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The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188595 09/10/04 12:54 PM
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To continue our discussion of next year's reunion.
Part 1
Part 2
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.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188596 09/10/04 02:56 PM
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"I was thinking the prices were fairly reasonable, did I misunderstand something? I thought I read that this price was inclusive, so it includes the hotel room, 2 boat trips, and all meals right? I just need to add in the expense of the airline ticket and transportation from the airport?

--------------------
Melody
Colorado Lighthouse Collectors Society"

Melody,

You are correct that it is all inclusive and includes the items you mentioned - and more.

That said while the price is not out of line for the area the Reunion is being held I can fully understand how some can feel that it is a bit high for them.

There are many who will justify the cost of transportation, etc by making the trip longer by arriving earlier or later and taking in some Lighthouses on the way to and or from the Reunion.

If you break the cost down by overnight stays it comes to $633 per night and comes to $475 per day if you count it as 4 days (priced for 2).

This is not an inexpensive trip- but again it's in line with, or less than what other comparable places would cost in the same place at the same time.

I'm still weighing my options.

Dennis

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188597 09/10/04 03:32 PM
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Quote:
I'm still weighing my options.
Hey, Dennis. I thought Esther was weighing your options! laugh

My wife already gave me permission to go -- if she can tag along too.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188598 09/10/04 07:22 PM
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John,

You are probably more correct in your statement than I am. laugh

The problem is the timing for registering is a bit awkward as I intended to give her a choice of vacation destination as part of my 30th Wedding Anniversary present which is on 10-12 just after all decisions have to be made on the Reunion.

It's that old problem- can only do so much and for some reason places like Hawaii or Europe seem to be more interesting than Northern Michigan to her.

Dennis

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188599 09/10/04 09:56 PM
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We've got the final OK on a couple of pages about the 2005 Harbour Lights Reunion at www.HarbourLights.com

These should probably answer questions you have.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188600 09/11/04 06:05 AM
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For those weighing the cost vs. what is included, this information might help you make your decision: Dave has informed me, in response to an inquiry I sent him, that the meals included are Monday dinner through Thursday breakfast. In other words, the package is for 3 nights plus 2 2/3rds days.


FrankB
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188601 09/11/04 11:16 PM
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I have dug up 2 pictures from after the 01' Baltimore reunion, that catalog all the goodies given out at that reunion

A Keepers Log book, A Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse book, A Nautical stickers booklet, A Harbour Lights calendar, A Mark Sherman watercolor print of Hooper Strait, Reunion coasters, A reunion patch, a Harbour Lights key ring, reunion dog tags, A photo album, A reunion button (autographed), a partially painted paint your own lighthouse (by me), 4 Chesapeake Bay thumbnail lighthouses, A mini hooper strait lighthouse, a Dinner at the lighthouse mini Seven foot knoll lighthouse. The full size Hooper was not included in the package price and the wacko badges were thru fund raising Dave Hannum.


This picture came a little later after I remembered the two more items, the Reunion duffel bags (red or blue), and the clocks were given out to people who had attended the two previous reunions also (but they were also sold at the reunion trading post)

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188602 09/12/04 01:09 AM
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Nice memories, Mark. Just one correction. The clocks given to previous attendees were 10" in diameter. The ones sold at the store were 12" in diameter and had a choice of 3 different images, I believe.

Kind of like a 'bigger GLOW version'.

smile

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188603 09/12/04 02:07 AM
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Either I don't remember hearing about the diffrent sized clocks or I had forgot that detail, but I did remember the diffrent images part. I think forgotten or missing details are becoming my signature these days.....

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188604 09/12/04 04:01 AM
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Been a long time since I've posted anything in the forums, but here I am again.

Two thoughts.

I thought by paying each year since the inception of the Collector's Society (Charter Member #3394) that I had joined an officially recognized Harbour Lights Collector's Club. I'm 250 miles North of the SF Bay area. Too far to attend club affairs, although we did make it once when the Northern CA club climbed Alcatraz light. I still volunteer my time by setting up exhibits at City Hall and the local college (have one at city hall right now that I change out each month).

Second thought. We'll find a way to cover the cost if I'm able to get through on registration day. I'm planning to be there even though we just got back from that area. Went to Traverse City, Charlevoix, Whitefish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (worth the trip right there), etc. before visiting family in Port Huron, Harsens Island and Toledo. Did all that in July. Had a great time but didn't make Mackinac Island.

Hope to see you all there.
smile
Rich

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188605 09/12/04 10:40 PM
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So glad that you two will be coming Rich. Just get up early on the dial in day. I am already looking forward to all the friends who will be in attendance. Take care.
Derith

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188606 09/12/04 11:30 PM
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Mark, your forgot the windsock. We all received a lighthouse windsock. Mine has since bit the dust.

(Nice hearing from you Rich!)

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188607 09/13/04 10:55 AM
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I see that it states "opportunity to purchase full size reunion piece" Am I mistaken or was one of these included in the price of the last reunion, and you could purchase extras, or was just the mini included?

Mike

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188608 09/13/04 11:16 AM
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At all the past reunions, you received the mini as a gift -- one per registrant. The exclusives you bought with a limit of 2 per registrant.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188609 09/13/04 11:38 AM
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Thanks John, I couldn't remember how it worked.

Mike

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188610 09/13/04 01:02 PM
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Thanks for the confirmation and clarificaton Dennis. When you break down the numbers it does look pricey, but given the location, 3 squares a day, the boat trips and "party favors" and other possible extras, and since I have never been to a reunion, it is well worth the $$ to me. Of course it has helped my pocketbook a great deal to have found a roommate and I only have to pay for myself. I've been checking airline prices though and they "ain't gonna be" cheap, but I've got a while to hopefully find a better price.

As far as the timing, I'm thinking that if the event had been held after Labor day to possibly get the lower hotel rates, then this might have prevented some folks from attending because their kids would be back in school. (Not in Douglas Cty CO though; my daugher will have been back to school for almost a month by the reunion! The first day of school this year was Aug 13. Of course, the end of the school year is before Memorial Day.)

Many, many thanks to Dave for coordinating this event and to Harbour Lights for their willingness to put on another reunion smile


Melody
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188611 09/13/04 03:30 PM
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I apologize for making a new post here after stating I would not (see thread 2). However, I am because my wife and I have changed our minds and are going to attend this reunion. I hope my negative comments in the earlier threads on this topic have not created any ill will and that we will be welcome in Michigan.

We took the step of joining the new Colorado Lighthouse Collector's Society club so we could pre-registration. Mel B., Thank you for your help in getting us the forms, etc. We are looking forward to being active members of this club.

I know I am doing exactly what I said I did not like about the registration process, but we won't be able to call in to register on 10/7. This is the only way we can get registered for the reunion.

Thanks again to Dave H for all his hard work. We are looking forward to seeing old friends in Michigan and hope to make many new friends while there.


Randall Ronne
President - Colorado Lighthouse Collectors Society
New Dungeness Light Station Association
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188612 09/13/04 03:36 PM
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We welcome changes of mind all the time, Randall. Glad you are going to be there.

Keep on postin'

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188613 09/13/04 03:51 PM
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Hi Randall,

We are pleased that you joined the Colorado Lighthouse Collectors Society. I haven't seen you and your wife for years. I think we were in Connie's the last time we met. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meeting on Sept. 25th. You'll enjoy meeting the great bunch of lighthouse enthusiasts. Hope to see you there.

Judy

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188614 09/13/04 05:07 PM
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smile WELCOME TO MICHIGAN RANDALL!!

Let me be the first to welcome you and your wife to the GREAT LAKE STATE , where Michigan has the most lighthouses (116)!!

You will love our area and state!

See you at the reunion on Mackinac Island wink

Mary

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188615 09/13/04 05:35 PM
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Hi Randall,
I think there are a few of us who might have done a bit of complaining in regards to the 2005 Reunion and have rethought our words. But when all is said and done, and we are all gathered at the beautiful Mission Point Resort, what was said here today will long be forgotten. It will wonderful to enjoy food, fun and friends as well as lighthouses. I think there will be some fun trips organized before and possibly after the reunion so there will be other options for those who can't go to the reunion due to costs. I look forward to seeing many friends and pray for beautiful weather. cool laugh cool


KAT {=*+*=}
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188616 09/14/04 04:19 PM
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We can't wait to see all the great lighouses. If you live in the middle of "LAND" like we do, you welcome any chance to see lighouses. The reunion is going to be so much fun!!


Jo Ann/Texas
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188617 09/15/04 04:37 AM
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I was thrilled to get the news of a reunion on Mackinac Island. We'll have the opportunity to attend the reunion and visit family in the same trip (without a plane ride in between).

We'll probably fly into Saginaw (MBS) to save a little driving (a couple hours closer to my parents, and also to Mackinaw City, than Detroit). Saginaw (also known as MBS International Airport, www.mbsairport.org ) offers service from United and Northwest.

Dave

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188618 09/16/04 02:50 PM
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I have re-read all 3 parts to this topic, and I still don't find a definitive answer as to which cruise boat company will be used.
I've seen where someone assumed which company it would be, but I would think everyone should know which one specifically.

Secondly, what is the alternative activity in case the cruises are cancelled due to inclement weather?

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188619 09/16/04 03:32 PM
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I don't remember being told what cruise service would be used at the Providence or Baltimore reunions. Why is it important to know for this reunion? confused

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188620 09/16/04 04:17 PM
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Dave,(Beacon)

Inquiring minds, like mine, just want to know.
But since you asked...

I was rather new at lighthousing in Rhode Island, so no, it didn't matter.
At Baltimore, I was disappointed in the cruise...the lighthouses were only seen looonggg distance, and it was a VERY long, boring trip for me I got more out of the land tours...

The more lighthouse trips I make, the more particular I get!

I like to get on line now and read all about the cruise lines I'll be taking/or not, and see what they offer. You'd be surprised how they all differ.
Just a quirk of mine, I guess...go figure. :rolleyes:

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188621 09/16/04 05:10 PM
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I do believe Dave is using Shepler cruises and that is the cruise line that took us out on a lighthouse cruise for GLLKA in the fog.

I got the feeling that Shepler didn't want to refund our money, so took us out anyway even though the fog was very very thick on land and on water. We couldn't see the lighthouses they were pointing out and almost hit Poe Reef before we could see it. The boat was 1 foot from the base of the light before we could see it, thus we were very close to ramming it with the boat. Many of us on the boat felt very unsafe on this trip. Then the Coast Guard called all boats off the Lake because of a boat hitting a reef.

So, it would be nice to know what happens if the weather is bad. Are they keeping our money? Are they taking us out anyway?

Inquiring minds want to know!


Suzanne Murphy
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Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188622 09/16/04 06:57 PM
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Wow, Suzanne, scary trip! I've done the western straits cruise twice and the eastern cruise once. The first time I did the weatern cruise out to White Shoal and Gray's Reef, in August 1998, it was drizzly, cloudy, and 50 degrees with eight foot swells. The top of the boat was getting pounded with waves and every time I snapped a shot I got soaked. What a trip. It will almost 100% be Shepler's cruises, as they are the only ones that do them and will most likely be narrated by a GLLKA member - perhaps Dick Moehl himself, since this is a special group.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188623 09/16/04 07:09 PM
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Will we all be on one boat? Or two separate ones like in Baltimore?

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188624 09/16/04 07:20 PM
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One boat but I believe two trips... with 1/2 the group each time...


Onward to The Land of the Midnight Sun!
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188625 09/16/04 07:26 PM
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I imagine Sheplers was named because they are very experienced in doing the Straits Lighthouse Tours. GLLKA provides tour guides on these boat tours and will do so during the reunion.

Each tour will take about a half a day. You'll cruise east one day, west the other day. When you're not touring, you'll be participating in other activities and/or enjoying the island's attractions.

Safety is paramount. The tours of course will not go out in case of severe weather. If a refund needs to made, don't expect it at the dock; it will happen after the reunion.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188626 09/16/04 09:43 PM
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Hello All
Just wondering, John said
Quote:
I am not a part of the group Dave has been working with to make the event happen.
, but any questions asked about this reunion, are answered by John. He says things like imagine or he thinks, why can't Dave answer these question since he is the one doing all the planning and should be able to give an in depth answer.
Could be Dave is real busy with all this and is communicating with John, but would it not be just as easy to communicate with a post
Just Thinking out loud


Twiggy
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188627 09/16/04 09:44 PM
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Sheplers is the only company that does these cruises.

Mr. Shepler was personally piloting the boat I was on for a GLLKA cruise. He repeatedly told us the boat had GPS and the fog was no problem.

BUT, I am sorry, the people on the boat did NOT feel safe when we almost hit the lighthouse and people knew that there were boats out there without GPS. It didn't help when the Coast Guard called all boats off the water because of an accident.

Plus, people felt the cruise was not cancelled because either GLLKA or Shepler did not want to refund the money. We were promised 8 lighthouses. We saw 2 fogged in ones, and the ones in Cheboygan that we could have driven to on land.


Suzanne Murphy
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Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188628 09/16/04 10:17 PM
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Do we yet know a schedule? i.e. WHEN on the 29th do the Reunion activities begin and WHEN on the 1st do they end? This will impact travel plans as to what hour we need to get onto the Island on Monday - morning, noon, or later and same with the Thursday departure - do events end with a breakfast or later? Many of us will be taking at least two legs of a plane ride plus driving - I'm scouting out air routes from metro Washington DC and think Saginaw City via Detroit is probably the closest on major cheap airlines - adding a 3 hr drive from there, then parking the car in the Shepler lot and ferrying to the Island, etc.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188629 09/16/04 11:51 PM
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I think that SandySea (love that handle) has made some very good points. Some of us will be making a long airplane trip involving two airlines. And of course a motorized land vehicle needs to be rented in order to cover the distance from the airport to the boat – unless we want to swim to the island. (One person I know would be able to walk on the water, but I’m not in His category.)

The necessity to stay an extra day either before or after the Reunion (or possibly both) must also be considered depending upon time constraints.

Then there is the Apostle Island tour orchestrated by Suzanne Murphy. When will that occur? Before? After?

Although we have slightly over a year to go before the event, there is a lot to consider in advance and we also need to anticipate the unexpected. All aspects of this adventure must be thoroughly covered. Plus the fact that we are working around Labor Day Weekend gives us even more incentive to plan early.

I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and to meeting new ones. By the way, I believe that Dave and his co-workers are doing a marvelous job. Thanks to Dave and all his assistants. Keep up the good work.

Bob

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188630 09/16/04 11:53 PM
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I see that there are other cruise boats;

Arnold
Starline
Soo Locks Boat Tours

I suspect these tour boats don't go on the same tours that Sheplers does?
That's unfortunate, because it would have been nice to have more choices.

I do see the area has an excellent air tour of lighthouses though, for those that like to take ariel photos.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188631 09/17/04 12:09 AM
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Pam,

I'm confident that the only way that I could afford to take an airplane tour is to sit on the wing. But just in case, what to those things cost?

Bob

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188632 09/17/04 12:09 AM
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People, people, people!

Never in the history of reunions have you had this much information this soon.

For those who've been in the past, the detail schedules weren't revealed until a few weeks before the events.

You generally can't make airline reservations more than 6 months out.

R-e-l-a-x. Take a break. Cut back on the caffein.

Plan to arrive in the Mackinaw City area at least a day before the reunion begins. There's enough to do within 75 miles of Mackinaw City to keep lighthouse enthusiasts busy for a week!

Stay an extra night on the island or in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Enjoy fully your last day on Mackinac Island before you have to move on.

Think about a return through the upper peninsula of Michigan. This should be a good leaf-peeping time of year into the north country. Venture into Canada. Take the Agawa Canyon one day rail trip North from the Soo.

The Reunion no doubt will be packed full of things to keep you interested and occupied for the full 4 days and 3 nights. Let the details be fully worked out and revealed over time.

Enjoy, relax, think about what a great time you're going to have, but don't be concerned with the details or alternative plans just yet.

I absolutely know nothing more about the reunion than is shown on the Harbour Lights website. I knew that information earlier than it was posted -- but that's my job as webmaster for HL.

My job here is webmaster of LighthouseKeepers.com. I'm trying to provide answers if I know them or give you some ideas about what might happen, based on my experience attending every reunion so far.

I don't check in with Dave to get his answer to every question. I figure he's busy enough. You have a specific question for Dave, I suggest you email him or call him.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188633 09/17/04 12:33 AM
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Late August is waaay too early for leaf peeping!

Unless one has lots of money, for extra days I would suggest staying in St. Ignace instead of Mackinac Island and actually staying anywhere else is cheaper than that area. Newberry, Paradise, or Sault Ste Marie is much cheaper!

In case you don't trust that I know anything about Michigan and the UP, I will let you know that my Aunt and Uncle lived east of St. Ignace on Lake Huron and that I stayed with her on many occasions. We used her place as a base and would do day trips from there.


Suzanne Murphy
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Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188634 09/17/04 01:20 AM
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Ok, I see 3 fat threads about the 2005 reunion, jump to the end to read backwards (I read magazines backwards too) and find John Chidester telling people to cut back on caffeine and relax. Hmmmm ... this does not bode well. Lotso chatter with certain people answering questions which may or not have some sort of o-fish-all status vis a vis the 'event'. Hmmmm... its a wee bit murky for my simple mind to grasp.

Well, I have not the patience to read it all so I skimmed - alright, call me a slacker. Can someone help me out here to learn the salient points of these threads ....

1. I see no HL branding in the name., so as best I can tell, this "2005 Collectors Family Reunion" event is not sponsored by Harbour Lights. Is this true?

2. Some group or groups led by Dave Hannum is/are contracting with Harbor Lights to engage the involvement of their services and products as part of the event. This group is also purchasing hotel rooms, meals, boat tours, etc. to resell to attendees as the event 'package'? Is this something like what is happening?

3. In the past HL Reunions the last day was breakfast and maybe an auction or giveaway and the first day began in mid-late afternoon, so the first and last day were really about 1 days worth of stuff put together. Are there start and end times given for this event?

4. I'm sure this has been asked but I didn't see it... Is there an option for one to acquire one's own lodging still and participate in the event events and meals? In effect, taking the price of rooms and transportation to/fro the island out of the package price. I vaguely recall this was an option in at least one HL Reunion, though one I did not exercise it.

Observation: the timing is kinda unusual - peak season - right on the cusp of Labor Day and people returning to school. Weren't past Reunions in September or later?

Rgds,
Saint Klueless

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188635 09/17/04 01:54 AM
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Quote:
Well, I have not the patience to read it all so I skimmed - alright, call me a slacker. Can someone help me out here to learn the salient points of these threads ....
You're a slacker, St. Tim. Not that I've ever known you to be one before. au contraire...

But if you want to jump in at the end, don't ask someone else to do your 'homework.' You've always done a fine job of doing your own.

You're reading backwards and IMO you seem to have it backwards. Please take the time to read it through from start to finish.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188636 09/17/04 02:16 AM
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Bob,
I'll respond to you first__a 20 minute scenic flight is $195.00.
Special requests are $325.00 an hour for one person, $162.50 an hour for 2 people, and 3 people is $ 108.00 an hour. So, I would have to fly on the other wing to be able to even the plane out frown

John,
The collectors are in a frenzy, so-to-speak, probably because this is not a Harbour Lights sponsored trip as were the first 3.
I can't think of anywhere you put money down on a trip through an agency, that they didn't have a plan:
1. Cancellation policy in case you were unable to make the trip due to some part on your own.
2. Weather related cancellation.
3. Activities information up to the parting of your tour.

The other questions regarding when the reunion stops and starts are very important to those that can only participate during the times of the stated reunion. I knew some folks that had the idea that the reunions of the past were on this particular date to this date, and they left too early (as they scheduled flights according to Harbour Lights days of the reunion) and found out that Harbour Lights still had a breakfast and/or auctions on the last day.
How fair is it that everyone was not informed to the fullest extent? A Harbour Lights glitch.
When one plans for this event, they want the full skinny, and not just highlights, whether its a year away or not.

I don't agree with spending all ones time on the island. There isn't that much to do...and anyone that has been there can fully agree with me.
Yes, it's fine that we should keep in mind that this is a family reunion , and everyone will want to spend quality time with other connected collectors. But, you are on this Island, and if anyone is like me, they will want to do more than sit around and chat all 3 days
when there are lighthouses to see in the area.

I am not attending this reunion, but I, in no way want to discourage anyone from going. But, I do want to see that those making the plans to attend be fully informed .
There should be a complete itinerary to go along with the the 3 day plan. Unlike Harbour Lights and their surprises. I have become a bit wiser in my trip planning of late, and I would want to know everything.
I don't agree with keeping the reunion goers in the dark, since it's a hunk of change that they are spending. Did I mention that I have become a bit more frugal in my spending habits since the previous 3 reunions.
Had Harbour Lights put this gig on for 2005, it wouldn't have made a bit of difference to me. I just know that this isn't for me, and I want my collector friends to honor my decision on not going to this next reunion.

I am happy for all those attending this 2005 reunion, but please supply them the information they asking for, and cut them slack if they are asking "the impossible". They deserve it, since it is thier money.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188637 09/17/04 02:20 AM
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I asked the source and got the start and stop times direct from the horse's hoofs (can't use the horse's mouth across e-mail).

The Reunion will start about 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 29 and end about 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1.

Now we can plan the remainder of the trip. cool

Dave

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188638 09/17/04 03:03 AM
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Quote:
Please take the time to read it through from start to finish.
Jeez Louise - that sounds like something from a prospectus or a lawyer. A resort itinerary might warrant a cheery phone voice - but hey, $2k ain't what it used to be.

Pam answered my first question. And then reading the blurb/faq on the HL Web site I'm confused again.

Been there several times - wrt Pam's comment about not much to do on the island - yes and no - there is a seemingly infinite number of shops selling Mackinaw Island Fudge (yes - who'd a guessed it) and maybe an infinite minus one number selling sweatshirts. My wife has an endless capacity for this sort of thing, so there is *that to do*. (The fudge shops and t-shirts exceed my blood-brain threshold after about 3 whereupon my thoughts turn into that sort of vacant-tv-channel- fuzzy-screen experience and from then on its mindless following-around - or sitting on benches outside. There will be plenty of white benches at the Harbour Lights Family Retirement Village - I've seen rows of 'em in my dreams).

OK, here's another question, the answer to which I have not seen...

5. With 3 partial payments, is there any kind of refund policy - or once you're in for a penny you're in for the whole mutton?

And thank you Beacon for the start/end times.

Caffine Free,
Saint T

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188639 09/17/04 03:56 AM
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OK. A couple more thoughts.

Now I know why Harbour Lights has bailed out on doing family reunions. All I need to know is that Harbour Lights is sanctioning the reunion and that Dave is planning it. Based on those two things, I know I'll have a good time if I get through on call-in day.

I remember that there was a waiting list of people who weren't able to get a reunion reservation on the call-in morning last time. Those folks bought up positions as others discovered they could not make it. I don't think there were many people that lost money at the Baltimore Reunion.

Finally, I was truly impressed with the simple thought of Saint Sean who said, "Harbour Lights is a business. They don't owe me anything." Thanks HL for sanctioning this event, and thank you Dave for planning it. Hope to see all of you there.
smile
Rich

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188640 09/17/04 11:04 AM
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Wow, there sure is a lot of scuttlebutt being kicked around all of a sudden! It's great to hear from all the different folks who are dissecting the whole event long before the official itinerary has bee revealed. Maybe the reunion announcement was made too early before all the plans were chiseled in stone. Let me transpose that. Maybe all the plans should have been chiseled in stone before the reunion announcement was made.

As they use to say at the insulation factory, "We are doing asbestos we can!" The planning committee is not trying to reinvent the wheel. The only difference between this planned reuion and past reunions is the Youngers will be able to sit back a little and watch the committee work their butts off. Don't get me wrong. The HL Crew will have plenty to do as they once again promote their business amongst the most faithful of collectors.

Too many people are trying to write too many "what-if's" into the planning. Perhaps a visit from Bobby McFerrin singing, "Don't worry, be happy!" might be appropriate.

People clamored for a reunion! They constantly bugged the Younger family with questions about such a gala event. The Youngers went through it three times and know what a pile of work it is to set such a thing up. Time is money, you know! A business is in business to make money. Harbour Lights doesn't make any real money on these reunions. Like Sean stated, "Harbour Lights is a business. They don't owe me anything."

You know what, Dave and the crew are not in business to make money on this reunion. Right now they are struggling to make it work so that everyone that attends will walk away with memories that last a lifetime. I would estimate if you had to pay Dave and the crew by the hour, they wouldn't even be bringing in minimum wage for the hours they're putting in. They will probably need that money to buy cases of anti-acids to calm their stomachs.

Everyone should be looking at the positive aspects of the 2005 Reunion and not looking behind curtains to find negative things. If you're going to play, you got to pay!

:p Bob :p

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188641 09/17/04 12:13 PM
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Very nicely said Bob. I agree whole heartedly. We've all wanted a Reunion for so long, let's enjoy.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188642 09/17/04 12:19 PM
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John, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. While the statement "Never in the history of reunions have you had this much information this soon." might be true in terms of amount of time until the reunion, it is most certainly not true in terms of amount of time until deposits are due. In other words, "Never in the history of reunions have deposits been due this early". The location of the reunion makes the early deposit deadline necessary, but it also makes the questions about start and end times reasonable to ask. Also, the statement about airline reservations is incorrect unless you are talking about Southwest Airlines. For all the others, the normal limitation is 12 months into the future. I run a college bowling tournament in Las Vegas every year, and I generally find that I have to get my tickets at least 6 months in advance if I want a good rate, so I am quite familiar with checking on fares for flights more than 6 months off. And, since 1) the cost of the flight is part of the cost of attending for those who are flying (fortunately, we're able to drive) and 2) flights at different times of day frequently have different fares associated with them, it is reasonable for people to want to know the start and end times in order to make their decision about whether or not they can attend.
I also have to disagree that a desire to know this information constitutes "looking behind curtains to find negative things". People asking these questions aren't ignoring the positive aspects of the Reunion nor focusing on negative aspects. Thinking of the positive aspects and wanting to go are what lead to the questions people need answers to in order to be able to decide if they can go.
"Harbour Lights is a business." is a true statement, certainly, and "They don't owe me anything." is almost true. (As a collectible manufacturer, they do owe me, for example, to keep their promise to make no more of a LE I have purchased once they have announced that it is retired.) But from Harbour Lights business perspective, the big significance is the positive impact periodic collectors gatherings have on enthusiasm for collecting that line of products, even if no profit is made on the event itself. Most successful collectible lines have periodic (every year or every several years) "conventions". Whether or not the "Reunion format", as we know it, is the best format may be a question, but it is in the best interest of the future of Harbour Lights' busines for some sort of periodic gathering to occur.
I, like Beacon, emailed Dave to find out the start and end, which told me how many meals were included in the price (and he promptly answered); but I must admit do find it strange that Dave doesn't post any of that on this site as I would think one post of an item of information would eliminate answering quite a number of emails.
We've decided that we're going to be able to squeeze in (financially speaking) this trip (good thing the deadline wasn't as little as 3 days earlier, or we would not have beed able to); and we look forward very much to seeing everyone there.
Thanks to Dave for his efforts to make this happen! smile
FrankB
P.S. Yelena becomes a citizen on September 28!


FrankB
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188643 09/17/04 12:46 PM
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"Never in the history of reunions have deposits been due this early".


If I'm recalling correctly, the Baltimore Reunion was around the first part of October, maybe 1st through 4th, and I do remember the call-in day that we were having a Yard Sale. It was in October as we have one every year in October, so that would make the deposit being made 12 months ahead of time. I did not attend the other reunions and maybe they weren't 12 months out, but I know Baltimore was 12 months out, and you didn't get the full Itinerary til sometime close to the Reunion itself.

Joyce

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188644 09/17/04 01:03 PM
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My apologies if my mimicking John’s phrasing was going a little overboard. My memory was the deposit date (when Harbour Lights charged the deposit to your credit card, not the date when you called in) was in January for Baltimore, but maybe my memory is wrong on that.
People wanting to know when the events begin and end is quite different from wanting a full itinerary.


FrankB
Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188645 09/17/04 01:35 PM
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No problem, Frank. You were not just quoting me, however, but several other posters as well. (Just a point of clarification; I don't want to be credited with everything. smile )

We now have the start and end times.

I do believe that you needed a deposit when you made your reservations in; if HL didn't actually charge your card for a while, that was their business decision. In the past, I believe the total amount was due in 2 payments. This time, it's split up into 3 payments. That will help some people.

So far as I can tell in answer to some previously asked questions, this is the "OFFICIAL" Harbour Lights Collectors Family Reunion. There won't be another for a while.

Here's another fact that may surprise some. Harbour Lights doesn't actually manufacture and paint the lighthouse sculptures that we cherish in El Cajon. They subcontact that to factories located in the Orient. The people who make those pieces are NOT on the payroll of Younger & Associates. (TPFIC -- Tongue planted firmly in cheek)

Have you noticed that one of the Regional Events this year was piggy-backed on an event created, arranged and managed by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum?

There WAS also a "semi-official" Harbour Lights event held in Door County this year. Harbour Lights even issued an 'event exclusive' just for this event and sent Kim Andrews. That one was driven by Dave Hannum and other WACKOs to piggy-back on the Door County Lighthouse Walk.

Smart marketing to bring 'your event' to one that already exists and where you can be expected to receive extra exposure to people who already like lighthouses.

Re: The 2005 Collectors Family Reunion-Part 3 #188646 09/17/04 01:43 PM
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I will close out this thread at 50 posts. To continue our discussion, please go to:
Part 4


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