Yay! I've been chosen to receive the 2008 Leaders’ Scholarship to NFA’s 4th Annual International Leaders Against Pain Media and Advocacy Training

June 27, 2008

Here are the important parts of the notification email I received:

June 25, 2008

Dear “International Leaders Against Pain” Applicant,

Congratulations! You have been chosen to receive the NFA 2008 Leaders’ Scholarship to attend NFA’s 4th Annual International Leaders Against Pain Media and Advocacy Training Seminar at the Airlie Conference Center in Warrenton Virginia Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14, 2008.

The National Fibromyalgia Association is pleased to invite you to spend 5 days and 4 nights with support group leaders and patient advocates from around the world to learn how to promote and create awareness on behalf of those living with fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses.

Your NFA 2008 National LAP Scholarship includes:

4 Nights accommodations Sunday, August 10 through Wednesday August 13, 2008 at Airlie Center
Dinner on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday, August 11 through Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Breakfast Thursday, August 14
Registration fees and materials for ILAP

We look forward to you joining us for this important and empowering seminar.

Again, congratulations!

Sincerely,

Lynne Matallana,
NFA President

And check out the conference digs: The Airlie Foundation and Conference Center- "An Island of Thought." Ahhhhh.

Their mission:

"To study, promote, encourage and foster knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the interrelationships which exist in the physical and social sciences..."

Their history:

"As one of the original centers of its kind in the country, Airlie was considered a model of innovation when it hosted its first group in 1960. Dr. Head converted old farm buildings into useful conference facilities to create a relaxed but up-to-date atmosphere for would-be guests. Airlie's inimitable character hasn't changed since the early sixties when Martin Luther King Jr. came to stay and plan his March on Washington. The campus remains a secluded retreat set amid 2500 rural acres. The facilities have been updated to provide guests with access to the latest conference support technology, but the atmosphere is the same: a natural place to meet."

And it's environmentally sustainable:

LOCAL FOOD PROJECT AT AIRLIE

The Local Food Project at Airlie was established in 1998 by the Airlie Foundation in association with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). An organic culinary garden was created on campus to supply fresh, sustainable herbs, vegetables and flowers to Airlie Center's kitchen. Airlie Foundation and HSUS use the Local Food Project as a way to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable agriculture and local food systems.

The Local Food Project at Airlie sponsors seminars, tours and conferences to promote sustainable food production using natural methods designed to protect air and water quality while improving soil fertility with organic compost, mulching and green cover crops. Educational materials and sessions are offered to conferees and the general public to promote the advantages of local food systems for the well-being of communities.

Local food systems keep money spent on food closer to home to support local farmers. When consumers know where their food comes from, they can choose products that meet their expectations for health, quality, taste, environmental sensitivity and the treatment of farm animals. The Local Food Project at Airlie serves as a demonstration and an educational opportunity for the many guests that come to the Airlie Center.

Earth Day started at Airlie in 1969.

And the accommodations!

"Airlie Center's sleeping accommodations comprise 150 tastefully appointed rooms with eight private, en suite cottage rooms available. Each of the rooms is equipped with private bath, high-speed internet access, cable television, radio-alarm clock, in-room coffee service, iron & ironing board, hair dryer, magnetic lock.

All accommodations are located in close proximity to Airlie House, the Center's hub. Guests can easily walk from any of the seven lodging buildings to anywhere on campus. For a fleeter alternative, borrow one of the "loaner bicycles" during your stay."

I don't even think I have to share a room with anyone!!!