We are only 3 weeks away from welcoming you all to Newport for SPUS 2019.  We are pleased that so many of you will be able to join us. The schedule is full, both socially and scientifically, from beginning to end.  By now all of you should have received the preliminary program booklet electronically. There may be minor changes as we approach the meeting, and we will have a final copy for you on arrival.  In addition, the social program is on the website:

https://www.spusconference.com

All of the rooms at the Hotel Viking have been reserved.  We think that you will be pleased with the hotel accommodations as there have been some renovations over this past 6 months.

Our SPUS weekend will have some competition, as Newport is also hosting the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week.  There will be lots of fancy cars and people around town. We have secured all our venues, so there are no worries, but you might want to brush up on your hitch-hiking skills if you want to ride in a fancy car.

Registration

As this time, I am still working on a credit card option, but I have not been successful thus far.  The default plan would be to go back to the old system of cash at the time of registration, which I know is not ideal for anyone.  I will continue to work on this.  

Hotel Amenities

You may have noticed on the hotel website that there is a spa, heated swimming pool, and fitness center for those who would like to take advantage.

How to Dress / What to Pack

Fall in Rhode Island can be so beautiful.  Cool and crisp with lots of sunshine, we hope.  Average daytime temperatures should be in the 60’s F and into the 50’s F or even 40’s at night.  Daytime social activities are casual, and since all will include some walking, comfortable shoes are a must.  A light jacket and/or sweater will be useful. For those who plan to sail on Saturday afternoon, wear soft soled shoes or sneakers and dress warmly.   

Friday evening at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum (diagonally across from the hotel) will be our dressiest event – cocktail attire for this lovely setting (not black tie).

The attire for the Thursday evening reception and Saturday dinner is business casual.  

Remember that if you forget anything (or need something new), Newport has lovely shops and boutiques.

New member nominations

Thus far we have received three new member nominations.  We will plan to discuss each, led by the nominating member, at the Thursday afternoon business meeting which follows the tour of Touro Synagogue.  You should have all received the information on each of the nominees. If you have not, please drop me an email.

SPUS 2020

John Gearhart is prepared to outline the plans for SPUS 2020.  As he will need to return to Baltimore on Friday night, his presentation will be during the Friday afternoon scientific session, unless there is time at the end of the first business meeting on Thursday afternoon. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at:

Tony

anthony_caldamone@brown.edu or acaldamone@lifespan.org 
Mobile: +1 401 578 2705

Barbara

barbwc@gmail.com 
Mobile: +1 401 578 2704

Lale  

laleak@gmail.com
Mobile: +90 532 6141867