Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

March/April 2001

Puerto Rico Hospitality Unmatched
by Norma Warner, Retiree of Buffalo NY DDS

VARIOUS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED NADE conference attendees a chance to interact on a social level, network, and get to know each other. We made new friends and renewed old friendships. It is always interesting to find many similarities and also different ideas in the handling of the disability process. As experienced in the past (at the Bi-Regional Conference in 1996), the PRADE members proved to be excellent hosts. They worked diligently to make all activities run smoothly, put everyone at ease, and made an effort to ensure that each activity was enjoyed by all. The social activities began on Sunday, September 17, with a tour of the old city of Ponce. We observed the neoclassic Spanish architecture, took local trolley tours, and visited the Serralles castle that was on a hill and showed a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Ponce. A buffet luncheon was included in the tour. A tour to El Yunque (Rainforest) was held on Monday, which included visiting the mangrove forest, Maria de la Cruz archeological cave, the rainforest, trails, and natural pools. A brunch at the forest site was included. A hospitality reception was held at the LaVeranda Restaurant at the El San Juan hotel on Monday and Thursday evenings. This location overlooked the beautiful pool area. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and cocktails were served, and door prizes were raffled. On Tuesday evening the President's reception was held at the Club Tropicano at the El San Juan. A made-to-order pasta entree' was offered with a large variety of vegetable, meat, and seafood choices. This presented another opportunity to meet NADE members and get to know them. Wednesday night was the social highlight of the conference. Noche Puertorriqueria (Puerto Rican Night) was sponsored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. This was held at the Con- vent of the Domincan order in Old San Juan. It contained an open area with very large patio accommodating a stage, huge dance floor, and an area for tables and chairs. The evening was filled with the absolute charm of the Puerto Rican community. It included entertainment, several musical groups, and folk dancers who were tireless despite many different dances and costume changes. Later, they danced with some of the NADE members. The evening also included a buffet with Puerto Rican cuisine, drinks made with or without locally produced rum, and a totally festive environment. The Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday. A harpist provided a very special milieu to the occasion. Many of the outstanding NADE members and chapters were honored. WNYADE President for 1999-2000, Bob Kanner accepted the Membership Award for WNYADE. What a proud moment for our chapter! Closing day on Friday concluded with a warm farewell and a song by the PRADE chapter members. These social activities provided a chance to meet people from all over the United States, including Puerto Rico. We shared the camaraderie, the same interests, exchanged ideas, and enjoyed the friendliness of the other NADE members.