Accommodation Requirements

Automotive:

-- If the class location is within 3 hours driving time (per MAPQUEST Search) it is possible to have a member of the organization pick-up and drop-off at Kathy's residence in Piedmont, AL. She is not opposed to this as a way to save the organization money. However, the vehicle should be in good working order and the driver/vehicle must be a non-smoking environment due to her allergies. Obviously, the driver must have a good driving record and be prepared to observe the rules of the road; stops along the route might be needed for food/etc. but no "side trips" would be acceptable. Female drivers are preferred.

-- If the class location is more than 3 hours and less than eight hours driving time (normal speed limits observed) it is acceptable for a rental car to be secured for the duration of the trip. It must be ordered from Enterprise Rental in Gadsden...for delivery to Piedmont, AL and picked up the day after the travel concludes. That would allow sufficient return travel time for Kathy to get back safely. Kathy does not own a car (amazing but true)...so the car HAS to be dropped off. If another car rental agency is willing to do that...then that is fine; but, Enterprise is the only one we know of that advertises this service at this time.

TRAVEL: Door to door travel arrangements are required for all classes.  These can include automotive, rental car, airfare, or train travel. Bus travel is not an acceptable option.

Air Plane:

-- Air flights must depart/arrive in Birmingham, Alabama. Aisle seat is preferred. Depending on the class and schedule; one additional suitcase for class supplies might be needed. Carrier is not important, but time of travel must be agreeable.

Standard mileage must be considered for travel to/from the airport to Piedmont, AL. A rental car would be cost prohibitive since it would have to be parked for the duration of the class....therefore, Kathy will coordinate with a friend or family member to deliver/pick-up her at the airport. However, they will require reimbursement for mileage. Minimum cost will be $20 one way.

Train:

-- Amtrak Crescent Line is a rail route from New Orleans to New York. It has a stop at Anniston, AL which is about 35 miles south of Piedmont, AL. It is acceptable to coordinate rail travel for East Coast Locations that are part of this route.

The larger cities along the route are: New York, Washington, Charlottesville, Greensboro, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans.

Rail travel costs are less than airfare so this is a viable plan for any stops along the Crescent Route Map. (For example: In January 2012, a trip from Alabama to Pennslvania...US Airways departing Birmingham and arriving Pittsburgh is $936 before baggage and taxes; travel via Amtrack departing Anniston and arriving Pittsburgh is $444 for a seat and $736 for a sleeping car.)

Standard mileage must be considered for travel to/from the train station to Piedmont, AL. A rental car would be cost prohibitive since it would have to be parked for the duration of the class....therefore, Kathy will coordinate with a friend or family member to deliver/pick-up her at the airport. However, they will require reimbursement for mileage. Minimum cost will be $10 one way.

LODGING:

-- All non-local classes require an overnight stay before and after the class unless the schedule is negotiated otherwise prior to the classes.

-- Hotel lodging must be an inside entry only room; NON-smoking; queen/king bed. The establishment must be a recognizable national chain and be located in a relatively secure neighborhood.

-- Lodging in the Home of a student/sponsor is acceptable with these limitations. Kathy lives in non-smoking home with two friendly dogs that have their own beds; she comes and goes to her bathroom in her pajamas...and would like to do the same at her Sponsor's Home. So, please...a clean environment (not sterile...just tidy), clean bed linens, a dedicated bathroom, and some peace and quiet at night are all she needs.  A good night's rest is a must.

MEALS:

-- Most classes will require a meal break if they are over 3 hours long. These do not have to be long and expensive; a quick "burger run" is fine. Cherrios and whole milk will do in a pinch!

-- Restaurants are not necessary but if the group prefers; most of the chain establishments are fine. Olive Garden is a favorite.

-- Pot-luck meals are great during the combined or longer classes. Hamburgers or salads are also great. Pizza, seafood and fried chicken are not favorites. Whole milk and Cheerios are super for breakfast. Milk is good during the day too as Kathy usually drinks that or water. If snacks are planned; any type of cracker, cookie, fruit, or yogurt is good. Don't make it too difficult...Kathy is generally very easy to please. Just have milk and she will be fine.

-- Travel days will require meals to be purchased. Snacks are fine for parts of the day, but at least one sit-down meal will be needed each day. Budget $25 for travel meals when at least several hours of car/rail/air travel is needed.

We have tried to think of all the standard "questions" regarding accommodations...but there will still be others...So, please ask them in your coordination email. Our goal is to provide a great teaching/learning experience for everyone. Teaching is our business...but we don't want our small groups of great quilters to spend huge amounts of money just to have us visit and teach. But, we can't fund the event either.  In today's economy...a good bargain might take some work...and we'll try to work you in the way of accommodations when we can. We want to be fair to all...just discuss the issues and we'll see if we can help you find agreeable solutions.