1. "Symposium Proposal Made"
Posted by bobcook848 on Aug-11th-03 at 3:53 PM

Well fellow Bordenits as I wrote a few days ago I have this very morning (8/11) spoken to Gabriela Adler at Bristol Community College regarding the possibility of a Symposium in 2005.  Mrs. Adler seemed rather delighted that such a concept was being harvested among those devoted to our dearest Lizzie and whereas she had attended the 1993 Conference she was all the more intrigued.

Prior to our conversation she had given Professor Jules Rychebush a call and in her words, he too "was quite pleased" to hear of such a plan.  But as Mrs. Adler went on, "Jules did offer a word of caution as he spent two years putting together the 1993 Conference.  Something of this undertaking can be very time consuming."  I couldn't agree with her more.

After a pleasant 30 minute discussion on what I envisioned as being somewhat of the quintessential program/lineup for a well overdue conference we ended on this note:  she will forward our proposal to Dr. Sberga (President of the college) and get back to me with his response.  Keeping our fingers crossed for a positive reply we may well see a solid committement by BCC for the use of the Arts Center for August 3, 4, and 5, 2005.

If we are given the "green light", I will solicit ideas from among us seeking a formal name for this event.  Then we shall get the ball rolling for certain.  

bobcookbobcook

So cool! I had a feeling you would write us after you had heard from her.

How about: Thursday, August 4, 1892

Since the reason for the 2005 is the date alignment? Just a thought. Thinking up names is not my forte. I used the characters in the plays of Shakespeare and Moliere for our cat's names!

(Message last edited Aug-11th-03  4:05 PM.)

Way to go, BobCookBobCook!

i'm interested.  i've recently thought about it, remembering when you mentioned it some time ago, and i was hoping you had not changed your mind.

Bob, it is good to hear Bristol Community College is showing some interest in your proposal for a conference.

Aug 4, 2005 is on my calendar for the symposium at BCC!  Hope to see all of you there.

I was thinking, wouldn't it be great if we (LAB Soc) could have exclusive use of the house with the freedom to roam (that's usually denied those on the tour) for some time during this period?

It may not be possible; the B&B might be booked in advance, & that's also the height of their tourist time.  However, there might just be a few hours somewhere they could squeeze us in.

Maybe Stef & BobCook have considered this?  Perhaps Bill Pavao &/or Len Rebello might supervise the roaming?

I don't know where in the world (literally) I'll be @ that time, but Fall River 2005 sounds pretty good to me...& with reasonable time to save up!

Tina-Kate: a most fantastic suggestion and one that will be persued if the College Prez gives us the greenlight on using the campus.  In fact even if the Prez gives us the "gentlemanly" thumbs down (I am over optimistic that he will say yes) I will be looking to a large facility in Providence (as there are few other choices in Fall River).

I do plan to ask Mrs. McGinn (owner of the Museum/B&B) if at all possible please allow us to bring as many of the attendees on a "private" tour.  When I spoke with Mrs. McGinn back in May or June she said that she might be able to accomodate such a plan...however as far as having the entire house for a "private" affair she couldn't guarentee such.

She told me that she could not also put all the rooms on "hold" (assuming that all rooms would be rented to those attending the Symposium) but if attendees wanted to stay they could reserve a room at their earliest thereby guarenteeing a room for any nights they so desired to rent for.  Wheeewww....I think I got that straight.

In short, once I hear back from Gabriela Adler (hoping for today Thurs 8/14 or Fri 8/15) and I get the notice posted making it an "official" announcement...then anyone wishing to call the B & B and reserve a room can and should do so, if they want to stay there.

Hope this answers things....I sit near the phone waiting to hear!!

bobcookbobcook

I have received this day, Saturday, August 16th, via USPS a "formal" reply to our proposal to BCC for a "Second Symposium".  I shall reprint it here for your enjoyment:
************************************************************************************************
August 14, 2003

Mr. Robert Cook
66 Quintin Avenue
Attleboro, MA 02703

Dear Mr. Cook,

Thank you for your recent letter about a possible "Second Symposium". I shall discuss this proposal with some people here at Bristol Community College.  Of course, the state's fiscal crisis has considerably limited the scope of BCC activities.

You should receive news from someone at the college soon.

Very truly yours,

John J. Sbrega, Ph.D

po
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Well those are the words verbatim of the College Prez.  So I am still very optimitic as this proposal is two years away and fiscal things can change here in the Commonwealth.  I know from personal experience of being a Municipal employee of 23 years service that finances run two ways here:  very hot then very cold; very little in between.  So with that in mind I am hopeful that we will receive a firm committment from BCC allowing us the use of Jackson Arts Center for August 3, 4, and 5th 2005.

More on this when the next wave of mail comes....

bobcookbobcook