I've stayed at the H.I. in Alexandria before, and attended a conference there in July. Nice of Patel to do that. You walk outside or take the escalator up and your are in the conference center. There is a hotel, Bently I think, that closed not to long ago. Im sure they have about 100 rooms in there that could be utilized.
Speaking of the Red Cross. Hate to kick a fella when he's down, but. I went to the Reunion Arena today to volunteer. No one was in charge and no one knew what they were doing. They just tried their best to look cool in their RC vests.
You fill out an application, go through a one day training course, background check, than they put you on a list to help. I am sending them money only because my company is matching what we donate.