This is what MARCON is about. As the chilly days begin to grow longer, we are reminded that Spring is on the way. Did you know that February 2nd marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox? And with spring comes... Marcon. Marcon is one of the Midwest's oldest and largest science fiction conventions. This year's theme is a commemoration of Star Trek's 40th anniversary, and it promises to be a fabulous con! You can get lots more information about the convention and its guests and activities at the official website, _www.marcon.org_ (http://www.marcon.org/) . The convention hospitality suite, or "con suite" will be hosted this year by a staff of CPA hosts and players, and we'd LOVE to have you join us. Staff memberships are only $10.00 if registered by the April 1st deadline. Here's the paragraph of publicity that is going out in a mailing to 1500 Marcon attendees next week, regarding the con suite and our group: In keeping with this year's convention theme, the con suite will be transformed into Nowhere Station, a place where beings from all universes can gather to meet and socialize! Your con suite staff will feature hosts and members of the Celestial Prime Alliance, a Star Trek-themed online roleplaying group. We'll be serving up a wide array of your favorites, and some new delicacies as well. Planned are a Friday evening sushi party, Saturday afternoon ice cream social, continental breakfasts both mornings, and a special treat Saturday night, as well as a variety of soft drinks and munchies both healthy and not-so-healthy to be offered all day long. Special dietary requests will be accepted for the ice cream social and breakfasts, so that we can provide a few items suitable for those with diabetes and/or celiac disorder. Extended overnight hours are planned for Saturday night, depending on staff availability. Join us for a bite -- we promise not to bite back! If YOU are interested in joining this staff (and having plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the convention), please e-mail me for a copy of the staff registration form. I have been asked to submit most (if not all) of my staff's forms together, so it will be simple to fill out and e-mail back to me. Keep in mind that while the convention begins Friday afternoon, there will be a special reception Thursday evening for the staff and the convention guests -- so if you are able to be present then, you will get to meet the guests in a smaller gathering. Also, if there are particular guests that our staff are interested in meeting, I will try to arrange something just for us. Please do browse the website at _www.marcon.org_ (http://www.marcon.org/) and let me know ASAP if you would like to be a part of this great convention. (I will also arrange hotel room sharing to help everyone keep costs down.) Thanks! Chandra (Commander Sarah Mollin, USS Avogadro)