Home Again in 2010, an FOCA Family Reunion!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Special Junior FOCA Event Updates

On Friday (9/3) morning the Juniors will be visiting the award winning Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. However, the highlight of the weekend for Juniors will be an overnighter Friday night at The Carnegie Science Center this experience will include an Omnimax movie, Laser Show, planetarium time, submarine tour, and access to the Sports Works where Juniors can experience the science and fun behind many of our popular sports. The Juniors will return to the Westin Saturday morning. This event is actually open to people of all ages. Chaperones will be provided for Juniors between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian who must pay the event fee.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

You're Invited!

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.).

Overview of Convention Events/Tours

THURSDAY NIGHT -- September 2, 2010
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 t be held at the Westin will give us the opportunity to catch-up with old friends while enjoying the night’s fun.

FRIDAY NIGHT -- September 3, 2010
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 -- September 4, 2010

Following Great Vespers on Saturday night, we will have an 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 -- September 5, 2010
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be followed by free time for breakfast in the hotel or other local restaurants.

The Grand Banquet will be held Sunday evening. Three delicious entrée options will be provided. During dinner, we will be entertained by the vocal selections of recording artist Carrie Oliver from Weirton, WV.

The Grand Ball will be held immediately after the Banquet. We will dance to tunes played by a popular local DJ as well as polka music and folk dances played by the Bud Hudinski Band. The combination of a DJ and band will allow for continuous entertainment throughout the evening.

MONDAY -- LABOR DAY, September 6, 2010
After we conclude business on Monday, there will be a Getaway Luncheon at the hotel. This lunch will feature delicious sandwiches along with sides and will be available as “take-out” or “eat-in.

TOURS/GOLF
As usual, on Thursday 9/2 morning there will be a President’s Open Golf Tournament. This will be held at the beautiful Quicksilver Golf Course. This challenging course has been home to LPGA and nationally known charity tournaments. On Thursday, we will also 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 9/3, 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?! The Carnegie Museums tour will feature a guided tour of the Museum of Art as well as free time to explore the dinosaur exhibits at the Museum of Natural History.

On Saturday 9/4, there will be a guided bus tour showcasing Pittsburgh’s rich Carpatho-Rusyn heritage. This tour visits several local churches and other sites while the tour guide provides a history of the Carpatho-Rusyn peoples in the Western Pennsylvania area specifically as well as the nation in general.

LITURGICAL SERVICES

The Convention will feature the usual services. There will be a Trisagion Service for the departed on Saturday Morning prior to Sessions. Great Vespers will be held Saturday evening. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be held Sunday morning.

Letter from 2010 Convention Chairs

As the co-Chairs for the 84th National F.O.C.A. Convention and on behalf of our Committee and District, we invite you Home to Pittsburgh over Labor Day, September 2 – 6 for our National F.O.C.A. Convention. Our Committee is comprised of a mix of veteran planners who know what has worked well in the past and first time convention planners with fresh new ideas. From the informational mailing you will soon be receiving, you will see a weekend of fun and diverse activities.

From the Welcome Party on Thursday to the Getaway Luncheon Monday, we will keep you entertained. After the session discussions charting course of the Fellowship, our social events will allow you to wind down and have some fun. You will be able to kick back and relax with a bowl of ice cream while catching up with friends, enjoy and even possibly participate in a Mystery Dinner Theater, and be refreshed during a cruise along our Three Rivers. There will be tours to some of Pittsburgh’s unique attractions and landmarks, while always enjoying the comfort and outstanding amenities and atmosphere of the Westin Hotel. Throughout the weekend you will also be inspired by the schedule of liturgical services.

Outside of the “official” convention activities you will be able to enjoy one of America’s unique cities. From the breathtaking explosion of sight and sound as you enter Pittsburgh through the tunnel, to the spectacular views from our many “hilltops”, to the charms of the varied neighborhoods, and the many friendly people you will meet, Pittsburgh never gives you the same experience twice. So whether you have been to Pittsburgh never, once or many times you are sure to enjoy your stay here.

So if you always attend conventions, haven’t been to one in years, or even never attended a convention, Pittsburgh will have something for you. Be here in September and bring a friend along for what in many ways will be a memorable and historic convention.

Look for more information on the F.O.C.A. website, www.orthodoxfellowhip.org, on our blog, www.foca2010.blogspot.com or in the Orthodox Christian Journal. You may contact either one of us with any question. We look forward to seeing you in September!

God Bless!
John P.Schultz M.D. - Co-Chair

304-723-1223 or jpswv@comcast.net
Danielle Evansky - Co-Chair

dmevansky@verizon.net