As temperatures drop this winter, the Minnesota Loons are beginning to feel more at home. The organization is increasing its activity on campus.

Faculty, staff and students originally from Minnesota who “migrated” to Iowa State for work or college formed the group. They will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Sloss House.

“It’s just a way to get together; it’s another way to socialize and another way to hear that Minnesota accent that we so adore,” said Laura Bestler-Wilcox, club adviser.

The gathering will feature pan-a-bars, the Minnesota name for square bars such as Rice Krispie treats, and lessons on speaking “Minnesotan,” said Bestler-Wilcox, who is also the program coordinator for the Dean of Students Office. She said the group would also discuss ride shares for people needing a lift to Minnesota for winter break.

The Loons, named after the state’s official bird, first appeared at ClubFest earlier this semester, and had quite a few people sign up and show interest in the group, said Sara Kellogg, the club’s treasurer and program coordinator for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.

However, Bestler-Wilcox said the club wanted to wait until the weather was “more like winter” before holding events.

The club is planning on having a “snow dance” around the Campanile during the first snowfall of the season and handing out hot chocolate when the temperature goes below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the club has no official funding, Bestler-Wilcox said the future of the club is up to the students. “Once we get the students together, we really want them to help shape what happens next,” she said.

The club’s Web site, www.stuorg.iastate.edu/mnloons, features Web cams located around Minnesota, official links to state sites and a joke list titled “You Know You’re Minnesotan When…”

Bestler-Wilcox said she hopes the Loons will spur the formation of other state clubs.

“It’s just one more way to make people feel at home here at Iowa State,” she said.