GOLF AT THE GOLF CLUB AT NEWCASTLE (Sunday, May 18; 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Few courses offer views as stunning as those found at The Golf Club at Newcastle. Even more memorable is the course itself. Designed by renowned golf course architect Robert E. Cupp in consultation with Masters Champion Fred Couples, the facility combines characteristics of some of the game's legendary courses with innovative practices to provide an exceptional playing experience round after round.

From the cobblestone entrance to the majestic 44,000 square foot clubhouse, golfers will be treated to breathtaking scenery, well-conditioned greens, and first-class amenities, all designed for the utmost comfort and enjoyment of guests. Views of Mt. Rainier, Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline create an amazing backdrop for a day on the green.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 10:15 a.m. for transportation to the course. Proper golf attire and etiquette required. No denim allowed. Collared shirts with sleeves and non-metal spikes required.

Estimated cost: $238, includes cart rental & range balls& transportation; club rental is $54.45 (contact Patsy)

Golf at Newcastle Website

SEATTLE CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR (Sunday, May 18; 10:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Get the best view of Seattle . . . from the perspective of a local! Be escorted around town by a friendly and informative Seattleite who will provide historical background of the area, point out interesting landmarks, as well as give insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas.

The tour begins with a drive through downtown en route to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest residential area, now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs. From Pioneer Square enjoy a driving tour past the heart of Seattle's Asian community, the International District. Don't miss Elliott Bay's maritime activity as the coach drives alongside Seattle's bustling waterfront. Following, the coach will embark on a scenic drive through Seattle's best neighborhoods.

Next is Seattle's most recognizable landmark; the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, the beautiful city of Seattle. The Space Needle hosted over 2.3 million visitors during the Fair and is still Seattle's number one tourist destination. The Observation Deck offers complimentary Swarovski telescopes to get an up close and personal view of Seattle's commanding sights. Here, guests will enjoy lunch in the Skyline Level at 12:45 p.m..

The final stop on this tour is Pike Place Market. Known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907 and has remained a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric for over 100 years. This nine-acre historic district hosts an estimated nine million visitors each year who come to experience a feast for the senses and to shop for a diverse array of products. Helping to make up the "market experience" are local farmers, craftspeople, businesspeople, and those crazy fish throwers. There will be time to shop and explore this fascinating area, and easy-to-read maps will be provided for those who wish to venture on their own.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 10:45 a.m. for transportation. A jacket and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Estimated cost: $110 per person

SEATTLE MARINERS vs. SAN DIEGO PADRES (Sunday, May 18; 11:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.)

Plan to arrive in Seattle in time to attend the baseball game! Safeco Field is home to the Seattle Mariners, and one of the most unique ballparks in the country. An afternoon at Safeco Field is an event not to be missed!

A roaring stadium of Mariner fans, coupled with vendors passing out game favorites to include hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks, this option offers a classic day of America's favorite pastime. Since the Inaugural Game on July 15, 1999, Safeco Field has gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as a terrific setting for baseball and a great place for baseball fans. Sweeping views of Seattle's downtown skyline, breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound, combined with excellent views of game action from all angles give fans at Safeco Field an experience unequalled in Major League Baseball.

AGN has arranged for a private suite featuring indoor and outdoor seating, full food and beverage catering options, a wet bar, telephones and 42" HDTV. Attire is casual.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 11:30 a.m. for transportation to the ballpark.

Estimated cost: $150 per person, includes transportation, tickets, and lunch in suite

Seattle Mariners Official Website San Diego Padres Official Website

 

The NARM officially begins with the Opening Reception on Sunday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.  The reception will be held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle on the first floor in the Princessa room.  Greet old friends, meet new ones, and welcome our newest members to AGN. Past Chairmen of AGN, TAG, and CACPA will be in attendance as we celebrate AGN's 30th anniversary. (It's been even longer if you were a TAG member!)

Food and drink will abound, so no need to make dinner reservations. Enjoy yourself as we kick-off this year's North American Regional Meeting! Attire is business casual. 

Estimated cost: TBA

In our continuing effort to keep costs in check, each person will receive two drink tickets, and then it's cash bar.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST FOR COMPANIONS (May 19 - 22)

Continental Breakfast is open to all AGN attendees and their companions Monday-Thursday from 7-9 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for your companion to get to know other AGN companions, welcome new members' companions, and meet with dear friends. A Monday companion tour is planned (see below), with Tuesday and Wednesday as free time for all companions to do whatever they wish.

MONDAY COMPANION TOUR (Monday, May 19; 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.)

Don't miss this rare opportunity to work with a local glass artisan in a hands-on instructional Glassblowing Workshop. Glass artisan and studio owner, David Smith, was introduced to the art of glassblowing in 1978 while studying for a degree in Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. After graduation in 1983 he returned to Seattle and began working full time as a glassblower. In 1992, David established his own studio hot shop in the historic neighborhood of Ballard.  His art glass has been collected and appreciated around the world, and his glass castings are installed in the Atlanta Federal Building as well as public and private buildings in the Northwest. His work is an extension of his technical background in glass science and his love of the traditions and history of glass blowing throughout the world.

Guests will be divided into three groups of eight or nine participants each, and will rotate activities every hour. One hour will be spent in the hot shop working with David to create an individual hand blown glass art piece, a glass paperweight you will get to keep. The remaining activity time will be divided between a guided walking tour of historic Ballard and a visit to the Hiram Chittenden Locks.

Though incorporated into the City of Seattle in 1907, Ballard continues to maintain its small town qualities and sense of independence. Originally a largely Scandinavian fishing and logging town, Ballard is located in an area bordered by both Puget Sound and Salmon Bay. Today, Ballard boasts a vibrant commercial district with unique stores, fabulous restaurants and music venues. Guests will be given time to explore Ballard's quaint shops and eclectic boutiques while learning about its rich and fascinating history.

The Locks is the place where the activity never stops. Built in the early 20th century, the Hiram Chittenden Locks were as important for Seattle and Puget Sound as the Panama Canal is for the Western Hemisphere. They link Elliott Bay, a port for ships from around the world, with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Both tourists and locals enjoy watching the parade of sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts passing through. At the Locks you will also have the opportunity to learn about Pacific Northwest salmon migration at the Salmon Ladder, as well as the beautiful Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden where rare and exotic plants are waiting to be discovered. For spectacular views, look west to the islands of Puget Sound and the snowcapped Olympic Mountains.

At 12 p.m. we will travel to Chinook's at Salmon Bay for lunch. A local favorite, Chinook's is a casual, high-energy seafood restaurant located in the heart of Seattle's Fisherimen's Terminal. This unique location has been the base of the North Pacific fishing fleet since 1913 with over 700 commercial fishing vessels calling it home.

After the workshop, the glass pieces made will require approximately two days of cooling. Shipping costs are not included in the per person price listed below.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:15 a.m. for transportation. A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advised.

Estimated cost: $105 per person, plus shipping charges

MONDAY EVENING DINE-AROUNDS BY SHAREGROUP (May 19; 6:15 - 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy dinner at one of many fabulous restaurants, several within walking distance of the hotel. Board members and their companions have reservations at El Gaucho and Waterfront Seafood Grill (approx. $105 pp + beverages). Attire at all restaurants is business casual.

Each Sharegroup will eat at pre-assigned restaurants which include:

Board Members & Companions:
Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:45 p.m. to walk to the offices of Clothier & Head
Transportation is provided from Clothier & Head to El Gaucho and Waterfront Seafood Grill

TUESDAY EVENING - PRIVATE DINNER CRUISE (May 20; 6:15 - 9:30 p.m.)

Sleek and luxuriously appointed, the 105 foot Emerald Star yacht is the ideal venue for the NARM's closing event. Featuring two expansive decks, the Emerald Star can accommodate up to 200 guests for buffet service between their upper and lower levels. Amenities include large picture windows, a state-of-the-art sound system, multiple bars and open air decks.

This cruise features spectacular glimpses of Seattle's unique inner-city shoreline. In Lake Union, view sailboats and the famous houseboat from Sleepless in Seattle. Million dollar mansions can also be viewed from the water including Bill Gates', Kenny G's, and the Nordstrom family.

Buffet style dining with food stations located on both levels will keep everyone well-fed and enjoying the views!

Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:15 p.m. for transportation.

Estimated cost: $181 per person

In our continuing effort to keep costs in check, each person will receive two drink tickets, and then it's cash bar.