"Ray of Hope": the National Ataxia Foundation 2005 Annual Membership Meeting: to be held in Tampa, Florida--March 4-6, 2005.Make plans soon to attend the 2005 Annual Membership Meeting of the National Ataxia ataxia (ətăk`sēə), lack of coordination of the voluntary muscles resulting in irregular movements of the body. Ataxia can be brought on by an injury, infection, or degenerative disease of the central nervous system, e.g. Foundation. There is always so much to do and learn. It is a weekend full of learning and activities. The NAF NAF National Arbitration Forum NAF National Academy Foundation NAF National Abortion Federation NaF sodium fluoride NAF Naval Air Facility NAF National Ataxia Foundation NAF New America Foundation (think tank) Annual Membership Meeting serves as a means of bringing Foundation members together to learn the latest in ataxia research efforts and to gain knowledge on topics ranging from genetics to financial planning Financial planning Evaluating the investing and financing options available to a firm. Planning includes attempting to make optimal decisions, projecting the consequences of these decisions for the firm in the form of a financial plan, and then comparing future performance against . Perhaps most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , the meeting offers an opportunity to meet one another and share experiences and to know that we are not alone. If you have not attended in the past, or it has been a while, join us in Tampa to make many new friends and greet old ones! Leading features of the Annual Membership Meeting include Friday Breakout Sessions covering a variety of topics as they relate to ataxia (see table) to General Sessions presenting information from top researchers in the field from the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. as well as internationally. As well as the more formal general sessions and breakouts, there are opportunities to socialize so·cial·ize v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es v.tr. 1. To place under government or group ownership or control. 2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable. with each other through activities such as Birds of a Feather Birds Of a Feather - (BOF) (From the saying "Birds of a feather flock together") An informal discussion group, scheduled on a conference program or formed ad hoc, to consider a specific issue or subject. , the Friday night reception and Saturday Banquet. The teen Program will provide a fun atmosphere for our younger members to enjoy each others company, and make new friends. Following are some highlights that will allow you to make the most of your time in Tampa. Program Highlights Thursday, March 3 Leadership Meeting--All leaders (Chapter Presidents, Support Group Leaders and Ambassadors) are encouraged to attend this special meeting that will address issues and concerns that are unique to those in this appreciated position as well as offer the opportunity to meet one another, and learn some tips from both peers and professionals. This meeting will run from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in Ballroom F/G. If you are currently not a group leader, but are interested in becoming one, you are welcome to attend this meeting. Teen Program & Activities--The Cypress room will be available throughout the conference for the teens as a place to unwind and get to know each other. In addition, some planned activities for teens will be held in this same area. A full schedule of activities will be available in the meeting program. The teen group will be spending a day exploring Busch Gardens Busch Gardens is the name of two amusement parks in the United States owned and operated by Busch Entertainment Corporation, a division of Anheuser-Busch. One of the parks is in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other is in Tampa, Florida. . Tickets must be ordered in advance--each person is responsible for obtaining their own tickets--cost is not included in the NAF registration fee. Discounted rates are secured--please follow the directions given on page 19 regarding Busch Gardens. For more information, please contact Rhonda at fentonrh@aol.com. You must make prior arrangements BEFORE FEBRUARY 15 with Rhonda in order to attend this event. Friday, March 4 Break Out Sessions--Beginning at 9:30 a.m. These sessions will run until approximately 4:45, with 15 minutes in between sessions, and a break for lunch on your own. A chart appears at the bottom of this page showing a preliminary schedule for Breakout Sessions. Friday Night Reception at 7:00 p.m.--Join us for dessert beginning at 7:00 p.m. All NAF conference attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend. Saturday, March 5 General Sessions--During general sessions, you will hear from top ataxia researchers from around the world about what they are doing to further ataxia research. We have many wonderful speakers this year who are very knowledgeable and anxious to share with us the latest information on ataxia research. (See meeting agenda for specifics.) Birds of a Feather--The Birds of a Feather is a tremendous opportunity that allows you to meet with those who share the same type of ataxia, or the same affiliation (i.e. parent of a child with ataxia, etc). Parents Birds of a Feather--Parents will again have an expanded Birds of a Feather session on Saturday, allowing a focus on issues pertaining to parenting children (young or grown) with ataxia. This group will be facilitated by Marcia Monroe, a social worker with over 25 years experience in working with families. Silent Auction--This highly successful and popular event is now becoming a tradition at our annual gathering. Auction items range from something that represents your state or country, such as paintings, spices, statues, and sports memorabilia The term sports memorabilia usually refers to anything that can be directly connected to a sports event or personality. These items are generally gathered by fans of the particular sport, athlete or team that the item signifies or by collectors who find value in the rarity to a basket of knickknacks, hotel stays, and weekend getaways. We hope you will be at the meeting and will bring an auction item with you. Church Services--Catholic and non-denominational church services will be held on Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please consult the meeting program for specifics. Saturday Evening Banquet--The Saturday Evening banquet will begin at 7:00 p.m. Please stop by the table located in the ballroom foyer to get your tickets ahead of time! (Included in meeting registration fee.) You must reserve seating for the banquet in advance. Sunday, March 6 Start Sunday morning Sunday Morning may refer to:
More Valuable Information Conference Registration Please complete and return the registration forms on pages 23-26 of this issue of Generations to NAF by January 31, 2005. Please fill out the registration forms completely, as we need all information to finalize plans. If you are bringing an attendant, please register together on the same. Each person attending the daily sessions, reception, or banquet will need to register. Event entry will be allowed only with the properly registered name tags. Note: Please place your hotel reservations directly with Embassy Suites / USF USF University of South Florida USF Universal Service Fund (often part of phone bill in US) USF University of San Francisco USF University of Sioux Falls USF University of St. at (813) 903-7066. Hotel Registration and Room Rates The Hotel is located at 3705 Spectrum Blvd., in Tampa, FL. To reserve a room, please call the hotel at (813) 903-7066. Please DO NOT use the national toll-free number to reserve under our block. To receive the special room rate of $114 for a single or double or $119 for a triple or quad, tell the person taking your reservation that you are with the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF). All rates are subject to sales tax sales tax, levy on the sale of goods or services, generally calculated as a percentage of the selling price, and sometimes called a purchase tax. It is usually collected in the form of an extra charge by the retailer, who remits the tax to the government. . Reservations MUST be made by January 31, 2005 to receive these special rates. Rooms booked after January 31, 2005 will be at a higher rate if available. There are a limited number of accessible rooms available on a first-come, first-served “FCFS” redirects here. For the figure skating competition, see Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. This article is about a general service policy. For the technical concept, see FIFO. basis. Attendant Care Please note that the NAF is unable to provide attendant care services. Due to liabilities and health concerns, NAF and hotel employees are not able to provide this service. Please do not attend without an assistant if you are in need of one. Transportation and Getting There Shuttle Service Transportation is available for airport/hotel service via Bay Shuttle. Bay Shuttle does offer accessible transportation. You MUST inform NAF of your arrival / departure times through the registration forms if you would like to receive a discount on transportation from Bay Shuttle. Only those on a list sent to Bay Shuttle prior to the event will be given this discount. Regular Bay Shuttle rates are approx. $16 per person one way. The final discounted rate will be available in the pre-registration packet. Please fill out all transportation information completely. This is to ensure that Bay Shuttle will have adequate staff to handle our needs. Driving If you are driving to Tampa area: * (From the airport) From 275 take exit 51 (Fowler). Travel east 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Spectrum Blvd. * From 75, take exit 265 (Fowler). Travel west 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Spectrum Blvd. Taxi Service Taxi service is available from the airport to Embassy Suites. The estimated cab fare is approximately $35 one way. Para Transit Service If you qualify for Para Transit service where you live, and wish to use Para Transit (lift-van) in Tampa under Visitor Status, you MUST call (813) 623-5835. Ask for HART Plus. You may also fax or mail a copy of your current para transit ID card, along with your Agencies contact information to: (816) 246-4493, or mail: 4305 East 21st Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. HARTLine's Para Transit service can transport qualified individuals and their companion from Tampa International Airport Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA, ICAO: KTPA, FAA LID: TPA) is a public airport located six miles (10 km) west of the central business district of Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. to Embassy Suites USF and also other locales in Tampa. Make sure you call several weeks in advance, because you will need to submit information to qualify. Para Transit service is only available during the hours that bus service from the airport is available. (Note: HARTLine's Para Transit service only operates in Hillsborough County Hillsborough County is the name of two counties in the United States:
Rental Car If you are interested in renting a car, Enterprise Rent-a-Car is offering NAF meeting attendees a discounted rate. Please call Cindy Merkle at (813) 887-4299 ext. 274 or toll-free at 1-877-515-3077 to inquire about the discount. If you will be requesting an ADA van, please inquire well in advance--Enterprise is asking for at least a 48-hour minimum in order to acquire the vans for our groups needs, but as soon as possible is best. Area Attractions Whether you are flying or driving, be sure to plan to spend an extra day or two so you can see some of the sites and attractions. MOSI MOSI Museum of Science and Industry (various locations) MOSI Master Out Slave In (Serial Peripheral Interface) MOSI Morocco Singapore (the Museum of Science and Industry Museum of Science and Industry can refer to:
You may also wish to contact the Tampa Bay Tampa Bay, inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, 25 mi (40 km) long and 7 to 12 mi (11.3–19 km) wide, W Fla., separated from the Gulf by numerous small islands; it receives the Hillsborough River. St. Convention and Visitors Bureau online at www.gotampa.com or by phone at (813) 223-1111. Remembering the NAF in Your Will It is a subject most people do not want to think about, but it is a very important matter. Preparing a will is something none of us look forward to doing. Over the years, a number of thoughtful members have included the National Ataxia Foundation in their wills. Through their estates, NAF has been able to fund important ataxia research studies, provide vital programs and to continue the good works of the Foundation. Remembering NAF in your will provides a lasting impact on the lives of ataxia families and gives an enduring gift of hope. Friday Breakout Sessions Time Ballroom A/B/C Ballroom D 9:30 a.m. - Physical Therapy Understanding 10:15 a.m. Genetics 10:30 a.m. - Speech & Swallowing Understanding 11:15 a.m. Genetics 11:30 a.m. - Neuro-Ophthalmologic Accessible Travel 12:15 p.m. Syndromes and Ataxia 12:30 p.m. - LUNCH--On Your Own LUNCH--On Your Own 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - Physical Therapy Biology 101 2:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - Speech & Swallowing Caregiver Coping 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - Neuro-Ophthalmologic SSI and SSDI Issues 4:45 p.m. Syndromes and Ataxia Time Ballroom E Ballroom F/G 9:30 a.m. - Dragon Gabe and Izzy 10:15 a.m. Naturally Speaking from Animal Planet 10:30 a.m. - Assist Dogs Financial Planning 11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - Biology 101 SSI and SSDI Issues 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. - LUNCH--On Your Own LUNCH--On Your Own 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - Gabe and Izzy Caregiver Coping 2:45 p.m. from Animal Planet 3:00 p.m. - Coping with Ataxia Accessible Travel 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - Coping with Ataxia Dragon 4:45 p.m. Naturally Speaking |
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