Bernie, John C and myself are still interested in a second East Coast Jam.

Let's hear from those that attended last year and any other that would like to attend a Jam this year (2006).

Jack Burkavage,is the facility you found still available?

Fran in SC

I lost the e-address of those that attended last year, so I am unable to contact you by e-mail.

Fran in SC

I'm definitely up for it...
Roger M

Me Too

------------------
Willum

And me also.

Roger, Bill and Bob, you're comming, I'm impressed. I wouldn't miss this one.

John C.

I will send a link to this page to all I have.
Bernie

Jim Helwig,one of our newer members,and a friend of mine, has volunteered to check out facilities in Sebring,Fl. It is a beautiful small city, an hour and half SW of Orlando.

Jim wants to attend but wants to know what the concensus is before contacting places.

Any thoughts?

Bernie,

The hardest job we had in setting up the last Jam, was finding a room for jamming. The last one was a conference room for 40 people. This would be a minimum size if we draw 30 (counting the mate this is only 15 forum members). I think we can draw a larger number. If it is in a motel/hotel it makes it easier. The motel we used charged $100 a day conference room rental, but if we rented 15 rooms they would wave the conference room rental. We charged a fee of $10 per person to cover the cost of the conference room. We satisfied the 15 rooms rented and used the money for free lunch.

I would sugest that we try and find a suitable hotel that has a suitable conference room with the same deal we had, however if the cost of the conference room can be handled with a modest entrance fee ($25??), we can eat lunch and dinner at a local resturant.

Keep in mind we have our two great stars comming from England by air and hopefully the facility will not be to far from a large airport.

I lived in Sebring and it would be a nice place to have a Jam.

Fran in SC

We will be there
Harry B

Great;Harry

I think the numbers now warrant an investigation, as to facilities,costs etc. I forgot the dates of last year's Jam but,I presume we should shoot for spring when the motel rates are lower.

Incidentally, Jim has a friend that has a shuttle service for the benefit of our air travelers that would come into Orlando.

Anneliese and I would be glad to help Jim and Claire as hosts,as we are about two hours away.

I think that we should look at all other suggestions as to location,duration, or anything else to aid the planning process.

We had such a grand time last year. Let's hear from the rest of the gang.

Bernie

Bernie,

I found a hard copy of last years attendance. I will e-mail them asking for their input and whether they will attend and respond to this thread.

I am looking in my area for a facility, however it is a small town and long way from airport (2 1/2 hrs). Have a feeler out in the Myrtle Beach area. Hopefully Jim can find a room in Sebring.

From the replies in this thread, we have 1/3 of those that attended last year. It is early but I would guess 35 to 40 would be the number to attend.

I will assist in any way needed.

Fran in SC

Hi All, Jim Helwig here....sorry I don't get in as much as I'd like. I would happily check availability of facilities here in Sebring for the Jam #2. 2 venues come to mind right away, we have a large "Quality Inn" as well as a new "Holiday Inn Express". I'm sure that some sort of package arrangement could be done similar to what you had last year. In addition, I have a friend who operates a shuttle service and could be gotten to get folks to and from the airport. If I twist his arm enough, I think I can get him to give us a lower rate, lol. The only suggestion I might have is that those flying in use Orlando airport (the Tampa airport is a nightmare to get in and out of).
I would propose that those flying in attempt to work their reservations around the arrival time of our British attendees. As soon as they know their arrival time, others flying in could attempt to make reservations to coincide as closely as possible. That way, Mel (my shuttle buddy) can minimize the number of trips to and from the airport.
Let me know if there is a consensus of opinion as to whether I should proceed further.
For those that don't know about Sebring, it's a quaint Florida town, quite a bit of history to it. Orange groves all over, lol. It's located about an hour and a half South-West of Orlando. Shopping is available for the ladies, both downtown and at a Mall.
There are a number of fine restaurants available, and if the Jam happens to fall on a Wednesday night, those that wish can come to the restaurant that I play at for a nice dinner and some KN7000 entertainment.
Let me know if you want me to proceed....
Jim Helwig

Jim,

I for one say proceed. As I have said, finding a room at a reasonable price was our biggest obstacle last year. $300 and up a day was the norm. Sebring is a good location. If you or others cannot find a location, we can always go back to Lady Lake motel we used last year. They will probably have the same rates.

Jamming on the weekend excluded many pros. Jamming during the week excluded some of those that work. Rooms are easier to come by during the week.

Fran in SC

I'll be there if at all possible

------------------
Dan

Hi Fran (and all), OK, what I'll do is to send out some preliminary "feelers" at both the Quality Inn and the Holiday Inn Express. Suggestions regarding a possible time frame would be welcomed (April? May?). I'm assuming that a week-day, Monday through Friday rate would be the least expensive, so I'll check on a Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday itinerary. If things were wrapped up earlier in the day on thursday, those flying out would have to time to get to the airport and not have to fly on a Friday, which is usually busier.
Usually, the larger Hotel/Motel chains have managers etc. that coordinate events like this, so getting some kind of package pricing shouldn't be difficult. I'll let you know how I make out and post info. as I receive it. Jim H.

Gary Vredenburg will attend the Jam.

Fran in SC

Heather wrote me that she was coming. Good point,Fran,that we probably can fall back on Lady Lake if need be.

Hi All,
Yes, Cindy and I would most likely attend for some of the time.

If you plan to use Lady Lake you would need to start soon. Last year we booked the place in August for April and they already had most of those weeks book for Easter and Biker weeks.

I don't know when these weeks are in 2006 but you can't wait too long.



------------------
Heather- Leesburg, FL PR54

Good point Heather. If Jim cannot find something in Sebring and we do not hear from anyone else on a room, I suggest we look into Lady Lake.

Lady Lake had a clean hotel and suitable room at a reasonable contract.

Why don't we set a date away from Easter and Bike week. Will make it easier for those trying to find a contract.

Heather, could you contact the manager at Microtel to see if we could get the same contract we had last year?

Fran in SC

Hello all, Jack here. I think Anthony Florida, 6 miles north of Ocala is still available. I have to look on my business computer and cough up the old emails I sent regard price, but if my memory serves me right it was $35 a day which included a kithchen and the place will hold 70 people. At any rate if other avenues fail we can still consider Anthony.

The plans for the jam are starting, this is exciting. Some of my thoughts;
1-The people coming from out of the country should be considered first as far as time and date.
2-We should also consider those who would like to make the attractions in Orlando part of their trip.
3-we need opinions on when to have the Jam, on weekdays or on a weekend. There some of us who have playing commitments.

John C.

Hiya John C
Speaking for myself and Willum - we are both retired so weekdays or weekends in general terms makes little or no difference to us - right Willum?
Equally we will no doubt book a full week so that we can repeat our enjoyable sojourn in Orlando...perhaps one or two more from the UK can join us this time...
Rog

It looks like this is a sure thing so we better get together and make some solid plans.

Looks like it will be in Sebring, Lady Lake or Ocala. Distance from Orlando is about the same.

What we now need is the date of the Jam.

When: I would suggest the last week in
March(25 thru 31). April has many
holidays.

Weekend?

Mid Week?

Lenght: 2 Days or 3 Days

Weekend/Mid Week, 2 or 3 days makes no difference to me.

We have 10 attending now. (17 including mates). LET'S HEAR FROM THE OTHER NINE AND GET A DATE AND JAM LENGHT SET.

Fran in SC

I propose checking in on the afternoon of Wednesday,March 29,and packing up Friday,March 31.

I agree with Bernie.

When we get a majority (6) I propose we accept those dates.

Fran in SC

Bernie,

This would mean we need a room for three days 29/30/31. This is similar to the last Jam. Jam in the morning (31), pack up and leave by check out time.

Those arriving on the 28th could start the Jam in the AM of the 29th. This would make it easier for those flying in are driving a considerable distance.

Fran in SC

It may for some of us,depending how we arrive and where we live. I am sure some of us will drive to be at the motel by 1-or 2:00pm Wednesday, stay 2 nights and drive back Friday afternoon. That is what I'm doing.

Sorry Fran,I see what you saying. We need a conference room for those days. Right.

Wish I could be there, but unfortunately, due to my schedule, and the long cross country distance, I won't be able to make this one.

Scott

Hey Old Buddy
You made the effort last year, and we got to meet you and have good fellowship. Maybe it will be an annual affair and you can make the next one.

Hi Everyone, If anyone would like to get a look at the 2 facilities here in Sebring, here are the website addresses. Simply key in "Sebring" and "Florida".
For the Holiday Inn Express: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/home?&
For the Quality Inn: http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/html/Qualityhome
Is late March into early April what we want to shoot for?
Jim

Jim,

Sounds right to me. I would hope we start to hear from others so we can nail down a specific date.

Fran in SC

I agree Fran. March/April isn't far away at all. We'll need to get a consensus on what dates we want to go for and how many people will be attending AND requiring a room. Once I get this info, I can talk to the Conference managers at both hotel's and get some numbers. Jim

As Roger said above, we are 'easy' about the timing and we will probably require rooms for a week. However, we will need dates soon, in order to get our flights booked to Orlando International (presumably ??)

------------------
Willum

Bernie and Jim,

Bernie has sugested the Jam be held March 29,30 and 31. I agree.

We have not heard from any others so this must be suitable.

IF WE DO NOT HEAR TO THE CONTRARY BY JANUARY 1st, I suggest we accept, and look for a facility for March 29/30/31.

TIME IS GROWING SHORT

Fran in SC

I agree. I was going to suggest the same thing.

March 29,30,and 31 are just fine for me.

John C.

I would concur with the March dates. Look forward to it.
Gary

Hello All,

Although I am not interested for the East Coast Jam, becasue of the distances and finances priotities, I like to send this reply to let you know this. But also for something else.

I look for good photographers who have nice digital photographs (good resolution) about Nature and special if they can be divided into one of the Seven "Genesis" days of creation. I want to make a slides with music show with it. You can easily send pictures zipped in a big zip file vie http://www.yousendit.com)
Thanks for your reply.

Kind Regards, Fred

I just spoke with Jim Helwig and he is going to gather info on the above dates.At least we will be able to get an idea of which location is tenable.

I have begun to look into availability for the 29, 30, and 31. One thing that I'm finding out is that NO ONE is ever at their desk ("I'm sorry but I'm away from my desk, please leave your name, number and brief message at the beep"). Sometimes I wonder how they get anything done.....

Hope Jack is still looking. I liked the place he found as well; maybe better.

The only thing about Lady Lake was size of the conference room and, the fact that you had to watch the noise level.

I believe Jack was looking at a place in Anthony Florida, 6 miles north of Ocala which was much larger than the place we used at Lady Lake. Maybe Jack could elaborate. I have no strong preference. Just felt we should keep all options open.

I've been looking at Google Maps today to try to find the best driving route to Sebring from the north. It looks like Sebring is quite some distance from any interstate highway. Can one of you Florida members add some insight on the best route to that town?

[This message has been edited by Bob Hendershot (edited 12-29-2005).]

Jim,

It appears the end of March dates are going to be the time of the Jam. Our next major hurdle is finding a facility. The sooner we find one the better. We need plenty of time to make room reservations.

Jack has a possible recreation center. The price is great however lodging would be several miles away and there is no security for the equipment.

I have e-mailed the Microtel in Lady Lake where we held the last one. I asked if we could get the same arrangement. If we had to pay the $100 a day rental, it would only be $10 to $15 per person. As soon as I hear I will post.

Fran in SC

Jim,

The last week in March appears to be the date of the Jam. Our next hurtle is the Jam facility. We need to act fast so jammers have plenty of time to make room reservations.

Jack has a rec center near Ocala as a possible. Price is right but there are drawbacks. Lodging is several miles away and there is no security at night.

I have e-mailed the Microtel in Lady Lake that we used last year, asking for the same deal we had. If we had to pay for the meeting room it would only be $10 to $15 per person. (This is dependant on the attendance). When I receive a reply I will post it.

I would like to get this settled by the first week in January.

Fran in SC

Jim,

The last week in March looks like the date of the Jam. Our next hurtle is finding a meeting room. We should find one as soon as possible so travel plans and room reservations can be made.

Jack has a rec center near Ocala, Fl that we could possibly use. The price is very cheap but it has some drawbacks. Lodging is several miles away and there is no security at night or when we break for food.

Microtel, Lady Lake, Fl that we used last year worked well for 30 people. I e-mailed and asked if they would offer the same deal.
If we had to pay the $100 a day meeting room rental in would cost $10 to $15 per person.

As soon as I receive a reply, I will post.

I think we should try and wrap this up by the first week of the new year.

Fran in SC

Two things:
1. For those coming down to Sebring (possibly) it's in the exact center (east/west) of the State. Find Route 27 on a map, and head South. Route 27 is a major 4 lane highway.

2. I was able to speak with someone at the Quality Inn. Room availability for that time period is not a problem. The conference manager said that she would check on a group discount room rate, as well as the conference rooms. I indicated that you had obtained the conference room (last year) for no charge if there would be a minimum room reservation guarantee. She suggested "conference tables" and chairs, as opposed to dining tables. I'm sure there may be other amenities that we may want, but I didn't get into that yet. She also asked if everyone was going to "do their own thing" regarding meals. I indicated that I figured that everyone would do that, and in all liklihood, use the Quality Inn facility quite a bit. I'll be hearing back from her within a day or so. She also indicated that she would set up a reservation master file, with a "keyword" to be used by those making reservations so that we'd receive "credit" for the reservations required.
I've left 4 messages at the Holiday Inn. I finally received a phone call very late today. I'll try to contact them tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 30).
Since I didn't attend last year, was there anything specifically that you found was needed but not included? I'll attempt to clear those sort of things up in advance if I know what the issues were.

Jim,

The last week in March looks like the date of the Jam. Our next hurtle is finding a meeting room. We should find one as soon as possible so travel plans and room reservations can be made.

Jack has a rec center near Ocala, Fl that we could possibly use. The price is very cheap but it has some drawbacks. Lodging is several miles away and there is no security at night or when we break for food.

Microtel, Lady Lake, Fl that we used last year worked well for 30 people. I e-mailed and asked if they would offer the same deal.
If we had to pay the $100 a day meeting room rental in would cost $10 to $15 per person.

As soon as I receive a reply, I will post.

I think we should try and wrap this up by the first week of the new year.

Fran in SC

Hey Guys I am really showing my age. Could not understand why my message to Jim would not post...kept posting it...........forgot to look at page two.

Bob,

The Antony Rec Center sounds great if it were not for no security. I sure would not leave my 7000 over night and packing up every day is a pain.

I forgot to mention, the Quality Inn asked me when we'd require the conference room. I told her that I figured we'd need it on the afternoon of the 29, the 30, and up to the afternoon on the 31. If this is OK, let me know. I figured that people would be checking in on the 29th, so no need to have it in the morning. Converesly, people would be checking out on the 31, so no need to have it later than the afternoon. If you want me to change this let me know.

Jim,

Some folks will be traveling from as far as Tn, I from SC and Bill and Rog from England.

We will check in on the 28th as we did at the last Jam. The folks that check in early will set up the room the morning of the 29th so it is ready to Jam.

I would suggest full day 29/30 and half day or check out time on the 31st.

Fran in SC

Here is what the Quality Inn sent back to me late today in an email.

They will offer a reduced group rate, the standard rate is $99.99, the reduced rate is $84.99

They normally rent 1/4 of the ballroom at $400.00 per day. They've offered it at a rate of $200.00 per day.

They do offer a very good "free" breakfast to all guests, and it consists of much more than donuts and coffee. So that's one expense that won't have to be paid.

I wasn't going to check with the Holiday Inn, however, I am going to and compare what they offer versus the Quality. Honestly, I think they could do a little better, especially regarding the ballroom.

Sorry to keep answering myself......
It's obvious that (at least at the Quality Inn) we won't get the conference area for free. However, I'm wondering if I gave them a counter-offer for $400 for the 2 days (29 and 30) and see if they'd give us the room for the partial day (the 30th) for nothing.
Before I do this, I need to know that if they accept this, we'll use the facility for the jam. So - what's the consensus? If I am able to get them to give us this concession, do we want to have it there??

OK by me too!
Harry B

The money part doesn't bother me if we have good accommodations. The term "1/4 of the ballroom" makes me think of other activities going on in the other 3/4,patitioned off by a portable divider.I hope this image is erroneous.If we have any element of privacy,the next question would be; how big is 1/4 compared to Ladylake, and do we have to be quiet ? What are the approximate dimensions of Ladylake for comparison.

This has to be weighed against the Anthony site with a spacious rural setting,but 6 mi from town and no security(if it's available).


This leaves Ladylake and maybe Anthony

I would like to add a positive note to the quality Inn by saying we stayed there, along with John C and Phylis. I found the class of motel superior to Microtel,and Sebring superior to Ladylake ,as far as choices and convenience of eating places,etc. We ate and danced at Jim's resturant in Sebring, and had a very nice time as Jim entertained us. John and I even got up and did a couple of numbers. This is a big plus for us Wednesday night if we choose Sebring.

Hey Bernie, You sort of read my mind, lol (it's a real "short story", lol). I've been in the ballroom area at the Quality. It's a very large room. I think you're right with the slide-able room divider thing. I'll email the Quality today with our counter-offer. I'm sort of jammed up today, I have to get the equipt. down to Lake Placid for a New Year's party I'm playing, but I'll get over to the Quality to see the approximate area we're talking about. Also, I'll ask her if there other things scheduled (might not be good if we have the National Association of Librarians next door, lol).

Finding a suitable facility at a reasonable cost was the biggest problem Heather, Dan and I had last year. The price quoted ($200/day) is less than most we looked at.
If we can use the room all day and evening for two days, the 31st may not be necessary. If we can leave the equipment until the morning of the 31st with no charge it would be helpfull.

I agree with Bob Hendershot. Keep all possibles open.

Heather,

I have not heard from Lady Lake. If you still have the contact info, give Steve (?) a call.

Jack,

Is the Anthony facility available on the dates we have selected?

Thoughts:

1/4 of the Ballroom a Jam. Other part a business meeting. I am sure there would be a noise restriction.

Lady Lake asked for no playing after 6:00 PM. We did but not as loud.

Anthony has no security and no WiFi.

If we receive nothing better, $200 a day meeting room rental and a better facility sounds good to me.

Fran in SC

I took it upon myself to submit a proposal to the Quality Inn. I suggested that we would pay the $200 per day fee, if they would throw the room in for the 31st, for about a half day if we want it. I pointed out that as well as having 3 day guests, there would be several checking in a day early (4 day guests) as well as friends from England staying an entire week. I also said that the majority of the ppl would avail themselves to the restaurant at the Quality (OK, so I may have stretched it a little, lol). It makes good economic sense for them to give us the room for the 3rd day. As soon as I hear back, I'll let you know their response.
I did remind them (again) that there would be music being played, that it wasn't "rap" or "head banger" but that it still was music. I also asked for the approximate dimensions of what a "1/4 of the ballroom" actually is.
Hopefully, everything will pull together shortly. If we do have it here in Sebring, I play at a very nice local restaurant on Wednesday evenings (5:30 - 8:30). The food is excellent, and I'd like like to think that the entertainment is tolerable, lol. I'll gladly take care of the reservations etc. for those wishing to come to the restaurant and hear the 7000 "in action".

Jim,
Sounds great to me. Your doing a great job.

Fran in SC

GREAT NEWS!!! I met Kate Roman today at the Quality Inn. She said that she and her GM had been talking about our conference room requirements. They felt that perhaps the "1/4 of the ballroom" might not be the best for our situation, inasmuch as we're going to be playing music etc and there is a chance that there could be something going on in another part of the ballroom. They have a former dining room which is HUGE - she suggested that we use that room. It has it's own entrance, it's own restroom facilities, etc. and does not adjoin another conference room.
Regarding the 31'st and a possible $200 charge for that day, she is going to email me with a couple suggestions regarding a luncheon set-up for the 2 days, that way she can throw the room in for 31'st. If we want to take advantage of this, I can post info. regarding the luncheons and the costs. If we decide to just take the room for the 29th and 30th, we can do that as well.
Frankly, I suggest that we jump on this ASAP, if for no other reason than to have the very large room for our "Jam".
She indicated that she'll set-up a master file, and when making reservations, indicate that it's for the "Yahoo conference" Her info is:
Kate Roman, Catering Manager
Quality Inn, 6525 US 27 North
Sebring, Florida, 33870
Phone: 863-385-4500
Fax: 863-385-8436
email: k_roman@qualityinnsebring.com

She suggested getting your reservations taken care of ASAP so that she can reserve a block of adjoining rooms for us. She said that if for some reason you are unable to speak with her directly, leave a message and she will contact you.

Hey Fran, I didn't look on page 2 either! I am most certain Anthony would be available. It is a small sleepy southern kinda place. As expressed before, the motel/hotels are a distance 6 to 10 miles (have to research that for sure)away from the building. I might be able to find someone who would stay there with a baseball bat over night for security. I believe the going cost per day for the facility was $35. We could bring some grub to eat as there is a kitchen to do whatever, or buy platters from Publix prepared and store things in the frig. There are two motel on the way to Anthony from Ocala. Not sure about how spiffy they are and the accomodations. They are older motels. I think we could work things fairly quickly if everyone decideds on Anthony. I will try to get more info for you.
Jack