*09/06/08 Chicagoland* VR-ACHA joint Mini-Reunion; 09/13/08 CHD Golf Outing

[Guest]

Gina (VR), Lorraine (VR) and I (VR/ACHA) met for lunch, Sunday, April 27, 2008, and then scouted a few places to hold the Fall ValveReplacement/Adult Congenital Heart Association Joint Mini-Reunion.

Pics from April 27, 2008, can be seen here:
http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24586
(start with Post# 24)



*DATE*

Saturday, September 6, 2008



*TIME*

Start ... ~noon
End ... ~dusk, when Forest Preserve closes [OR] later, if we opt for a movie or other evening activity

Please come for as short or as long a time as you are able.



*LOCATION*

FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE:
http://www.kaneforest.com/fp/fabyan.asp

FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE (bounded by IL RT 25 on the E, IL RT 31 on the W, Fabyan Parkway on the S) is...
...NORTH of I-88, Fabyan Parkway
...SOUTH of I-90, IL RT 64, IL RT 38
...EAST of I-39, IL RT 47, Randall Rd, IL RT 31
...WEST of IL RT 25


SHELTER # 1:
http://www.kaneforest.com/fp/map/Fabyan.pdf

This shelter is EASY access, direct from IL RT 31. It is the first shelter on the left as you follow the path down by the Fox River.



*COSTS*

ABSOLUTELY, 100% _NO_ REGISTRATION, ENTRY OR PARTICIPANT FEES!!!

Food (we have to eat anyway) ... NO alcoholic beverages.

Gas

Lodging (if needed...SEE BELOW)

Evening activity...



*EVENING ACTIVITIES*

Some suggestions:

pool

movie

miniature golf

activities at Pheasant Run Resort, St Charles IL:
http://www.pheasantrun.com/theater/index.htm
...Lots to do here ... Zanies Comedy Club, live theater available on most Saturday Evenings, etc. This is a short drive from the parks. Schedule is not yet available for Sept...tickets usually in advance. If this is of interest...we may wish to check the web site closer to the date.



*OVERNIGHT LODGING*

BEST location, given the proximity to the gathering location, is Comfort Inn & Suites, on Fabyan Parkway between Randall Rd and IL RT 31, in Geneva:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-11274000M.html

To get to the gathering location from the above place:
East on Fabyan Parkway
to
North on IL RT 31 (turn left)



Other options in St Charles IL, a bit farther from the gathering location...

Super 8:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-11291559M.html

Holiday Inn Express:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-10221985M.html

Best Western:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-10194134M.html

To get to the gathering location from any of the above places:
West on IL RT 64
to
South on IL RT 31 (turn left)



*ATTENDEES*

ALL ARE WELCOME ... INCLUDING FAMILES! We just need a "head count" of who all IS joining us.

This IS a RAIN or SHINE gathering.


I've listed people even if they are just THINKING about coming and/or have to see how their schedule is shaping up closer to the event.

Will YOU JOIN US???!!!


(I, of course, will attend.)


*VR* (3)
= Gina
= Lorraine
= Steve
...OTHERS?


*ACHA* (6)
= Hopingator, from CA
= Suellen
= trifthen
= carolrai
= heidi
= indyjones
...OTHERS?




*BONUS EVENT* = CHD GOLF OUTING, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008


*LOCATION*
Edgebrook Country Club, Sandwich IL (SW of Chicagoland)


*HIGHLIGHTS*
Golf outing during the day; dinner at night.


A link to info regarding LAST year's (2007) event:
http://www.chdquilt.org/jasonmemorialgolf.html


MORE details to come as available!


Who all is interested in attending this? As I've mentioned before, I've told Cathy what a great bunch of people we are ... would be nice if more would come to this event. I have met quite a few "heart families" (parents who have kids who have heart issues) and have had a blast each time I've attended the dinner portion of the event.




Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Take my way, it's the highway, that's the best" ... John Mayer ... 'Route 66'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Thanks Cort -

Few more points of thought for folks attending:
Activities. Fishing (make sure you have an updated IL license)! We will bring along our bad-mitten, there are trails in and out of the area for walking, biking, etc. Beautiful Japanese Gardens and Mueseam. Who knows...we may even witness a wedding! Also the Windmill.

As far as 'food'. There will be a BBQ available for grilling. Please bring whatever you wish to share and pass, etc. Ample seating. If you would like to relax outside of the Pavillion. Bring your lawn chair or lounger and prepare yourself for a great day outdoors

I am sure we will have more thoughts and updates as time moves on.
Looking forward to it!

 

[Guest]

Gina,

You are welcome .

And, thanks for the additional comments. I added them to the post over at ACHA, too.

I'm looking forward to this. Heh ... with the gorgeous weather we had today (Sunday, May 4), we shoulda had our meeting to hunt places today ... he he.



CONFIRMATION RECEIVED:
This came in the mail late last week (Friday). We have Shelter # 1 at Fabyan from 12 noon until 7p ... FREE OF CHARGE (since I'm a Kane County resident)!



**UPDATED ATTENDANCE LIST**

Will YOU join us for this gathering? The Pavilion we have has a 100-person capacity; thus, we have PLENTY of room for family and friends to come with you ... just advise how many will be coming!


VR (3)
www.valvereplacement.com
= Gina
= Lorraine
= Steve


ACHA (9)
www.achaheart.org
= Hopingator, from CA
= Suellen
= trifthen + 1
= carolrai
= heidi
= indyjones
= kellybelly + 1



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I should've done what I'm going to do a long time ago" ... Joel Sonnier ... 'No More 1 More Time'

 

[hensylee]

Cort, what a great organizer you are! I am positive your 'do' will be a wonderful time to be had by all.......... we want pix.

 

[Guest]

Hey Ann,

Thank ya! Course, I couldn't have done all of this without Gina and Lorraine's help on April 27!

Heh ... I am starting to get a bit frazzled trying to keep track of things, as I have several other things going on this summer, too, including convoys to a couple different MC related shows/gatherings ... and a multi-board/group gathering here in this area on July 26 that I've orchestrated, too (reserved a different forest preserve shelter, etc.).

*grins*

Should make for a good summer, tho!

As for pics ... oh, you will certainly see some from this event in September. Did you see the ones I posted from April 27 when Gina, Lorraine and I gathered?



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Something inside has died" ... Carole King ... 'It's Too Late'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Would be nice to see as many VR.com members present! Lots of views on this thread! Come on people. Post your intentions. Even if it is tentative in nature. We had such a great turnout for the picnic at Fermi Lab. Where did everyone go

 

[Guest]

Would be nice to see as many VR.com members present! Lots of views on this thread! Come on people. Post your intentions. Even if it is tentative in nature. We had such a great turnout for the picnic at Fermi Lab. Where did everyone go

As I noted in the other thread, Gina, I've been wondering the same thing....

Sure hope we get more people thinking about coming in September as we get closer.....



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I think I'd like to watch it burn" ... Wallflowers ... 'One Headlight'

 

[Guest]

Anyone else want to get together?

If ONLY 12 of us plan to meet, I may have to change the reservations....



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I don't want to take this life for granted" ... Keith Urban ... 'Somebody Like You'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

I think we will hold the date Cort. 12 is a nice number. We could always do lunch somewhere in Geneva. Mill Race perhaps. Take a drive over to the preserve afterwards for fishing, hiking, etc. We had a great time...just the three of us a few weeks back. Don't need a huge group to have a good time.

 

[Guest]

I think we will hold the date Cort.

*nods*

Absolutely! Only meant may have to change the location ... NOT the date. (I made note of that on ACHA, too.)

12 is a nice number.

Yep, but now it is 14 ... Carol noted she may have her husband and daughter with her!!!!

We could always do lunch somewhere in Geneva. Mill Race perhaps. Take a drive over to the preserve afterwards for fishing, hiking, etc.

Yep ... PLENTY of options dining and activity-wise, no matter how many are able to join us!

We had a great time...just the three of us a few weeks back. Don't need a huge group to have a good time.

*nods*

Amen! I know that ... still, would be nice to have more joining us..... Either way, it WILL be a WONDERFUL time together!


As noted previously, we definitely encourage family to join us as well!



VR (3)
www.valvereplacement.com
= Gina
= Lorraine
= Steve


ACHA (11)
www.achaheart.org
= Hopingator, from CA
= Suellen
= trifthen + 1
= carolrai + 2
= heidi
= indyjones
= kellybelly + 1



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"What do you mean how could I do this to you?" ... Juice Newton ... 'Old Flame'

 

[Mary]

I'm certain I can't attend. We have big trips planned for June and July, and that's going to be all we do for awhile. Hopefully I'll be able to catch you in October, Cort. Gina and Lorraine, I sure hope to meet you in March in St. Louey!

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Time....lot's of it left! If we are 14...certain there will be a few more. My hubby and daughter may attend as well. So that would be 16

Mary - understandable, summer is a busy time. I will be in Europe for a good part of it myself. As for March, will work on it. I did enter my company in the St. Patty's Parade for that same weekend. Tradition, and a first time entry...so not 100% certain how I can swing both. Time will tell

 

[rocksoldier]

call me a maybe...i'm in aurora.....hard to plan that far ahead...trish

 

[Guest]

Mary,

I certainly understand...wish you could make it up here, though.

As for October ... that will be a tight schedule, with the MC MidWest Gathering, but we'll see .


Gina ... looks like we've gained a few more!!!


Trish ... excellent! Glad you are thinking of joining us. Hope you are able to do so.



**UPDATE**

VR = 6
www.valvereplacement.com
= Gina + 2
= Lorraine
= Steve
= rocksoldier/Trish


ACHA = 11
www.achaheart.org
= Hopingator, from CA
= Suellen
= trifthen + 1
= carolrai + 2
= heidi
= indyjones
= kellybelly + 1


OK ... so, we're up to 17 ... far BELOW the 100-person capacity Pavilion we have reserved for this. Given the gorgeous views this Pavilion has of the ENTIRE park, I'd hate to have to give it up because we don't have more people....



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"He's off on a midwest run" ... Alabama ... 'Roll On'

 

[Guest]

Ahem. You think I'd forget this??!

Anyone else?

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hey, I did not forget. In fact, Sherry and her hubby from Indiana may be joining us too! We just spent a few days together down in TX Give it time my friend! If fishing is involved..my family may attend. So that will be 3 for me! Doing some very simple math. Add 4 more under VR.com. Oooooops I see you had me down for three.

 

[Guest]

Gina,

Oh...I know...we have plenty of time before this. Heck, I have a few car gatherings before this .

Looks like ya'll had a great time in TX.

I'll add Sherry and her husband as 2 more possibilities from VR.



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I know you can hear me, but I'm not sure you're listening" ... Martina McBride ... 'Whatever You Say'

 

[Guest]

****CHICAGOLAND MINI-REUNION RESET****


**DATE**

Saturday, September 6, 2008



**TIME**

Start ... ~noon
End ... ~dusk, when Forest Preserve closes [OR] later, if we opt for a movie or other evening activity

Please come for as short or as long a time as you are able.



**LOCATION**

FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE:
http://www.kaneforest.com/fp/fabyan.asp

FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE (bounded by IL RT 25 on the E, IL RT 31 on the W, Fabyan Parkway on the S) is...
...NORTH of I-88, Fabyan Parkway
...SOUTH of I-90, IL RT 64, IL RT 38
...EAST of I-39, IL RT 47, Randall Rd, IL RT 31
...WEST of IL RT 25


SHELTER # 1:
http://www.kaneforest.com/fp/map/Fabyan.pdf

This shelter is EASY access, direct from IL RT 31. It is the first shelter on the left as you follow the path down by the Fox River.



**COSTS**

ABSOLUTELY, 100% _NO_ Registration, Entry or Participant fees!!!

Food (we have to eat anyway) ... NO alcoholic beverages. A BBQ is available for grilling. Please bring what you wish to share, etc. We have AMPLE seating. Bring your lawn chair or lounger if you wish to relax outside of the spacious Pavilion.

Gas (wish I could control this)

Lodging (if needed...SEE BELOW)

Evening activity...

FUND RAISER?



**FUND RAISER POSSIBILITY**

At the luncheon gathering we had on Saturday, March 1, we had extra money when we gathered for the restaurant check/bill. So, we split the money between VR and ACHA.

This past Friday, I received a cool thank you note from Amy V, President/CEO of the ACHA.

Sssooo...would attendees like to include a donation collection to split between VR and ACHA at this September gathering?



**AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES**

The Fabyan Forest Preserve offers ample opportunities:

Run/walk/bike along trails and paths.

Sightsee at the Japanese Gardens and Museum, or the Windmill.

Play games in the grassy areas....

Fishing ... make sure you have an updated IL license!



**EVENING ACTIVITIES**

Suggestions:

pool

movie

miniature golf

activities at Pheasant Run Resort, St Charles IL:
http://www.pheasantrun.com/theater/index.htm
...Lots to do here ... Zanies Comedy Club, live theater available on most Saturday Evenings, etc. This is a short drive from the parks. Schedule is not yet available for Sept...tickets usually in advance. If this is of interest...we may wish to check the web site closer to the date.



**OVERNIGHT LODGING**

BEST location, given the proximity to the gathering location, is Comfort Inn & Suites, on Fabyan Parkway between Randall Rd and IL RT 31, in Geneva:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-11274000M.html

To get to the gathering location from the above place:
East on Fabyan Parkway
to
North on IL RT 31 (turn left)


Other options in St Charles IL, a bit farther from the gathering location...

Super 8:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-11291559M.html

Holiday Inn Express:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-10221985M.html

Best Western:
http://reservations.hotel-guides.us/hotel/10006044-10194134M.html

To get to the gathering location from any of the above places:
West on IL RT 64
to
South on IL RT 31 (turn left)



**ATTENDEES**

ALL ARE WELCOME ... INCLUDING FAMILES! We just need a "head count" of who all IS joining us.

This IS a RAIN or SHINE gathering.


So far, we have ~20 people from the 2 groups (VR and ACHA). The Pavilion I have reserved holds 100 people...! WILL YOU JOIN US, TOO??!!


I've listed people even if they are just THINKING about coming and/or have to see how their schedule is shaping up closer to the event. I hope most of you are able to come, and I hope more seriously consider joining us.


VR = 8
www.valvereplacement.com
= Gina + 2 (Chicagoland)
= Lorraine (Chicagoland)
= Steve (Chicagoland)
= rocksoldier/Trish (Chicagoland)
= Sherry + 1 (INDIANA)


ACHA = 13
www.achaheart.org
= Hopingator + 1 (CALIFORNIA, son from Chicagland)
= Suellen + 1 (Chicagoland)
= trifthen + 1 (Chicagoland)
= carolrai + 2 (Chicagoland)
= heidi (Chicagoland)
= indyjones (WISCONSIN)
= kellybelly + 1 (Chicagoland)



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The stars might lie, but the numbers never do" ... Mary Chapin-Carpenter ... 'I Feel Lucky'

 

[LUVMyBirman]

What a nice turnout Cort! Thanks for organizing.

Wonderful particpation level from ACHA! It was so nice to meet a few members at our lunch in Schaumburg. Look forward to meeting many more of you in Sept!

 

[Sherry]

You've all done a great job of planning this get together. Hubby and I will really try to make this one. Would it be better for us to go straight up IN 41 to Gary and over, or should we cut over in Central IL and head north?

Perhaps we could swing by and see college kids on the way back. Sounds like a great time.