Activity Idea #3 - US National Whitewater Center

Newly opened in late 2006, the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center. Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course, the park’s unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities.

The USNWC is only 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte and provides over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center.

Inspired by the successful Penrith Whitewater Stadium built for the 2000 Olympics and the stadium built for the 2004 Athens Games, the USNWC is the world’s only multi-channel recirculating whitewater river. The USOC has designated the USNWC an official Olympic Training Site. The national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK) www.usack.org has also designated the Center as its new home. The USNWC hosts World Cup competitions and Olympic Trials, and serves as the home of international Olympic athletes.

What's Near Charlotte?

Interested in spending time exploring the environs outside of Charlotte before and/or after the 2007 Benson Family Reunion? Some things to consider:

• A two-hour drive west takes you to the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Uncle Gerald & Aunt Julie live in the beautiful community of Kenmure www.kenmure.com near Flat Rock, NC).


• A three-and-a-half-hour drive east takes you to the Atlantic Ocean. (Charleston, SC www.charlestoncvb.com is like no other city in the USA. From beautiful plantations to sandy beaches to a bustling & historic downtown district, this city offers memories to last).


• An hour's drive east takes you to some of the world's finest golf courses. (Does Pinehurst www.pinehurst.com sound familiar?).

Get to Know Charlotte!

Introduction to Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is one of the 25 largest cities in the United States and also the largest city in North Carolina. According to U.S. census estimates, the Charlotte metropolitan statistical area has an estimated population of almost 1.5 million people.

Charlotte is located in south/central North Carolina. It is home to over 10 Fortune 1000 companies, including household names such as Bank of America, Lowe's, and Wachovia Corp.
Charlotte was ranked as the 29th "Most Fun U.S. City" in a survey conducted in 2003 by Cranium Inc. Factors taken into account in the ranking include the number of sports teams, restaurants, dance performances, toy stores, the amount of a city's budget that is spent on recreation, and other factors. Charlotte is also a past winner of the coveted "All-America City Award" awarded by the National Civic League.

Charlotte has a humid sub-tropical climate that is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The coldest month of the year is January with an average daily temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month of the year with an average daily temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Charlotte History

Charlotte was founded at the intersection of two Native American trading paths. It was incorporated as the village of Charlotte Town in 1768. The city is named after the wife of British King George III.

Some key dates in Charlotte's history include:

• In 1780, the Revolutionary War Battle of Charlotte occurred and Charlotte was occupied by the British. They left Charlotte less than a month later.


• In 1795, James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States, was born near Charlotte.


• In 1799, gold was discovered. The resulting Reed Gold Mine was the first gold mine in the United States. It operated until 1912.


• In 1837, the U.S. Congress established a mint at Charlotte to produce coins from the gold found in the area.


• On May 20, 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union and was admitted to the Confederacy seven days later. The U.S. Mint in Charlotte was appropriated for use by the Confederacy.

Activity Idea #2 - Shopping @ Birkdale Village

Would you rather discover shopping delights versus hitting the local greens with clubs in hand? Ann's neighborhood has something for everyone!

Located within walking distance of Ann's home, Birkdale Village (www.birkdalevillage.net) is a 52-acre mixed development that offers shopping, dining, entertainment & residential living in a pedestrian-friendly, "main street" environment. From your favorite chain store retailers to specialty stores found only in Charlotte, you'll be certain to find a special buy to remember the 2007 Benson Family Reunion.

Trivia Fact: Matthew & Alex's 2006 Christmas card picture was snapped in front of a beautiful Christmas tree located in Birkdale Village.

Activity Idea #1 - Golf @ Birkdale Golf Club

Over the next few months, we'll provide information & suggestions on activities that the Benson family may wish to consider during the family reunion. Let's begin with Activity Idea #1 - Golf @ Birkdale Golf Club.

Ann's new abode is nestled around the popular Birkdale Golf Club (www.birkdale.com) located in suburban Huntersville, NC (just north of Charlotte). This champion course was designed by Arnold Palmer & is ranked as one of the "Top 5 Public Courses in the State of North Carolina".

Birkdale Golf Club features a premium daily fee course with "private" course flair. Located on 200 acres of rolling terrain, carved between tall Pines and natural streams, Birkdale is a challenging 7,013 yard, par 72 course made up of Bermuda fairways and Crenshaw bent grass greens, offering a true test of golf skills.

Getting to Charlotte...By Air

Question:
Who serves 14 million passengers annually by offering 575 daily flights to 168 cities via 8 major airlines?

Answer:
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport!

It is never too early to start making your plans for the trip to Charlotte. Thinking about going by air? Check out the web site for Charlotte-Douglas International Airport at http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Home.htm.

Dates Confirmed for 2007 Benson Family Reunion

Mark Your Calendars!

The dates for the 2007 Benson Family Reunion have been confirmed as follows:

• Thursday, July 26 (Family members arrive into Charlotte with informal dinner for those that can make it)


• Friday, July 27


• Saturday, July 28


• Sunday, July 29 (Family members begin departing in morning after quick breakfast)

What is the "2007 Benson Family Reunion" Blog?

With the Benson family being geographically disbursed across the USA from Wisconsin to Indiana to New Hampshire to North Carolina, it is time to take advantage of new technologies to prepare the family for the 2007 Benson Family Reunion.

Mark & Patti have taken the lead to create a blog to keep the family informed of news & updates pertaining to the family reunion. What is a blog? A blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption (in this case, better stated as intended for general Benson consumption)!

So please consider this your official invitation to join the world of blogging & make certain to visit this blog frequently to keep on top of breaking news & ideas for the 2007 Benson Family Reunion!