ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL AND GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Transcription

1 ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL AND GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2011 Annual Meeting, St. Marteen January 13-17, 2011 Dear Fellow Biochemistry Department Chairs: This year the annual meeting of the Association of Graduate and Medical Departments of Biochemistry (AMGDB) with informative scientific presentations, trends in education, and public policy discussions will be held on St. Maarten, a beautiful Caribbean Island that is half Dutch and half French. Attached is information on the resort and tours as well as the Registration Form. The meeting dates are set to coincide with the long Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend. On Thursday, January 13, 2011, the opening reception will be held at 7:30 p.m. and the meeting will end on Sunday, January 16, at 12:00 noon. One afternoon we have planned an exhilarating group activity racing official America s Cup sailboats in the bay. This is an outstanding opportunity for both new and veteran chairs to meet, mingle, and share common concerns. Think of this meeting an investment in your department. Airfares to Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) are low right now and frequent flyer seats are available for your guests, but act quickly since January is high season in the Caribbean. I look forward to seeing you in St. Maartens. Matthew George, President AMGDB Chair of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Howard University College of Medicine Howard University Washington, D.C. Research/Scientific Sessions: Art Haas, Head of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and President-Elect of the AMGDB, has planned two sessions on Friday and Sunday mornings in which other biochemistry chairs will present talks on their research. Public Affairs/Public Policy Sessions: Art is also planning sessions that include NIH funding and the revised grant application format. Education Sessions: Jane Clifford, Chair of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Drexel University College of Medicine and Chair of the AMGDB Education Committee is putting together an education program that will be presented on Friday and Sunday mornings. President: Dr. Matthew George Howard University Washington, DC Tel: mgeorge@howard.edu President- Elect: Dr. Art Haas Past- President: Dr. Gerald Carlson

2 ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL AND GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2011 Annual Meeting, St. Marteen, Netherlands Antilles January 13-17, 2011 AGENDA-AT-A-GLANCE For complete meeting agenda go to: Wednesday, Jan. 12 Arrivals Airport Transfers Included Thursday, Jan. 13 Optional Tours 9:15 am 4:30 pm - Pirate Snorkel $108 11:00 am 3:00 pm - Island $29 7:30 pm 10:30 pm AMGDB Welcome Reception / Dinner - Included Friday, Jan.14 7:30 am 8:30 am Buffet Breakfast - Included 8:30 am 12:00 pm AMGDB Annual Meeting 8:45 am 12:00 pm Guest Tour Included - Under the Tree with Ms Ruby Bute 2:30 pm 6:30 pm AMGDB Sponsored Tour - Included - Americas Cup Sailing Race Evening on Own Reservations at Restaurants in Grand Case Saturday, Jan 15 7:30 am 8:30 am Buffet Breakfast - Included 7:00 am 8: 00 am Executive Committee Meeting 8:30 am 12:00 pm AMGDB Annual Meeting Optional Tours: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Creole Rock Snorkel $49 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Island $29 7:30 pm 11:00 pm AMGDB Farewell Dinner - Included Sunday, Jan. 16 7:30 am 8:30 am Buffet Breakfast - Included 8:30 am 12:00 pm AMGDB Annual Meeting Optional Tour: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Orient Beach $18 Monday, Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Holiday 7:30 am - 10:00 am Buffet Breakfast - Included 12:00 Noon Check-Out / Departures / Stayovers

3 Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort 19 Little Bay Road, PO Box 910 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Netherlands Antilles Telephone: Fax: AMGDB will hold their 2011 Annual Meeting at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten, located on the Dutch side on a beautiful one mile sand beach and within walking distance of the capital Philipsburg. Every room is well appointed including honor bar, CD player and complimentary internet access. History of St. Marteen The history of the Caribbean is filled with stories of colonial imperialism where islands changed hands from country to country. St. Maarten has had its share of skirmishes and gun battles, which caused the island to change hands many times between the Spanish, Dutch and French powers. The old stone forts, which guard many of the island s inlets, are proof of its turbulent past. St. Maarten/St. Martin s true history started peacefully. Traces of Stone Age people have been found on the island, dating back to 4,000 B.C. In approximately 800 AD, this small island was settled by Arawak Indians who arrived from South America to create a life of fishing, hunting and farming. They were followed in the 14th century by a much more warlike tribe, the cannibalistic Carib Indians. The Caribs gave the region its name, and knew St. Maarten as Soualiga, or Salt Island, because of its major mineral deposit. The remains of the Great Salt Pond can still be seen in Philipsburg today.

4 SPONSRED TOURS Friday, Jan 14 8:45 am 12:00 noon Guest Tour - Under the Tree with Ms Ruby Bute Price Included Spend an enchanting morning with Ruby Bute. Much has been written about her, though one cannot do justice to the creativity that constantly emerges from this painter, writer, poet, teacher, storyteller and recitalist. For over 30 years she has produced paintings that document historical aspects of St. Martin s life and culture Friday, Jan 14 2:00 pm 6:30 pm AMGDB 12-Meter Regatta Price Included We will experience the thrill of racing multi-million dollar America s Cup race boats in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of St. Maarten. The expert crew will show you exactly what to do in your crew member position in this once in a lifetime experience to race with Dennis Conner s America s Cup winning boats.

5 OPTIONAL TOURS Thursday, Jan 13 Pirate Snorkel Tour 9:30 am 4:30 pm $108 pp We will explore both sides of Sint Maarten on board a speed boat with our first destination the uninhabited island of Tintamare with its natural habitat. From there we will boat to Pinel Island for a picnic lunch and snorkeling with mystical aquatic life in a protected marine preserve. Includes lunch, transfers, snorkel gear and beverages. Thursday, Jan 13 St. Maarten & Saint Martin Island Tour 11:00 am 3:00 pm $29 pp Visit both the French and Dutch sides of the island with a guided tour, several photo stops and beach break at the famous Orient Beach. Saturday, Jan 15 St. Maarten & Saint Martin Island Tour 1:00 pm 5:00 pm $29 pp Visit both the French and Dutch sides of the island with a guided tour, several photo stops and beach break at the famous Orient Beach. Saturday, Jan 15 Creole Rock Snorkel Tour 12:30 pm 4:30 pm $49 pp Get a sea side view of both the Dutch and French side of the island and the largest lagoon in the Caribbean. Enjoy a snorkel stop in Grand Case at Creole Rock. Sunday, Jan 16 Orient Beach Shuttle 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm $18 pp Visit the most popular beach in French Saint Martin (clothing optional). Lunch on own at any of the quaint restaurants on the beach.

6 TRAVEL INFORMATION Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is located on the Dutch side of the island, a 25-minute drive from Princess Juliana International Airport (7 miles). Airlines Airlines Air service to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten is provided by American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Northwest, USAir, KLM, Spirit Air, Air France, United, LIAT, Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) and many other major airlines. Entry Requirements USA / Canadian / European citizens must have valid passport and a return/continuing ticket. Airport Departure Tax For international destinations, there is a departure tax of $30 for those age 2 and older. For islands within the Netherlands Antilles, the departure tax is $6. Many airlines include the tax in your ticket, so please check with your carrier. Vaccinations No vaccination certificates are required unless arriving from an area experiencing an epidemic. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions or special requests, please do not hesitate to call or the following contacts: AMGDB President: Matthew George President Tel: mgeorge@howard.edu Scientific Program and Public Affairs Program: Arthur Haas-President-Elect Tel: ahaas@lsuhsc.edu Education Program: Jane Clifford Chair Education Committee Tel: Jane.Clifford@drexelmed.edu Hotel Reservations / Conference Registration / Tours: Sheilah Jewart Tel: Cell: amazing@iag.net More information at

7 HOW TO REGISTER To receive the discounted early bird registration fee, fill out the Registration Form and send your check to our meeting planner, Sheilah Jewart at Amazing Occasions, to arrive no later than October 15, After that date, registration will be accepted on a space available basis at full price. Registration Fees: Before Oct 15 After Oct 15 AMGDB Member $1, $1, AMGDB Emeritus $1, $1, Spouse / Guest $ $ Children 3-12 $ $ Children $ $ Registration Fees Include: (4) Nights Ocean Front Sonesta Great Bay (Note: Extra $245 single/double) Welcome Reception & Dinner - Thursday Farewell Reception & Dinner - Saturday (4) Buffet Breakfasts Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon Sponsored 12-Meter Regatta - Friday Conference Materials, Guest Speakers & Refreshment Breaks Spouse/Guest Tour - Friday All Service Charges, Taxes and Gratuities Complimentary Internet Cancellation Policy Registration fees, minus $50 handling fee, are refundable if notified by November 15th. After November 15th, a $50 handling fee and $300 room deposit will be deducted from the registration fee. After December 1st, no refunds can be made. Mail / Fax Registration and Check to: Amazing Occasions, Inc 9037 Ron Den Lane, Windermere, FL Tel: Cell: Fax: amazing@iag.net

8 REGISTRATION FORM ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL AND GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2011 Annual Meeting, St. Marteen, Netherlands Antilles January 13-17, 2011 Name: Title: University / School: Address: City / State / Zip: Tel: Fax: Spouse / Guest: Child / Age: Special Requests: King 2 Beds Rollaway Smoking Handicap: Dietary restrictions: Accommodations: Your reservations will be made based on the information you provide below. Your registration includes (4) nights Ocean Front accommodations at Sonesta Great Bay. Optional nights are available at the special group rate of $245 three days before and after the meeting based on availability. You will pay for optional nights when you check out. Arrival Date: Departure Date:

9 REGISTRATION FEES ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL AND GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2011 Annual Meeting, St. Marteen, Netherlands Antilles January 13-17, 2011 Registration Fees: Before Oct 10 After Oct 10 Total Due AMGDB Member $1, $1, $ AMGDB Emeritus $1, $1, $ Spouse / Guest $ $ $ Child 3-12 years $ $ $ Child years $ $ $ Optional Tours: Per Person x # People Pirate Snorkel - Thur $108 x $ Island Tour - Thur $29 x $ Creole Rock Snorkel - Sat $49 x $ Island Tour - Sat $29 x $ Orient Beach Shuttle - Sun $18 x $ Total Due $ Credit Card: Pay Pal Sheilah for instructions Check: Make payable to: Amazing Occasions Mail / Fax To: Sheilah Jewart, Conference Coordinator Amazing Occasions, Inc 9037 Ron Den Lane, Windermere, FL Tel: / Fax: / Cell: amazing@iag.net Cancellation Policy: Registration fees, minus $50 handling fee, are refundable if notified by November 15th. After November 15th, a $50 handling fee and $300 room deposit will be deducted from the registration fee. After December 1st, no refunds can be made.