EEXXPPLLOORREERR’’SS GAZETTE GAZETTE Published in Pensacola, Florida USA for the OAEA Reunion Committee Uniting All OAEs in Perpetuating the History of United States Involvement in Antarctica Special Edition No. 7 Old Antarctic Explorers Association, Inc April 2014 Reviewed & layout 21 April 2014 Old Antarctic Explorers Association 7th National Reunion Norfolk, Virginia 12–14 November 2014 ou are cordially invited to join us for the 7th Old YAntarctic Explorers Association (OAEA) National Reunion in Norfolk Virginia. We have worked hard to make this a memorable and safe reunion, at a great location. The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel is a downtown waterfront landmark and is ready to roll out the red carpet for us. Norfolk is very military friendly and many businesses offer military/retired military and senior citizen discounts. Date: Wednesday, 12 November through Friday, 14 November 2014. Registration fee: $80 per person HOTEL INFORMATION (registration form enclosed) Hotel Reservations & Rates: Room reservations are the responsibility of the attendees. Approximately 150 Point of Contact: Ed Hamblin rooms are blocked for the OAEA in the Sheraton 757 405 3362 Norfolk Waterside Hotel. This downtown Waterside [email protected] landmark hotel is located on the Elizabeth River Mailing address: OAEA 2014 Reunion approximately 7 miles from the Norfolk International 3104 Deepspring Drive Airport, less than a mile from the Amtrak terminal, and Chesapeake, VA 23321 less than ¼ mile easy driving access off I-264. All Venue: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel official gatherings and meetings will occur at the hotel. 777 Waterside Drive Room rate is $109.00 plus local taxes (which may Norfolk, VA 23510 fluctuate) per night. When making reservations via phone, be sure to identify yourself as being with the Old Reservations: By telephone: 1 800 325 3535 or Antarctic Explorers Association. Rooms are limited, 1 757 622 6664 book early! The special OAEA room rate is available or On-Line at: for the entire week, Monday 10 November through https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booki Saturday 15 November for those who want some extra ng/reservation?id=1402260615&key=80D84 time up front or at the end. (See Page 3 for Additional Hotel Information) Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel SHERATON NORFOLK WATERSIDE From South HOTEL AMENTITIES Take Interstate 95 South to Route 58 East (toward Norfolk). Golf Courses Nearby Follow Route 58 East to I-64 West (toward Richmond; this route to avoid tunnel tolls - Luggage Storage downtown tunnels are served by EZ PASS only). Cash Machine (ATM) Take I-464 North to Portsmouth/Norfolk and cross Express Check-Out the bridge. Concierge Service Take the Waterside Drive Exit and stay on the left. 100% Non-Smoking Rooms and Facilities The hotel will be on your left. Laundry/Valet Service From West (Laundry is non-self service) Take Route 58 East (toward Norfolk). Tennis Nearby (Outdoor) Follow Route 58 East to I-64 West (toward Safe Deposit Boxes Richmond; this route to avoid tunnel tolls- downtown tunnels are served by EZ PASS only). Dry Cleaning Service Take I-464 North to Portsmouth/Norfolk and cross Pet friendly the bridge. Fitness center Take the Waterside Drive Exit and stay on the left. Nearby parking The hotel will be on your left. From East (free to attendees; limited daily access) Take Interstate 64 East toward Richmond. RV remote parking available with shuttle service Just before reaching Richmond, take I-295 South (toward Norfolk, Virginia Beach). DIRECTIONS Bypass Richmond, and then get back onto I-64 East. From Norfolk International Airport—Distance from Continue to I-264 West and take Exit 284A (toward hotel: Approximately 7 miles. Norfolk). Exit the airport on Norview Avenue. Follow Exit 9 to Waterside Drive. The hotel will be Turn left on ramp merging onto Interstate 64 East on your left. toward Norfolk/VA Beach. From North At exit 284A, turn right on ramp merging Take Interstate 95 South toward Richmond. onto Interstate 264 West. Just before Richmond, take I-295 South (toward Take Exit 9 to the left onto Waterside Drive. Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Turn left at the first light into the hotel parking lot. Bypass Richmond, and then get on I-64 East. Continue to I-264 West and take Exit 284A (toward Norfolk). Follow Exit 9 to Waterside Drive. The hotel will be on your left. 2 TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel The Norfolk International Airport ADDITONAL HOTEL INFORMATION is the nearest arrival airport to the Hotel reservations must be made by 12 October in Waterside Sheraton. Address: 777 Waterside Drive order to receive the event/group rate! The event rate is Norfolk, VA 23510 for either single or double occupancy. The hotel will charge your credit card for one night if you are a no- Phone: 757 622 6664 show and did not cancel at least 72 hours in advance. Taxi Cab Information: Current taxi fares from the Check in is after 3 PM and checkout is by 12 noon. airport to Waterside area are approximately $20.00 with a 15 minute transit time in off traffic periods. AREA ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO Car Rental Information: There are also rental cars Downtown Norfolk is a wonderful mix of old and new available via several companies at the airport. with many attractions within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. The welcome aboard bag (“reunion ditty bag”) Hotel Parking: For those driving in, free parking is will have brochures and maps. Some of the offerings available at a nearby parking garage. are within walking distance: Norfolk RV Parking: There is RV parking at an off- Over 30 restaurants from sit-down city style to site location (approximately ½ mile) with on-call neighborhood style delicatessens. shuttle service to and from the hotel. For attendees An upscale downtown shopping mall wishing to RV camp, there are two KOA type (MacArthur Center) Campgrounds approximately 20 miles from the hotel. Battleship USS Wisconsin and Nauticus Museum Public Transportation: Public buses and the St. Paul’s Church (with a cannonball from 1776 Tidewater Rail Transit system are available for embedded in an outer wall) transportation around the Norfolk area. Chrysler Art Museum Tunnel Tolls: Tolls are now established on the two MacArthur Memorial/Museum/Research Center downtown Norfolk tunnels, and there are no cash Numerous downtown shops and stores options. If you use the tunnel, after your visit, you will Waterside Park be sent a toll charge of several dollars to use the tunnel. Downtown library with Virginia genealogical and historical information IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER For the more adventuresome (will need transportation): In the event that space limitations are exceeded the Colonial Williamsburg (reunion tour option) following policy has been established: Army Transportation Museum at Ft. Eustis ● Only dues paid OAEA members, and their registered Yorktown Battlefield guests, will be permitted to attend reunion events. Jamestown Settlement/Jamestown National Park Individuals who are eligible to be Regular Members National Park and Victory Center of the OAEA cannot be a guest of another member. Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach ● Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first (reunion tour option) served basis. Mariner’s Museum in Newport News ● A membership application form is provided for non- Tour of Naval Station Norfolk (reunion tour members. Please complete and mail separately to the option) address at the top of the application with a check Norfolk zoo made payable to OAEA. 3 EVENTS by late afternoon guest speakers, and for those that opt in, a fter hotel room check-in, follow lobby signs for dinner cruise on the nearby Spirit of Norfolk. Adirections to the Reunion registration/check-in area. The Friday’s events will also start with coffee and snacks OAEA gathering and hospitality area will be on the ground followed by an early officer’s meeting, an optional tour; for floor in rooms close to the main lobby, clearly marked with those not touring, the remainder of the day is free for signs. This will be exclusive OAEA territory and the place to exploration of the scenic downtown area or just leisure be for information dissemination, socializing, merchandise socializing. Following memory book photos in the afternoon, sales, tour departures, and for sharing memorabilia. Here you we will move into the banquet room for dinner, raffle can rejuvenate memories and renew friendships with old drawings, entertainment, cash bar, and dancing for those up shipmates, coworkers, and acquaintances. Cruise books, to it. VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, photos, and On Saturday we will have to bid farewell. There will be more are welcome—anything you want to share. Space for coffee and snacks available and the reception area will be displaying memorabilia will be limited therefore anyone who open until 1200 noon for final farewells. will require space for displaying large items should contact Please let the POC know when your plans are firm, but Ed Hamblin no later than 1 November. Members of the not later than 1 November. The Reunion Committee needs to Reunion Committee and other volunteers will be on hand to know numbers as soon as possible for planning purposes. answer questions and offer other assistance. The total cost of the meal, including sales tax, and Each attendee will receive a Welcome Aboard bag that gratuity is included in the Registration fee. Any attendee will include a Schedule of Events, information on Norfolk requiring a special dietary menu should contact the POC and other goodies. prior to 1 November. Attire is optional. We also plan to hold Throughout the entire reunion, there will be a vendor raffles as part of our banquet supper. Donations of items available for the purchase of OAEA merchandise and the suitable for raffle or for door prizes will be accepted.