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Post by Lori on Oct 25, 2007 10:08:44 GMT -5
Hey, M'dears, just to let you know I don't know how much I'll be around in the next 10 days... ...I'm gonna be at a Habitat for Humanity build - the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and though it's a local build and I'm based at home, my experience says that after a full day of construction, a blissful shower, dinner and 'pau hana winding-down' with the crew, I'll flop into bed in a body-aching, what-the-he!!-will-tomorrow-bring coma, and GA will (unbelievably) not be at the forefront of my mind... Pray for me - the 'powers-that-be' decided that it's time I get my feet wet as a house leader. I've never been a house leader. I've never been a crew leader. I've always been 'crew'. Out of thousands of people coming to this build, there are at least 25 who at this moment-in-time are blissfully unaware that an inmate has been put in charge of their little asylum. The cool thing is that I'll be accountable to 'Mr Jimmy' and probably get more face-time than usual - but if my house isn't on schedule, 'Mr. Jimmy' will surely chew me out good. Scarier than that, though, is some yet-unnamed grizzled handyman with overalls and every tool known to mankind hanging off his toolbelt. I know he's gonna be on my crew - there's one on EVERY crew. I know he's not gonna wanna take orders from a 'girl', and I know he'll ask me something like 'do you know how to cope?' (a term associated with finish carpentry), and he won't be amused when I tell him that a good book and a glass of Chardonnay usually does the trick for me... Houston, I think we have a problem...  Anyhow, I'll read if I can, post if I can, update the Group when I can, and I'll see ya'll on the flipsyde... |
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Post by lilyover76 on Oct 29, 2007 20:23:12 GMT -5
Hey, Lori, and everyone else interested in SLC transportation: I called UTA (Utah Transit Authority) this afternoon... bad news about taking bus #348 to the Olympic Oval.  This is NOT a good option. They run buses from the Kearns area into downtown in the morning...4 times. Then they reverse it in the afternoon, running buses from downtown back out to the Kearns area... 4 times. UTA runs this service mainly for commuters going to work and back home. She said that's about it and it would not be a good way to get to the Oval. She was sympathetic but couldn't offer any good options... except to rent a car if you fly in!  Sorry that I can't give you better news!  |
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Post by lilyover76 on Oct 30, 2007 13:35:47 GMT -5
This is an addendum to what I posted above regarding UTA bus #348. I called UTA again this morning. I needed to clarify (in my own mind) that bus #348 wouldn't do us folks (attending the Oval) any good. So I asked: If the bus goes to *downtown* in the morning (from Kearns), does that bus then go back to Kearns? The answer is "No". It becomes another bus/route number and goes elsewhere and eventually makes it back to Kearns, but not when we would need it travel to the Oval. in time for the races. The same thing in the afternoon (in reverse)... it's for the commuters. It really seems strange that UTA doesn't provide better service to the Oval!  |
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Post by lilyover76 on Nov 3, 2007 22:25:43 GMT -5
Hi... more lodgings options for those going to SLC in Dec. or Feb.
The following hotels are listed as being 1/2 mile from the Valley Fair Mall, at the intersection of Frwy 215 and Hwy 171. This is one of the closer locations to the OVAL, closer than downtown locations.
I'm listing current rates, but be aware that these are quoted as "starting at"...
Baymont Inn and Suites: $79
Crystal Inn West Valley: $103
Country Inn and Suites: $85
ESA (Extended Stay America): $60
La Quinta Inn: $75
Sleep Inn: $73
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Post by Lori on Nov 4, 2007 4:15:18 GMT -5
Hi... more lodgings options for those going to SLC in Dec. or Feb. The following hotels are listed as being 1/2 mile from the Valley Fair Mall, at the intersection of Frwy 215 and Hwy 171. This is one of the closer locations to the OVAL, closer than downtown locations. I'm listing current rates, but be aware that these are quoted as "starting at"... Baymont Inn and Suites: $79 Crystal Inn West Valley: $103 Country Inn and Suites: $85 ESA (Extended Stay America): $60 La Quinta Inn: $75 Sleep Inn: $73 Lily, you are a GODESS! These are the hotels at exit 18 that Toehold mentioned and I had promised to investigate. There is also a new Holiday Inn Express that has just opened. All are listed as AAA 3-star except the Sleep Inn, which is 2-star. |
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Post by toehold4 on Nov 4, 2007 9:38:00 GMT -5
****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT** This from 2hearts on DI....Article about Jordan Malone, which is good, but most importantly, mentions Apolo sakting in December!!!! www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/sports/stories/DRC_Jordan_Malone_1104.1d7013489.html Here's the part about Apolo.... “Before we had one guy and a bunch who were way behind chasing him,” Malone said of Ohno, who will not compete this season until the U.S. Championships in December. “Now we’ve got a bunch of guys who are young and hungry. The U.S. team has really stepped up.” ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D btw...I stayed at the Baymont...perfectly fine, and about 15 minutes from the Oval...lots of resturants around there...My only advice if you stay there...you do NOT want a room at the end of the bldg, if you want wireless access...the wireless doesn't go that far!!! i was sitting at the sink by the door doing updates...not too fun!! i had requested the end room, cause I have a dog, but they did not mention this... And we'll want updates, people!!!!!!!!! 
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Post by Lori on Nov 4, 2007 10:44:15 GMT -5
WOW, Toehold - I read that very article earlier this AM and that little tidbit slipped right by me!
Thanks!
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Post by lilyover76 on Nov 4, 2007 12:14:35 GMT -5
Lily, you are a GODESS! These are the hotels at exit 18 that Toehold mentioned and I had promised to investigate. There is also a new Holiday Inn Express that has just opened. All are listed as AAA 3-star except the Sleep Inn, which is 2-star. Lori, I knew you were plenty busy, with your tremendous voluntary work for *H for H*, so I wanted to help out a little.   |
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Post by lilyover76 on Nov 4, 2007 12:22:15 GMT -5
****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT** Here's the part about Apolo.... “Before we had one guy and a bunch who were way behind chasing him,” Malone said of Ohno, who will not compete this season until the U.S. Championships in December. “Now we’ve got a bunch of guys who are young and hungry. The U.S. team has really stepped up.” Thanks, Toehold4... I, too, missed that little tidbit... skimming too fast! This will get people motivated, I think! ;D  |
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Post by skaterswaltz on Nov 5, 2007 0:33:10 GMT -5
****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT****SKATING ALERT** Here's the part about Apolo.... “Before we had one guy and a bunch who were way behind chasing him,” Malone said of Ohno, who will not compete this season until the U.S. Championships in December. “Now we’ve got a bunch of guys who are young and hungry. The U.S. team has really stepped up.” Thanks, Toehold4... I, too, missed that little tidbit... skimming too fast! This will get people motivated, I think! ;D Thank you Toehold4!! Gotta get me an airline ticket to SLC!!!!!!! |
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Post by toehold4 on Nov 5, 2007 2:14:20 GMT -5
People do need to get motivated, cause that's right when the holiday travel will be getting heavy...folks going to SLC for skiing over x-mas, etc...
Tix may be more expensive cause of the time, etc...
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Post by Lori on Nov 6, 2007 3:16:39 GMT -5
Just did a quick search online - Southwest had the best deal (from L.A.) at $225 r/t - arriving Thurs Dec 20, leaving Sun Dec 23. It'll certainly be more expensive from other parts of the country.
It's just a reminder that time's gettin' short on this puppy...
I will likely book at the Country Inn at exit 18 for the December event. Lily and Toehold have convinced me this area is good AND as close as it gets, and Country Inn has never disappointed me with quality. It's AAA 3-star...
If you haven't checked out the Red Lion for February, I'd urge you to do so, unless you really want to stay closer. I'm told that rooms are going fast. A poster on the Yahoo Group swears that staying at the hotel with the skaters will be a hoot, and the rate is really competitive. I have booked there...
Also, I'm looking to Thursday night (both Dec and Feb) for a get-together dinner. Vets have said that Fri and Sat will be too busy.
For those who are just catching up, Toehold posted a very recent article about Jordan Malone which states:
“Before we had one guy and a bunch who were way behind chasing him,” Malone said of Ohno, who will not compete this season until the U.S. Championships in December. “Now we’ve got a bunch of guys who are young and hungry. The U.S. team has really stepped up.”
It's not gospel, but somebody's at least thrown us a bone...
Hey, thanks for the karma, y'all - shucks, it's just fun for me to do this kind of thing, especially when I have so many eyes and ears out there helping me!
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Post by lilyover76 on Nov 6, 2007 13:23:02 GMT -5
Lori... I just called the OVAL... the gal told me that December Nationals will be a ticketed event. She didn't have rates yet, and didn't know yet if there will be VIP tickets. They said they would get to the *tickets* issue once the LT competition is over. So we might have info in a week or two, hopefully!  (The reason I had to call was b/c I had bookmarked an old web address and it no longer worked for me since they recently made some changes... my dumb mistake! The web addy you have posted at the beginning of this thread is okay. ) |
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Post by Lori on Nov 7, 2007 4:48:11 GMT -5
*UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE*Continue posting your comments and ideas, and periodically I'll summarize and add any important information that has come up since my last update. That way y'all won't have to read back through everything.Please let me know about broken links or corrections... I'VE NOTED 'NEW OR ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT INFO' IN BOLD UNDER EACH SUBJECT...----------------------------------NOTABLE WEBSITESwebpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/615_Event_Agenda.pdf - event schedule
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/23762 - TICKETS FOR THE DECEMBER NATIONALS!!! (see more info below)The YAHOO Group: sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/SaltLakeCityShortTrackEvents-07-08/www.utah.com/lodging/saltlakecity.htm - hotel info www.saltlakecity.com - visitor info www.rideuta.com - public transportation - Click on *route finder* on the left column... that takes you to a page which shows: UTA System Maps www.olyparks.com/UOO/Events.asp - event info -----------------------------------HOTELSVeterans say that staying in the 'official' hotels where the skaters stay is a lot of fun, so take that into consideration when choosing your lodgings.DECEMBER NATIONALS:
Both the Country Inn & Suites and the Crystal Inn are listed as official hotels for the event. They are located in West Valley, about 6.6 miles from the Oval. I had previously made a reservation at the Country Inn at $99 (AAA rate) per night, BUT the Information sheet from USS states a rate of $80 per night for each hotel. I called back and they honored the $80 rate - just tell them that it was a rate quoted for those attending events at the Utah Olympic Oval
Both hotels provide a buffet breakfast and complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, and both are AAA 3-diamond rated.
Country Inn - (801) 908-0311
Crystal Inn West Valley City- (801) 736-2000FEBRUARY WORLD CUP: The Red Lion Downtown confirmed that they are the official hotel for the event It is a 'large-scale' hotel, with dining and full facilities, rated '3 diamonds' per AAA. The Red Lion has a special rate of $89 per night for the World Cup - ask for the Short Track Special. This rate is better than the Group Rate I was quoted. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport. ROOMS ARE GETTING SCARCE. If you find something better you can cancel by 4pm the date of check-in. Personally, I'm very excited about this option for the Feb event, and have made a reservation there for myself. There is a brand-new Hilton Garden Inn across the street from the Red Lion - Anthony from our Yahoo Group works there, and he quoted a rate of $79 per night for both Dec and Feb. They have a restaurant on premesis (breakfast and lunch), and airport shuttle.Red Lion - (801) 521-7373 (If you don't get the $89 rate, ask for Dave Johnson)
Hilton Garden Inn - (801) 364-5200OTHER HOTELS (for either event)
WEST VALLEY AREA - all are AAA 3-diamond, except for the Sleep Inn, which is 2-Diamond
Baymont Inn and Suites SLC - West Valley City: (801) 886-1300
ESA (Extended Stay America): (801) 886-2400
La Quinta Inn West Valley City: (801) 954-9292
Sleep Inn: (801) 975-1888
Holiday Inn Express - E Center (brand new) - (801) 517-4000
TAYLORSVILLE
Homestead Studio Suites SLC/Mid Valley (801) 269-9292
Several people stayed there last time, with mixed reviews. A budget option - no frills, but less expensive and slightly closer to the Oval---------------------------------GROUND TRANSPORTATION:All the hotels I checked out have a complimentary airport shuttle, but if you don't have a car you should confirm this when you make your reservation. If you're renting, 4WD vehicles have been recommended in case the weather turns bad, but keep in mind they're in high demand and short supply in the winter.
From the West Valley area (exit 18 off I-215 - 6.6 miles from the Oval), the manager of the Country Inn suggested Valley Shuttle (801) 566-8500. Their rates are $20 each way for 1-6 people. For larger groups they have a van that will seat 10.
I don't think we can count on an 'official' shuttle for December Nationals, because the USS info states that "Transportation services will be the sole responsibility of the competitor", meaning that if the SKATERS have to find their own way there, I'm sure we will too! (Maybe we can offer some of them a ride, LOL!).
From Downtown (Red Lion, Hilton Garden Inn), Valley Shuttle (801) 566-8500 charges $30 each way for 1-6 people. That appears to be the best 'certain' public transportation option, because cab fare is more expensive ($40).
For the February World Cup, the Red Lion has a shuttle for competitors, officials and volunteers. There is a possibility that it would be available to us, but we shouldn't count on it...For the December Nationals, the USS information sheet has a special rate with Avis, rate code AWD #G106701. It's not clear whether this rate applies only to competitors, or if we could get it as well.It was suggested that we keep the public transportation options in mind just in case the weather's crappy. If the forecast is good, we should be able to rent cars at the last minute, and if it's bad, we can opt for the public transportation. But have a plan, in either case. Other than cabs or pre-arranged shuttles, public transportation options are horrible at best. TRAX runs too far east, and the bus route is said to be too far away from the TRAX route to make an easy connection. Bus route #348, mentioned in my last update, no longer appears to be a viable option. I've also gotten some info that the area around the Kearns Oval can be dicey with regard to safety. If that's true, we may want to take that into consideration if we need to walk to bus stops, etc. There is a 'free zone' with TRAX in the city center, and the Red Lion & Hilton Garden Inn are within 1-1/2 blocks of the Free Zone. This means that there's no fee for the transport. This gives access to shopping and downtown sightseeing. I'm told by the Red Lion that the walk to TRAX is quite safe. Routing hints: When traveling to the Oval, take the 215N around the city and down to 4700th, because taking the streets in the snow from 3pm to 6pm is a 'nightmare'. -----------------------------------WILL APOLO SKATE?A) A recent article about Jordan Malone mentioned 'Ohno, who will not compete this season until the U.S. Championships in December'. Which indicates that he will compete at Nationals.
B) Matt Kooreman, the person I've been in contact with at the Oval is quite sure he'll be competing in December, saying that Apolo got a special exemption so that he COULD compete, and that he MUST compete to go to Worlds / World Cup. (the World Cup part confused me a little...)
However, nothing is set in stone - Matt says the deadline for registration is only a couple of days before the events...I'll say it again... A) No one I've ever known has been disappointed by attending a ST event, even if Apolo isn't competing. It's an exciting sport, and there are tremendous athletes competing from different countries, many of whom WILL be medalists in the next Olympics. I'm believing that it will be an amazing experience! B) Since Apolo LIVES in SLC, it would be reasonable to think that he would be attending one or both of these events in support of the US and his teammates. If he's not competing, it might be a great opportunity for people to see him when he's not in 'competition mode'. --------------------------------------TICKETS:TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR DECEMBER NATIONALS!!!
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/23762
Matt told me that we're the first to get the info!!! Woo Hoo!
Tickets are $7 per day for adults; $4 for children (a local sponsor picked up the tab for the LT event in November, but not for ST)
VIP tickets are available for $40 per day, which include preferred seating, a hospitality area with food and non-alcoholic beverages, and the possibility of seeing some skaters. He mentioned 'such as' Bonnie Blair... whoever happens to be around and wants to hang out. Unfortunately there is no banquet planned, unless they surprise us - if so it should be Sunday night(?)...Nothing yet on February ----------------------------SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:DECEMBER NATIONALS:
Matt confirmed that they hope to have the last event finished by 2pm on Sunday. If you're booking flights, though, it would be wise to schedule as late in the day as is comfortable. You'll want to be there for the medal ceremonies, won't you?
As for Friday and Saturday, count on a full day of racing - warmups start at 8:30 or 9:30 each day.
CHECK THE CURRENT SCHEDULE INFO:
webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/615_Event_Agenda.pdf Nothing yet on February... ---------------------------------------GROUP DINNERWEST VALLEY AREA: (DECEMBER?)
Applebee's, Chili's, and Ruby Tuesday are within walking distance of the Country InnDOWNTOWN: (FEBRUARY?) Red Lion says there's a sports bar & grill across the parking lot from them called 'Jerseys' that would be great for a group dinner. TIMING: The 'vets' say that the best time for that would be the Thursday night before each competition starts, 'cause things get hectic after that, but it would mean everyone would have to be there an extra night. We would need to decide this before people start making their travel arrangements... ---------------------------------HERE ARE THE RESPONSES I'VE GOTTEN SO FAR:(I'll put 'firm' by anyone's name who has actually made reservations) WHICH EVENT? Mtnme: February Lori: February (firm-Red Lion Downtown) AND December (firm - Country Inn West Valley)Lily: February (firm - Comfort Inn/Suites Airport) and December (firm - Comfort Inn Sandy)Skaterswaltz: December Ohnoagain - FebruaryGROUP DINNER: Mtnme Lori + (?)husband(?) Lily + (?)husband(?) Skaterswaltz (There are also a number of OZ regulars who are committed to one or both events - check the Yahoo Group for that info) -----------------------------------AIRFAREDECEMBER NATIONALS
I did a quick search online - Southwest had the best deal (from L.A.) at $225 r/t - arriving Thurs Dec 20, leaving Sun Dec 23. It'll certainly be more expensive from other parts of the country.
With Christmas travel looming, you should start booking if you're flying in...----------------------------------------SIGHTSEEINGIn December, Temple Square is not to be missed - it's amazingly beautiful when decked out for Christmas.
Park City is beautiful and fun, and about an hour(?) away from SLC. I have stayed at the Radisson Inn, now the Park City Peak Hotel (435) 649-5000 - it's just slightly on the outskirts of town. In Dec it's $109 per night, $199 in Feb, fairly reasonable by Park City standards.
Park City has a shuttle that runs throughout town and as far away as The Canyons Ski Resort, so we never had to drive while we were there.
Ski areas: Brighton, Snowbird, Solitude, Deer Valley, Alta, Park City Resort, The Canyons Resort - Note: Deer Vally and Alta do not allow snowboarding.
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Post by lilyover76 on Nov 7, 2007 12:08:44 GMT -5
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~Lori
