Anniversary Party 2010

Anniversary Party 2010

Location

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA

Date

March 19-22, 2010

Local Liaison

Sorcha Al'Verdan

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General

TarValon.Net held its 9th Anniversary Party in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA, March 19-22, 2010.

Review

By: Ilenna Aramiz in the Tar Valon Times

So you didn’t get to go to the 9th Annual Party in Wisconsin Dells. Maybe you were there but cannot remember who won which competition or was featured in that one ceremony. Then this is the place to be and the article to read!

Several ceremonies took place our first night, March 19th, following the official Goldschlagger toast. Leilwyn al’Raen was raised to Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Addelyn al’Vera to the Gray Ajah, and Melisande Arneil and Sorcha Al’Verdan to the Green Ajah. We witnessed the bonding of Leilwyn al’Raen to Mazarin Ashinar and Daria alFalcoon to Xander Silverstar. The group cheered the wedding ceremony of Aria Beraht to Lugh of the Vanth. Then the Gleemen sang us to sleep… Oh wait! They lulled me to sleep. From what I understand, many of you continued the celebration until nearly dawn.

Saturday, March 20th, was a day for competing in the Amrylin’s Tournaments. Many participated, but each event could have only one winner. Torval Shank kindly lent us his bow in the Archery Competition. However, after almost two chilly hours, his well-placed arrows claimed the title of winner. The Trivia Competition was just too tough for one Ajah or Company to claim so some combined their efforts. The winners? That would be “3 Blues, 1 Gray, a Green and a DM” consisting of Kyla Sterling, Leilwyn al’Raen, Magdalenna t'Zai, Millefiori Aerien, Ne’Mireth Simoua, and Toral Delvar. Despite Elbereth’s valiant efforts, Valorian Edoras took the Sword Competition. Believe me when I say that those of us who witnessed the event will never forget it. The Amrlin’s Tournament continued into Sunday which also held more awards and ceremonies.

The brainy obstacle course was a combination of competition and creativity. Our runners began by picking up Melearlin a'Valamon, carrying her up a ramp, across the playground equipment and shoving her down a slide while yelling “Wee!” The runner continued down the steps, grabbed a paddle ball and paddled like crazy while running over to something vaguely resembling stairs and climbing back onto the playground equipment where they recited a grand haiku. Our winner, Mazarin Ashinar, recited “Thank you Mother, dear, for bringing us together. I had so much fun!” He successfully crossed the monkey bars, earning him a time bonus of 10 seconds, before finishing up with a good frolic. (Seriously, frolicking was the last leg of the obstacle course.)

As the obstacle course was coming to a conclusion, the CCG Tournament was swinging into full gear in the Lodge. For those not in the know, I am referring to the TarValon Collectible Card Game which features many prominent members of the TarValon.net. After several rounds it became clear that Deoan Kakarot would demolish anyone who dared take of the challenge of playing against him.

That evening, the Amrylin’s Feast brought more reasons to celebrate, starting with the Member’s Choice Awards. No one looked more surprised or happy than Jeffan Caliarthan as the Amrylin Seat then summoned him to be raised to the rank of Soldier. While he made his way Toral Delvar to Ne’Mireth Simoua. As the ceremony concluded, the couple walked through an arch of raised Warders’ swords. The votes in the Costume Contest were tallied following the wedding. Our winner was Millefiori Aerien, who was wearing a stunning gown of blue and gold which crossed the traditions back to his seat, we pushed back tables and chairs to make room for the marriage ceremony of many different lands within the Wheel of Time.

By: Nico Demus in the Tar Valon Times

It has fallen to me to describe the events of Anni this year. Though I must admit I am not entirely sure what to say. Personally I arrived at the Easter Seals Respite Camp grounds sometime around 2:30 pm. I was tired and sore from the long drive and had no real desire to spend the next few hours glad handing a bunch of people that I had never met before. But the missus was excited about it so I trudged onward.

We unloaded the car and hauled our things to our room. It was a nice enough room as far as camps go; there was a closet which we immediately put to use and a four drawer dresser which we did not. Over the course of the weekend I heard many people complain about the beds either theirs was too hard or something poked at them as they slept. I however didn’t seem to have any problems, perhaps I was just lucky...or maybe I was just too tired at the end of the day to care.

Registration didn’t take very long at all; it was the part after that that took forever. You see this was my first time at an annual event and I felt very much out of place. There where all these people around me that seemed to know each other so well. It was more like watching the beginnings of a family reunion than a gathering of nerdlyness. So I didn’t really know what to do with myself. So I did what I feel a lot of people may have done in the same situation. I bought a couple packs of the Tar Valon CCG, plopped myself down at a table in the back and began to slowly flip through them to pass the time. Then something truly amazing happened.

A random young lady came and sat down in the seat next to me and asked how I was doing. She just smiled as I proceeded to briefly explain my current feelings, though I imagine that she knew what was going on well before she sat down. She then asked me what cards I got. So I began to flip through all the faces of people that I had and had not met on the forums and she began to tell me a little bit about each of them.

Just as we were finishing up she got called away to help with some other matter. But that was fine by me I had gained the courage necessary to stand up and walk around a bit, chit chatting with a few people here or there. I helped out in the kitchen for a little while and started to meet some very nice people. But I’ll never forget that one special lady that gave me the courage to stand up and take my first steps. Mother made everything all better.

Packet

Download the Packet.

Schedule

Main article: Anniversary Party 2010 Schedule

Staff

Welcome Committee Heads: Manon Lumen and Tian el'Nvidia

Entertainment Committee Heads: Eleyan Teyal Al'Landerin and Tree

Decorating Committee Head: Leilwyn al'Raen

Safety Committee Head: Deoan Kakarot

Dining Committee Head: Riley Maconnar

Team Leaders: Xander Silverstar, Ban al'Seen , Magdalenna t'Zai

Shopping Committee Head: Kyla Sterling

Errands Committee Head: Caerwyn Jolan

Awards Committee Head: Melisande Arneil

Ceremonies

Raisings

Main article: Anniversary Party 2010 Raisings

Bondings

Main article: Anni 2010 Bondings

First Siblings

Marriages

Aria Kakarot and Lugh of the Vanth

Events

Da'covale Auction

The following people offered their services for the Da'covale auction

Philanthropy

By: Kariada Kunai in the Tar Valon Times

No one would argue that this year’s Anniversary Event was a huge success. Friends and family from all over the world gathered in the middle of America’s Heartland to celebrate 9 years of fraternity and community. All it takes is a quick perusal of the Anni forum to see how much partygoers enjoyed their time together. What might not be as apparent at first glance, however, is the high level of participation in charitable activities throughout the weekend.

Our events always serve as fundraisers for the site, and this year was no exception. In fact, this past event brought in more donations than at any other single event! In addition, this was the first year we participated in a drive specifically to benefit an outside organization.

Between our raffle, da’covale auction, and other donations, we raised over $2,300 for our site. This is a truly exceptional amount we raised! This money will go towards our annual operating costs, member assistance programs, scholarship, future event deposits, and other costs that come up throughout the year for a site of our size.

This year, we also held a book drive, encouraging members to bring along a book (or two) to donate to a local charity. The charity for this event was Easter Seals, the organization that runs the camp at which our event took place. Easter Seals is a disability services organization. Their mission is “to increase independence, maximize opportunities, minimize barriers, and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.” You can learn more about the organization and their programs at their website: www.eastersealswisconsin.com.

In total, our members donated over 80 books. This was an extremely good turnout for an event attended by only 73 people! In addition to the books, we collected lightly used linens from the weekend. We were able to leave them with two large boxes full of sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. We also left them with all of our excess food from the event and a box of craft supplies that were left over from some of our activities. Needless to say, they were incredibly grateful for all we were able to contribute to their cause.

I would like to personally thank everyone who participated in our fundraisers and drives for this year’s Anniversary Event. I am thrilled with the response we received from our members, and am excited to see how much we can collect next year. We had a chance to leave a mark on the place we visited and leave it just a little better off – and we exceeded even my expectations. What a great way to embrace the spirit of philanthropy!

Competitions

Amyrlin's Tournament

The Amyrlin's tournament was won by Valorian Edoras. He also took the title of Blademaster.

Trivia

Main article: Anniversary Party 2010 Trivia

Toral Delvar and his team won the Wheel of Time Trivia contest

Attendance

Main article: Anniversary Party 2010 Attendance List

More than 70 members from all levels of the Tower attended the party. Europe and Australia were also represented this year in the form of Manon, Lucas, and Leilwyn

Pictures

Main article: Anniversary Party 2010 Picture Gallery