May 6 letter

Dear Participants in the National Strategy Meeting,

The meeting is three weeks away, so we wanted to update you on where things stand.

First, the agenda committee is working away on producing an agenda that we plan to send out to you around May 14th. That will allow you time to prepare for the meeting and offer any feedback you may want to.

Second, we have decided the best way to deal with lunch is to order it in advance and have it delivered. After consultation, we have decided to order from Brownie’s Cafe
https://browniescafe.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/1057663-1-1_menu_web.pdf

As you can see, they have a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, etc. available. However, to facilitate ordering, could you please let us know if you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free or have any other specific food request? We estimate each lunch will cost roughly $15. Is that reasonable?

Third, because a number of people have said it is difficult to find your way to the Heyman Center we are including directions from Patrick Manning, who successfully found his way there recently. “I’d recommend that people bring print copies of the map on the website. Following the map is virtually the only way to get there. The map starts at the subway station and one needs to follow the turns precisely. The last part of the long arrow (under “ID Required”) is an incline. It might be wise to station a person and/or a sign at that point (i.e., under “Photo”) to guide participants to the door (at the beginning of the last arrow) where they show their ID, after which they walk to where the Heyman Center is listed. One takes the elevator to the second floor for the meeting room.”

And the staff at the Heyman Center have sent written http://heymancenter.org/visit/  and photo directions. (Photo Directions to Heyman from 116th (1) (1) (2).) In any case, please give yourself plenty of time because we want to start on time.

Fourth, as we have said, Ellen Schrecker has invited us to her apartment and garden roof overlooking the Hudson River for a reception after the meeting. This will give us the opportunity to continue chatting, sharing ideas, and getting to know each other. It will be from 6:00 to 7:30. She lives within walking distance of the meeting place. But we need to get a head count in order to know how much food and drink to order. Could you please let us know whether or not you plan to come?

Fifth, if you have not sent in your picture and short bio, please do so asap. Here is the link to the list of those who have sent theirs in.  https://www.historiansforpeace.org/national-strategy-meeting-of-historians/ The password is May28.

Thank you very much. If anything is not clear or you have other questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We really look forward to meeting/seeing you all and to having what we plan will be a productive, stimulating, and enjoyable meeting.

Margaret and Van