The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 4

To continue our sometimes spirited discussion of next years gathering.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
The basic information on the reunion:
The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion will be held August 29th to September 1, 2005 on Mackinac Island, Michigan at the Mission Point Resort. This reunion will be different than past reunions in that it will be planned by collectors in association with Younger and Associates. Our own Saint Dave Hannum will coordinate the reunion aided by other collectors including Patty Kaiser.

There will be two lighthouse viewing cruises, special activities, such as paint your own lighthouse, and lots of down time to explore the island and hang out with the other wackos.

Existing members of HL collectors clubs may pre-register through their clubs and by mail. These members will receive Reunion Exclusive numbers after the call in registrants, but may call in to improve their numbers. Call in registration will be Thursday October 7th, 2004 between 6AM to 12 Noon, Pacific time.

Prices are set by the number of adults in the room:
Cost for 1 adult will be $1250.00
Cost for 2 adults will be $1900.00
Cost for 3 adults will be $2600.00
Cost for 4 adults will be $3300.00

These costs will be broken into 3 payments with a deposit due at registration, a payment due on 1/15/05 and the final payment due on 5/15/05.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be able to make it to Mackinac next year.(I'm sure this comes as a huge surprise to my fellow Hoosier Lighthousing Club members ). My wife and I will be spending a couple of weeks in the Outer Banks in mid August so another trip so close in time is pretty much out of the question. However, I'd like to ask a favor of someone - if any of you only plan on buying one of the event pieces (and they allow you to buy two), I'd very much like to buy your second piece. If there are any takers out there, let me know, and I'll put a check in the mail at the appropriate time. And yes, I'll pay the shipping and handling/insurance as well .

Jared

Have we talked this one out? The last post before this one was Friday.

A refund policy has been added to the FAQ page.

Click Here

Seems fair to me. What say you?

Has anybody ever BOUGHT Trip Interruption Insurance? Ever had it pay? Or think it should have, but didn't? What did it cost?

Here\'s an FAQ page about this kind of insurance I'm not recommending this company or any, just educating myself.

John,

I'm an advocate of Trop Interruption Insurance. I've bought it for most of my major trips and it's definitely been worth it.

I've had to use it three times.I got a full refund on my airline ticket purchase on two different ocassions and was reimbursed for all my expenses- including Esther buying clothes since our bags went on ahead of us- last year when I had my heart attack returning from my vacation.

I had absolutely no problems getting paid on any of the occasions I used the insurance.

I am not advocating any specific insurance but I'll tell you this- if you are a AAA Member (or anybody your traveling with is) you can purchase Travel Insurance from them even if you did not make your reservations through them- such as with the Reunion Trip.

The policy they have has included in it two very important provisions- it covers pre-existing conditions and it covers for Vendor Default. This second one is very important because if you purchase your travel insurance from your tour company or other entity and it goes under chances are you lose on the insurance also.

It also covers terrorism- either acts at where you live or where you are going.

The cost is based on the total cost of your trip- transportation, flights, rooms, etc.

The provision for preexisting conditions requires that you purchase the insurance within seven days of final payment.

I definitely reccomend looking into this insurance if you are a AAA member. I definitely reccomend getting travel insurance of some sort for this Reunion Trip. It's not a large cost to provide yourself with some peace of mind.

Dennis

Thanks for that feedback, Dennis. Basic AAA membership isn't that expensive, so it might be worth it to join and buy the coverage through them.

At the linked site, I ran their 'quote' service which compares the rates from many different providers (but not AAA which is also an agency for another company).

I entered a total cost of the trip for 2 as $3,500 figuring that as the cost of airfare and the reunion and entered the ages for myself and wife and the reunion dates adding a week on either side of the reunion and got quotes that ranged from $347 to $863 -- adding between 10% to 25% to the projected cost of the trip. These included a secondary medical insurance coverage (secondary to your own primary health insurance).

The coverage COULD exceed the $3,500 cost in the event the trip was already underway and you needed to stay over or make some other alternative arrangements, etc. In the area of health coverage, some plans could pay for private medical flights.

Some plans allow you to cancel because of the death or illness of a close relative who is NOT on the trip. None covers acts of war, but most do cover terrorism, although the site says the definitions and coverages may vary from provider to provider.

Again, I'm not promoting the "insuremytrip" website or service, but it costs nothing and you don't give them even your name to get quotes. It will give you an idea of the costs in your situation and you can then check out Dennis' recommendation of AAA armed with faqs and prices.

Dennis' point about AAA coverage including a couple of 'extras' may make choosing them a no-brainer.

Pre-existing conditions, coverage in case the tour operator goes belly-up (most will cover you only if airline goes belly-up)[no offense, Dave] and ability to purchase the coverage (or when 'pre-existing' starts) based on when the LAST payment is made, instead of when the FIRST payment is made.

Now is the time to consider and look into this since some plans require you to purchase within a short time window after you make your first payment.

Note that no plan covers you because you make an arbitrary decision to not take a trip; they only cover you for specified, named-in-the-policy, reasons.

It appears that if you opt-out of a trip such as the reunion in time to get a refund, you may be able to get most or all of the cost of the trip interruption insurance back.

Sorry this is so long. I've never used or considered trip interruption insurance, but I'll definitely do so on this one.

I checked AAA at www.AAA.com (enter your zip code to view your state's AAA site.

Note that services provided by AAA varies from state-to-state.

For trip cancellation insurance on the AZ AAA site, they link to www.accessamerica.com . I ran a similar set of specs on the reunion trip through their quote machine and came up with $194 for 2 people. Of course to really compare, you have to compare the coverages and benefits.

If you want to read the fine print in one of these policies, here\'s a policy from the Access America site.

To correct something in my last post, Access America limits coverage in case of financial default of the trip provider/operator only for a list of specified providers/operators. AAA may enhance that to include all, but I don't know that.

Thanks John and Dennis...I think this sounds like a pretty good idea, especially when your putting out the big bucks for a vacation before you even leave. I will definitely be looking into this thanks to both of you.
Kat

Well the first post of this continuing thread was on August 29. I first thought this thread would be hot and heavy for months on end, but maybe not so.

The most interesting date for this thread will be October 7th. I'm sure there are many people waiting with anxious anticipation to see if they can reserve a coveted spot on the 2005 Reunion Attendees Roster.

Will it sell out in a matter of hours considering the amount of spaces taken up by HL Club pre-registration? Exactly how many spaces are there?

Bob

Bob,

I agree with you- October 7th and 8th will be the next big date on this topic.

I think that most aspects of the topic have been discussed for now- it's a bit early to expect specific answers on things other than what we already got.

People have voiced their concerns and most have been adequately addressed by one source or another.

I'm sure it will pick up whenever new info is parcelled out from the powers that be.

Dennis

Does anyone know the cost of a pre or post night stay at Mission Point for the Sunday and Thursday night before and after the reunion?

Bob,

I just pulled this off the Mission Point web site:

That, of course, only relates to rooms -- not the total number of people that we can stuff into one room.

Bob

Almost three days without a post...hmmmm? Are people doing their "let your fingers do the walking" exercises?

Ready: extend the index finger on righthand if you're righthanded, or extend the index finger on lefthand if you're lefthanded; now press, now press, now press (redial button), five more, four more, three more, two more, one more....now repeat this set as many times as it takes to get something other than a busy signal.

If you're lucky enough to get through in a reasonable period of time, please do not yell "YES!!!" into the phone while talking with a HL person on the other end of the line. Please go outside your home for a brief walk until you're in an area where the people around you don't know who you are. Then and only then you can yell, "YES!!!"

Bob

I wrote a paragraph on the "General Forum" about Harbour Light's Legacy. (Mine is still missing)

I brought this discussion over here because I commented and questioned; how are the other thousands of HL collectors going to know about the 2005 Reunion if their only resource is the Legacy?

It isn't arriving in a timely fashion, and doesn't give folks enough time to obsorb the news, and plan for attending/or not.
Is this fair?
Some have discussed how unfair it is to let Clubs have first dibs on the Reunion spaces, but if there isn't a Legacy sent out soon for the countless other HL Collectors, then how fair is that?!

Pam,

I’ve got to agree with you on this one. My Legacy still hasn’t arrived either.

But my point of agreement is the fact that there are undoubtedly many collectors who do not have ready access to a computer, aren’t comfortable working with a computer, have created kids who monopolize the computer at home, or have to go to the library or a neighbor to use a computer, or are not allowed to use their computer in the workplace for personal reasons, or have not yet entered the electronic age. [I even know one person who probably needs directions just to turn a light switch on and off]

We all have seen many folks who are greeted on the Welcome portion of the Forum, but have yet to post. I believe the Legacy is especially important to them. But it’s equally or more critical to many of us. I wouldn’t leave home without it.
Bob

My Legacy finally arrived today! This sure doesn't give non-forum HL Society members much notice of the reunion at all!

Just one more reason why these Fourms are so important to us who do read them. More collectors who could, should.

And this is another reason why I think that Harbour Lights did the wrong thing when they droped the link to this site from thiers. IMO

Isn't tomorrow the big day? Not much chat about letting your fingers do the walking.

Gentlemen(and Ladies)! Start your speed dial!!!

Bob

Still haven't recieve my Legacy. Glad to be a Forum member to get the early heads up, and even gladder to be a club member to pre-register. If it wasn't for either or both, I wouldn't even know about the Reunion until it was too late!

Mike

Howdy Folks,

Still haven’t received my Legacy. Maybe by Christmas?

But I’m ready for the call-in tomorrow. I live in a townhouse, so I was able to string a telephone line from my neighbors on either side to my living room. (In and out the windows.)

So now I have three phones sitting on my coffee table with speakers and automatic redial. I’M READY.

Bob

Bob you've earned you WACKO designation! Maybe even a boost to Super WACKO?
Good Luck,
Bob

And you have GREAT NEIGHBORS!

Here\'s a new thread to report ONLY on the results of your efforts to call-in for the Reunion

Please continue to use this thread for comments, suggestions, frustrations, and "happy,happy,joy,joy" messages.

Hmmmmmm .... have a long drive ahead of me tonight. Heading down to New Jersey to cut some phone lines that are strung between some townhouse windows.

Dan

Called in this morning... phone rang through at 2 minutes after (our clocks at work are constantly updated by satellite, I guess Harbour Lights were a couple minutes slow..) got the message that they weren't open yet.. Got through again at 7 minutes after, this time got to register with Becky..

Waugoshance Light is the Society Lighthouse for those who haven't called in yet.. It is in the Mackinac Straights about 17 miles west of the bridge.

In previous reunions...didn't HL try to keep the event piece a secret?

They did at the first one but I believe it was announced in advance for the last couple..

Thanks Paul...I know there was always a lot of speculation as to what the piece would be(especially for San Diego), but couldn't remember if it was ever told ahead of time.

Yippppeeeeee! Waugoshance! Finally!! I've been sending Bill postcards, emails (ok so it was only a couple emails), and subliminal messages over the last few years about Waugoshance. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make it to Mackinac next year. I posted before about this, and now I'm going to get down on my knees and beg, will somebody PLEASE allow me to buy one of their extra pieces? I realize it's almost a year away but I'd really like to get this locked in as soon as possible. I've got the cash in my hand right now!

Never mind. I talked to my wife, bit the bullet, called and registered, and now I'm in. I'm looking forward to putting some faces to some names.

CONGRATULATIONS Pierhead,

Just out of curiosity, what did you have to promise you wife in return?

1. That you'd work until you reach 98?

2. That you'd get her a 2005 automobile?

3. Buy her a new house?

4. That you'd do all the housework for the next 5 years?

5. That you'd never do anything to upset her ever again?

Just kidding.

Bob

Congrats to those that are attending! If anyone wants to part with a spare Waugoschance, I'll take one (for cash of course)...

Thanks Bob. Actually, I slammed my foot to the ground and said with a commanding voice "I'm the MAN and I'VE decided that this is what we're going to do for our vacation next year." Of course, she was at work so she didn't hear it, but I'm sure it would have had the same effect that I've envisioned. As for your list, I'd already used those up. Actually we went to Mackinac last week for a few days, and she had just enough of a taste of it that she wants to go back.

Good going Pierhead,

I'M PROUD OF YOU. Isn't Fantasy Island wonderful?

Bob

I am a curious bystander...
How many have signed up for the reunion? In other words, what are the numbers? Was the limit made, did Dave fill all the available spots?

Again, inquiring minds want to know.

Pam,

That would be nice to know eventually. I'm sure that they will inform us when they make a final tally. Someday. I'm confident that with all the information generated in the Forum, the Chat Room, and the Legacy and word of mouth -- that their objective has been achieved.

But come to think of it, I still haven't received my copy of the Legacy.

Bob

Well, I am a perfect example of the consequences of a late arriving Legacy. Mine was delivered about 5PM today.

A bit late for calling in earlier today. Now in my case I had read about the Reunion earlier on the Forums. Hadn't decided whether to go or not. We have been away, no computer so now the decision is made for me.

I do agree that non-Forum members are at a decided disadvantge if their only source of information is the Legacy.

Donna

Donna,

Doesn't seem quite fair does it?
That's why I would like to see just how many made "the cut" so-to-speak.

If this is only for the forum, and club members how sad is it for the rest of the thousands of HL collectors out there. Maybe I am wrong, and if I am, someone with some knowledge...please speak up!

Is it the lack of knowledge, or did they just not want to go?

Like I said, I am curious, and we all have the right to know! Don't we??

This is suppose to be a reunion for the collectors, by the collectors.....

Let's not forget that the 2005 Reunion Information and call in time was posted on the offical Harbour Lights website as well. Many people who do not read the Fourms do read the HL website.

You are of course assuming that people have a computer. There are many Harbour Lights collectors who do not have a computer or go on the internet.

I have many of these people in my HL Collectors club, but since they belonged to a club they were able to hear about the reunion from me.

Those people without computers who do not belong to a club would not know.

No.
Just noteing that there is at least one more sourse (other than Fourm, Clubs, and the Legacy) that will notify collectors of the Reunion.

Shortcake,

I believe that Suzanne was referring to the fact that any collectors that are not a member of a Collectors Club or have no access to a computer in any way have been totally left out of this Reunion.

I agree with her. I may be mistaken but I believe a postcard with the basic information and call in datew & time of the Baltimore Reunion was sent out prior to the signup date- not as part of the Legacy but as a First Class Postcard so that all Collectors would have an even shot at registering (well as even as they ever intended it to be with the Secret Club Signup)

Dennis

You must remember that this reunion is not being run by Harbour Lights. HL is participating and offering all the great stuff like they normally do, but it is Dave and his crew taking care of as many things as they can. I'm sure they have put in countless hours of hard work, and it ain't over yet.

There will be no second guessing on my part. Either you're in or out, period.

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

Oh Please Bob, fair is fair no matter who puts this thing on.

Why do you keep reiterating WHO is putting this on?

I sincerely hope that any negativism relative to this Reunion “of the people, by the people, for the people shall not” dampen any of the enthusiasm, exuberance and exhilaration of the people who have devoted blood, sweat, tears and money in the difficult and time-consuming work and extensive planning for this upcoming event nor reduce or minimize in any way the anticipation and exhilaration of those looking forward to being a participant in this great celebration and may the many pleasant and happy memories remain forever and “not perish from the earth.”

The eloquent quoted portion was written by Abraham Lincoln. I sort of stole it. I thought of it after reading Pam’s post. Thanks Pam. I like Bob M's use of long ranbling sentences. Thanks Bob.

Bob

For what it's worth, when I called Harbour Lights yesterday afternoon to order our reunion pieces, I was told the reunion was not sold out. This was about 5:00pm.

To all those who are unhappy with this reunion: I would hope that as soon as possible you begin planning the next reunion, that way it can be as you envision it, maybe if done right, you can make everyone happy with the way it was handled, and if all goes right you might make a few bucks at it too.

Would you feel better if it were organized by a corporate event planning company, someone who has no interest in Harbour lights?

If everyone who is unhappy with the way it is handled, please get together and walk a mile in Dave & Patty's shoes, start planing the next one. It can be where you want it, when you want it, the way you want it. If you think it is easy putting something like this together, please step up and "git er done"

Life is very rarely fair to everyone, some won't be able to go for a variety of reasons, some will just choose not to go because it costs more than they are willing to spend for this type of event. I would be willing to bet the vast majority of hard core HL collectors are right here at the collector forums anyway and not sitting at home waiting for there Legacy to arrive to find out about it. There are some who are worried that there may be a few people without computers who may not find out in time to call in for the registration, frankly if they can't afford a computer they likely can't afford the cost of the reunion anyway, this is NOT a low cost hobby/collection. Life is what it is, deal with it and move on. If it bothers you that much, please don't go, let someone else who would enjoy it go.

Many thanks to Tom and Joyce. I guess that means that any of you who for one reason or another were unable to make the call on the 7th can do so on the 11th. I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST AND GOOD LUCK.

Bob

Mark,

I wouldn't want to be held up on an island for 3 days with a personality or mind set such as yours.

Enough said....

I'll refrain from posting my opinions on this thread anymore. You're pretty scary!!

Why are you picking on the Harbour Lights Collectors without computers? Many of the collectors in my club without computers can well afford the trip. Many are older people who are not part of the computer generation.

We were told the Legacy would arrive Sept 1st or shortly thereafter and that everyone would be notified of the opportunity to sign up for the reunion. This was very important since people felt that our clubs were getting an unfair advantage.

Thank you Dennis, you understood what I was trying to say.

It doesn't matter who is planning this event as far as who notified collectors about signing up for the reunion. Harbour Lights published the Legacy and are the ones taking the sign up phone calls. As a club member who was notified early, I was disappointed that the Legacy arrived so late that others were not notified in time.

Bob,

First to address your quote above- Dave, et al are planning the Reunion but make no mistake about it this Reunion is still an Official Harbour lights Event. It's just been outsourced as far as much of the dirty work is concerned(Seems to be the trend in the US these days for many jobs).

I'm not second guessing or trying to nitpick or trying to dismiss all of the fine work that has been done by Dave, Patty, Mike, Sue and all the others who have assited in this endeavour up to this point.

I was just trying to make a point that some things were overlooked in the planning- it happens. I still have not gotten my Legacy. Regardless of what some Connected Collectors believe not everybody who has the money or the desire to go to this Reunion has a Computer. I think better provisions should have been made by Harbour Lights to make sure as many collectors as possible were informed of this Reunion in time to Register- by whatever means required.

Strange as it may seem some peole are actually able to survive the world as we know it without sitting at a keyboard and staring at a monitor- I don't personally know too many of them anymore but I know they exist.

Observations - even negative ones- are not always nasty in nature. I am fully in support of the planners in this event- just feel I still maintain the right to opinions that differ in some cases and I'll continue to try and assist whenever I can.

Dennis

Let's all stop and take a deep breath. We're all in this for the same reason. It is unfortunate that there will be some collectors unable to attend because they were not aware of the signup. There were no ill intentions here, and unfortunately things like this happen. Even if mailings had been sent out. The event isn't full yet, so I would guess people could still squeeze in (remember people have until January to cancel, and there is no waiting list yet). I could be wrong, but if you don't try, you won't know. If you know people that would be interested in going, let them know. After that, you've done all you can. Sit back and look forward to the trip (if you're going). I can honestly say that the only disappointment I can think of is that Mombo isn't going to be there. I've been looking forward to matching her beer for beer .

Perhaps some people may be misreading my last post in this thread. Lets analyze the quote and try to get the true meaning out so all will understand it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't we told that this Reunion 2005 was a reunion for collectors, run by collectors? Weren't we told that Harbour Lights was providing the reunion pieces and all the other HL goodies like in past reunions, but they weren't running this reunion? Does anyone see anything negative, in my about quote, about the hard work done by Dave and his crew (Patty, Mike, Sue and others)? Is there anyone who doesn't see the recognition I mention about the countless hours of hard work and there will be more work to be done?

This is nothing to do with this reunion or Harbour Lights, but I have done a lot of thankless volunteer work in my life. It involved blood, sweat, tears, and money out of my pocket. I did what I did because I wanted to do it. I always find there are a small percentage of people that will never be happy with anything in life. You volunteer your services and they expect you to bend over backwards even though you're doing it for free. I'll leave it at that.

God bless Dave and the crew, and the folks from Harbour Lights who will undoubtedly put on a grand time for all those who attend the Reunion 2005.

Keep smiling, Kids!

Bob

Pam, what exactly about me is scary? that I suggested that those who want to whine and complain about the reunion attempt to try it themselves? If that is the case it must be putting in the effort that scares you. Or is it that you think its ok for you to complain but its not ok for me to complain about others complaining?

Pam, Does this mean that your not planning on attending the reunion?

Suzanne, I am not of the computer generation and I am 40, plenty of people not of the computer generation have computers including many seniors. Were the members of your club not notified of the reunion thru the club? If they were they didn't need a computer to find out about the reunion.
There were a number of avenues for those who want to attend a reunion to find out about it. And the assumption that the Legacy arrived so late that people missed their opportunity to go the reunion is pure speculation at this time.

And then the complaints about club members getting a head start, If going to the reunion means that much to anyone I would think that joining a club would be a cheap to insure a spot with a 1 year membership if it really means that much to a person.

Here's the bottom line as I see it, Life is not fair we all have to deal with set backs or obstacles and or hardships, take the hand your dealt and play it the best you can, deal with it. I don't think its fair to Dave and Patty for people to sit here and run down their efforts.

I have a wedding to go to tonight, so I have to respond to further criticism tomorrow

Mark -

I and others were not "running down" Dave's efforts! I don't think it was even in Dave's area of responsibility to notify HL Collector's Society members. Dave has done a good job planning many lighthouse events in the past and I have not cut down his abilities to plan this reunion. This is not about Dave.

I expressed the opinion that I think all of Harbour Lights Collector Society members should have been notified in time to call. What is so difficult in doing that? Don't we have a right to express disappointment with the lack of notice?

It is rather nasty to tell people that life is unfair, so tough, deal with it. This is about the Harbour Lights Collector's Society. Notification of people in this group is within the abiltiy of control. It doesn't have to be unfair.

It would be wonderful if everyone was computer connected. It would make running a HL collector club much easier. But, we have to be sensitive to the people who are HL collectors who do not for one reason or another have a computer.

Wow, go out for a few hours and your forum fills up! I will close this thread and open part 5 to continue our discussion.
Part 5