Conference Logistics
Updated 6-7-2012
Transportation
And Parking
Checking-in and
Housing Options
Food Options and
Menus
General
Logistical Information
Car-Pooling:
You can offer
or request a ride to the conference, using the online ride-sharing website, RideBuzz.
Shuttles and Busses: Valley Transporterwww.valleytransporter.com(413) 253-1350 and Seemo Shuttle www.seemoshuttle.com (413) 586-1120 are two services that run shuttles from Bradley (Windsor Locks, CT) to Amherst. PVTA bus service runs to UMass/Amherst from both Amherst Center and Northampton in the summer. Call (413) 586-5806 or www.pvta.com for current schedule info.
See the Directions Page for how to get to lot 44.
Where to Park Before Going to Registration: UMass restricts many parking lots on campus before 5pm during the week to accommodate its employees. Before going to registration on Friday afternoon, we recommend that you park in one of the two following places:
Lot 44 is available for parking throughout the entire conference at no charge. Lot 44 is located just north of North Apartments, which is the location for dorm suites. (On the UMass Campus Map, you will find lot 44 at the cross section of 1 and C) Just park and you can leave your car here for the entire conference for free! No hassle of moving it! Signs will direct you from the parking lot to the Registration Tent. For most people, especially those staying on campus throughout the weekend, lot 44 will be the preferred parking location. In general, please read parking signs carefully and be sure to pay for any metered parking during hours of operation.
The Campus Center Parking Garage will be open all weekend and is adjacent to the Conference Center. The rate is $1.50/hour during the day, and a $3.00 flat rate from 5:00 pm - 5:00 am, payable in cash only to the garage attendant upon exit. If you will be in the garage for an extended period, request a discount coupon at the registration tent. This coupon entitles you to a full day of parking in the garage for a flat $5.00/day. Simply present the discount coupon, along with your garage gate ticket, to the attendant the first time you exit the garage. The attendant will charge you $5.00 and staple a receipt to your coupon, which allows you to come and go for the rest of that day at no charge. (On the UMass Campus Map, you will find the Parking Garage at the cross section of 3 and B).
For Exhibitors:A section of lot 43, adjacent to the Northeast Residential Area, may be used as a "drop off" area for exhibitors, but only for active loading and unloading, during the day on Friday, 8/10. A detail officer will ensure during this entire period (7am - 5pm) that unpermitted vehicles do not park in this lot. NOFA volunteers will assist with moving items for exhibits to the exhibit tent. Lot 43 is unrestricted after Friday at 5pm and all-day Saturday and Sunday. NOTE: Lot 43 contains clearly marked handicapped accessible parking spaces and other restricted spaces. Parking in those spots at any time will result in ticketing and/or towing. A sign for NOFA Exhibitors will be placed in front of lot 43. Any exhibitors able to unload from the more distant lot 44 are encouraged to do so.
Free Parking is available after 5pm on Friday and all-day on Saturday and Sunday, in many other surface lot on campus. The exceptions where you may never park are Lots 21, 29, 35, 39, 46 (in front of Brett & Brooks Dormitories), 47, 50, 54, 67, and the narrow part of lot 62 that is immediately behind the Fine Arts Center and not separated by North Pleasant Street. Check parking signs for restrictions.
Where to park for Campers and RVs/Camper Vans: We recommend that campers and RVs/camper vans park in lot 44. NOFA Volunteers will be on hand to assist people who are camping, to expedite your unloading. Please plan to walk from your parking area, bringing camping gear with you. If this is not possible, you may use lot 43 for active loading and unloading only (see "For Exhibitors" above).
Important Towing Information: Be sure to read parking signs for restrictions! Vehicles must be parked in designated lots - read signs in parking areas! If you park in a Tow Zone or a Restricted Lot, you will be towed. If your vehicle is towed, you may claim it at Ernie's Towing in North Amherst by calling (413) 586-1021. The charge is currently $90.00, payable in CASH ONLY (no checks or credit cards). There is an additional charge of $20.00 per day for vehicles left unclaimed longer than 24 hours. These charges are in addition to any applicable parking fees payable to the University of Massachusetts. Should you need a ride to Ernie's to claim your car, you can call the number above and ask for a pick-up. Ernie's staff always attempts to pick up people stranded on the UMass campus.
CHECKING-IN AND HOUSING OPTIONS
Check In & Registration Hours: Go to the Registration Tent to get your program book, addendum, nametag, dorm assignment, and camping permit before you go to workshops, dorms or camping areas. Plan to spend up to 25 minutes at registration lines during peak hours.
- Friday 7am-9am & 11am-7pm
- Saturday 7am-1pm & 4-7pm
- Sunday 7am-11am
For those staying in UMass Housing: After you've received your registration materials at the Registration Tent, you will check in at your housing. Those staying in a Single or Double will check in at Mary Lyon Hall, right nearby the Registration Tent. Those staying in a Suite should check in at North Apartment Building C, which is just south of Lot 44.
Dormitories: Singles (1 single bed; limit of 1 adult and 1 child per room), Doubles (2 single beds; limit 2 adults and 2 kids per room) and Suites (4 singles, with common area kitchen, and 2 private baths that are shared). All beds are twin-sized. All children under 12 must room with parent/guardian. For children ages 3-12 ("Youth"), the cost is reduced. Under 3 years, cost is free. If you reserve a room, bring your own sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. A small fan is advisable. Refrigeration is not available (except for in the suites), so bring a small cooler if you want to keep food cool. Ice can be purchased at stores in town.
Dorm Key Policy: If you pre-paid for a dorm room, you will get your dorm assignment in your registration packet. When you go to check in at Mary Lyon Hall (dorms) or North Apartments Building C (Suites), UMass housing staff will give you your access card and room key. In order to pick up your key and access card, you must have a $70 check ready, payable to UMass Amherst Conference Services, for key and card deposit (cash will be accepted but checks are HIGHLY preferred). Your deposit will be returned when you return your key and access card to UMass staff at the dorm where you picked them up (key deposit $50, card deposit $20). Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-in registrants and only at the Registration Tent.
Camping: 15'x15' tent sites in designated areas between lot 44 and the registration tent are available first come, first served, one tent per site. No vehicles in area of tents. Toilets and showers are in the nearby Mary Lyon dorm. Portable toilets will be located near camping area. Permit must be displayed on tent or camper. Fees are per person, ages 3-12 camp free with parent/guardian. No camping without a paid camping permit. Set up tents only in designated spaces. Fees are per person. If you're camping on Thursday or Friday night only, you must vacate your space by noon to make room for others. Cooking and campfires are not allowed. Please treat your campsite with the utmost care, leaving it as you found it with no damage to the field. Trash/recycling/compost barrels are available. RVs must stay in assigned lot. There are no hook-ups available.
Late Arrivals: If you arrive after registration hours, set up your tent in the camping area or go to Mary Lyon Hall (for dorms) or North Apartments Building C (for suites) to get your room assignment. Then check in at the Registration Tent the next morning. Camping space and dorms are available on first-come, first-served basis for walk-in registrants.
2012 Worcester Dining Commons: Meals will be served in the Worcester Dining Commons, adjacent to the Northeast Residential Area, where the Exhibit and Registration tents are located. In order to be served in the dining commons, you will need to show your nametag with pre-purchased meals listed.
All meals served at the Worcester Dining Commons during the Conference are made with all organic ingredients, which means among many other things that no GMOs were used in the production process. When possible, ingredients are also local. In-season vegetables are purchased from local farms, from Whole Foods Market, and from United Natural Foods in NH. Meat products are purchased through Whole Foods and United Natural as well. The UMass Bakeshop will prepare the desserts. We hope you enjoy the healthy organic fare! Food donations for the Conference are solicited from organic producers and distributors and help defray the total costs. If you know of an organic source that might want to donate, please contact Mel Shaw, Food Donations Coordinator, 978-376-7092, mel.q.shaw@gmail.com.
Saturday Local Meal: All food served in the Worcester Dining Commons on Saturday evening is locally grown or produced on organic farms in the Northeast. At your table Saturday evening, >look for more information about the farmers and farms represented in this meal.
Dining Hours: The Worcester Dining Commons will be open:
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*** NOTE: the Worcester Dining Commons will be open throughout each day with access to basics but hot items will be available only during the times above.
Walk-in Prices for Meals: Conference participants can walk in and pay cash to eat on an as-available basis. The cash prices are higher than the advance price: Adult Breakfast - $12.00; Adult Lunch - $17.00; Adult Dinner - $19.00; Child Breakfast - $10.00; Child Lunch - $14.00; Child Dinner - $16.00. (Those 12 and under are considered "children," except children under 3 who are free.)
Dinning Commons Menu
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Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
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Friday |
French Toast Granola pancakes Scrambled eggs Tofu scramble with Scallions and Mushrooms Breakfast Bar (Bagels and spreads, yogurt, granola, fruit, oatmeal) Smoothie Bar Chocolate Orange Scones Whole Wheat Cranberry Muffins |
Gazpacho Soup Fajita Bar (Chicken and Tofu) Black Bean and Corn Salad Guacamole and Sour Cream Black Bean and Tomato Salsa Salad Bar Smoothie Bar Mexican Wedding Cookies Vegan Mexican Chocolate Brownies
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Vegetable Fresh Rolls Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup Thai Style Cucumber Salad Beef Stir Fry Tofu and Kale Stir Fry Brown Rice White Rice Steamed Broccoli Salad Bar Smoothie Bar Vegan Thai Sticky Rice w/Mango |
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Saturday |
Blueberry Pancakes Omelet Bar (organic eggs, cheese, onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes) Breakfast Bar (Bagels and spreads, yogurt, granola, fruit, oatmeal) Home Fries Smoothie Bar Croissants Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Walnut Bread |
Chicken Pot Pie Tofu and Sweet Potato Pot Pie Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese Three Bean Salad Cornbread Collard greens Smoothie Bar Salad Bar Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies Lemon Blueberry Bar
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ALL LOCAL MEAL Italian Minestrone Soup Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples Carrot and Beet Salad with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary Sauteed Kale Spelt Local Bread and Cheese Local Salad Bar with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette Maple Rhubarb and Blueberry Crisp Local blueberries |
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Sunday |
Organic veggie/pork sausage Scrambled eggs Tofu scramble Breakfast Bar (Bagels and spreads, yogurt, granola, fruit, oatmeal) Red Hash Smoothie Bar Maple Sweet Potato Biscuits Cinnamon Coffeecake |
Jamaican Jerk Pork Jamaican Jerk Tempeh Vegetarian Caribbean Black Bean Soup Brown Rice White Rice Stir Fried Summer & Zucchini Squashes Corn, Tomato, and Scallion Salad Herbed pasta salad Salad Bar Smoothie Bar Coconut Macaroons |
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babyBerk Food Truck:If you want a snack or a meal purchased by the item, you can visit the babyBerk Food Truck, on the lawn in the Northeast Residential Area, near the big exhibit tent. Perk up with coffee in the morning or grab a burger until lunchtime on Sunday. All food will be organic (and therefore, non-GMO). It will be sourced locally to the extent possible.
Hours of Service: The Blue Wall Cafe Truck will be open: Friday 12:00 noon -7:00pm; Saturday 6:45am - 7:00pm; Sunday 6:45am - 2:00pm.
2012 babyBerk Food Truck Menu
ORGANIC LUNCH AND DINNER
- Choice of Cheeseburger, BBQ Chicken Breast, or Veggie Burger accompanied by Whole Wheat Pasta Salad or Fries and Grilled Vegetables $8
- Add $2 for Specialty Burger
- Grilled Chicken Breast or Veggie Burger over fresh Caesar Salad $7
- Hamburger or Veggie Burger $4 (add cheddar cheese or bacon $1)
- babyBerk Burger, bacon, cheddar, avocado, salsa, lettuce and tomato $7
- Hampshire Burger, garlic aioli, bacon, cheddar and fried egg $7
- add fries and a UMass water $3
- substitute grilled chicken breast for any burger $1
- Grilled Veggies $3
- Pasta Salad $3
- Husk Grilled Corn on the Cob $2
- Local Hand Cut Russet Potato Fries $3
- Cookies and Chips $2
- Fresh Hand Fruit $1
- Bottle Drinks $2.50
- UMass Water $1.25
- Buckwheat Pancake Fruit and Cream Cheese Rollups with Agave Syrup $4
- Egg and Cheese Croissants $3.50
- Add bacon or sausage $1
- Fruit and Yoghurt Parfaits with Granola $4
- Pastries and Cookies $2
- Fresh Hand Fruit $1
- Bottle Drinks $2.50
- UMass Water $1.25
- Hot Coffee and Tea $1.50
GENERAL LOGISTICAL INFORMATION
Handicapped Accessibil Much of UMass is handicapped accessible. Please contact us in advance with any special needs, especially if you will be staying in the dormitories.
Contacting Conference Staff: The conference headquarters is at the registration table under the big tent. If you need help, information, or you want to contact the conference staff, go there. The phone number for the NOFA Summer Conference registration team is (413) 362-2143. >
Name Tag: It is your admission pass to all conference workshops, meals, and special events. Your name tag must be worn in a visible manner at all times as you will asked to show it to gain entrance to workshops, meals, and all other events.
Messages and Announcements: There is a bulletin board at the registration area in the big tent to use for messages and announcements. Incoming calls should be directed to the Conference registration line: (413) 362-2143. In emergencies, we will try to page you. For non-emergencies, we post messages on the bulletin board. Please check it periodically.
First Aid: If you need medical attention, come to the registration tent. You may also visit the University Health Center located near Brett dorm. For extreme emergencies where an ambulance or fire engine is needed, call the UMass Police Department at (413) 545-2121. While dialing 911 will work, calls to 911 are sent to the State Police barracks in Northampton and have to be re-directed. The Cooley Dickinson Hospital is located in nearby Northampton.
ATMs: Fee-free ATMs are on the first level of the Campus Center and on the front face of the Worcester Dining Commons. There are also several banks in the center of the town of Amherst.
Telephones: There are no payphones available on Campus. There are speaker phones outside the doors to dormitories from which you can dial extensions on campus.
Minimize Waste! Please help us reduce what gets sent to the landfill. Bins for recyclables (cans, glass, paper, plastic), compostables (food scraps) and garbage, will be at convenient locations throughout campus. Please sort your waste and place in the appropriate bins.
Chemical Sensitivity:For the health & safety of those who are chemically sensitive, kindly refrain from wearing volatile compounds such as scented hairspray, perfume, cologne or aftershave.
Pets: Please leave your pets at home! UMass Security and NOFA staff will ask you to remove your pet from the campus if you bring it. The exception to this rule is service animals. If you will be bringing a service animal to campus, please inform NOFA registration staff ahead of time, especially if you will be staying in the dormitories.