The Order of the Great Fifth Sea: Annual Winter Solstice Potluck and Shore Walk
Calendar Classification: Core Seasonal Observance
Filed Under: Continuity Events | Formal Gatherings | Seasonal Record
Pursuant to standing Council guidance and in accordance with established precedent, the Annual Winter Solstice Potluck and Shore Walk is hereby scheduled to proceed.
Presiding Keeper Alistar Corvus reaffirmed that the Winter Solstice remains a Core Observance within the Order’s calendar. Its significance is derived from continuity, repetition, and restraint, expressed through careful preparation and adherence to established form.
Section I — Potluck Provisions
1.1 Classification and Theme
The Winter Solstice Potluck is designated a Formal Themed Gathering.
The approved theme for the current cycle is:
Seasonal Sustenance and Practical Preservation
This theme reflects foods appropriate to winter conditions, storage, and shared nourishment. Novelty, improvisation, and display are not objectives.
1.2 Approved Categories
Contributions should reasonably fall within one or more of the following categories:
Preserved or cured foods
Hearty baked goods suitable for cold weather
Root vegetables, grains, or legumes
Soups, stews, or dishes associated with winter keeping
Simple confections appropriate to limited daylight
Foods requiring extensive explanation, on-site assembly, or interpretive framing are discouraged.
1.3 Ingredient Disclosure
All contributions shall be accompanied by a written ingredient listing, including:
Primary components
Common allergens (including dairy, nuts, gluten, and eggs)
Any ingredient whose inclusion may not be immediately apparent
Labels shall be legible and placed with the serving vessel.
1.4 Quantity Guidance
Quantities should be sufficient for communal sharing. Excess is acceptable and consistent with tradition. Shortfall will be recorded without comment.
Section II — Shore Walk Procedures
2.1 Route
The Shore Walk shall follow the traditional south-to-north route, subject to confirmation based on:
Ice stability
Wind exposure
Shoreline conditions at time of departure
2.2 Expected Conditions
Participants should prepare for:
Reduced visibility
Variable and uneven footing
Sustained cold and wind
Conversation during the walk is neither required nor discouraged.
2.3 Preparation
Members are expected to arrive properly equipped for winter field conditions. Preparation is considered a matter of personal responsibility and collective safety.
Section III — Ceremonial Parameters
3.1 Authorized Practice
All activities shall adhere to established Winter Solstice observance practices.
3.2 Alterations
No ceremonial additions, expansions, or interpretive modifications are authorized for this observance cycle.
Alteration is reserved for necessity, not emphasis.
Section IV — Attendance and Conduct
Attendance is voluntary.
Participation is customary.
Observation is integral.
Members are requested to arrive punctually, conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Order’s standards, and depart as conditions and inclination allow.
Section V — Dress Guidance
5.1 General Standard
Attendance requires adherence to Field-Formal Winter Attire.
Field-Formal attire is defined as clothing suitable for sustained outdoor exposure that remains appropriate for indoor gathering without adjustment.
5.2 Required Characteristics
Attire shall be:
Weather-appropriate for lake-adjacent winter conditions
Durable, layered, and functional
Neutral or subdued in color
Free of conspicuous branding or novelty elements
Practical restraint is preferred.
5.3 Footwear
Footwear shall be appropriate for ice, snow, and uneven terrain. Indoor comfort alone is not a sufficient standard.
5.4 Dress Compliance Clarification
Outdoor discomfort, inconvenience, or dissatisfaction arising from weather conditions does not constitute noncompliance, provided the attire otherwise meets the standards set forth above.
Section VI — Guest Attendance and Observational Status
6.1 General Guest Policy
Attendance is primarily intended for members in good standing.
Guests may be present under limited circumstances, subject to prior acknowledgment and appropriate conduct.
6.2 Observational Attendance
Guests attending in an observational capacity shall:
Refrain from active participation in procedural or ceremonial matters
Defer to members during the Shore Walk
Accept that some practices may not be explained
Observation does not imply endorsement, invitation, or future inclusion.
Section VII — Former GLRC Affiliates
7.1 Eligibility
Individuals formerly affiliated with the Great Lakes Research Consortium (GLRC) may be present provided that:
Their affiliation with the GLRC has formally concluded
Their attendance has been acknowledged in advance
Their presence is understood to be observational in nature
7.2 Status
Former GLRC affiliates attending this observance shall be classified as Non-Participating Observers.
This classification carries no presumption of reconciliation, transfer, or reintegration.
7.3 Conduct Expectations
Such individuals are expected to maintain discretion regarding past institutional roles, refrain from comparative commentary, and avoid interpretive framing of Order practices.
Silence will be understood as compliance.
Appendix B — Guest Acknowledgment Form
Reference Only | No Submission Required
This form is provided for acknowledgment and record alignment purposes. Completion is optional. Collection is not предусмотрено. Retention is the responsibility of the individual.
Guest Name: ___________________________________________
Affiliation (if applicable): _______________________________
☐ Family Member
☐ Invited Guest
☐ Observer
☐ Former GLRC Affiliate
☐ Other: _______________________________________
Basis for Attendance:
☐ Personal Invitation
☐ Prior Acknowledgment
☐ Observational Presence
☐ Transitional Status
☐ Not Specified
Attendance Classification:
☐ Participating
☐ Non-Participating Observer
☐ Field-Only Attendance
☐ Indoor-Only Attendance
Acknowledgments (check all that apply):
☐ I understand that attendance does not imply participation in Order matters.
☐ I understand that some practices may not be explained.
☐ I understand that observation does not constitute endorsement, invitation, or alignment.
☐ I understand that silence may be expected and will be interpreted as compliance.
Signature (optional): _________________________
Date: ___________________
This form is not to be submitted, reviewed, or discussed. Its presence constitutes sufficient notice.
Filed by order of the Council.
So recorded.