a great time.  Even some members of the library staff got into the spirit of the day and dressing up as well.  

There were different stations set up where the Padawans could build their own pool noodle lightsabers and then practice their skills on balloon training remotes.  They could also create Wookiee and Ewok puppets, fill out activity sheets, win prizes (which every child received), and of course get their pictures taken with real live Star Wars characters.  According to the librarians, there were A LOT of Star Wars books checked out of the library, as well by the little readers.

Checkout more GLB "Mission Photos" - Star Wars Reads Day

photo courtesy of DerekLane-Waters 

 Later that day, I also trooped the Barnes and Noble store in Troy, Michigan and it was nice to have some Rebel Fleet Trooper backup from Jawa Juice and Sgt Sunedead with all the outnumbering Imperials running about. ;)  There was storytelling and cookies, lots of photo opportunities, and many happily surprised store patrons (and employees who were wonderful) of all ages.  

I'd definitely say the day was a success and I hope to see it become and annual event that improves each year.

Star Wars Reads - Commerce Township Library

by rob2112

With so many events taking place this past weekend within Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison, we picked up and moved to the Commerce Township Library.  The staff there were all wonderful to us. The library held their “Star Wars Reads Day” event in a separate room, just for us!  We even had our own little area for photo-ops, while many activities were going on simultaneously.  

photo courtesy of rob2112

Kids got to make their own lightsaber, out of what looked to be something like swimming noodles.  They also could make their own edible lightsabers? Here the kids took a pretzel rod and spread frosting over half the pretzel, then put whatever color sprinkles they wanted on them.  They also had a Star Wars LEGO table, “Star Wars” bowling, find your Jedi name, make “Star Wars” paper bag puppets, and lots and lots of Star Wars books.

The librarians said they ordered almost all the books specifically for this event, because they did not have many Star Wars books!

TKSage and rob2112

While the kids’ behavior was a little on the “dark side” – they were all very excited to see us.  At one point I had as many as six kids -- beating me down with their lightsabers!  I kept telling them, "your suppose to be on my side, get the Stormtrooper!”

There had to be at least 20-30 kids in there when the event started.  I think every single kid there got a picture with us.  Overall, this was a very successful event!  The library informed us they would like us back in the spring for “May the 4th be with you” -- hope I am free to troop this library again! Glad to pair up with Dave Sage from Great Lakes Garrison to at least have one Rebel, and one Trooper at both of our events.

Star Wars Reads Rocks!!

Star Wars Reads Day - Comic City

by: rob2112

photo courtesy of rob2112

First, I would like to thank all the staff at Comic City for hosting this “Star Wars Reads Day” event; we had a very good time.  The event was not very busy, but the store just recently moved to a new location.  My Kids and wife Shannon also came to the event and they had a lot of fun.  It was just David Sage from Great Lakes Garrison and myself (Jedi). Comic City had a coloring area for the kids, Star Wars cookies that the kids could spread frosting and sprinkles on.  They also had plenty of Star Wars books all over the store.

One bit of excitement, and we feel really bad about this, but the owners were very sweet about it: my three year old pulled the fire alarm -- 15 minutes before we were scheduled to leave. The local fire department had to actually come down there to turn the alarm off.

“Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you.”

Aside from that, I would say the event was a success!!!!