Springtime gathering in Carolina

[Guest guest]

Hello Group!

I hope I have not bothered anyone too much by using this special notice provision to get in touch....but never knowing how often those that don't post much read from the site I wanted to be sure that everyone possible got this notice.

We have tried more than once to get together as a group. For whatever reasons, up until now, things haven't worked out. After my weekend away with fellow "scoli's" this fall I renewed my commitment to arranging for a meeting for as many members as possible. I spent a fair amount of time looking around for a site that was suitable for our needs and not so expensive that is was out of reach of most of our membership.

Several weeks ago I put up a link to the Trinity Center down in North Carolina ( http://www.trinityctr.com/index.html ). I spoke with the planning team in their group planning office and was convinced that we might have a "winner". Gratefully, our own Bonnie lives not too far away, and she agreed to drive down with her husband and see if, in fact, this site would be a good spot for us. She called me last week to report that this is indeed everything we need to have a wonderful gathering. Here are the details:

The area is rich in natural beauty, an island about 20 miles long with one central road. Generally the area is residential with a few shops and restaurants relatively near by car. The campus itself, though spartan in some regards, exposes itself to the natural surroundings. All of the buildings have generous outside sitting and visiting spots, including a private beach with a gazebo with chairs and easy access by foot (5 - 10 minute walk) or car. The Center has a main dining area which provides 3 meals a day. We will have our own reserved tables. All meals are served buffet style with set times, 8am, noon and 6pm. Bonnie said the food appeared to be a nice presentation and of good quality, although she did not eat there. Breakfast is cold cereal of your choice, juices, maybe fruit, toast and one hot entree each day (eggs, pancakes or the like). At lunch and dinner there is one entree , always salad, bread, dessert. Each of the living clusters also has a small fridge/microwave so additional meals or snacks are possible if necessary.

Remembering that this center is actually maintained by the Episcopal Church with a mission as a retreat center for quiet or spiritual reflections, the individual rooms are smallish and spare, no telephones or TV's...just a bathroom, and a radio. The TV is out in the common area, which is a nice large gathering space as well. Groups are permitted to have alcohol on the premises, although of course all things in moderation!

Bonnie and her husband looked the property over with particular interest in verifying what the walking conditions were on site. She reports that for the most part we would be on one level, with the only stairs typically being just one to four steps to accommodate grade/elevation changes, not full flights of stairs. A group was in the cluster of buildings (all one story) we have tentatively reserved so she could not actually check the beds...but she was told this building has had a recent mattress changeover so that is all I can report there. Bonnie also assumes that each person is responsible for maintaining their own room while in residence....in other words, the room is made up when you arrive, and there is no further "housekeeping" until departure.

The financial arrangements are that the Center has graciously agreed to hold 12 rooms (one cluster of rooms plus a living room/lounge area of our own ) for us without even a deposit until the end of December. Each room has a private bath, one double bed and one single. If everyone wanted to share rooms, which I doubt, this would accommodate 24 people...however if we need more than these 12 rooms the Center will accommodate us in additional buildings, not necessarily all together. We could/would then still use the living room/lounge area as our "home base". Also included in our daily fees is a private meeting room which, on one day will have a morning or afternoon snack set out. If desired, we can have snacks set out each day, at a small additional fee.(We can use this room however we wish. At this time I am not sure exactly what "extras" we might be able to arrange but it will be interesting for sure!)

The room & meal daily rate is $100 for a single and $80 for double occupancy. There may be small additional charges as we arrange any program or speakers, but truly, for 3 nights of accommodations and meals this is an opportunity that is well within the financial reach of many of us. Travel will not be quite as easy as Las Vegas perhaps, but I hope with a little advance planning finding a good fare should be possible. The closest airport is New Bern (just under an hour from the site) or Wilmington (around 2 hrs).

Bonnie reports that it is very easy driving, with easy stops if needed. Since we will have plenty of time to arrange travel, if there are numbers to make it worthwhile at one airport or the other (or both) we may be able to arrange for a limo to and from. I expect to need a car while there for 3 days...but I am also willing to rent and drive and fill the car based on others travel plans.

Most of the springtime weekends are already filled. We are holding the dates of arrival Sunday, April 29th through departure on Wednesday May 2nd. I think these are the best dates possible out of what remains before I leave for Denmark. I am not sure, but if you could only stay less than the 3 nights I believe we can accommodate that.

So...here is the deal: I need to send a non-refundable deposit of $60 per person at the end of this month (if you are staying 3 nights). I know the holidays are in the mix here making it somewhat difficult to focus and set the extra funds aside....but if you want to come I know you will work it out. The good news is that the balance is not due until checkout time. The I will be the collection point for checks. Please email me privately (cammaltby@...) and let me know if you plan on attending and I will send you my mailing address. I know for some it may feel like a leap of faith....but it's nothing compared to signing up for surgery.

Please ask any questions you have of Bonnie or myself on the forum so we can all share information.

I look forward to seeing many of you there...I know it will be well worth the effort!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam.

This is my official sign-up! Single room, please. Just let me know where to send the $60. I so hope this actually happens!

Bonnie

[ ] Springtime gathering in Carolina

Hello Group!

I hope I have not bothered anyone too much by using this special notice provision to get in touch....but never knowing how often those that don't post much read from the site I wanted to be sure that everyone possible got this notice.

We have tried more than once to get together as a group. For whatever reasons, up until now, things haven't worked out. After my weekend away with fellow "scoli's" this fall I renewed my commitment to arranging for a meeting for as many members as possible. I spent a fair amount of time looking around for a site that was suitable for our needs and not so expensive that is was out of reach of most of our membership.

Several weeks ago I put up a link to the Trinity Center down in North Carolina ( http://www.trinityctr.com/index.html ). I spoke with the planning team in their group planning office and was convinced that we might have a "winner". Gratefully, our own Bonnie lives not too far away, and she agreed to drive down with her husband and see if, in fact, this site would be a good spot for us. She called me last week to report that this is indeed everything we need to have a wonderful gathering. Here are the details:

The area is rich in natural beauty, an island about 20 miles long with one central road. Generally the area is residential with a few shops and restaurants relatively near by car. The campus itself, though spartan in some regards, exposes itself to the natural surroundings. All of the buildings have generous outside sitting and visiting spots, including a private beach with a gazebo with chairs and easy access by foot (5 - 10 minute walk) or car. The Center has a main dining area which provides 3 meals a day. We will have our own reserved tables. All meals are served buffet style with set times, 8am, noon and 6pm. Bonnie said the food appeared to be a nice presentation and of good quality, although she did not eat there. Breakfast is cold cereal of your choice, juices, maybe fruit, toast and one hot entree each day (eggs, pancakes or the like). At lunch and dinner there is one entree

Remembering that this center is actually maintained by the Episcopal Church with a mission as a retreat center for quiet or spiritual reflections, the individual rooms are smallish and spare, no telephones or TV's...just a bathroom, and a radio. The TV is out in the common area, which is a nice large gathering space as well. Groups are permitted to have alcohol on the premises, although of course all things in moderation!

Bonnie and her husband looked the property over with particular interest in verifying what the walking conditions were on site. She reports that for the most part we would be on one level, with the only stairs typically being just one to four steps to accommodate grade/elevation changes, not full flights of stairs. A group was in the cluster of buildings (all one story) we have tentatively reserved so she could not actually check the beds...but she was told this building has had a recent mattress changeover so that is all I can report there. Bonnie also assumes that each person is responsible for maintaining their own room while in residence....in other words, the room is made up when you arrive, and there is no further "housekeeping" until departure.

The financial arrangements are that the Center has graciously agreed to hold 12 rooms (one cluster of rooms plus a living room/lounge area of our own ) for us without even a deposit until the end of December. Each room has a private bath, one double bed and one single. If everyone wanted to share rooms, which I doubt, this would accommodate 24 people...however if we need more than these 12 rooms the Center will accommodate us in additional buildings, not necessarily all together. We could/would then still use the living room/lounge area as our "home base". Also included in our daily fees is a private meeting room which, on one day will have a morning or af

The room & meal daily rate is $100 for a single and $80 for double occupancy. There may be small additional charges as we arrange any program or speakers, but truly, for 3 nights of accommodations and meals this is an opportunity that is well within the financial reach of many of us. Travel will not be quite as easy as Las Vegas perhaps, but I hope with a little advance planning finding a good fare should be possible. The closest airport is New Bern (just under an hour from the site) or Wilmington (around 2 hrs).

Bonnie reports that it is very easy driving, with easy stops if needed. Since we will have plenty of time to arrange travel, if there are numbers to make it worthwhile at one airport or the other (or both) we may be able to arrange for a limo to and from. I expect to need a car while there for 3 days...but I am also willing to rent and drive and fill the car based on others travel plans.

Most of the springtime weekends are already filled. We are holding the dates of arrival Sunday, April 29th through departure on Wednesday May 2nd. I think these are the best dates possible out of what remains before I leave for Denmark. I am not sure, but if you could only stay less than the 3 nights I believe we can accommodate that.

So...here is the deal: I need to send a non-refundable deposit of $60 per person at the end of this month (if you are staying 3 nights). I know the holidays are in the mix here making it somewhat difficult to focus and set the extra funds aside....but if you want to come I know you will work it out. The good news is that the balance is not due until checkout time. The I will be the collection point for checks. Please email me privately (cammaltby ) and let me know if you plan on attending and I will send you my mailing address. I know for some it may feel like a leap of faith....but it's nothing compared to signing up for surgery.

Please ask any questions you have of Bonnie or myself on the forum so we can all share information.

I look forward to seeing many of you there...I know it will be well worth the effort!

Take Care, Cam