Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Show Your AAA Card and Save!


Exclusive rates for AAA members! Spend the weekend taking in all that Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center has to offer. Explore nearby shopping, entertainment venues, restaurants, and more! Then, at the end of the day, sleep easy on our ultra cozy Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed.
Book your special AAA member rate from now until September 1, 2008 and receive complimentary breakfast for two daily.
Call 1-866-716-8115 and ask for rate plan SETAUTOF.
AAA IDs will be required at check in. Offer is subject to availability and black out dates apply.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty's Crown May Reopen to Public

The National Park Service is considering reopening the Statue of Liberty’s crown, which has been closed since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

By Colleen Long, AP

The National Park Service has requested bids to safely open the Statue of Liberty's iconic headpiece to the public, according to documents released by U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.Liberty Island was closed after the terrorist attacks. The statue's base, pedestal and lower observation deck reopened in August 2004, after a $20 million effort to enhance fire safety.But the crown and its interior observation deck, which soar 265 feet above New York Harbor, remained closed because the park service said there was no way to evacuate them safely in an emergency. The narrow spiral staircase that leads up to the crown doesn't comply with fire and building codes.Visitors are now limited to the statue's 154-foot-tall pedestal.Weiner, a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, helped arrange a Congressional hearing in September on reopening the crown.He said keeping the observation deck closed hurts the city's economy, saying the number of visitors to the Statue of Liberty had dropped sharply since the crown closed."The bureaucracy which had stubbornly refused to open the crown is finally moved in the right direction," Weiner said. " … America is one step closer to providing what everyone wants: safe access to the heights of Lady Liberty."The park service said in a statement that several architectural and engineering firms have assessed visitor access since the attacks, and all concluded the area from the pedestal to the crown doesn't meet safety codes.The newest park service survey, sent to nearly 800 security firms, asks them to prepare plans that address whether the statue can be updated to meet fire safety codes, and, if not, how the park service can minimize safety risks there.The plans could be finalized by January 2009, Weiner said. The House agreed to provide $1 million to help fund the work; it wasn't immediately clear if the Senate would do the same.The National Park Service said the staircase leading to the observation deck was installed for maintenance workers, not for sightseers. When it was open, rangers responded to emergencies almost daily, especially in summer heat.Sightseers suffered heat exhaustion, shortness of breath, panic attacks, claustrophobia and fear of heights, the park service said."The Statue's designer, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, never intended visitors to ascend to the crown," Boch said.The crown is the only National Park Service site that hasn't reopened since the Sept. 11 attacks. The park service oversees such sites as the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.A gift from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886. An inscription on the base, by poet Emma Lazarus, reads:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The Statue of Liberty and Liberty State park are only minutes from the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel. Contact us today for special summer packages!

Statue of Liberty
Location: NJ Liberty State Park

Located on 12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democra
Directions:
By Car Liberty Island is also accessible by Circle Line, Statue of Liberty Ferrys.

Ferries only one round trip ferry ticket includes visits to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Round trip ferry tickets cost $10.00 for ages 13+, $8.00 for senior citizens (62 and over), and $4.00 for children 3-12.

Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Private vessels are prohibited by law from docking at Liberty and Ellis Islands.


Liberty State Park is located minutes from the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center

2 Meadowlands Plaza · East Rutherford , New Jersey 07073 ·
Phone: (201) 896-0500

Julia Martino-Sales Manager

Telephone 201.507.2735 facsimile 201.507.2825

julia.martino@sheratonmeadowlands.com

Where it’s all About You!
Sheraton/Belong

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Horizon BCBSNJ Presents SESAME STREET LIVE
"ELMO’S GREEN THUMB"
The Theater at:
IZOD CENTER

Ticket Prices:$55 (VIP)

$40 (Floor), $30, $25

$15Parking
Lots Open:2 hours prior to show

Parking Fee:Cars-$10- Buses-
Doors Open:1 hour prior to show.

Elmo has raised his sunflower, Sunny, from a seed, but the floral friend has outgrown his flower pot. Elmo and friends find Big Bird’s garden the ideal place for Sunny to flourish and grow, but they are too excited to wait. Rather than let Sunny follow nature’s course, Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street’s fairy-in-training, casts a spell to make him grow. The spell does just the opposite and, instead of growing, Elmo and all of his friends shrink! While Abby searches for just the right words to reverse the spell, Elmo, Zoe, Telly and friends explore Big Bird’s garden from a smaller perspective and learn some big lessons about patience, overcoming their fears and appreciating the role that each creature plays in our ecosystem – from dancing ladybugs and beautiful butterflies to grouchy beetles that scavenge the garden floor. It’s a fresh, original Sesame Street Live show on a whole new scale!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Wed. September 17 7:00PM On sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Thu. September 18 10:30 AMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Thu. September 18 7:00 PMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Fri. September 19 10:30 AMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Fri. September 19 7:00 PMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Sat. September 20 10:30 AMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Sat. September 20 2:00 PMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Sat. September 20 5:30 PMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Sun. September 21 7:00 PMOn sale Sun. July 1310:00 AM
Meadowlands Hotel Accommodations:
Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center
2 Meadowlands Plaza · East Rutherford , New Jersey 07073 ·
Phone: (201) 896-0500

Julia Martino-Sales Manager
Telephone 201.507.2735 facsimile 201.507.2825

Where it’s all About You!


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Bank of America, MLB to Rock New York with Free Bon Jovi Concert in Central Park as Part of 2008 MLB All-Star Week Activities

NEW YORK, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America, the New York Yankees and Major League Baseball will rock New York as part of the festivities surrounding the 79th MLB All-Star Game by creating opportunities for fans to enjoy world-class entertainment and other unique and interactive programs that celebrate America's national pastime.

"The All-Star Game is an electrifying celebration of Major League Baseball, and truly a unique event for the entire family," said Anne Finucane, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America. "As the official bank of Major League Baseball and the New York Yankees, Bank of America is thrilled to be part of New York's Midsummer Classic festivities, creating national and local opportunities for fans to connect with the game of baseball and share in the excitement of the All-Star Game experience."

In the time period leading up to and during All-Star Week, Bank of America is working closely with MLB to support a variety of activities to engage fans, delight customers and support the New York community. Among them:
MLB All-Star Concert in Central Park with Bon Jovi presented by Bank of America
Bank of America, Major League Baseball and Bon Jovi are joining forces with New York City to host a free concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park in celebration of MLB's All-Star Summer in New York City on Saturday, July 12th at 8 p.m. Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the free concert by Bon Jovi, the Grammy-winning band whose current Lost Highway World Tour is the top-selling tour in the world. The historic concert will be the first of this magnitude held on the Great Lawn in five years.

"Major League Baseball wants All-Star Summer to be the ultimate celebration for baseball fans in New York City," said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball. "A free concert in Central Park featuring one of the biggest rock bands in the world will reach tens of thousands of fans and put an exclamation point on the week's many fan festivities. Bank of America has been a critical part of making this major event in New York City happen and we value our partnership."

Beginning Wednesday, July 2nd, tickets will be distributed at baseball parks and events throughout New York City. The bulk of tickets distributed at the ballparks will be found at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, with others made available at Shea Stadium in Queens, KeySpan Park in Brooklyn, and at the home of the Staten Island Yankees. A ticket is required to attend the concert, which will be a first come, first serve event. Visit MLB.com for more information.
The Major League Baseball All-Star Concert featuring Bon Jovi presented by Bank of America will follow in the great tradition of Central Park's free concerts, which have drawn millions of people to witness performances by artists such as Placido Domingo, Simon & Garfunkel, Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti and Garth Brooks.

DHL All-Star FanFest Giveaway for MLB Banking Customers
Bank of America is supporting a month-long promotion, offering two tickets to a special evening at the DHL All-Star FanFest(R) for customers who open up both an MLB(R) checking account and credit card at one of 65 New York Metro banking centers through July 12*. The exclusive event on July 14 will be hosted by Bank of America and MasterCard, also an official sponsor of Major League Baseball, and will be an interactive and entertaining experience featuring Yankees legends and former MLB All-Star players, and hosted by Fox Sport's Chris Myers.
"Our sponsorship of the MLB All-Star Summer is an extension of our longstanding support for America's national pastime, and we're proud to create opportunities for fans to share their passion for baseball through their everyday transactions," said Susan Faulkner, Deposits and Student Lending Executive, Bank of America. "Through MLB banking, our customers can create a personalized banking experience that brings them closer to the sport they love."
The Bank of America All-Star Game promotion will be supported by print, radio, online and point-of-sale advertising, as well as a new MLB-themed television commercial.
MLB banking is an exclusive new line of personal banking products for fans of all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs. MLB banking is the only nationwide portfolio of Club-specific checks, MasterCard(R) check cards and credit cards that are complemented by special rewards for Major League Baseball fans. Fans can visit http://www.bankofamerica.com/allstar for a list of participating banking centers or to learn more about the many benefits associated with MLB banking.

Bank of America Supports Future All-Stars
In demonstration of its continued commitment to promoting baseball at all levels, Bank of America is teaming up with Major League Baseball and Little League Baseball to dedicate newly renovated fields in the Castle Hill section of New York City during All-Star Week. The field renovations are part of the Little League Baseball Urban Initiative whose mission is to grow youth participation in the game in America's cities. Since 2004, Bank of America has contributed $700,000 to the Urban Initiative, helping to refurbish and build baseball fields in metropolitan cities across the United States. The newly renovated field in New York will benefit many young people and volunteers from the Castle Hill Little League organization.

"Little League Baseball, Major League Baseball and Bank of America all share a strong commitment to growing the game of baseball within our local communities," said Charles Greenstein, Baseball Platform executive, Bank of America. "As the official bank of Little League Baseball, we recognize the impact of the Urban Initiative, and the opportunities it creates for young people to experience baseball in metropolitan neighborhoods all across the country."
Bank of America is recognized as a leading financial partner, advisor and sponsor of baseball, proudly supporting national sponsorship agreements with the four leading organizations that represent America's National Pastime -- Major League Baseball(R), Minor League Baseball(TM), Little League Baseball and Softball(R) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame(R). Bank of America's deep-rooted support for baseball also includes sponsorships with 12 Major League Baseball Clubs, including the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
Major League Baseball Properties
The Major League Baseball Clubs formed Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) in 1966 as the Clubs' agent for marketing and trademark licensing and protection. Major League Baseball Properties Inc. is responsible for managing consumer licensing activities, developing national advertising campaigns, cultivating sponsorship opportunities with major consumer brands and corporations, growing the game and the business of baseball outside the United States, and creating national marketing programs in conjunction with Clubs, broadcast rights holders and national sponsors. MLBP also operates a full- service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and a stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series championship games, as well as all other special events. http://www.MLB.com
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, nearly 18,500 ATMs and award-winning online banking with nearly 25 million active users. Bank of America is the No. 1 overall Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the United States and the No. 1 SBA lender to minority-owned small businesses. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Bank of America N.A. Member FDIC.
http://www.bankofamerica.com
*Offer valid from June 9, 2008-July 12, 2008 while supplies last. New customers must open a MLB credit card and checking account at a participating banking center today to receive two tickets to an exclusive evening at DHL All-Star FanFest. Offer does not apply to second or multiple checking accounts and/or existing checking customers. Student checking accounts are not eligible for this offer. Bank of America associates are not eligible for this offer. All accounts are subject to our normal approval process. The minimum balance to open a checking account and receive 2 DHL All-Star FanFest tickets upon account opening is $50. Customer will receive 2 DHL All-Star FanFest tickets upon account opening. To the extent required by law, Bank of America will report the value of the offer to the IRS on Form 1099. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the account holder. For interest-bearing personal checking accounts, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is 0.05% as of 6/24/2008 for any account balance. The rate may change after the account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Reproduction, purchase, sale, transfer or trade of this offer is prohibited.
SOURCE Bank of America

Inspiration and innovation take new form this summer with the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions in years—The New York City Waterfalls—a monumental-scale public art installation conceived by the Danish/Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.

The project, commissioned by the Public Art Fund and presented in collaboration with the City, will be on display from June 26 through October 13, 2008. It features four 90- to 120-foot-tall waterfalls installed along the East River: one at Pier 35 in Manhattan, north of the Manhattan Bridge; one on the Brooklyn anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge; one between Piers 4 and 5 in Brooklyn adjacent to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade; and one on the north shore of Governors Island. The Waterfalls will flow daily from 7am to 10pm (and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 10pm) and be lit after sunset.Viewing

The New York City Waterfalls will be visible by land and boat, from multiple vantage points from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Governors Island & New Jersey points. Dedicated boat journeys to view the exhibition, organized by the Public Art Fund in partnership with Circle Line Downtown, will leave from Pier 16 in Manhattan and provide up-close views of the installations.
Free and discounted trips will be provided daily.In addition, the free Governors Island Ferry—which will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the length of the project—and the free Staten Island Ferry offer great opportunities to see the Waterfalls. Check out other recommended viewing sites and bike routes along the waterfront.Visit NYC

You can make the most out of your Waterfalls experience with a hotel that you will get that
WARM. COMFORTING. CONNECTIONS
just near by in the Meadowlands:
The Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center
2 Meadowlands Plaza
East Ruterford NJ, 07073
Hotel #201-896-0500
sheraton.com/meadowlands

Please contact Julia Martino for your hotel special needs
@ julia.martino@sheratonmeadowlands.com or direct at 201-507-2735






NYC Waterfalls - a great experience!


See the New York City Waterfalls on a spirited, majestic, totally entertaining experience! Splash onboard Spirit Cruises this season for the best views of New York City's Public Art Project "Waterfalls." The internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson has masterminded four beautiful manmade waterfalls at various locations along New York's East River.


For information on great overnight packages visit www.sheraton.com/meadowlands