<VV> 2006 Convention

[henry kaczmarek]

Doug
You have the location right---It will be held at the Adam's Mark (originally 
the Buffalo Hilton) in downtown Buffalo. That will likely be an experience 
for all of you. I haven't seen the dates published yet.

I don't want to steal any of Portland's thunder, but since just about 
everyone who is going there has already made their plans, let me plug my 
hometown for you!!!

Buffalo is a proud city, once the "Queen City of the Great Lakes".  It was 
the transfer point (before the St.Lawrence Seaway) where Midwest Grain was 
put on rail cars and sent to the east coast to be put on ocean going 
vessels.  Much of the grain was milled into flour and other products (like 
HO Oats and Cheerios) right in Buffalo. Those days ended in the early 60's.

Buffalo hosted the Pan American Exposition in 1900-1901. Several of the 
buildings are still in use (Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, and 
Albright Knox Art Gallery).

Buffalo is struggling to emerge from 30 years of hard times. In the  70's, 
the steel business went bust, and so did Bethlehem and Republic Steel, 
which less than 10 years before, employed more than 35,000 local residents. 
In the 80's, as the Auto Business went bad,  General Motors moved 7 plants 
(6 Trico and 1 Harrison) out of Buffalo to Mexico, and thousands more jobs 
went away with it. People have been bleeding out of the city for about 25 
years now, most in search of employment.

The mouth of the Niagara River begins in Buffalo, Lake Erie funnels into the 
river at the Peace Bridge, which is one of 3 international boarder crossings 
from the US into Canada in the Buffalo region. (the others are the Rainbow 
Bridge, just past the Falls, and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, over the 
Lower river about 20 miles downstream from the Falls).  There are lots of 
great river recreation areas and views on both sides of the river.
And the Falls?? You have to see it to really believe it. Don't miss the ride 
on the Maid of the Mist--one of the best sawbucks you'll ever spend on a 
tourist attraction.

Downtown Buffalo is very slowly beginning a rennisance, old warehouses are 
being converted into loft apartments, the Theatre District is struggling to 
regain its old color.
I guess you could say that the city is too stubborn to lay down and die, 
much like the residents who are native to the city.

If flying into Buffalo, you will find a spanking new and very modern 
airport. Roads around the area are in very good condition considering the 7 
months of snow and ice that are on them each year (ave snowfall 122 inches 
per year). There is an Interstate ring around 3/4 of the city, Interstate 
along the river completes the ring, and there are connecting expressways 
cutting through the city east and west, north and south (NY 33--the 
Kensington Expressway, and NY 198--the Scajaquada Expressway). There isn't a 
place in the city that you can't get to in less than 20 minutes.  Can't say 
that about Charlotte or Atlanta!!!

Bring a healthy appetite. Buffalo's ethnic heritage will provide you with 
lot's of great dining experiences. Italian, Polish, German, Hungarian, 
Irish, Greek, you'll find all of it and more in Buffalo. (don't miss the 
local chicken wings, invented in Buffalo. or a Roast Beef on a special 
German roll with a cold beer (Beef on Weck). Buffalo also boasts some of the 
best (and least expensive) Pizza and Submarine Sandwiches you'll ever eat.



 If you need help, ask a local!!! Buffalo is called the "City of Good 
Neighbors", and just about anyone you ask will be helpful.  Or you could 
just ask me.
I'll be there, and though you know where I live, my heart has always been 
and remains in Buffalo and Western New York. It is without a doubt the best 
kept secret on the east coast.

The New York Clubs (GNFC, Central NY, ACORNS of Rochester) and our brothers 
to the north (CORSA Ontario) are putting together what I am sure will be a 
unique experience for all conventioneers.  I hope many of our members, 
especially those who hav never attended an International Convention in the 
past, will be tempted to make the trip to Buffalo next year.  You can bet 
I'll be there. Since we are selling our family home, I will be at the host 
hotel, hopefully in the middle of everything.

I now return you to "where you can find Amsoil in the Corn Belt"  as if 
anyone actually gives a crap.

Hank




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Doug Mackintosh" <dougmackintosh at yahoo.com>
To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 10:39 AM
Subject: <VV> 2006 Convention


> As I recall, the 2006 convention will be in Buffalo.
> Has the date been set for this one?  And do I have the
> right location?
>
> Thanks
>
>