Home again in 2010 an F.O.C.A. Family Reunion
The 84th National FOCA Convention
Sept. 2 –6, 2010 ~ Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh District invites all F.O.C.A. members past, present, and future to return “Home again in 2010 for an F.O.C.A. Family Reunion” at the 84th National Convention at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh September 2 – 6, 2010. As outlined below, we have planned a full set of activities to compliment the historic convention sessions.
HOTEL
The Westin Convention Center Hotel is located near Pittsburgh’s popular and famed Strip District. The Westin has an indoor pool and fitness center and onsite dining options. The room rate is $109.00, and is available for two days before and after the Convention. Deadline for reservations is August 6, 2010. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 412-281-3700. Be sure to mention Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (F.O.C.A.).
THURSDAY NIGHT
Join us on Thursday as we kick off the week with a Family Reunion Party. There will be an Ice Cream Social, a cash bar, and interactive games and trivia contests. So study up in advance on your F.O.C.A., Pittsburgh, and general trivia. This event to be held at the Westin will give us the opportunity to catch-up with old friends while enjoying the night’s fun.
FRIDAY NIGHT
On Friday Night, we will enjoy a delicious meal at the Spaghetti Warehouse while we enjoy a private F.O.C.A. member only Mystery Theater. Listen for clues as the troop of actors presents a mystery show right there in and around our group. Members of our group will become integral parts of the show. Who will figure out: “Who dun it?” Following dinner, we will go to the top of Pittsburgh’s famous Mount Washington where we will sight see and ride the unique and historic Duquesne Incline while enjoying spectacular nighttime views of Downtown Pittsburgh.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Following Great Vespers on Saturday night, we will have an all-F.O.C.A. Gateway Clipper Cruise along Pittsburgh’s three rivers. This three-hour tour will include an all-you-can eat delicious dinner buffet, and a DJ.
SUNDAY
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be followed by a Continental Breakfast or dining in the hotel restaurant.
The Grand Banquet will be held Sunday Evening and will be followed immediately by the Grand Ball at the Westin. During dinner, we will be entertained by the vocal selections of recording artist Carrie Oliver from Weirton, WV. To provide a variety of music and dancing options, the Ball will feature a DJ as well as a Polka Band.
MONDAY
After we conclude business on Monday, there will be a Getaway Luncheon at the hotel.
TOURS/GOLF
As usual, on Thursday morning there will be a President’s Open Golf Tournament.
On Thursday, we will be offering a tour to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Here you can immerse yourself in 17 distinct botanical experiences, encounter something of the secret life of plants, and glimpse one of the world's greenest public gardens.
On Friday, the choice of tours will include the University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms or the Carnegie Museums. The Nationality Rooms are 26 classrooms in the University’s Cathedral of Learning displaying the rich ethnic heritage of the Pittsburgh area. Where else can you visit 26 countries in one day?!
On Saturday, there will be a guided bus tour showcasing Pittsburgh’s rich Carpatho-Rusyn heritage.
JUNIORS
The planning for Junior activities is still underway. However, the highlight will be an overnighter Friday night at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center that will include an Omnimax movie, Laser Show, planetarium, submarine tour, and the Sports Works where Juniors can experience the science and fun behind many of our popular sports.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Look for more information about the 84th National Convention on our website foca2010.blogspot.com on the F.O.C.A. website and in future Journals. Or contact Chairman John Schultz at 304-723-1223 or jpswv@comcast.net.
Orthodoxy in America
