<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr">Good morning Kansas convention delegates,<br><br>Joe Ruffalo, President of our New Jersey affiliate, was kind enough to send a posting to the chapter presidents listserv regarding the 2019 national convention. Everything you wanted to know about the convention is conveniently now in one place thanks to Joe. Enjoy and be informed. I look forward to seeing you all in Vegas.<br><br>Best regards,<br>Rob Tabor | first vice president, National Federation of the blind of Kansas<br>(785) 865-9959<br><a href="mailto:Rob.tabor@sbcglobal.net">Rob.tabor@sbcglobal.net</a><br><br></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"><br><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> joe ruffalo via Chapter-Presidents <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Date:</b> July 3, 2019 at 8:50:59 AM CDT<br><b>To:</b> "NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list" <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> joe ruffalo <<a href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>[Chapter-Presidents] NFBNJ Additional Points Of Interest National Convention</b><br><b>Reply-To:</b> NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<div> Greetings to all!</div>
<div>I have pasted information for your reading and sharing pleasure.</div>
<div>With only a few days before the national convention, I hope you find
this
information worthy.</div>
<div>Warmly,</div>
<div>Joe Ruffalo, President</div>
<div>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey </div>
<div> </div>
<div>**</div>
<div> </div>
<div>From the desk of NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Greetings to all!</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For those attending the national convention in Las Vegas, please read
through the items of interest.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For those not attending the national convention, read through if you
wish.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. AIRA at the Airport</div>
<div> </div>
<div>2. [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Airport shuttle Services</div>
<div> </div>
<div>3. Coffee in hotel rooms</div>
<div> </div>
<div>4. [NFBP-Talk] National Convention Q and A</div>
<div> </div>
<div>5. 2019 NFB National Convention Materials available</div>
<div> </div>
<div>6. Additional National Convention Materials</div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. [NFB-Conventions] location of restaurant menus?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>8. [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Clearing up confusions about Wi-Fi
at
convention hotel</div>
<div> </div>
<div>9. Items for sale from NFBNJ at our 2019 National Convention</div>
<div> </div>
<div>10. Description of hotel layout</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. AIRA at the Airport</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Denice Brown, President, NFB of PA Greater Philadelphia
Chapter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Hi Everyone,</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Earlier today I was at a press conference at Philadelphia International
Airport with the AIRA Corporation. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Philadelphia International Airport is now a Free Access Zone. If
you
are flying out of Philadelphia, you can dial up an agent in order to
navigate
the airport at your convenience.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>MccarranInternational Airport in Las Vegas is a free Aira zone
also. I would suggest that everyone download the app to your smart
phone.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Please send this information to your members who are attending the 2019
NFB
National Convention.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Denice Brown</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>2. [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Airport shuttle Services</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Terri Rupp, President, NFB of Nevada</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Here are the shuttle companies that pick up curbside at McCarran
Airport.
Please contact each for additional information including pricing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>ODS - 702-688-7353</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Bell Transportation- 800-274-7433</div>
<div> </div>
<div>AWG Limo- 702-740-3434</div>
<div> </div>
<div>SuperShuttle-800-258-3826</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>3. Coffee in the hotel rooms</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Annemarie Cooke, NFBNJ Board Member</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Each room has a Kirig machine; a "kit" with ONE Kirig cup plus
hot
drink cup, etc. is 6 DOLLARS per person for one serving!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Concierge says we can bring our own Kirig capsules and unbreakable cup
and
fixin's.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>4. [NFBP-Talk] National Convention Q and A</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Jim Antonacci, Treasurer, NFB of Pennsylvania</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Thanks to my niece, Michelle, we developed this document that may
answer
some questions for those attending the national convention. Many of
the
answers are from the hotel web site and many more are from other web sites.
Thus, the accuracy is dependent on what other persons have reported.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Hopefully, the information here will be of some help.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jim</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q1. Do the bathrooms have hair dryers?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Yes, all
of
the bathrooms have hair dryers.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q2. Do you have to pay for the regular pool chairs?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: The answer is challenging because the Mandalay "Beach" area has
a
number of pool areas and they have different rules for entry, I think. The
Wave
Machine Beach and Lazy River require only a room key for entry and I believe
first come gets the first choice of a number of chairs or loungers. If you
want
a private space -- a cabana or bungalow - then there is a significant fee
which
could be hundreds of dollars. All of this is explained on their website.
There
are other smaller swimming pools adjacent to the main Beach area and I don't
think you pay for chairs.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q3. I noticed the hotel is close to the airport. Is there much
disturbance
from the planes?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: I have stayed at Mandalay Bay several times. I have never
noticed
any noise at all from the airport. The location is a benefit, because a cab
ride
to and from Mandalay Bay from the airport is much cheaper than going mid
strip.
Be sure to tell the driver ...NO tunnel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q4. Do the bathrooms have separate shower and bathtubs or shower/tub
combinations?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: The
shower
and bathtub were separate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q5. What level is the lobby located on?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: First level. As you enter at the main entrance you are right
near
check in desks and the lobby. They may call it Lobby level because the
pools,
beach and some shops are the level below the lobby!</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q6. Which of the cabanas is best for relaxing pool side?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Depends on your preference. They are all great. My favorite is
one
on the beach side because we play in the wave pool a lot. However, if you
are
looking for more peaceful or quiet area, try the lazy river cabanas.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q7. What is included in the resort fee? Do you have to pay to use the
pool
if you are a guest?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: If you
are a
guest, you can stay by the pool without a charge.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q8. How fast is the lazy river?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Not fast
at
all, very calm, mellow and relaxing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q9. How many pools does this resort have?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: The main pool area is a beach, which is an outdoor wave pool.
there
is also a lazy river and another pool area that does not have sand and a hot
tub. The other side (Moorea) has a private cabanna area with a private pool
& one long pool for all to use & long hot tub by the the bar.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q10. Does this resort have a breakfast buffet?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: They do have a breakfast buffet but we did not eat there for
breakfast. We did have brunch one day and dinner one evening and found the
buffet to be very good. We ate breakfast at the House of Blues every
morning.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q11. Does anyone have the list of how much the mini bar items are? Is
there
champagne in the mini bar?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: A minibar is super expensive, one bottle of water cost 20
dollars(for the same money at the supermarket you can buy 100 bottles of
water
), everything else in the minibar is way more expensive than a bottle of
water
and yes they do have champagne. I suggest you buy outside of the casino save
money.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q12. How many restaurants does this resort have?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer:
25.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q13. What time do the trams start in the morning?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer:
9am.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q14. I know they charge for the in-room coffee maker, but can you use
it to
just heat water for free?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: You can
use
the coffee maker for free. Just don't use their coffee pods or cups.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q15. Do they have irons and ironing boards in rooms?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer:
Yes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q16. Are towels provided for the pool? </div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Yes,
towels
are provided for the pools.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q17. Are smoking rooms available?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: No, they
do
not have smoking rooms. Just in the casino.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q18. Do the suites come with a fridge to store items?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Unfortunately the refrigerator in the room is fully stocked
with
liquor and Mixers. Leaving no room for you to put anything in it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q19. Is there a convenience store on the property?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: No, only an expensive gift shop.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q20. Is smoking allowed at the pool?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: No,
non-smoking signs are posted.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q21. How far is it to get to the center of the strip? Is it an easy
trip?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Yes very easy, you can Uber (best bet) or the hotels are
connected
pretty much with trams and such....sometimes you have to walk to the hotel
next
door but everything is easy and accessible in this area. There is a tram
from
Mandalay Bay to a resort a little closer to the center of the strip. It is
quite
easily walkable provided you are able to do some stairs. It's not like
walking
straight down a sidewalk like in most towns. But to tell you the truth, the
walk
is part of the entertainment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q22. How far is the Mandalay Bay from the main strip?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: The Mandalay Bay is "technically" on the main strip. It is just
at
the very end of the main strip. You can take the Tram from Mandalay to
Excalibur
and walk from there to central parts of strip. Also, Uber and Taxi's are
available to take you wherever you want. It is at one end of the strip
beyond
which there's only the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. It is about 2.5 km from
the
Bellagio which can take about 35-45 mins in Vegas.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q23. Do they have fridges? I am diabetic and need it for my
insulin.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: The hotel policy is a spare mini fridge is provided free of
charge
for medical use. The charge is $40.00 per day for personal use.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q24. Is breakfast included in this hotel?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: No, Mandalay Bay did not have breakfast included and even the
coffee in the room was at a cost.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q25. Is the "One" show on premises at Mandalay or is it across the
street
at the MGM?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: It is on
the
premises of Mandalay Bay.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q26. Do you have to pay entry to the aquarium if you are a guest?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer:
Yes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q27. Does Mandalay Bay have working Ethernet/wired internet connections
in
the room, or is it WiFi only?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Both are
available.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q28. Is there a laundry room or just laundry services?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Only
laundry
services are available.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q29. Is the alcohol free while gambling?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer: Yes,
while
you gamble the drinks are free but don't forget to tip your waitress.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q30. How far of a walk is it to the nearest Walgreens or CVS?</div>
<div> </div>
<div> Answer:
Approximately 15 minutes - across from the New York New York
hotel/casino.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q31. What is the incidental amount per night at the Resort
Casino?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Around $35. If I can put this out there, hopefully it will
answer
many questions. Even if you're only playing small amounts in the casino, get
a
PLAYERS CARD and use it. Even a very low limit player will get free things,
food, gifts, room service .It will always cover small incidentals.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q32. Is there a shuttle service to and from the airport?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Yes. Bell Trans offers a shuttle service. You can make
reservations
but you can also pay at the pick up location. Shuttles depart for hotels
every
10-15 minutes. After retrieving your luggage simply exit Baggage Claim Door
8 at
Terminal 1, or proceed out Door 51 in Terminal 3 to the booth. The greeter
will
direct you to the appropriate vehicle and the driver will provide you with a
ticket for your return from the hotel to the airport. The phone number to
book
is (800)-274-7433.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Q33. Are there any other restaurants outside of the hotel within
walking
distance?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Answer: Yes. Across the street from the hotel is a small plaza, called
Akita Plaza. In this plaza is a Panda Express, McDonalds, Liquor Outlet,
Subway,
Chikita Daiquiri Bar, and Mirchi South Indian Kitchen.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>5. 2019 NFB National Convention Materials available</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Scott White, Director, NFB-NEWSLINE</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Good news! The 2019 National Federation of the Blind National
Convention
agenda is now available on NFB-NEWSLINE. The Convention is from July 7-12 in
Las
Vegas, Nevada. To read the agenda using the telephone access method, go to
Option Five for Newspapers in Different State, then Option Five for National
Meetings of Interest to the Print Disabled and follow the prompts to select
the
item of your choice such as the 2019 NFB Convention Agenda, the 2019 NFB
Convention Exhibitors, 2019 NFB Convention First Timers Guide, or the 2019
NFB
Convention Restaurant Guide. If you're using NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile, choose
Publications, Publication Options, and All Publications to find the 2019 NFB
Convention Agenda, the 2019 NFB Convention Exhibitors, 2019 NFB Convention
First
Timers Guide, or the 2019 NFB Convention Restaurant Guide.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As we have offered in the past, we are hoping to have the 2019 National
Federation of the Blind National Convention available for streaming on the
telephone portion of the service and through the NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile app.
Check
back often for any updates to the 2019 National Federation of the Blind
National
Convention materials for updates on the convention stream plus other
convention
happenings. The restaurant menus are being finalized and will be available
soon.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>National Federation of the Blind | <a href="http://nfb.org">nfb.org</a> | 866-504-7300 |
<a href="mailto:nfbnewsline@nfb.org">nfbnewsline@nfb.org</a> <<a href="mailto:nfbnewsline@nfb.org">mailto:nfbnewsline@nfb.org</a>> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>6. Additional National Convention Materials</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>2019 National Convention Live Stream:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We are proud to provide portions of the 2019 National Convention via
our
live stream for those who are unable to be with us in person. The convention
will be streamed during the Board of Directors Meeting, General Sessions,
and
the Banquet. Find the media players available to access and the sessions
scheduled to be broadcasted at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/livestream">https://www.nfb.org/livestream</a>.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Agenda and other convention documents available on NFB-NEWSLINE:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>To read the agenda or the other convention-related documents using the
telephone access method, go to Option Five for Newspapers in Different
State,
then Option Five for National Meetings of Interest to the Print Disabled and
follow the prompts to select the item of your choice such as the 2019 NFB
Convention Agenda, the 2019 NFB Convention Exhibitors, 2019 NFB Convention
First
Timers Guide, or the 2019 NFB Convention Restaurant Guide. If you're using
NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile, choose Publications, Publication Options, and All
Publications to maneuver to the documents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Google Calendar:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Below is a link to a public Google calendar for the upcoming national
convention. You can access and subscribe to this calendar from within apps
if
you want to see the whole convention agenda or just add individual
events.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/pqckoub820qm8r0s3i12vidl3c@group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics">https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/pqckoub820qm8r0s3i12vidl3c@group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. [NFB-Conventions] location of restaurant menus?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from John Bergren National Convention Chairperson, NFB</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>some of the most popular menus can now be found on our website off the
main
convention page <a href="https://nfb.org/convention">https://nfb.org/convention</a> or be
visited
directly by visiting <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/menus">https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/menus</a>.
In addition, you will be able to access the hotel menus on NFB-NEWSLINE very
soon.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>8. [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Clearing up confusions about Wi-Fi
at
convention hotel</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Here is a message directly from our National convention chair, John
Berggrem, in regards to questions about Wi-Fi at the hotel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Guests will need to purchase a WIFI package.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>When they log on using MGMRESORTS WIFI, if they have a conference
access
code, they may enter that.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Visitors may place their e-mail address in:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* no-charge low speed (for
only
an hour or two, I believe).</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Premium purchase :</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* Up to 5 Mbps</div>
<div> </div>
<div>o For 4 hours - $7.99</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* Up to 20 Mbps</div>
<div> </div>
<div>o 1 day - $39.99</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>9. Items for sale from NFBNJ at our 2019 National Convention</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received from Linda Melendez, NFBNJ First Vice President</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>NFBNJ Exhibit Table A37</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* Calendar Raffle: Purchase
one
date for $10 or 3 dates for $25; maximum of 366 raffles sold for one winner
of
$500 </div>
<div> </div>
<div>* $10 Key Ring/necklace
holder
for new NFB membership coin </div>
<div> </div>
<div>* $15 NFB Red T-Shirts sizes
small to extra large; white logo with National Federation of the Blind over
the
left breast pocket; on the back in two lines Live the Life You Want</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* $20 NFB Red Polo Shirts
sizes
small to extra large; logo with National Federation of the Blind over the
left
breast pocket</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* $20 Framed color photo of
Mt.
Rushmore with our four NFB Presidents</div>
<div> </div>
<div>* $ 5 Techie Triple Play
raffle
to win two Echo Dots and a Set of Bluetooth Headphones valued over $130
</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Linda Melendez, First Vice President</div>
<div>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</div>
<div>President, NFBNJ Sports and Recreation Division</div>
<div>732 421 7063</div>
<div><a href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</a> <<a href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com</a>>
</div>
<div>“The sky is the limit and you are stronger than you think you are. Come
out
of your comfort zone and become the best version of yourself possible – Live
the
life you want; you got this!”</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>***</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>10. Description of hotel layout</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>NAVIGATING THE HOTEL:</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Welcome to the Las Vegas Strip and, specifically, the southernmost
hotel on
the Strip, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. As with many of the newer Las
Vegas hotels, the Mandalay Bay is enormous, boasting more than 3,200
sleeping
rooms, several pools, and its own convention center. While the property is
aligned neatly to the cardinal direction grid of South Las Vegas Boulevard,
the
entrance faces more of a NNE direction. Because this is a bit inconvenient
for
navigation, I’m going to rely on the age-old metaphor of an analog clock
face.
In fact, we’re really just interested in the afternoon hours for our
needs.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Before we get started, it’s helpful to know that the middle of the
clock
face is covered with Mandalay Bay’s pools—the wave pool, the lazy river, the
lagoon pools, and more. You’ll visit the center of the clock when you need
to
cool off after a long day of convention activities. The hotel and its
various
parts wrap around the pools nearly encircling them. Traveling through the
hotel,
our path will slowly arc around the pools counter-clockwise. Our navigation
begins at the bottom of your clock face at six o’clock. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>When you arrive at the front entrance, you will enter the Mandalay Bay’s
palatial lobby on the Casino Level. As I said, we are at six o’clock. Take
several steps into the lobby. The bell desk is immediately to your left.
Continue straight into the lobby and a long registration desk is on your
left.
At the far end of the lobby in front of you are floor-to-ceiling windows
looking
out onto the pools. On the right side of the lobby, across from the
registration
desk, is MB Lifestyle where you can purchase locally logoed clothing,
snacks,
and other souvenirs. In between the registration desk and MB Lifestyle is a
large statue of Michael Jackson. The square base, with benches backed up to
all
four sides, make for a good lobby rendezvous point.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>If you had entered the lobby at the front doors and turned to your
right,
you would find the mobile check-in counter on the right. As you continue to
the
right through the lobby, your path splits. To the left are the elevators to
the
sleeping rooms. To the right, you will begin to hear the sounds of a water
feature and find railings that lead you to both an escalator and stairs that
take you down to the Beach Level. Head down to the Beach Level and to your
left
are the doors leading to the transportation lobby and one of the dog relief
areas. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Instead of taking the right branch of our lobby split, we travel down
the
left branch through a short hallway to the guest room elevators. Imagine
that
the circular elevator lobby is a wheel with six spokes. Three of the spokes
contain banks of elevators and three of the spokes are hallways. The two
types
of spokes alternate. Let’s focus on the elevator banks first. Each bank of
elevators contains eight cabs, four on each side, and serves specific floor
numbers. The floor ranges are 2-16, 17-30, and 56-69. Entering from the main
lobby, the elevators for floors 2-16 are immediately to your left. You will
find
the floor ranges increase as you move clockwise around the hub of the wheel.
One
level below, on the Beach Level, the spokes are organized in just the same
fashion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>You need your room key not just to get into your room, but to take the
elevator to your sleeping room floor. The key is an RFID proximity card,
meaning
you need only hold it against the lock on your room door for your room lock
to
open. There is neither a need to slide the card into a reader nor is there a
front or back side to the card. Like the sleeping rooms, the elevators also
have
card readers. When you step inside an available elevator, you must hold your
room key up to the reader before pressing the button for your floor. Just
above
the center column of buttons for selecting your floor is a
rectangular-shaped
box a little smaller than a three by five index card—this is the card
reader.
Please note that your room key will take you to YOUR FLOOR ONLY. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>When you reach your floor and step out from the elevator bank, you will
again be at the hub of a wheel. However, there are now only four spokes to
the
wheel. One spoke contains the bank of elevators from which you have just
disembarked. The other three spokes contain sleeping rooms. Each spoke has
signage indicating its range of room numbers. Again, the room number ranges
increase as you move clockwise around the hub of the wheel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Let’s head back down to the Casino Level elevator lobby. As mentioned
earlier, three spokes of the wheel are hallways. The first comes from the
main
lobby. The second hallway, between the low-floor and the middle-floor
elevators
leads out to the casino. The third hallway, between the middle- and
high-floor
elevators leads to Hazel Coffee &Cocktails. For those of you needing an
early morning coffee fix, Hazel opens at 5:00 a.m. to serve premium coffee
and a
variety of breakfast items. Hazel also stays open late, beyond midnight, to
serve those interested in a jolt of a different variety.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Taking the hallway leading into the casino, we are approaching five o’clock
on our clock face. There are wide carpeted paths heading off to both our
right
and left. Take the path to the right and the casino will be on your left
while a
number of shops are on your right. Among the retail stops are Hazel Coffee
&
Cocktail (a different entrance) and a number of high-end clothing options.
Following this path to the end of the casino, you can head straight to catch
the
Mandalay Bay Tram to the Luxor and Excalibur properties. Turning left
instead of
heading to the tram, you can find the House of Blues, the Shoppes at
Mandalay
Place, and the entrance to the Cirque de Soleil show, Michael Jackson
ONE.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As we emerge from the guest-room elevator lobby into the casino,
though,
the carpeted path to the left is of greater interest to meeting attendees.
This
time, the casino is on the right and, save for a handful of slot machines,
food
outlets including The Noodle Shop and Seabreeze Café begin to appear on the
left. We’ll essentially be traveling in a straight line from the five to the
four on our clock face. As the carpeting gives way to a faux riverbed stone
floor, the casino ends and the restaurant options multiply. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The arc between four and three o’clock on the face of our clock are
filled
with a broad variety of options, too many to mention them all. The menus for
many of these restaurants can be found both on our website and
NFB-NEWSLINE®. To
the right is Mizuya, while Bayside Buffet and Fleur are on the left. Nearly
straight ahead is Citizens Kitchen + Bar, serving American comfort food
twenty-four hours a day. To the right of Citizens are a few more restaurants
including Lupo, Wolfgang Puck’s first Italian restaurant. Continue past
Citizens
to the left for another half dozen options including Libertine Social and
Steakhouse. It’s this left path that takes you towards the meeting space.
You’ll
notice a slight incline as you emerge from the gauntlet of dining options. I
should point out that on the right side is a Starbucks which will no doubt
be an
important stop for many.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>MEETING SPACE:</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We have now reached nearly two-o’clock on our metaphorical clock face.
The
Mandalay Bay’s convention center begins with a flooring change from riverbed
stone to terrazzo. Immediately to the right is a hallway leading to the
hotel’s
Event Center; none of our meetings or activities take place in the Event
Center.
Straight ahead is a wide hallway. The left side leads to the Border Grill,
the
food court, and the South Convention Center. The right side of the hallway
gives
way to a staircase flanked on either side by a down escalator and an up
escalator. Continue down the left hallway just beyond the escalators and
stairs
to find elevators on the right wall. All three (down escalator, stairs,
elevator) will take you down to the North Convention Center’s lower (ground)
level where you will find the entirety of our meeting space for the
convention.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>After descending the escalator or stairs, the Bay View Patio is to the
left, the Islander Registration Desk is straight ahead, and the meeting
space is
to the right. The elevators are just off to the right between the stairs and
the
registration desk. The Bay View Patio is straight ahead when you step off
the
elevator. The doors out to the Bay View Patio will take you to a second
guide
dog relief area.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>If you take a right at the bottom of the stairs or the escalator (or
make a
U-turn to the left when stepping off one of the elevators), you will enter
our
convention meeting space. The corridors connecting our meeting space are
L-shaped and you are standing at the intersection of the two arms of the ‘L.’
The short arm of the ‘L,’ called the Conference Promenade, extends out in
front
of you to the breakout spaces. Bay View Court, the longer arm of the, ‘L’ is
to
your left and leads the way to the Islander and South Pacific Ballrooms. It
could be noted that this is one hotel space that conforms cleanly to
cardinal
directions. The Conference Promenade runs east-west while Bay View Court
runs
north-south.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Heading straight ahead along the Conference Promenade, you will find on
your right a large breakout space called Tradewinds. It is broken into six
sections, lettered A through F. Sections E and F are immediately to your
right
while the remaining sections are further down the promenade on the right.
Beyond
Tradewinds B is a small hallway to the right providing access to Tradewinds
A
and breakout rooms Mariners A and B. On the left side of the Conference
Promenade are a series of smaller breakout spaces, each of which break into
two
or three sections. Closest to the intersection of the arms of the ‘L,’ you
will
find Shell Seeker B and A followed by Coral C, B, and A. At the end of the
promenade on the left are Tropics B and A. </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>If, from the intersection of the ‘L’, you instead head left down Bay
View
Court from north to south, you will first pass Islander Registration Desk on
the
left which will be home to consolidated registration activities beginning on
Tuesday, July 9. Next on the left you will find men’s and women’s restrooms.
Across Bay View Court from the registration desk and the restrooms is
Islander
Ballroom, home to the Exhibit Hall and the Independence Market. When you
reach
the end of the Islander Ballroom, there is an intersection of sorts. The
South
Pacific Ballroom is ahead on your right. Immediately to the right is a
hallway
that runs between the Islander and South Pacific Ballrooms. Along the left
side
of this hallway are four large sections of the South Pacific Ballroom
lettered D
through A, all of which host meetings throughout the week.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Back at the intersection, opposite the hallway on the left side of Bay
View
Court are stairs that lead up to the Border Grill, a contemporary Mexican
restaurant serving both lunch and dinner. Continuing further south along Bay
View Court are additional sections of the South Pacific Ballroom. Sections F
and
J, both on the right, will be used for meetings on Seminar Day such as
Rookie
Roundup. For the remainder of the week, the doors to South Pacific Ballroom
F
and J are the entry doors for Resolutions, the NFB Board Meeting, General
Sessions, and eventually the Banquet. Opposite the South Pacific Ballroom F
is
another set of restrooms. On the wall between the men’s and women’s
restrooms
are ten mobile device charging stations.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the end of Bay View Court, a modest hall turns to the right. Down
this
hall are a set of elevators and an escalator that will take you up a level
to
the food court in the South Convention Center. Head straight out of the
elevators or turn left off the escalator to cross the foyer to the food
court.
If you’ll remember the transition to terrazzo several paragraphs ago, there
was
a wide hallway, the left side of which led to the South Convention Center.
Had
you continued down that hallway, you would have passed the Border Grill and
the
stairs leading down to the lower level of the North Convention Center.
Beyond
the stairs, still on the right side of the hallway is BBQ Mexicana, a quick
service counter open for lunch. At the end of this long corridor is the same
food court I mentioned above. At this stage of the journey, you have reached
the
twelve on the face of our clock.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The food court is host to a number of reasonably priced food options
including Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria, Johnny Rockets, Nathan’s Hot Dogs,
Pan
Asian Express, and Subway. The food court is accessed via a gradual incline
on
its right side or three steps on the left. There is a variety of seating
within
the food court. Many of the booths and high-top tables offer outlets and USB
charging stations.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Beyond the food court are the ticket counter and entrance to Mandalay
Bay’s
Shark Reef Aquarium, host to sharks, giant rays, sea turtles, and
more.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">We
care. We
share. We grow. We make a difference<br>Joe Ruffalo, President <br>National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <br>973 743
0075<br><a href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</a><br><a href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</a></div>
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">Raising
Expectations To Live The Life You Want!</div>
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000"> </div>
<div style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">Your
old
car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.<br>Donate your unwanted
vehicle
to us by clicking <br><a href="http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org">www.carshelpingtheblind.org</a> <br>or call 855 659
9314<br></div></div></div>
</div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Chapter-Presidents mailing list</span><br><span><a href="mailto:Chapter-Presidents@nfbnet.org">Chapter-Presidents@nfbnet.org</a></span><br><span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org</a></span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Chapter-Presidents:</span><br><span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org/rob.tabor%40sbcglobal.net">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org/rob.tabor%40sbcglobal.net</a></span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>