<p>i know neck has no k</p>
<p>GPS is the only way to navigate NYC and LI! I just got back, and felt like a pro driving around with my little english GPS voice telling me where and when to turn (ok...no I did not do like the commercial where the guy turns into the glass window!). The portable ones can be updated on line so that you always have current maps.</p>
<p>Being from the NY NJ area, you just HAVE to HAVE a buttered roll for breakfast! It's tradition. The coffee shop next to the dry cleaner's on Little Neck Pkwy--(right where Steamboat Road intersects) is great. Know that the BREAD (any kind) from NY is great--much better than what I get here in Maryland. </p>
<p>The other thing to know is that the food in NY (and you can find ANY kind!) is pretty much all good. Crappy restaurants just don't make it! Where ever you go--it will be good. The other thing you need to know is that you don't have to go far to get good food. It's all around you. ENJOY!</p>
<p>Does anyone know of a greek restaurant in the area?</p>
<p>I think there's one on Northern Boulevard between Little Neck Parkway and the Cross Island Parkway. I don't know the name of it though.</p>
<p>thanks, kathynp</p>
<p>kawall, I think that if they come onto the campus that they have to pay the fees. The fees are high, but they are worth it to get to see your son or daughter. Last year, we missed some of the Friday activities because of our other child's school schedule. This year she is going to stay with friends and we are making sure that we are there for everything.
We had the hardest time connecting with our son on Friday. We arrived just before supper and we were looking all over the campus for him since they are not allowed phones. I just happen to see the back of his head and knew that it was him. Make arrangements where you are going to meet before you get there.</p>
<p>Good point about coordinating a meeting place. Its got to be quite difficult to spot your own when they mill about in uniform and shaved head! Isn't it funny though that you can see a jaw line or the side of a head or the way the kid walks and immediately know its your kiddo! Can't wait to see mine!</p>
<p>Fontana's is the name of the greek restaurant, or at least I think that is it. My husband would eat there 3 times a day if given a choice. It is excellent! </p>
<p>The one thing that I noticed when trying to spot my son at parent's weekend was recognizing the other candidates around him, having search them out so many times in the indoc pictures I felt like I'd known them forever!</p>
<p>searched not search</p>
<p>You can also have them tell you where their first classroom is so you wont be searching the campus, we did that and got there right when class was starting and the teacher still let him come out and give us all hugs then we watched the class with about 15 other parents and sibilings.</p>
<p>You can go to the classroom if you get there in time. We did not arrive in time for classes. We made it there around 4:00 and that is a hard time to find them.</p>
<p>Okay, now I am really confused. I called KP a few weeks ago to ask about fees for relatives attending just the swearing in. They said I didn't need to pay if it was for just swearing in. Now I'm reading on this thread that if you set foot on campus, you pay. Who is right? They also told me Band Company is the only plebes that can go to Band Retreat.</p>
<p>I would listen to what the Academy told me. :)</p>
<p>I would absolutely do what the academy says. As for beat retreat, it is for anyone who buys a ticket. My son was in beat retreat last year and will be in it this year. My family went to watch him and the band and the bagpipes. It was very good and our parent's group encourages all of our parents to go and watch it. There will be other plebes than band co in the beat retreat carrying flags. It will be very hot in the gym from body heat so dress with that in mind.</p>
<p>If our own were participating in Beat Retreat, would we know by now? I have 2 sets of very fragile grandparents scheduled to come and I'm wondering if Beat Retreat is worth it for them. I don't mind paying the money as much as I am worried about their mobility and comfort.</p>
<p>My son is in band co so I know that he will be in beat retreat. I don't know how they pick the flag carriers or when they are told that they are doing it. If you have fragile grandparents, I don't know that I would take them to beat retreat. It will be hot in there and the seating is on bleachers. It also might be a long time for them to set there. Maybe one of the upper classmen that knows how the flag carriers are picked will respond so you know if your kid will be there or not.</p>
<p>i'm not in band, but i can say that beat retreat last year was pretty cool. they did a really good job and all the parents and families really enjoyed it.
from what i remember last year the flag carriers were picked on a first come first serve basis. an e-mail will be sent to the plebe class and then they go from there, it also depends on how many kids there are from your state within their class. they typically want the kid to hold a flag from his/her homestate, although that is not always the case. they're granted a long weekend as compensation for doing this.</p>
<p>The Academy is the one who is always right. :) I think what was meant is that if the family wanted to do all the events, its required to sign up & pay the fees. The Academy has to have a way to have a head count as well with all the forms & such. If for example, Grandparents were just coming for the swearing in ceremony, it won't involve the yummy food, so no, they won't be charging them for that. :D I don't know if I would have taken my Mom to Beat Retreat just cause it was just tooooo hot in there & the seats were so very hard. Might be a bit much for the older folks. Thank goodness for video to maybe show them later? Besides, the way my Mom cried through just watching it on video, I don't know if she could have took it live in person. LOL</p>
<p>What Jamzmom...there is a possibilty for crying again....awh jezzzz..zonker bring the tissues! ;)</p>