It’s time to finish your preparations for the November meeting in Boston! Deadlines are coming up. You don’t want to miss the excellent programs and social events. Be sure you’ve paid your Alliance dues and are registered for the meeting. Both are necessary to participate. Consult your Pocket Pal, which will be in your registration packet, for a summary of all the Alliance activities.

The Alliance welcomes you to the Hospitality Suite in the Sheraton Hotel, open Monday through Friday 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. There will be an extensive continental breakfast, and round tables where you can renew old friendships and meet new people. Find someone to walk with you in Boston, or shop, or take a tour. As I have noted before, Boston is full of wonderful things to do and see. Check the last page of the program if you need a refresher. And don’t forget to volunteer. It’s a great way to make friends and be helpful at the same time.

Bring the kids, too. Children’s programs in the Hospitality Suite will take place on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the topic will be Pilgrims and Indians. Costumes and artifacts make history come alive. On Sunday there’s a Puppet Show, which kids will enjoy. Both events will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Older children will be interested in the presentation on bats as well as the introduction to Boston, described below.

Programs for adults in the Hospitality Suite will be interesting and varied. On Friday, a presentation on Boston will help you get oriented to the city as well as providing you with interesting tidbits about the city and its history. The Saturday Program is titled, “The Role of the Old North Church and the American Revolution.” This presentation includes tales of Paul Revere and his legendary midnight ride.  On Sunday, our own Bonnie Miles, who is a Virginia Master Naturalist, will present a fascinating program on bats, and her own work in that field.

The annual business meeting and luncheon of the Alliance will be held at the Algonquin Club in Back Bay, which is replete with history and distinguished Bostonians. You must pay the $15 fee to attend. After the business meeting there will be surprise entertainment!

I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in Boston.