AKFCF Board of Directors Meeting

September 2-4, 2008

Newport, Rhode Island

The Fall meeting of the AKFCF's board of directors will be held at the Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island.  Click here for details on this historic hotel property.  If you've never been to Newport, you're in for a treat.  To show our appreciation for all of your hard VOLUNTEER work, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your spouse to this meeting, as we have something planned for everyone.

Rooming List with Confirmation Numbers

Transportation from Providence Airport

Tuesday, September 2

The best way to get to Newport is to fly into Providence - it's an easy 40 minute drive from the airport to the hotel.  Click here for airport transfer options.  Plan to arrive in time for dinner on Tuesday evening.  We'll be dining on the rooftop of the hotel, where you can view a beautiful sunset over the water and enjoy some great local entertainment. 

Wednesday, September 3

We'll gather for breakfast this morning and then meet until about noon, followed by lunch (your spouse is welcome to join you for breakfast and lunch).  Then ...

This quaint, seaside town is famous for its sailboats and we're going to take advantage of that with a 1/2 day team-building activity, in which teams work together to sail the boat and race against each other. You will walk away with a strong sense of TEAMWORK and camaraderie!   Teams will be decided beforehand and you'll get more information on Wednesday morning.  All meeting attendees will be expected to take part in this activity. 

We'll also have a yacht for the spouses so they can enjoy the afternoon and watch as the four boats compete in a racing challenge!  Pam is one of the few of this rare type of express yacht (power boat) to have survived this day and age. Built in 1921 for the Hiram Walker Distillery family, she was suspected of "whiskey running." Now a restored vintage yacht, she has become a much sought after and prized collector's item.

A few tips while packing your bag … Remember to bring boat shoes or soft-soled non-black shoes/sneakers (if appropriate footwear is not worn, guests will be required to go barefoot), and don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sun block, windbreaker or slicker and a camera & film. Hats, shirts and other souvenirs will be available for purchase aboard the boats. There is a rest room available on each boat.

Wednesday evening has been left open for you to enjoy the many restaurants and sights of Newport at your leisure.

Thursday, September 4

Spouse Activity.  We have a special treat for the spouses.  At 9:00 am you will depart the hotel for a scenic tour of Newport followed by a private tour of Rough Point.   The narrated tour will include the colonial section, with its many authentic historical buildings and restored homes...the world famous Ten Mile Ocean Drive, renowned for the rugged beauty of its spectacular coastline...and Bellevue Avenue, the most magnificent collection of homes in the country, where the millionaires built their fabulous "summer cottages".

After the scenic narrated tour, the group will stop and tour the infamous Rough Point mansion. Rough Point, the Newport Home of Doris Duke, remains virtually unchanged since Miss Duke’s death. It preserves the memories of Newport’s gilded age and its architects, and Doris Duke’s legacy to the world in collections of art and efforts at historic preservation. This vast gothic style house was built by Frederick W. Vanderbilt in 1889 on a dramatic windswept promontory in Newport overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In 1922, James B. Duke, the founder of fortunes in electric power and tobacco and the namesake of Duke University, purchased Rough Point. In 1925, James Duke died, leaving his enormous fortune to his thirteen-year-old daughter Doris.

You will be dropped off at the Hotel Viking around lunchtime to join the group for lunch or to visit one of the many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

The board will meet all day on Thursday.  For a detailed agenda for Wednesday and Thursday's business sessions, click here.

On Thursday evening the group will board motor coaches for a lobster and clambake at Ocean Cliff.  Located on 10 acres of rolling lawns with spectacular ocean views, Ocean Cliff offers a truly unique blend of breathtaking beauty and world-class cuisine.  Weather permitting, we'll dine on the terrace.  A great finale to the Fall AKFCF board meeting!

As you can see, we have a great 3 days planned for you!