TYPE:       Meet Up / Group Bock
WHERE:   Various locations around New York City (Manhattan)
WHEN:     October 17-19, 2008

This year, we will try to have some local TV news coverage by the major networks. 

ACTIVITIES:  (NOTE: All times and locations are tentative at this time and are subject to change.)

October 17 (Friday)	7:00 pm ?	Pizza, Carvel and Bocking around the town of Massapequa Park, Long Island for those staying at the Best Western hotel.  Music may even be provided, so let's bock-rock the town.  Purchase your next-day round-trip LIRR ticket while in town.  TRIVIA... Massapequa Park was featured in the Tom Cruise film "Born on the 4th of July" (See movie trailer.)   Jerry Seinfeld grew up in this town, as did all of the Baldwin brothers.  Joey Buttafuoco also lived here with his wife Mary Jo when Amy Fisher shot her in 1992.
October 18 (Saturday)	9:12 am	Those staying in Massapequa Park will hop a Long Island Railroad train for a ride into New York City (Manhattan).  Upon reaching Penn Station, we'll take the NYC subway downtown to Battery Park at the southern-most tip of Manhattan.  All others should meet up with us at Battery Park near the circular fortress called Clinton Castle.
	11:00 am to 12:30 pm	Battery Park near Statue of Liberty ferry dock.  No visit to NYC is complete without a view across the harbor of the Statue of Liberty.  Battery Park will have some steps and benches, as well as loads of tourists from all nations.  Here you will also find the damaged globe that was once a part of the World Trade Center complex.  We'll be able to grab a quick lunch from one of the push carts here.  (Last year, we thought the ferrys were going to tip over as everyone aboard went to the dock-side rail to watch us bock.)
	1:00 pm to 2:00 pm	Federal Plaza at Thomas Paine Park.  Just a couple of blocks from City Hall,  this location has many nice features for bocking including multiple-level step challenges, park benches, and nice open area.   Starbucks restroom is also nearby. TRIVIA... Outdoor scenes for TV programs such as Law & Order are filmed in front of the buildings here.
	2:30 pm to 3:00 pm	Times Square - We will bock/walk several city blocks to the heart of Times Square.   Depending on what is happening on the traffic island, we may or may not get the opportunity to bock on it.  Last year, the NYC police strongly suggested we move on after about 15 minutes of bocking on the island.  But at least you'll get the feel of Times Square and can say you were there the next time the ball drops.  Nice photo opp.
	3:30 pm to ????	Columbus Circle (Broadway & 59th St.)  -  Our last bocking site (if we have time) is a nice open area at the famous Columbus Circle intersection located at the southwest entrance to Central Park.  Afterwards, those staying at Best Western will grab the subway back to Penn Station and board the Long Island Railroad for the trip back to the hotel.
	Evening	It all depends on when we get back to Massapequa Park and how tired we all are.
October 19 (Sunday)	Morning	Get together for breakfast, pack up the car, and head on home.

ATTENDEES TO DATE:      (Key:   Definately   /  Intending to  )

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS:   

IN MASSAPEQUA PARK
If you will be traveling in from out of town, it is suggested that you make reservations at the Best Western hotel in Massapequa Park as early as possible because the hotel tends fill on the weekends.  You can always cancel your reservation up until 4pm on the day of arrival with no penalty if you wind up not attending, so you might as well guarantee a room by booking NOW.  The hotel is located near the Massapequa Park railroad station and is convenient to many local eateries.  See map of Massapequa Park.

IN MANHATTAN
Most Mahattan hotel rates are sky high, but the Chelsea Lodge is a real bargain with generally good reviews found on the Internet.  Find out their cancellation policy and book now if you can (and want to) because it may book up fast.  Won't be fancy, but also won't be expensive.   Keep in mind most might be staying in Massapequa Park.

DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD PRINT OUT AND BRING:

1.   DRIVING Directions to and from Massapequa Park, Long Island

2.   AIRPORT INFORMATION -- If flying to the event, please make arrangements for transportation to and from the particular New York area airport you will be flying into.  Keep in mind that a cab ride can run between $50 and $125 dollars depending on what airport you are using.  Your least expensive option is to fly into JFK Airport and take the short  "Train to the Plane" monorail shuttle to the Jamaica station and hop onto a Long Island Railroad train (Babylon Line) to Massapequa Park.  Flying into other airports will require you to reserve a rides with a local airport van shuttle service.  Classic Shuttle is a popuar one.  Click on the picture of the shuttle van on the left side of their webpage (not the one at the top) to get to reservations and pricing from the various New York area airports.

2.   Map of Massapequa Park 

3.   Long Island Railroad and NYC Subway Instructions

4.   NYC Subway Map   (Do not print this large map.  A modified version will be povided to attendees upon arrival.  If you are not lodging at the Best Western, you should request a map via e-mail and one will be sent via snail mail to you.)

NEW YORK CITY WEATHER FORECAST

The below long range forecast is provided only as a tool so you can stay up to date regarding the predicted weather for October 17-19.  Do not start putting any faith into this forecast until October 15th .  The timing of weather patterns cannot be accurately predicted beyond a few days and you will see the prediction shift as the day approaches.  This could be good or bad.

          15-Day Forecast

On Thursday, October 16, you may wish to check the below 2-day forecast for a more accurate weather prediction. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

E-Mail all questions to: