The Braille Monitor January, 2001 Edition
The Philadelphia Story:
Chapter
One
by
Suzanne Waters
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Suzanne Waters
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From the Editor: Sue Waters is a
leader of the Pennsylvania affiliate and a knowledgeable resident of
Philadelphia. Over the next few months she will be providing information about
next summer's convention city and giving us hints about what to do in such free
time as we can find during the 2001 convention of the National Federation of
the Blind, July 1 through 7. This is what she says:
The
audience waits in a hushed fever of anticipation. Your family and friends
are in the front row, cheering you on. This is your dream come true--that
final, million-dollar question. Regis takes a deep breath as the dramatic
drum roll sounds. "And for one million dollars: what major gathering
will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 1 through July 7, 2001?
Is it A. The Third Continental Congress; B. Cheese Steak Lovers Anonymous;
C. The Soft Pretzel Bakers Association; or D. the Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind?"
As the grin spreads across your face
and visions of vacations and diamonds dance in your head, you speak the words
that will change your life forever. "Regis, it's D. the Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind. Final answer." The crowd goes wild;
cameras snap and flash. You are the nation's newest millionaire!
Okay, so maybe you didn't win a large
cash prize. Maybe you weren't even on the TV show. But one thing is definitely
true: you are still a big winner, because you are a Federationist and you will
be attending the 2001 convention in Philadelphia. Thirty-seven years have
passed since Philadelphia last hosted our National Convention, and it's high time
we in Philadelphia show you all that we haven't just been sitting on our
historical laurels. The city which was the cradle of the American Revolution
and the home of Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, and so many other distinguished
Americans has experienced a renaissance. The new millennium mixes tastefully
with the old in many fascinating ways. Over the next few Monitor issues
we'll give you a small taste of the countless attractions that promise to make
Philadelphia the site of the greatest Convention of the National Federation of
the Blind ever to be held.
Let's start with a few facts about the
Keystone State, and the city that will be your host in 2001. The state motto of
Pennsylvania is one that any Federationist would be happy to espouse: virtue,
liberty, and independence. Pennsylvania is the second state, preceded only by
Delaware in adopting the newly-written Constitution. It is roughly rectangular
in shape, extending approximately 170 miles from north to south and 308 miles
from east to west. Its typography is varied, including mountains, valleys, and
rivers. Forests cover about fifty-six percent of Pennsylvania's total land
area.
Of its many cities, Philadelphia is
the largest and is, in fact, the fifth biggest city in the U.S. Pittsburgh, our
second largest city, was the home of KDKA, licensed in 1920, the first
commercial radio broadcasting station in the world.
Pennsylvania is the home of 277
institutions of higher learning and a multitude of historical sites that will
keep even the most avid student enraptured. Whether you like rediscovering
America's past at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, or Independence Hall; enjoying the
wonders of nature in the beautiful Pocono Mountains; or hearing world-class
orchestral music, Pennsylvania will not disappoint.
Come spend Independence Week, 2001, in
the city where it all started. Experience America's rich past at Independence
Hall, the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin Court, Carpenter's Hall, and many
more. And be a part of Philadelphia's glorious present and future as you sample
our numerous entertainment, shopping, and restaurant options. The Pennsylvania
affiliate is preparing a week of warm hospitality and a few surprises that will
have you clamoring to return to the City of Brotherly Love very soon. And don't
miss the next issue of the Braille Monitor, in which Chapter Two of the
Philadelphia Story will answer the following questions: what famous author
resided in Philadelphia from 1843 to 1844? What sculptor's works are showcased
in Philadelphia in the largest exposition outside Paris? And, last but not
least, what's the next best thing to holding Regis's check for a million in
your hands?
Make those hotel reservations today.
For the 2001 convention room rates are singles, $55, and doubles, twins,
triples, and quads, $65. In addition there will be a tax, which at present is
14 percent but no charge for children eleven and under in the room with parents
as long as no extra bed is requested.
For 2001 convention room reservations
you should write directly to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market
Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, or call (215) 625-2900. Marriott
has a national toll-free number, which you may use to make your room reservations.
This number is (800) 228-9290. The hotel will want a deposit of $60 or a credit
card number. If a credit card is used, the deposit will be charged against
your card immediately, just as would be the case with a $60 check. If a reservation
is cancelled prior to May 29, 2001, $30 of the $60 deposit will be returned.
Otherwise refunds will not be made. See you in Philadelphia.