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Niagara Falls, Ontario, June 6-9
 It’s not all work and no play. Fun features of the 2011 Annual Meeting:
Welcome reception Wednesday May 25, 8 pm The first event of the AGM will be a fun way to start—an informal reception and cash bar where you can meet old friends and make some new ones. Everyone is welcome! A Night on George Thursday, May 26, 8 pm Did you know that George Street in downtown St. John’s is well known as one of the most fun-filled streets in Canada? On Thursday night, you’ll get to experience this while enjoying a true Newfoundland evening! The evening starts at the Delta Hotel, where three groups will head off to George Street to start the evening, each group following local musicians (pipers, drummers, etc.) that will lead them through the festivities. Each group will travel to three different bars—and don’t worry, every group will get to visit all three. At one bar, you’ll see some Irish dancers, and even get an Irish step-dance lesson from a local dancer. At another, you’ll participate in a true Newfoundland sing-along, complete with song sheets. And at the third, no evening in St. John’s would be complete without an authentic Newfoundland screech-in with the infamous Ruby Brace (and you’ll get a certificate to prove you’re an honorary Newfoundlander!). At the end of the night, all three groups will finish the evening together at the final bar, enjoying a Scuff and a Swally while dancing to a rocking local band. This evening is sure to be one of the best times we’ve had at an AGM, and is definitely not to be missed. George Street is a very short distance from the Delta Hotel and the musicians will make sure no one gets lost. The bars are accessible to everyone. Tickets for this fun-filled evening are $25 each, and can be purchased through the online registration system, or onsite at the AGM Conference Office. Local Co‑op and Sightseeing Tour—See the City of Legends Friday, May 27, 7 to 9 pm Climb on board a charter bus at Mile One and relax for the start of the trip to Cabot Tower and the point where Canada begins—Signal Hill. The journey will begin where John Cabot landed his 1497 voyage to North America, and where Nobel-prize winner Marconi received the first Transatlantic transmission signal. The tour will continue through Quidi Vidi Lake, through old fishing villages, and up to Confederation Hill to take in the rolling hills and valleys that are home to centuries’ old trees, and where you can take in a panoramic view of this beautiful historic city. And then head to the sister city of Mount Pearl, where most of Newfoundland’s housing co‑ops can be found, spread throughout the city’s many neighbourhoods. Washroom facilities are not available on board, but the tour will be highlighted with a rest stop that will include some local traditional finger foods that you can savour while viewing a virtual tour of some of the other local area co‑ops. Tickets for this tour are $20 each, and can be purchased through the online registration system, or onsite at the AGM Conference Office. This tour will sell out, and seats are limited so please buy your tickets early. Annual Meeting Closing Dinner Saturday, May 28, 7:30 pm to 11 pm We’ll close out the Annual Meeting in style, with a fantastic dinner and much anticipated awards night in the Convention Centre. Local entertainers will be featured to give the evening a true flavour of St. John’s, and ending with time for people who want to continue to talk with friends old and new. Or, if you prefer, join a group and enjoy the St. John’s night life. If you are wondering what to wear, people do tend to dress up for this evening. Note: Your ticket is included if you purchased a full registration package. The Local Scene At the end of May, St. John’s is just waking up—the trees are just stirring, and flowers just starting to bloom. Snow and ice may still be melting, but the city shakes itself off and rouses to the rugged beauty that the “livyers” take for granted. Because the city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and towns and communities that shape the rugged patchwork culture, visitors can expect a bounty of activities that will appeal to any interest. You can take a stroll past the jellybean coloured houses and centuries old buildings along the old streets of St. John’s, or hike around the granite cliffs of Signal Hill, or go underground to see four billion year old geological creations at the Geo Centre. You can also hop on a chartered boat tour, and mingle with the icebergs and whales off the coast of Cape Spear as you sail out of the harbour. If you like fish and chips, you have to try the renowned ‘scoff’ at Ches’ Fish and Chips—but there are plenty of fine dining restaurants as well. And for those who like carousing, the world-famous George Street is right downtown for you to enjoy a fun evening or two. You can explore the city from The Rooms—a beautiful museum perched on top of Garrison Hill with exhibits that are not to be missed. You can take in a show featuring local troupes at the LSPU Hall, or admire the talents of the many local artists at any of the galleries along Water Street and Harbour Drive. Whatever your interests, or however you want to spend your time, there’s certainly lots to do in St. John’s. But remember—in this city in the middle of the North Atlantic, they have come to expect any season, at any time, on any day of the week. Especially in May when winter struggles to leave—so come prepared! |