Philadelphia Story: chapter one

Philadelphia Story: chapter one

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The Braille Monitor – January, 2001 Edition

The Philadelphia Story: Chapter One

by Suzanne Waters

Suzanne Waters

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.

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