*official* 01/17/09 = VR/ACHA MidWinter Blast, Chitown

[Guest]

This is the OFFICIAL thread of the 2009 VR/ACHA MidWinter Blast Mini Reunion. Some details are to be finalized and will be posted as available.


If you need to contact me about this event at any time, my __Cell Ph#__ is noted in my signature below.



** VR/ACHA Pre-Thanksgiving Brunch, 11/23/08 **

This was cancelled.

VR's Lorraine, Gina and I plan to meet sometime between now and late December 2008; if you are interested in joining us, please advise. When we meet, we will look ahead to events for 2009 (see below)....




** VR/ACHA MidWinter Blast **

This is a JOINT ValveReplacement AND Adult Congenital Heart Association Chicagoland Mini Reunion!




** DATE & TIME **

Mark your calendar ... NOW!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 ... 1p-?

SNOW or SHINE




** LOCATIONS **


Afternoon hours = LEGOLAND:
http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/chicago/us

LEGOLAND DIscovery Centre
The Streets of Woodfield
next to Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg IL
http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/Chicago/us/information/howtofindus



Dinner = Big Bowl:
http://www.bigbowl.com/

Big Bowl
1950 East Higgins
Schaumburg IL 60173
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Schaumburg&state=IL&address=1950+East+Higgins+Rd&zipcode=60173



Both of these are...
...N of IL RT 72
...S of IL RT 58
...E of IL RT 59
...W of I-290/IL RT 53




** COSTS **

LEGOLAND = $19 per person
...When I checked for ticket availability on January 17, I did not see any times noted. Thus, I submitted a request, asking if open time(s) are available and if group rates are offered.... Stay tuned...!!!

FOOD

GAS

DONATION...




** FUNDRAISER **

Any donations given will be split between ValveReplacement.com and the Adult Congenital Heart Association.




** ATTENDEES **

ALL VR and ACHA members are invited to this event. Please invite YOUR family and friends!

Will YOU join us?




** LOOKING AHEAD **

One possible activity for later in 2009, when the temps are a bit warmer in these parts, is a Hot Air Balloon ride, which was suggested by VR's Lorraine.

I have been interested in enjoying a Hot Air Balloon ride since a former co-worker of mine showed me some spectacular pictures from the ride/view below from her yearly trips to this place in Galena IL:
http://www.buyaballoonride.com/index.html

A place a bit closer to Chicago (though, I, personally, would not mind the drive out to Galena, which has some awesome scenery, too) is the place Lorraine referred to in Fox River Grove IL:
http://www.wedofly.com/hot_air_balloon_rides_fox_river_valley.htm


ALSO ... If you enjoy automobiles, mark your calendar for SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009 ... the 2nd ANNUAL MidSummer CHITOWN GATHERING:
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/202995/




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"He's off on a midwest run" ... Alabama ... 'Roll On'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

I think we will shoot for an early evening for a quick bite in CL. Could even be a weekday. Around The Clock or another favorite, Colonial Cafe for a kitchen sink. I think impromptu may be best. Planning too far ahead, never know what will be happening in life.

Hope all is well Lorraine. Drop me an email when you have time.

 

[Guest]

Gina ... that sounds good. Let me know!!!

In the meantime ...


GOOD NEWS ... ** COST **

I have exchanged Emails with a representative of the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and have secured the GROUP RATE of $6 per person! ... with some qualifiers.


The $6 per person GROUP RATE is only good if...

...we GUARANTEE 10 people.
(and)
...book ASAP (as in this week or VERY EARLY next week).


Translation ... I need to know NOW if you will attend. I will have to complete a booking form and include a 50% deposit for the group rate tickets. Currently, January 17 is still open, but that cannot be held until the form and deposit are submitted/received.


If we do not meet the criteria, the rate WILL be the previously noted $19 per person....


So ... will YOU JOIN US???!!!




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...RT 66 drive = Sept '09
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"All the water in the ocean couldn't put out the fire this time" ... Atlanta ... 'Atlanta Burned Again Last Night'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

That's an awesome rate Cort! Thanks for looking at it.

At this point, I plan to attend. Most likley solo. We are entering show season (in Jan) for my daughter. Weekend prior is the first I beleive? Still waiting for firm confirmation.

As for dinner, we could get it together soon. Lorraine? Nice hot bowl of soup at the Colonial sounds great just about now! What week nights work for you both? Wednesday and Thurs are good for me. Scratch this week. Roads will be bad the next few days.

ps......on 1.17. Did you post over on ACHA? We seem to have a larger turnout (in numbers) from ACHA.

 

[Guest]

That's an awesome rate Cort! Thanks for looking at it.

*nods*

You are welcome. I thought it was a great rate, too. Couldn't believe it when that was the price given to me after I asked. Goes to show it never hurts to ask .

As for dinner, we could get it together soon. Lorraine? Nice hot bowl of soup at the Colonial sounds great just about now! What week nights work for you both? Wednesday and Thurs are good for me. Scratch this week. Roads will be bad the next few days.

Colonial sounds good! We'll see what next week brings....

ps......on 1.17. Did you post over on ACHA? We seem to have a larger turnout (in numbers) from ACHA.

Yes, I know. And, yes, I did post over there....


So far, 2 people are counted from ACHA. 1 (you, Gina) here. Plus me. Thus, 4 people. We need 6 more people to make the $6 per person ticket [vs the $19 per person ticket] a 100% reality!!! Will YOU JOIN US???

 

[epstns]

Hey Cort,

So far it looks like I'm in for the 17th. So how would it be if I said "yes" and if, for some unplanned reason, I find I can't attend, I will send you the money anyway?

 

[Lorraine]

Sorry I haven't been posting. I've been very distracted and also very busy.

I can attend dinner during the week at Colonial only if we can make it for 7:30pm. We are in final exams for the next two weeks and I have to stay an hour later than usual each night, since I am the exam coordinator. So I won't get home until 6:45-7pm. It would take me about 10-15 minutes to get there.

Of course count me in for Jan 17th. Can't beat $6! Glad you are going to try and join us Steve. It's been a while since we've seen you.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Lorraine,

Hope things are going well for you and the family. Think about you often.

I will have NO problem doing dessert and tea at 7:30 Have always been tempted to get a kitchen sink! If you are not familiar...about ten scoops of ice cream and all the fixings served in a replica sink! Gawd, that thought of it does not set well, lol. HA. Would love to watch though....... Last time I was there...took a sip of a pumpkin shake. Had little bitty pieces of pie crust in it. Now that was delicious. Only a sip and pawn the rest off. Not fun, but it works and helps keep the weight off!

Kind of reminds me of a movie. All I recall is Kirstey Alley was making the co-star eat and smoke because she was on a diet!

 

[Guest]

So far it looks like I'm in for the 17th. So how would it be if I said "yes" and if, for some unplanned reason, I find I can't attend, I will send you the money anyway?

Hey Steve ... yes, that'd be how it would work, unless we have more than 10 people (I believe we will...), in which case, you probably wouldn't have to send any money....

Of course count me in for Jan 17th. Can't beat $6!

AMEN ... that was my thoughts, exactly! When that was the price offered, I almost filled out the paperwork and sent the deposit right then and there .

Hi Lorraine,

Hope things are going well for you and the family. Think about you often.

Ditto from me!

I will have NO problem doing dessert and tea at 7:30 Have always been tempted to get a kitchen sink! If you are not familiar...about ten scoops of ice cream and all the fixings served in a replica sink! Gawd, that thought of it does not set well, lol. HA. Would love to watch though.......

*grins devilishly*

I actually ate one ... MANY years ago .


This week is looking a bit ... iffish given the weather forecast..... If ya'll decide to get together, CALL me ... I probably won't be on the boards again this week....



OFFICIAL UPDATE!!!



** NEWS **

So far, 7 people plan to attend this event; that is 3 less than the number of people we have to guarantee LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (10). THUS, since we are "so close" to guaranteeing 10 people, sometime later this week, I will submit the necessary paperwork and NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for half the price of 10 tickets ($30).




** CLARIFICATIONS **

* We are NOT limited to 10 attendees. We can advise the total number of attendees a week before the gathering.

* We CAN change the date, if necessary. For instance, given the winter weather thus far in Chicagoland, should a winter storm postpone our gathering, our reservations are easily transferred to a new date.




** ATTENDEES **

7 people plan to enjoy this gathering. WILL YOU JOIN US?


ValveReplacement = 3
Gina
Steve E
Lorraine


Adult Congenital Heart Association = 3
Suellen and Bob
Kellybelly


(And, of course, me!)




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"You can say there's no such thing as Santa" ... Elmo'N'Patsy ... 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer'

 

[Guest]

UPDATE!!!!!


** NEWS & NOTES **


TUESDAY, 12/11/08 ... I submitted the initial deposit (~half the cost of 10 people, ~$30) and secured reservations for at least 10 for LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, 01/17/09, starting ~1p.


THURSDAY, 01/08/09 ... By this date, I need to know the FINAL total # of people joining us for this. I have to advise LEGOLAND of the total # in our group by Friday, January 9 ... a week before our visit.




** ATTENDEES **

9 people plan to enjoy this. WILL YOU JOIN US?


ValveReplacement = 3
Gina
Steve E
Lorraine


Adult Congenital Heart Association = 5
Suellen and Bob
Kellybelly + 1
Shaun (trifthen)


(And, of course, me!)

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Sounds good Cort. I am pressing for my daughter's 'show schedule' for January. It's so difficult to plan ahead for much these days. Will keep you posted!

 

[Guest]

Gina,

Have your daughter's schedule yet? Hopefully you will still be able to join us.

And, c'mon VR people ... let's GO!!!!! Where are ya'll?


UPDATE!!!!!

** ATTENDEES **

14 people plan to enjoy this. WILL YOU JOIN US?


ValveReplacement = 3
Gina
Steve E
Lorraine


Adult Congenital Heart Association = 10
Suellen and Bob
Kellybelly + 1
Shaun (trifthen)
Shauna + 1
Carol + 2


(And, of course, me!)

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Looks like I am a go! Waiting on a schooling show. They are not quick to pass out the schedules. Which is frustrating as I can not make my plans! Day in the life of a parent.. As things stand, count me in!

 

[Guest]

COOL, Gina ... glad you are IN for this!


** REMINDERS **

I need to know by THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2009 if YOU are planning to join us.

(and)

Should we experience inclement weather on Saturday, January 17, 2009, the reservation I made with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is transferable to another date ... so we will NOT lose the money I have PAID as a deposit!


So ... will YOU join us?

 

[Guest]

THIS...IS...THE...YEAR!


This is an OFFICIAL UPDATE for the 2009 MidWinter Blast Mini Reunion, a JOINT ValveReplacement/Adult Congenital Heart Association Chicagoland gathering. We are LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY!


If you need to contact me about this event at any time, my __Cell Ph#__ is noted in my signature below.




** DATE & TIME **

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 ... 1p-?

SNOW or SHINE

PLEASE NOTE:
If inclement weather, we WILL postpone this event; our reservations for LEGOLAND Discovery Centre CAN be changed to a different date, if necessary.




** LOCATIONS **


Afternoon hours (starting ~1p) = LEGOLAND:
http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/chicago/us

LEGOLAND DIscovery Centre
The Streets of Woodfield
next to Woodfield Mall
Schaumburg IL
http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/Chicago/us/information/howtofindus



Dinner = Big Bowl:
http://www.bigbowl.com/

Big Bowl
1950 East Higgins
Schaumburg IL 60173
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Schaumburg&state=IL&address=1950+East+Higgins+Rd&zipcode=60173



Both of these are...
...N of IL RT 72
...S of IL RT 58
...E of IL RT 59
...W of I-290/IL RT 53




** COSTS **

LEGOLAND = SPECIAL PRICE $6 per person (vs. the normal price of $19 per person). I have ALREADY PAID the DOWN PAYMENT for HALF of 10 RESERVATIONS, a total of just over $30, and submitted the required reservation form.

FOOD

GAS

DONATION...



** FUNDRAISER **

Any donations given will be split between ValveReplacement.com and the Adult Congenital Heart Association.




** ATTENDEES **

ALL VR and ACHA members are invited to this event. Please invite YOUR family and friends!

To finalize the LEGOLAND reservation, I need to know by THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2009 if you plan to attend. I have to give LEGOLAND the Total # in our group by Friday, January 9.

WILL YOU JOIN US?


14 people plan to enjoy this:

ValveReplacement = 3
Gina
Steve E
Lorraine

Adult Congenital Heart Association = 10
Suellen and Bob
Kellybelly + 1
Shaun (trifthen)
Shauna + 1
Carol + 2




** LOOKING AHEAD **

One possible activity for later in 2009, when the temps are a bit warmer in these parts, is a Hot Air Balloon ride, which was suggested by VR's Lorraine.

I have been interested in enjoying a Hot Air Balloon ride since a former co-worker of mine showed me some spectacular pictures from the ride/view below from her yearly trips to this place in Galena IL:
http://www.buyaballoonride.com/index.html

A place a bit closer to Chicago (though, I, personally, would not mind the drive out to Galena, which has some awesome scenery, too) is the place Lorraine referred to in Fox River Grove IL:
http://www.wedofly.com/hot_air_balloon_rides_fox_river_valley.htm


ALSO ... If you enjoy automobiles, mark your calendar for SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009 ... the 2nd ANNUAL MidSummer CHITOWN GATHERING:
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/202995/




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...RT 66 drive = Sept '09
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"I hope life will treat you kind" ... Dolly Parton ... 'I Will Always Love You'

 

[Guest]

*peaks into thread*

Thought I'd drop in tonight to see if anyone else is interested in attending this gathering, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009. Ironic that I'm stopping by tonight ... because 6 YEARS ago, I had my 3rd open heart surgery, January 6, 2003. In March, I will celebrate 22 years since my 1987 OHS. And, in November, it will be 32 years since my first OHS.


*** REMEMBER! ***

The price of admission to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is ONE THIRD of what it is REGULARLY. Instead of $19 per person, I secured the group rate for us of $6 per person!

WILL YOU JOIN US?


I will "drop by" again Thursday night to see if anyone else is interested. If I've listed you as a participant in the latest update, please CONFIRM that you WILL join us. I will then have to notify LEGOLAND on FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, of the total number of people in our group.... Hope we have MORE than 14!!!!



__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"Can we see beyond the scars?" ... Chris Daughtry ... 'What About Now?'

 

[epstns]

I'm still on track to be there!

Good grief, Cort -- has it really been 6 years since your last OHS? Time sure flies when you're. . . whatever.

 

[Guest]

Good grief, Cort -- has it really been 6 years since your last OHS? Time sure flies when you're. . . whatever.

LOL! Yes, indeed, time sure flies! And, yep ... it really has been 6 years. I can hardly believe it myself!




But ... wow ... looks like this may be cancelled because it now appears we will be under the required 10 people....


And, if we do have to cancel, that'll be a shame, imho, because...

...we will miss an opportunity to meet'n'greet each other again in the Chicagoland area....

...we will miss out on the $6 per person price (vs the regular $19 per person price)....

...and...

...I will be out the $30 I deposited with LEGOLAND to secure the reservation....


If we don't have to cancel ... the first few (3 or 4) people I see that afternoon WILL get in FREE ... because I will put that $30 that I have already paid towards the fees for several people, including myself....

 

[epstns]

Couldn't we just agree to pay for 6 at the lower price? Might turn out to be cheaper than a few at full price. . .

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hey Cort,

Have you determined if the outing is a go?

I will be able to meet you at Big Bowl. Have a family obligation Mid AM - Early afternoon. 'show time'. Let me know what time you think you will arrive at BB, if at all????