AS OF 27 FEBRUARY, 2008
Destination: BUFFALO/NIAGARA FALLS, New York
Monday, 29 September, 2008 thru Thursday, 02 October, 2008
2040 Walden Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14225
Reservations call toll free 1 (800)-323-3331
Airport of Choice: Buffalo/Niagara International (BNIA)
The Millennium's free shuttle will pick you up, make sure you give Rich your ETA so arraignments can be made. Southwest and Jet Blue are known for their low airfares to BNIA. The Millennium hotel has free parking (which is a rarity in Buffalo).
The 25 blocked rooms will be held until August 29th, let the hotel know you are with the U.S.S. SAVAGE group to get your $99.00 per night rate (rates are good 3 days prior and 3 days after). The Millennium, which has been and still in the process of being remodeled will be completed prior to our arrival.
Reserve your rooms as early as possible. The Millennium Hotel has a limited number of handicapped and smoking rooms. If we need more than 25 rooms, the hotel will extend the number of rooms if they still have any available. Plus, the sooner Cornall knows who's coming, the more bargaining chips he'll have for the banquet and any events we might have as a group. Cancellations are accepted within 24 hours of your first day. Any Acts of God requiring cancellation are also accepted after the 24 hour period.
The Millennium Hotel has free shuttle service to and from the airport, they will also pick you up at the AmTrak train station and even shuttle you to and from the Walden Galleria Mall with it's 200 plus stores. This hotel is 9 easy miles to the Naval Park where we will hold our Memorial and Luncheon. Niagara Falls, New York is about 26 miles.
Let Rich know as soon as you: reserve your room, name of wife/guest that will be attending, Airline, Flight No. and ETA. Also, If you are driving or renting a car. If you have special medical or dietary needs or a physical condition that the hotel can help with, Cornall would appreciate this information as soon as practical to assure any airport pick-ups be on time, and that you get our discounted rate. Linda Hansen can get the name tags ready. Plus, it will helpful if we know we'll need to extend the number of guaranteed rooms if available. Hotel Reservations can be made today.
Naval & Military Park: A brand new ship's store features about any item a sailor may want. We will hold our Memorial and Luncheon aboard the U.S.S. LITTLE ROCK (CL-92 - CLG-4) and also tour the U.S.S. CROAKER (SS 246 - SSK-246) and the U.S.S. SULLIVANS (DD-537). Admission is $5.00 (no other discounts on admissions). In the Naval & Military Park you will see exhibits from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War & forward into Desert Storm. They have Marine Corps and Ex-POW Memorabilia, African-American Contribution to the wars, Women in the Military, Polish Armed Forces, Destroyer Escort Sailors, Vietnam Veterans, Models of WWII to present aircraft and the Western New York Medal of Honor Recipients. Plus other military equipment.
Want to see Main Street, Buffalo - just jump on the trolley near the Park and take a free ride and get on and off as you wish. Jump back on when you're ready to return to the Park to pick up your ride.
ITINERARY SO FAR
Sunday: Sept. 28
4:00 pm decorate and stock hospitality room (when enough people arrive to help)
6:00 pm (later if we have late arrivals) Dutch treat dinner at hotel or local restaurant
Monday: Sept. 29
9:00 am Open hospitality room for registration, visitation, snack and refreshments. Shuttle to the Galleria Mall - (no further plans at this time)
Tuesday: Sept. 30
9:00 am Meet in hospitality Room
9:30 am Car pool to Naval & Military Park
10:00 am Memorial
12:00 Luncheon
After lunch, tour the Park - ride trolley down Main Street
Wednesday Oct 1
AM - PM - Plans still in the works
4:00pm - 6:00pm: report to hospitality room for couple and group photos.
6:00pm - Report to dining hall for Banquet. Still figuring out what we'll have.
Thursday: Oct 2 - Possible group tour - still have time to figure that out.
Friday: AM - Hugs, kisses & good-byes and a safe trip home.
Men's meeting and women's auction will be at same time in different locations. Time and date hasn't been set yet.
PASSPORTS
According to Homeland Security, passports may be required this Spring. However, Colonel Patrick Cunningham and Chuck Giglia, doubt very much that the requirement will be enforced this year. At this time, 2 forms of ID will be required to cross the boarder: 1. A driver's license or other government issued photo ID with your street address on it. 2. A passport or certified copy of your birth certificate affixed with a raised seal. If you don't have both these documents, you will not be able to cross into Canada.
Buffalo, Niagara Falls, New York and Canada have many things to offer as far as tours, entertainment and types of restaurants. You can see the Falls and visit a Casino on both sides, as well as many attractions. A partial list of things to do will be in next newsletter.
Weather: Sept/Oct weather can range from 60 degrees to 74 degrees. Buffalo is usually sunny and snow is almost unheard of that time of year. Buffalo is considered the driest city in New York State. All should bring a sweater and other warm clothing, especially our warm blooded shipmates. No need to exchange your green backs into Canadian money. You may receive Canadian dollars as change, but you should spend your change prior to leaving Canada if you don't want to keep it. At this writing, $1.00 Canadian dollar = $1.03 U.S.
Buffalo boasts about their Theatre and Performing Arts, Architecture. Shopping, Dinning and nightlife. Elmwood Village is in the heart of Buffalo, Waldron Galleria Mall with over 200 stores is adjacent to the Millennium Hotel.
