We can hardly believe that in less than two months the 37th Annual NAOSMM Conference and Trade Show will be in full swing. We hope that you are as thrilled as us and will find that all the endless hours of hard work from all the various committees prove to be an exceptional conference. Please take the time to check out all the local attractions walking.pdf plus the amazing regional attractions that Virginia has to offer at interest.html - we are sure you will find that there are more interesting things to do than time will allow, so plan on extending your stay. 

We believe it will be quite a delight if you find the time in your schedule for the two tours that are being offered (more in-depth details of each tour listed below). The Sunday tour “Norfolk Walking Adventure” will give you a small taste of our downtown area. Along the walk you will see a few of the many places to venture off to during the free time throughout the week. Friday’s tour is not one to miss either - the “Colonial Williamsburg Overview” gives you a mini tour of the historic triangle comprising Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. There will even be a couple hours to walk the cobblestone streets shopping in Merchant Square along with eating lunch at either a tavern or one of the many other places that the area offers. If you have not planned on extending your time here in Virginia, this a great one day tour to see a glimpse of the historical Colonial Williamsburg. This tour is planned 8am-3pm – the plan is to be back at the hotel by 3pm however with our horrible tunnel traffic no one can guarantee. Make evening (after 6pm) plane reservations if you plan on leaving that day. You must RSVP for these tours with Ginny Sari (vasari@princeton.edu) by June 15th - late tour reservations will only be excepted if space availability allows.

A few important deadlines/reminders:

Conference registration deadline is only days away - Tuesday, June 15th – the packets are online at NAOSMM’s website only registration.html (also found on the above menu bar)– they were not mailed. Print and mail (postmarked by 6-15 to avoid late fee) or fax form back to Ginny Sari. Even though the deadline is Tuesday, June 15th you can register up to the conference date with an additional $25 late fee. Again if you plan on registering late yet want to attend either tour please contact Ginny (vasari@princeton.edu) by June 15th. We have to give the tour guide a head count by June 15th - late tour reservations will only be excepted if space availability allows.

Again there are three Marriott hotels in downtown Norfolk - you will be staying at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott – 235 East Main Street – Norfolk, VA 23510 when getting driving directions or directing cabs from the airport. There are cabs (~$30 one way) or airport shuttles (~$22 one way) from the airport – no free shuttle. L Visit mysite.verizon.net/brown.naosmm about ride sharing that Joanne Brown created - sharing a taxi and/or shuttle could save everyone money. Norfolk International Airport link: www.norfolkairport.com

Planning to attend the “No Host Newcomers Luncheon” Monday, July 26th? If so, please sign up at the NAOSMM registration desk with the Hospitality Committee by 8am that Monday morning with your lunch choice. The time reserved for this lunch is 11:45am-1:15pm at Shula’s 347 Grill located in the hotel - 1st floor. Shula’s will be very busy with their normal lunch crowd so in order to get everyone in and out in the allotted time we need to know your order prior to the luncheon. The choices will be: Fresh Fish Sandwich, Braised Beef Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich (each served with French Fries) OR a Tomato and Mozzarella Chop Salad with a cup of Chef’s Daily Soup – includes continuous iced tea and coffee service. The cost is $15 plus tax and gratuity - you may add a dessert for $5 additional: Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, or Pure Chocolate cake.

Don’t forget about the Trivia Contest norfolkquiz.pdf . Not only will you learn a lot about Norfolk and the region but if you get all of the answers correct you will be entered into the drawing. The winner of the drawing will receive free registration to the 2011 NAOSMM Conference & Trade Show in Minneapolis, MN. Please email your answers to Teresa Arnold at tarnold@georgefox.edu by July 11th.

We are excited about seeing everyone in Norfolk in the hopes that you will enjoy the fun and educational experience that we all have strived to achieve.

Mary Hayward
Tammy Subotich
2010 NAOSMM Conference Co-Hosts

Additional information regarding the two planned tours:

Sunday, July 25, 2010: 2:00pm – 4:30pm

NORFOLK WALKING ADVENTURE

• Enjoy an informative and leisurely walk through Norfolk's historic downtown and Freemason Area. Departing from the Marriott Hotel, your walking adventure will take you past the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, the Battleship Wisconsin and the Lone Sailor Memorial Park.
• You will stroll down the charming cobblestone streets of the Freemason area, home to turn of the century mansions and homes with exquisite architecture. Learn about the history of this charming seaport as your guide shares local legends, three century folklore and stories. Your tour will pass by beautiful historic churches, the downtown financial district, the historic Moses Myers House and old St. Paul's Church where a cannonball fired on New Year's Day, 1776 is still embedded in the wall!

  REFRESHMENT STOP AT THE PAGODA

• During your walking tour, enjoy a refreshment stop at the beautiful Pagoda and Oriental Garden, located in the heart of downtown Norfolk. Built in 1989 the Pagoda was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Norfolk from the Taiwan Provincial Government. The two story octagonal structure features exquisite Chinese architectural details, including a serpentine wall lined with stately Kwansan Cherry trees, a pond side clock, crooked bridge, arched bridge and a ten foot waterfall. The three gated portals are symbolic in form framing an inside view enticing the guest to enter. Guests will be treated to a refreshing beverage and snack before walking back to the hotel.

  Package Price: $20.00 per person, inclusive. Includes light refreshments.

Friday, July 30, 2010: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG OVERVIEW

• Depart via motor coach to the charming town of Williamsburg. Your guide will provide interesting and informative narration during your ride about the historic Virginia Peninsula and the Hampton Roads area.
• Once you arrive in Williamsburg, you will step back into the 18th century while strolling through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. Your historical interpreter will guide you through the past and the events that helped shape America’s history as you enjoy a one and one half hour leisurely walking tour through the restored area of this lovely colonial capital city (Actual distance is approximately 4-5 blocks).
• Following your overview tour, enjoy free time to shop and browse in the many unique specialty shops in Merchants Square. High quality apparel, gifts, jewelry, unusual quilts, beautiful furniture and holiday decorations are but a few of the offerings found in this quaint, picturesque shopping area.
• Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the Colonial Taverns or in Merchants Square. Your guide will point out all of the dining options as you pass through town.

YORKTOWN VISITORS CENTER

• Board the bus and admire the view as you ride along the scenic Colonial Parkway to the quaint village of Yorktown. The Yorktown Visitor Center is the orientation point for exploring the colonial Chesapeake Bay port of Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield. Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the final, major battle of the American Revolutionary War and symbolic end of Colonial English America.
• Visit the National Park Service Visitors Center and view the exhibits relating to the Battle of Yorktown, a 12-minute film, and a rooftop view of the battlefields

Package Price: $45.00 per person, inclusive. Lunch on your own.