Shuttle Service & Tour info for 2012 NFB National Convention

Good morning all: Cheryl Echevarria, President of the Travel and Tourism Division. I have made arrangements for some time, and is indicated in the Braille Monitor, that there is shuttle service available at Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth Airports, you need to make reservations so that you can get to the Hilton Anatole for our national convention. Also, I have arranged with the Texas Affiliate Tours and Shows of the Dallas area. I need people making payments to these events no later than May 15, 2012 The Tours are as follows: I need head counts by May 15th, and half the amount due, either by check or by PayPal is being offered, please hurry you are running of out time to register. Tour a slice of Texas: Choose from one of the following three tours to have a uniquely Texas experience! Dallas Highlights Tour Join your tour guide, board your motorcoach...off to enjoy the top sights and attractions of Dallas’ Downtown, Uptown and Highland Park on this exciting city tour! Visit Dealey Plaza in the West End Historic District, birthplace of Dallas and site of the tragic JFK assassination. See the world famous Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which is dedicated to the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Visit the Grassy Knoll where bystanders heard gunshots and learn little known details of that fateful day. At the Old Red Courthouse hear about the colorful history of Dallas from the 1800’s to present…stop by John Neely Bryan’s Cabin and the Kennedy Memorial. Visit spectacular Pioneer Plaza, a downtown public park, which commemorates a cattle drive of larger-than-life Texas Longhorns and hear stories about Texas cowboys and western cattle drives! Next, enjoy an introduction to the Dallas Arts District, a rare jewel that is the centerpiece of our cultural life and home to some of the finest architecture in the world. Learn about the acclaimed, globally significant Nasher Sculpture Center and the serene beauty of the Crow Collection of Asian Art. See the stunning, state-of-the-art Winspear Opera House and the innovative design of the Wyly Theatre. Step inside the world-class Meyerson Symphony Center, home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, to learn about its legendary sound and world renowned architect, I.M. Pei. Visit the historic, Victorian Gothic jewel, the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of the Guadalupe to see it's exquisite European stained glass windows. Learn about the Belo Mansion’s ties to the infamous gangsters, Bonnie and Clyde. Tour scenic Turtle Creek; learning about the native American Indians who once called this area home; to the exclusive enclave of Highland Park, passing by its beautiful mansions, parks, outdoor sculpture, and upscale shopping and dining in Highland Park Village. Finish your tour in the Victory Park neighborhood; home to Dallas' Mavs (NBA) and Dallas Stars (NHL)...and filled with options for sophisticated dining, entertainment and nightlife! Scheduled Tour Friday, July 6, 2012 9:00am - 12:00pm $45 per person *Min. 20 persons for tour to commence Fort Worth Highlights Tour “Where The West Begins.” Indians. Cattle. Railroads. Oil. The History of Fort Worth reads like the history of the American West. Your tour guide will introduce you to downtown’s dazzling Sundance Square, a historically rich area, full of attractions and a beautiful setting for dining, theatre and exciting nightlife entertainment. Walk the Heritage Trail for fascinating western history….hear tall tales about the Chisholm Trail and the famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. See the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Bass Performance Hall, one of the world’s finest concert and performance halls. Learn about Hell’s Half Acre where saloons, gambling parlors, shooting halls and dance halls once flourished and hear stories of the cities colorful past! Visit the superb Sid Richardson Museum to enjoy western art by masters Russell and Remington. Stop by Hotel Texas where President Kennedy spent his last night. Then off to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where the Old West comes to life! Enjoy a guided walk of the Stockyards and learn about the historic attractions that speak to a bygone era when the town was a stop for the legendary cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail. Experience before your eyes as a team of cowhands drives a herd of Texas Longhorns along Exchange Avenue. Every detail of this cattle drive...from the saddles to the chaps, from the hats to the boots....is authentic! Visit the Livestock Exchange, the “Wall Street of the West”. See Cowtown Coliseum site of the world’s first indoor rodeo. Step inside the White Elephant Saloon – the interior was used in the filming of Walker Texas Ranger. Tour the historic Stockyards Hotel and experience an era when cattle and cotton were common currency and outlaws were folk heroes. Drop in Billy Bob’s Texas the world’s largest honky tonk…stop by the Bull Ring Saloon; the birthplace of Texas Hold’em and see their interesting collection of Texas art. Try on cowboy boots at one of the many western stores or pick up a memento or gift from Stockyards Station – formerly sheep and hog barns, now home too many unique shops and restaurants! Put on your cowboy boots and join us for western styled, thrilling evening at the Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo. Relax and settle into your seat in the historic Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908 and the site of the world's first indoor rodeo! Scheduled Tour Friday July 6, 2012 3:00 - 10:30pm $65 per person (includes entrance to the Stockyards Rodeo) *Min. 20 persons for tour to commence *Dinner "On Your Own" in the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards SOUTHFORK RANCH TOUR ...The Legend Lives On… No visit to Dallas is complete without visiting the legendary Southfork Ranch! Tour the famed Southfork Ranch and Ewing Mansion and re-live exciting moments from the series. Relax on a guided tram tour of the ranch grounds from the Visitors Center en route to the Ewing Mansion. You'll hear a history of the ranch and see Texas longhorns and American quarter horses. At the Ewing Mansion, a tour guide will give a full guided tour of the Mansion, including interesting tidbits about the years of filming and insight into the character of the Ewings. Learn about the exciting new TV Series - Dallas, the Next Generation! The battle for power, love and Southfork erupts in the new Dallas on TNT next summer. The one and only Dallas is back with more delicious drama. JR, Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing return to the ranch with secrets, schemes and betrayals. This time, they're joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a wicked new level. The new Dallas stars Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe and Jordana Brewster will be joined by iconic stars Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing. The explosive rivalry between brothers J.R. Ewing and Bobby Ewing (Duffy) now lives on through another generation, with the future of the family fortune in the hands of the Ewing offspring: cousins John Ross Ewing (Henderson), the son of J.R. and ex-wife Sue Ellen (Gray), and Christopher Ewing (Metcalfe), the adopted son of Bobby. As you depart the Mansion, feel free to stroll through the ranch grounds, and stop and visit "Lincoln's and Longhorns," displaying Jock Ewing's original 1978 Lincoln Continental. Re-live some of the memorable moments from "Dallas" in the "Dallas Legends" Exhibit. See the gun that shot J.R., Lucy's wedding dress, video clips from the series, interviews with the stars, and other memorabilia that will make you feel right at home with the most infamous Texans of them all, the Ewings! Scheduled Tour Friday, July 6, 2012 9:00am - 12:00pm $50 per person (includes entrance to Southfork Ranch) *Min. 20 persons for tour to commence The following two tours are organized by the Tours and Travel Division, and a portion of the cost of the tickets will benefit the division. Jersey Boys – Broadway Show at the AT&T Performing Art Center JERSEY BOYS, is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can't Take My Eyes Off You.” “IT WILL RUN FOR CENTURIES!” proclaims Time Magazine. The JERSEY BOYS creative team comprises two-time Tony Award®-winning director Des McAnuff, book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, composer Bob Gaudio, lyricist Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. This is also a fundraiser for the Travel and Tourism Division of the NFB, $5.00 of the total price is being donated to this proud division of the National Federation of the Blind. One reason this show is of particular interest to some Federationists, and as an extra treat, the Frankie Valli role is being played by Cheryl Echevarria, President of the Travel and Tourism Division, cousin Brad Weinstock. Mr. Weinstock has agreed to arrange a quick meet and greet with the caste of the show. Scheduled Tour Saturday, June 30, 2012 7:00pm - 11:00pm $100 per person *Min. 20 persons for tour to commence Medieval Times Dinner Show Surrender to an age of bravery and honor and witness epic battles of steel and steed during our All-New Show. From ringside seats, discover a feast of the eyes and appetite with more action, more fun & more excitement than ever before. As you thrill to a rousing live jousting tournament, marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry, Medieval Time serves a four-course meal fit for Royalty. Convention attendees will also have an opportunity to meet with the ensemble for photo opts, as well as the chance to pet the horses and touch the armory. The menu includes: (There is also a vegetarian meal upon request, must let Cheryl know when booking.) Tomato Bisque soup Focaccia Bread with Olive oil and seasoning Larger BBQ Spare Rib Oven-Roasted Chicken Herb-Basted Potato Split into Two Quarters Braided Apple Strudel Larger beverage servings and coffee Meals are eaten with bare hands here; no need for silverware in this authentic Medieval experience! Scheduled Tour Friday, July 6, 2012 7:00pm – 10:00pm (Dinner begins at 8:00 pm $50.00 per person $5 of the $50.00 will be donated to the Travel and Tourism Division No Bus will be needed, this event is 2 blocks away from the Hilton Anatole We will meet in the lobby at 7pm *Min. 20 persons for tour to commence Six Flags over Texas Six Flags Over Texas is more than a first-class family theme park – It’s the Thrill Capital of Texas! With over 100 rides and attractions, Six Flags Over Texas is the place to be. With incredible rides like TITAN and MR. FREEZE, SUPERMAN and BATMAN: THE RIDE, you'll find more to cream about than any other park around. So if you’re looking for pure thrills, GO BIG- GO SIX FLAGS! Scheduled Tour Friday, July 6, 2012 3:00pm – 9:00pm $65 per person (includes entrance bus, tickets to the park, food you are on your own) $5.00 per ticket will go to the Travel *Min. 25 persons for tour to commence Tour Registration Form: Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________ Phone: (H)___________________ (Cell) ___________________ (Fax) ___________________ Tour Name Date Number of Attendees Cost per Person Total Cost Tour 1. Jersey Boys June 30th $100.00 $__________ Tour 2. Medieval Times Dinner Show July 6th $ 50.00 $__________ Children under 12 years $40.00 $__________ Tour 3. Dallas Highlights Tour July 6th $ 45.00 $__________ Tour 4. Forth Worth Highlights Tour July 6th $ 65.00 $__________ Tour 5. Southfork Ranch Tour – The Legend Lives on July 6th $ 50.00 $__________ Tour 6. Six Flags over Texas July 6th $65.00 $__________ Prices include taxes and fees, bus service and tips where food is concerned. Total for Tours $__________ Payments deposits (half of the total payment) and headcounts must be submitted no later than May 15, 2012. Final Payments are June 10, 2012 Make checks payable and remit payment to: Echevarria Travel 10 Aljan Drive Brentwood, NY 11717 Attention: Cheryl Echevarria PayPal also available upon request Questions or to Register by phone 631-456-5394 or 1-866-580-5574 e-mail: reservations@echevarriatravel.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ Nfbnet-members-list mailing list Nfbnet-members-list@nfbnet.org