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NCSSMA
35th ANNUAL MEETING
October 26TH through October 28th, 2004
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
“Sailing into the Future”
Dear Delegates, Officers, Members and Guests:
On behalf of the New England Social Security Management Association and the NCSSMA 35th Annual Meeting Host Committee; welcome to New England and Providence, Rhode Island. We hope your stay here will be pleasant and you will enjoy our famous New England traditions and hospitality. This is the perfect time of year. You will experience the season for which New England is known best—AUTUMN. A crisp chill is apparent, the leaves change into magical colors, pumpkins are ready for picking and apple and cinnamon smells permeate the air. Although beautiful during any season, the New England vistas are at their prime. Even the Rhode Island state song upholds the uniqueness of this time of year in these lyrics:
I love the fresh October Days, the buzz on College Hill
Art that moves an eye to tear, a jeweler’s special skill
Icicles refract the sun, snow falling gracefully
Some search for a place that’s warm, Rhode Island’s it for me.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union (1545 sq miles). It is called an “island” presumably because of its 384 miles of beautiful shoreline including the well known Narragansett Bay, 40 miles of which front the Atlantic Ocean. The state includes 154 sq miles of inland water and more than 383 lakes and ponds. Rhode Island has a relatively wet climate, with precipitation rather evenly distributed throughout the year. Yet, the fall season can be very unpredictable. Temperatures can fluctuate between lows of 60 degrees and highs of 80. We suggest good walking shoes and a light jacket/sweater to ensure you will be prepared.
We are trying something new this year. Thanks to the NCSSMA webmaster, Jack Donohue, registration will be handled entirely online. You will be able to print up a receipt to send in with your check.
Please register online at: http://ncssma.org/2004_annual_meeting.htm
HOTEL REGISTRATION is separate from your registration for meeting events. You will stay at the Providence Biltmore, "The Grand Dame of Providence,” the epitome of charm and elegance. Located in the city’s center the hotel is close to all Providence has to offer. The room rate for all rooms is $109.00; (Per Diem is $89/$47). You must make reservations directly with the hotel by September 23rd to be guaranteed the annual meeting price of $109.00. The hotel has provided us with a ‘Group/Event ID’ number of 11005. In order to access, you log onto www.providencebiltmore.com. Click on ‘Group/Promo Code’ button; On the next screen enter the dates of arrival and departure, along with the Group/Event ID number (11005); click on ’begin search’ and it brings you to a screen specifically designated for our group reservations. You can also contact them by telephone at 1-800-294-7709. Be sure to tell them that you are with the National Council Social Security Management Association and provide your Group/Event ID number of 11005. A privately owned and operated parking garage is adjacent to the hotel and connected by a walkway on the second level. Overnight guests are charged $19.00 per night, per car for valet parking.
Our Host Committee has arranged a variety of outings for those interested in visiting New England outside Providence. These are outlined below under NCSSMA group trips. We hope you take advantage of these opportunities to explore what we have to offer. There is also information about other area attractions/events in which you may be interested. Boston is an easy hour by car or train; Cape Cod is 1 ½ hours. Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and/or Southern Maine can be explored in day trips.
Please let us know if there is anything the Host Committee or I can do to make your visit more enjoyable. We are looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
David S. Robbins, President
New England Social Security Management Association
david.robbins@ssa.gov
(508) 753-5299