8:15am Friday
Just realized it’s April 1st, but all the posts I’ve made today are legit — I’m not much of an April Fool’s prankster, and especially not with this website. There will be another post tomorrow and perhaps a few others this weekend. I want to get caught up with several things.
I received email on March 23rd from the NLRS (Northern Lights Radio Society out of MN see www.nlrs.org). NLRS is hosting the 50th annual Central States VHF Society Conference in 2016.
I am reposting the announcement from WA2VOI — CSVHF’s 2016 President — in its entirety. Please spread the word about the Central States VHF Society and consider joining, if you are not already a member.
2016 CSVHFS Conference Announcement from WA2VOI to follow:
The Central States VHF Society is excited to announce its Golden Anniversary Conference, to be held in the rolling hills farm country of Rochester, MN Thursday, July 28 to Sunday, July 31, 2016. Rochester is home to one of the largest Amish communities west of the Mississippi and to the world renowned Mayo Clinic. We invite you to come to Rochester to help celebrate this very special 50th Anniversary Conference!
The conference will feature many exciting activities, including state-of-the-art technical programs, noise figure measurement, antenna range, “Rover Row”, “Dish Bowl”, “VHF 101” presentations for newcomers to weak signal operation, luncheons, evening socials/hospitality suites, and, of course, the ever-popular grand finale banquet. Also, as this is the 50th anniversary of the CSVHFS and conference, we will have “Gear of Yesteryear” presentations and demonstrations to reflect on where we’ve been and just how far we’ve come!
Bring the whole family! The Conference hotel includes an indoor water park suitable for all ages. It is also near beautiful downtown Rochester, where shopping and other entertainment abounds. We will also be offering a choice of side trips designed to entertain the entire family.
Additional details are available on the Central States VHF Society web site, <CSVHFS.org>. Online conference registration will be available by April 15th,
2016 under the “Annual Conference” heading, or at <2016.csvhfs.org> directly.
The CSVHFS 50th Anniversary Conference is an ARRL-sanctioned Operating Specialty Event.
CONFERENCE DATES: Thursday, July 28 – Sunday, July 31, 2016.
Deadlines for Registration:
For online or early registration: Sunday, June 26, 2016 For hotel reservations at the Conference rate: Monday, June 27, 2016 For late registration and banquet/luncheon reservations: Tuesday, July 19, 2016 For walk-in registrations: Any time Wednesday, July 20, 2016 and later. No banquet/luncheon is available.
Registration Rates:
Regular:
Early (Received before June 27, 2016)………..$40
NOTE: June 27 is the cut-off date to add room reservations for hotel
Late (Received before July 20, 2016)………….$50
NOTE: July 20 is last date for banquet/lunch sign-up
Walk-in (July 20 and later)……………………….$50
NOTE: No banquet/lunch available
Student (16-24 yrs):
Early………………………………………..$20
Late…………………………………………$20
Walk-in…………………………………….$20
15 & under:…………………………….Free with any regular registration
Proceedings are NOT included with registration, but are a separate purchase for $20
CONFERENCE HOTEL INFORMATION:
The 50th Anniversary Conference will be held at the Kahler Apache Hotel and Water Park in Rochester, MN, 1517 16th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 289-8866. The hotel is located in the south-west corner of Rochester at the junction of US52 and US14 Eastbound. General hotel information may be found at <http://www.kahlerapache.com>. The CSVHFS 50th Anniversary rate for the Conference is $109/night (plus taxes) for rooms away from the pool/water park, $131/night (plus taxes) for rooms pool-side or with pool-view.You can reserve a room online or by calling the hotel directly. To reserve a room online, you MUST use the URL/link:
<https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=14045&nights=5&checkin=07/27/2016&group=CGCENT>
to get the Conference rate! Telephone reservations may be made by calling (507) 289-8866 and asking for the “Central States Conference,” or “CSVHFS,” rates.
The last date the hotel will accept reservations at the Conference rate is Monday, June 27, 2016. Reservations after that date are on an “as available” basis and at their standard room rates.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
Rochester, MN is located approximately 90 miles SE of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, along US Highway US52 and just north of Interstate I-90.
Rochester International Airport (RST) is served by both Delta Airlines and American Airlines. Many visitors prefer to fly into Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and either obtain a rental car or take one of the numerous shuttle services to Rochester. These services offer nearly 24-hour service between MSP and Rochester, typically running every hour or so for the approximately 90-minute trip to or from the airport.
For the Central States VHF Society 50th Anniversary Conference, the GO Rochester Direct shuttle company has added the Kahler Apache hotel to its route of drop-offs and pick-ups to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Rates are about $60 per person, round trip, with discounts for seniors (60+) and children 14 and under.
Reservations are necessary to ensure your seat on the shuttle. Online reservations may be made at: < www.gorochesterdirect.com>. Telephone reservations may be made by calling Go Rochester Direct at (800) 280-9270.
If you choose to use the shuttle service, please remember to add the shuttle travel time to your plans, especially for the return trip on your way home. It would be good to allow at least two hours for the shuttle trip.
NOTE:
When making online reservations with Go Rochester Direct, make sure you reserve for the Kahler Apache hotel. There are three “Kahler” Hotels in Rochester. Two are in the downtown area, near to the Mayo Clinic, but we are at the Kahler Apache hotel, which is approximately 2 miles away.
I look forward to seeing you at the Conference!
73,
Donn Baker, WA2VOI
2016 CSVHFS President
wa2voi@ARRL.net