The folks at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh have been an absolute DREAM to deal with! And -- today -- they sent me directions which will help you to avoid construction on Fayetteville Street. Directions are listed below! See you soon!
Directions to the Marriott City Center in Raleigh, NC
From North -- Take State Highway 1 to Capital Boulevard. Proceed on Capital Boulevard which will become Dawson Street. Turn left onto West Lenoir and then left onto Fayetteville Street. The hotel is on the left.
From South -- Take State Highway 1 to Interstate 40 East. Proceed on I-40E and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. The hotel will be on the left.
From East -- Take Interstate 40 to Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. The hotel will be on the left.
From the West -- Take Interstate 40 West towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. The hotel will be on your left.
From Raleigh-Durham International Airport -- Take Interstate 40 East towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. The hotel will be on your left.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Parking pass winners and Angel reminder
The winners of the THREE additional parking passes are: Yvette Odell, Aimee Carter, and Cyndi Bohner! CONGRATULATIONS! Your parking pass is being mailed to you today!
On another note -- please read the blog posting regarding our Kindermusik Angels project and submit your story to me so that it can be included in our memory book. Talk about tugging on every last one of my heartstrings -- putting this book together is probably the toughest job I've ever had.
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
On another note -- please read the blog posting regarding our Kindermusik Angels project and submit your story to me so that it can be included in our memory book. Talk about tugging on every last one of my heartstrings -- putting this book together is probably the toughest job I've ever had.
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
Friday, October 24, 2008
THREE MORE PARKING PASSES FOR DRAWING -- AND --
Hi all -- as you know we had a drawing for five parking passes (winners were: Marshal Neal, Candy Banks, Cathy Siebert, Donna Metler, and Sandy Yagel). I have THREE MORE parking passes to give away -- drawing to be held on MONDAY, October 27th! If you're interested in one of these passes, email me (cschor@kindermusik.com) by EOD on Monday, October 27th -- winners will be announced on Tuesday morning via the blog.
And -- what questions do you need to be answered on the blog regarding convention? I've tried to keep you all updated -- but what have I missed? Let me know, as this is the perfect resource to keep everyone updated!
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
And -- what questions do you need to be answered on the blog regarding convention? I've tried to keep you all updated -- but what have I missed? Let me know, as this is the perfect resource to keep everyone updated!
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Don't forget airport transportation -- the more who reserve in advance, the lower the price!!!
As posted previously, Whitehorse Transportation (www.ridewhitehorse.com) has agreed to provide transportation for our educators who are flying into and out of RDU International Airport. And, you will received their PREFERRED VIP rate. Note that if you are planning to take a "typical cab" at the airport, you will most likely be charged $39 each way (or more) and it is just that -- a "typical cab" -- WHITEHORSE IS DIFFERENT! :-)
Here's the Whitehorse pricing schedule: $45 if picking up ONE passenger ONLY, $50 TOTAL if picking up 2 passengers ($25pp), or $55 TOTAL for 3 passengers ($18.50pp). For four passengers, the charge is $15 per person. For FIVE or MORE passengers, the rate is $12 per person. Complicated? Yup -- but this is still a REAL DEAL for our educators. Whitehorse will be combining reservations so that they can get as many folks into a vehicle (comfortably) to keep your prices down. Their vehicles are clean -- new -- many have leather seats -- and are SAFE and comfortable -- you won't be disappointed. So, email reservations@ridewhitehorse.com today and reserve your spot. They will require a credit card to hold your reservation, but your credit card will NOT be charged until you are picked up (or dropped off). If questions, let me know at cschor@kindermusik.com.
REMINDER: you'll need to reserve your transportation ahead of time. So -- again -- here's what you need to do:
1) Call Whitehorse Transportation at 888.62-HORSE (888.624.6773) ... or email Whitehorse Transportation at reservations@ridewhitehorse.com
2) Request the KINDERMUSIK CONVENTION rate
3) Advise Whitehorse of your date and time of arrival and your date and time of departure (along with your airline information)
4) Whitehorse will include this information in your transportation reservation and will send you a confirmation via email
5) Whitehorse will require a credit card to guarantee service, so please have that available when making your reservation
6) Whitehorse will pick you up just outside of baggage claim -- where you will find a PURPLE Pre-arranged Services station (pictured above) -- you can't miss it -- there's one outside of both terminals at RDU.
This is an extraordinarily LOW rate as Whitehorse has a contract with the Marriott to provide ONE WAY service at $45.00 each way (that’s what I had to pay when Lee gave me a ride from the Marriott back to RDU last Friday – it was money well spent by KI, though, as I was able to find this deal to pass on to you!!!).Please be sure to share this information with all educators who will be flying into RDU. This is much less expensive than renting a car and paying for parking in downtown Raleigh.
Of course, if you have questions, let me know -- I can be reached at cschor@kindermusik.com.
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
Monday, October 20, 2008
CHEAP FLIGHTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE TO RDU
Did you know that if you live in the Chicago, IL area, you can STILL book flights to Raleigh for convention at $148.00 ROUND TRIP? This includes ALL taxes and fees -- and is based on a schedule departing Chicago on Wednesday, November 5 -- and returning to Chicago O'hare on Sunday, November 9.
AND -- did you know that we're accepting registrations for convention THROUGH October 31? Though -- if you're planning to attend any of the "reservation-only" meals, we need to have your registration by October 28th.
So -- it's NOT TOO LATE. Go to www.expedia.com to see if you can find a DEAL on airfare! We can find you a room that's convenient to the Convention Center -- I promise -- it may not be at the Marriott -- but it'll be affordable and convenient!
What's that NIKE slogan? "Just do it!" Do it today!
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
AND -- did you know that we're accepting registrations for convention THROUGH October 31? Though -- if you're planning to attend any of the "reservation-only" meals, we need to have your registration by October 28th.
So -- it's NOT TOO LATE. Go to www.expedia.com to see if you can find a DEAL on airfare! We can find you a room that's convenient to the Convention Center -- I promise -- it may not be at the Marriott -- but it'll be affordable and convenient!
What's that NIKE slogan? "Just do it!" Do it today!
Until then,
"Convention Connie"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Kindermusik Angels: Please share YOUR story...
Since Kindermusik’s beginnings, we’ve been blessed to hear the stories of the children in your Kindermusik programs. And, every once in a great while, we hear another kind of story -- a story about a child who has passed away, by illness or by accident. Each time, it causes pause, and leaves us all in startled wonder -- wanting a way to honor and remember those precious lives.
Kindermusik has recently commissioned artist Andrea Eberbach to create what we feel is reflective of how precious our Kindermusik Angels truly are. And, we are using this artwork in a Kindermusik Angels memory book whose pages will be dedicated to these precious little angels. Please help us remember these children, as we create this memory book. We have a few stories that have been provided thus far, one of which is about Anastasia Jane Marie Lee, a former student of educator and Maestro Katie Henderson, whose story you will read below. Email cschor@kindermusik.com today for a “My Kindermusik Angel” form which you can use in providing the details to us about your precious angel.
Anastasia Jane Marie Lee: Anastasia came to Kindermusik at the age of 11 months, the third child of Bob & Xandra (pronounced “Shandra”) Lee. Though Anastasia had disabilities from birth, these advanced when, at the age of 6 months, during the course of open heart surgery, she stopped breathing, and the lack of oxygen resulted in brain damage and a myriad of disabilities which would cause complications that, eventually, led to her death.
Anastasia’s mom shared with vivid recall riding in the car with Anastasia – her screaming uncontrollably - and how she would immediately cease to cry when her Kindermusik CD began to be played. Similarly, I remember how Anastasia responded instantly to music in class; Unable to walk, she would “scootch” across the Kindermusik floor; the moment she heard music, particularly the “Hello” song, her eyes would open wider than a child’s possibly could, I thought. I can still clearly picture the largest, most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a child in the face of Anastasia. The corner of her lips, too, would curl up in a smile, and as teacher, you knew, without a doubt, that she was right there with you, and at least, for that moment, there was nothing but joy in her heart. What she did not know is that the joy in her heart spilled over to mine each and every week we shared class together. I never left a class with Anastasia in it that I didn’t feel a great sense not only of renewal of purpose in our mission of changing lives with music, but, even more, I felt the love which music alone can bring to hearts, and the power that it has to connect, no matter what the circumstances of life.
Anastasia died on September 2, 1999 at the age of 23 months. Interestingly enough, the Lees have always referred to Anastasia as their little angel, and have collected many “reminder” angels over the years since her death. The Lees have since had three more children, all of whom are currently enrolled in Kindermusik. Because of Anastasia, Kindermusik lives on in the Lee family and beyond.* Each week, when I see Rem, her 2 1/2 year old brother, in my class, I think, too, of Anastasia. She is looking down on us, as a constant reminder of the power of music to connect, nurture and sustain in a powerful way. She reminds me, as an angel from above, of the incredible privilege we have, as Kindermusik educators, to be able to share the treasure of music with children and families across the world. Thank you, Anastasia!
Personal note from Katie Henderson: By the way, Anastasia’s response to music, long ago, has fueled my personal mission to serve families of children with special needs. We did so, officially, last fall, in a collaborative effort with an agency in our area who serves such families exclusively. We raised nearly $1,000 to sponsor children last year. The Lees were the very first to step up and contribute a full scholarship, in Anastasia’s memory, to an at risk child, for the fall, 2007 semester. Anastasia’s gifts will live on!
Kindermusik has recently commissioned artist Andrea Eberbach to create what we feel is reflective of how precious our Kindermusik Angels truly are. And, we are using this artwork in a Kindermusik Angels memory book whose pages will be dedicated to these precious little angels. Please help us remember these children, as we create this memory book. We have a few stories that have been provided thus far, one of which is about Anastasia Jane Marie Lee, a former student of educator and Maestro Katie Henderson, whose story you will read below. Email cschor@kindermusik.com today for a “My Kindermusik Angel” form which you can use in providing the details to us about your precious angel.
Anastasia Jane Marie Lee: Anastasia came to Kindermusik at the age of 11 months, the third child of Bob & Xandra (pronounced “Shandra”) Lee. Though Anastasia had disabilities from birth, these advanced when, at the age of 6 months, during the course of open heart surgery, she stopped breathing, and the lack of oxygen resulted in brain damage and a myriad of disabilities which would cause complications that, eventually, led to her death.
Anastasia’s mom shared with vivid recall riding in the car with Anastasia – her screaming uncontrollably - and how she would immediately cease to cry when her Kindermusik CD began to be played. Similarly, I remember how Anastasia responded instantly to music in class; Unable to walk, she would “scootch” across the Kindermusik floor; the moment she heard music, particularly the “Hello” song, her eyes would open wider than a child’s possibly could, I thought. I can still clearly picture the largest, most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a child in the face of Anastasia. The corner of her lips, too, would curl up in a smile, and as teacher, you knew, without a doubt, that she was right there with you, and at least, for that moment, there was nothing but joy in her heart. What she did not know is that the joy in her heart spilled over to mine each and every week we shared class together. I never left a class with Anastasia in it that I didn’t feel a great sense not only of renewal of purpose in our mission of changing lives with music, but, even more, I felt the love which music alone can bring to hearts, and the power that it has to connect, no matter what the circumstances of life.
Anastasia died on September 2, 1999 at the age of 23 months. Interestingly enough, the Lees have always referred to Anastasia as their little angel, and have collected many “reminder” angels over the years since her death. The Lees have since had three more children, all of whom are currently enrolled in Kindermusik. Because of Anastasia, Kindermusik lives on in the Lee family and beyond.* Each week, when I see Rem, her 2 1/2 year old brother, in my class, I think, too, of Anastasia. She is looking down on us, as a constant reminder of the power of music to connect, nurture and sustain in a powerful way. She reminds me, as an angel from above, of the incredible privilege we have, as Kindermusik educators, to be able to share the treasure of music with children and families across the world. Thank you, Anastasia!
Personal note from Katie Henderson: By the way, Anastasia’s response to music, long ago, has fueled my personal mission to serve families of children with special needs. We did so, officially, last fall, in a collaborative effort with an agency in our area who serves such families exclusively. We raised nearly $1,000 to sponsor children last year. The Lees were the very first to step up and contribute a full scholarship, in Anastasia’s memory, to an at risk child, for the fall, 2007 semester. Anastasia’s gifts will live on!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Convention: What to Pack and What to Wear!!
I’ve received a few emails asking questions about what to wear and what to pack! So – here’s what I suggest:
1) “Packing LIGHT is RIGHT!” With all of the new airline luggage restrictions, pack as light as you can. Here’s a link to an article in one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, which includes some packing tips for you: http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/gallery/0,21863,1709811,00.html
2) COMFORTABLE SHOES! You’ll be doing a lot of walking between the Marriott and the Convention Center. And, though the walkways are carpeted – it’s still important that you bring comfortable shoes to wear!!!
3) There are three events that I want to MAKE SURE you’re aware of so that – if you’d like to – you can dress appropriately:
a. Thursday evening, November 6: KinderDisco begins at 10:00pm. If you happen to have some 70’s apparel that you’re hoping to wear “one day,” this might be just the RIGHT time to put it on! Feel free to wear your favorite Saturday Night Fever “outfit” and plan to “get down and boogie” at the KinderDisco event that takes place immediately following the Skip Ewing concert. Be sure to stop by the Convention Store on Thursday evening as well where you may find Kindermusik employee owners dressed and ready to rock while you shop!
b. Friday evening, November 7: Sing and Dance Together – this is a strictly casual event. Dress as casual as you’d like for this event – wearing comfortable shoes – as you may want to get up and dance during this fundraising event for the Ruth D. Anderson Kindermusik Children’s Fund! We will, indeed, be singing and dancing together – and there will also be an auction with loads of items just waiting for your bid!
c. Saturday evening, November 8: On Saturday evening, you are invited to attend the final banquet dinner (must purchase ticket to attend) followed by the recognition event (open to all). We suggest semi-formal attire for this event. Semi-formal in MY dictionary means anything from Sunday-go-to-church-attire to sequins. This is completely up to you – you’ll find everything from pantsuits to dresses to cocktail attire.
4) Oh – and just a reminder – be sure to pack an extra bag for your convention store purchases! There will be CONVENTION-ONLY specials available to convention attendees of which you’ll want to take advantage! We will ship your purchases to you if you prefer (but shipping will be added to the total).
Feel free to email me with other ideas for blog postings! As we get closer to convention, I’m sure there will be loads of questions that need to be asked – and answered!
Until then,
“Convention Connie”
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Just a few notes of interest: Tee Shirt QUILT, White Horse, Directions, and Parking Pass Winners!
1) SEND ME YOUR KINDERMUSIK TEE SHIRT!!! I need these by 10/15/08 so that I can complete the quilt for the children's fund auction! I would LOVE to include tee shirts from all over the world!
2) White Horse Transportation update: There's been a bit of confusion re: the White Horse Transportation pricing schedule (my fault -- I'm sorry). If there are 3 or fewer people being picked up at the airport, the prices are as follows: $45 for one passenger, $50 total for 2 passengers, $55 total for 3 passengers. For four passengers, the charge is $15 per person. For FIVE or MORE passengers, the rate is $12 per person. Complicated? Yup -- but this is still a REAL DEAL for our educators. White Horse will be accepting reservations and will combine passengers -- so the more educators who call and reserve transportation, the more likely that you will receive a $15 or better rate. Their vehicles are clean -- new -- many have leather seats -- and are SAFE and comfortable. So, email reservations@ridewhitehorse.com today and reserve your spot. They will require a credit card to hold your reservation, but your credit card will NOT be charged until you are picked up (or dropped off). If questions, let me know at cschor@kindermusik.com.
3) Directions to the Convention Center: The Marriott Raleigh City Center is located at 500 Fayetteville Street and the new Raleigh Convention Center is located at 500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (they're less than 1 block apart). If you are driving to convention, please use http://www.mapquest.com/ as your guide! Mapquest is much better at directions than Convention Connie is!!!
4) WHO WON THE PARKING PASSES? Yep -- the drawing for the FIVE FREE PARKING PASSES was held yesterday -- and -- drum roll please -- the winners are: MARSHA NEAL, CANDY BANKS, CATHY SIEBERT, DONNA METLER, and SANDY YAGEL! CONGRATS!
2) White Horse Transportation update: There's been a bit of confusion re: the White Horse Transportation pricing schedule (my fault -- I'm sorry). If there are 3 or fewer people being picked up at the airport, the prices are as follows: $45 for one passenger, $50 total for 2 passengers, $55 total for 3 passengers. For four passengers, the charge is $15 per person. For FIVE or MORE passengers, the rate is $12 per person. Complicated? Yup -- but this is still a REAL DEAL for our educators. White Horse will be accepting reservations and will combine passengers -- so the more educators who call and reserve transportation, the more likely that you will receive a $15 or better rate. Their vehicles are clean -- new -- many have leather seats -- and are SAFE and comfortable. So, email reservations@ridewhitehorse.com today and reserve your spot. They will require a credit card to hold your reservation, but your credit card will NOT be charged until you are picked up (or dropped off). If questions, let me know at cschor@kindermusik.com.
3) Directions to the Convention Center: The Marriott Raleigh City Center is located at 500 Fayetteville Street and the new Raleigh Convention Center is located at 500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (they're less than 1 block apart). If you are driving to convention, please use http://www.mapquest.com/ as your guide! Mapquest is much better at directions than Convention Connie is!!!
4) WHO WON THE PARKING PASSES? Yep -- the drawing for the FIVE FREE PARKING PASSES was held yesterday -- and -- drum roll please -- the winners are: MARSHA NEAL, CANDY BANKS, CATHY SIEBERT, DONNA METLER, and SANDY YAGEL! CONGRATS!
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