Hello Optimists,
Can you believe it? The Optimist International Convention begins in Baltimore on Sunday, July 3, 2011, just three (3) months or ninety (90) days from today. Optimists in the Maryland/South Delaware District are looking forward to seeing you and are busy preparing for your visit.
This message includes a few reminders, the April edition of the Baltimore Buzz, and a few ideas of what to see and do while in the Baltimore area. Please share it will the Optimists in your District.
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The Visit Baltimore web site, www.baltimore.org, offers lots of information about Baltimore. It's definitely a good idea to visit the site before your visit. You'll be surprised that Baltimore has so much to offer. You can order a free copy of the Visit Baltimore magazine on their site. The Summer edition should be out soon.
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Here are some online links where you can find additional information:
Important Notes:
Hotel Reservations: Ronda Vaughn, OI's Director of Meeting Services, reports that the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel is filling up fast and that there are less that 40 rooms left in the OI Convention block. There are still rooms available at the Renaissance. If you haven't made your hotel reservations yet, now would be a good time to go to www.optimist.org , go the OI Convention page, and make your hotel reservation.
Convention Registration: The early bird registration deadline is Sunday, May 1, 2011, just 29 days away. If you haven't registered yet, you can save some money by registering by May 1.
Transportation to Baltimore: If you are flying your destination airport is the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport--or BWI. It's a short shuttle ride from BWI to the hotel. If you are coming by train the train station at which you will arrive is Penn Station in Baltimore. It is a 10 minute cab ride to the hotel
Pre-Convention Baseball Game: We have already received several ticket orders for the Baltimore Orioles vs. St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on Thursday, June 30, 2011. A copy of the ticket order form is attached to this message and is also available on the OI web site. If you have questions about the game, contact Optimist Mary Lu at baseballtix@yahoo.com. Tickets are $20 US and payment is due by Tuesday, May 31, 2011. See "Pre Convention Baseball Game" for more details.
It will be a fun evening.
Opportunity for Support: Thank you to all of the individuals and Clubs who have offered support to the Host Committee. We really appreciate it. There is still an opportunity to offer financial support and to have your name and/or Club's name listed in the Convention program as a Host Committee Sponsor. Everyone who makes a donation of $25 or more will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and all Clubs that make a donation of $50 or more will receive a banner patch. See attached Opportunity for Support form for additional information.See "OI Convention 2011 Host Area Opportunity for Support" for more details.
Appreciation Luncheon Table Hosts/Hostesses: If you purchase a ticket to the Luncheon you have the opportunity to volunteer to be a Table Host or Hostess. If you would like to be a Table Host or Hostess, please contact Past MDSD District Governor, Mickey Price at pawsprice@gmail.comfor information and to be added to the list of volunteers.
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Some Historical Sites in the Inner Harbor Area:
Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic shrine-- Birthplace of the USA National Anthem
O! say can you see, by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." It's a short Water Taxi ride from the hotel. They just opened a new Visitor & Education Center.
Maritime history unfolds on the decks of USS Constellation, USCG Cutter Taney, Lightship Chesapeake and USS Torsk.
The USS Constellation, the last Civil War vessel afloat, was built in 1854 and is the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy. You can visit the museum and tour the ship.
The USS Torsk, launched in 1944, is a World War II era submarine docked near the National Aquarium at Baltimore. The Torsk is open for tours.
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There's Something New in the Baltimore Inner Harbor--Seadog Cruises--Baltimore's newest, most exciting excursion! You'll learn about all of the historic sights with a fun, amusing narration, plus enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride. They just announced that they will have two boats in the Harbor this summer.
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As mentioned above go the the Visit Baltimore web site, www.baltimore.org, for much more information about attractions and things to do in Baltimore.
If you have questions about Baltimore, "Just Ask" and we'll our best to answer them for you. If you have questions about the Convention activities you can check out the Convention information at www.optimist.org or contact Ronda Vaugh or Sharon Parton at OI--800-500-8130.
All for now! Have a GRREEAATT and Optimistic April!
Dennis Lane, Host Area Committee Chair
2011 OI Convetion in Baltimore
