Marine Corps League, Thor Detachment, Department of MN

Thor Detachment, Dept. of Minnesota has been picked to host the 86th National Marine Corps League Convention. There has never been a National Marines' Convention held in the State of Minnesota before and everyone is very excited. Dates are 31 July to 8 August, 2009. This will not be your usual weekend convention, but an 8-day Mega Event!

The host hotel is the Kahler Grand; which is right across the street from the Mayo Clinic. Most all meetings, etc. will be at this location. Overflow hotel will be the Kahler Inn & Suites; which is one short block from the Kahler. The Convention Rate for these hotels is $89.00 plus tax.

Next to the Kahler Grand, and again, across from the Mayo Clinic, is the Rochester Marriott Hotel; same owners as the Kahler. This hotel is also available, but their discounted rate will be $139.00 plus tax. All these hotels will have plenty of ramp parking available.

Breakfast & Parking will be complimentary for all Marine Corps League Convention "hotel guests" only. Please book your room now at either of these three hotels by calling their Reservations Office at 1-800-533-1655. They are open 24/7. Tell them you are with the 2009 National MCLeague Conv. to get the rate. Over 400 of us have already done so.

Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau will be putting up a special website for this convention, so that you can pre-register for the tours, leisure activities, banquet, and the like. Will post about this when I know more.

The facilities at the Kahler Grand and the other Hotels, I can tell you, "first hand" from working there as a Bellman from 1990 to 2003, that theirs is more than adequate. From the beautiful Elizabethan Room off the Lobby, to the three large and connected Windsor I, II, and III Halls, to the three huge and connected Heritage I, II, and III Halls, to the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott (probable MODD/F luncheon site), and to the many other conference rooms; i.e. Mayo Brothers Room, Directors Room, Centennial Room, Hiawatha & Hiawatha A Rooms, Regency Room, Watson Room, Viking Room, to the unique Kahler Mezzanine Level that runs above their Lobby and beyond; I feel that we will have a great time. And everything is all close-in. No one should have to walk very far.

I need to mention Rochester's Pedestrian Subways. It is, in itself, a little city that runs under much of downtown. And, there is a skyway system that begins on the Kahler Mezzanine Level, and goes all over town too. All these indoor walkways connect to the other hotels. Plus, there are many shops, salons, and other amenities both down there and up there, along with a nice Mayo Patient Education Center that is open to all.

The reasoning for this under and over ground, temperature controlled environment is because of all those from around the world, who come here seeking Mayo's diagnosis & treatment, and for the many Conventions that are held in this city each year. Rochester, the Kahler Grand, Sunstone Properties, IBM, and the Mayo Clinic are very, very good at this hospitality business.

There will be a Welcome Reception on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009. It will be, subject to approval, $25 per person, all the pizza you can eat, fruit selections, and live entertainment. There will be complimentary in-room refrigerators provided. Please tell reservations if you will need one. With respect, also inform Reservations of any other needs you may have.

Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide complimentary shuttle van transportation to and from the Rochester International Airport. We will have two to three nice size vans going. A phone number will be provided.

Motorized scooters will be available for rent to those who may need them. We are still working out the details, so the reservations folks haven't been briefed in this area just yet. Of course, regular; i.e. push type wheelchairs will be provided at no charge.

Thor Detachment and the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau are considering several leisure events. The stunning Mall of America, beautiful Dakota Sioux Treasure Island Casino, World Famous Spam Museum, the Soldiers Memorial Field Golf Course Outing, possible Rochester Honkers Baseball Game (Minor League) for the League are all being considered, as well as the Night of Entertainment. Plus, a Mayo Clinic Tour especially for us is being considered. Will post about this when I know more.

There is so much else to put before you, however, details and logistics are still being worked out by the Conv. Committees. But, suffice to say that Thor Detachment along with its Thor Auxiliary, the Staff of the Dept. of Minnesota with the other Detachments, and the Dept. Auxiliary with its three other Units, and the City of Rochester and surrounding areas; are motivated and excited to make this an outstanding 2009 Nat. Marines' Convention for you and yours.

One more thing, if you need help with parking and/or luggage, the hotels have either or all of the following porter services; bellman, doorman, and valet parking. Of course, Thor Det. Members and others will be there to help in any way they can too. We take care of our own!

In closing I want to mention that the Members have already been hard at work raising funds for 'start up/seed money' in order to pay for the expenses of this 09 Convention Hosting. But, we need much more. If you, your Detachment, your Organization, or any business you know would be willing to help sponsor with some underwriting and/or donations, Thor would be very grateful. Of course, we intend to verbally recognize those businesses and individuals who sponsor this Convention, and in print in the 86th Nat. Conv. Program Book. Remember, this National Marine Corps League Convention has never been in Minnesota before. It should have outstanding attendance and coverage.

One final thing, at this 09 National Convention, as in Conventions past, the Marine Corps League through its Fun and Honor Society will be financially generous to the Host City's Childrens Hospital, or similar Childrens Facility. In 2009, Rochester and the State of Minnesota will greatly benefit from this Marine's Convention.

Any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Semper Fidelis;

David J. Nogosek
Commandant & 09 Nat. Conv. Local Chairman
Thor Detachment, Dept. of Minnesota, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

1515 9th Avenue Southeast, Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: 507-281-2076 Cell: 507-951-5191
Email: Majada@aol.com

p.s. Sponsors/Donations/Conv. Program Book Ads; please address check or money order to the "MCLeague 2009 Nat. Conv. Committee", and mail to my address above. You may submit your ad via snail mail or email. Many thanks...

p.p.s. I do not yet know the prices for the banquet, luncheon, leisure events, etc., but will post them as soon as I do.

p.p.p.s. If you or a business would like to link to Thor's site let me know and we'll talk.

p.p.p.p.s. There are several links towards the bottom of this site, three of which are League Member owned businesses. I encourage you to click on, and support these businesses. I often use the "123 Inkjet link" to order my printer ink. I have never been disappointed by this company, and of course, Thor receives a rebate from all orders that are made through this link. If you have a website, you should be able to do this with 123 Inkjets, as well.

UPDATE: The 2009, 86th National Conv. Website, mentioned above, will most likely be up and running after the 2008 National Conv. in Orlando, FL. Meantime, do check back on this Official Thor Website for the latest info.

This is actually an Interactive Website that Thor has up and running, so all League Members and Auxiliary are welcome to register into it as Members of the League. Then go ahead and post your thoughts, ideas, and more in any of the 4 different forums (link is located near the top of our homepage). Browse all the other areas too. Hope to hear from you personally and in the Forums.