Financial Woes....Means More Concessions ????

Vic's Restaurant...Here We Go Again ! 

 

 

If during the course of this article you detect a bit of ANGER, let me clarify this right off the bat !

 

I AM ! 

 

Let's just begin with what went on at the Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Board Book meeting and the PROPOSALS that THIS BOARD is actually considering regarding Vic's Restaurant.

 

Remember...those of YOU who voted for these people...elected these individuals, so whoever you pass the blame to, the ultimate reason this is happening...is YOU...

 

...those who were DUPED by a ridiculous restaurant survey...

 

...those who merely asked their friends "who should I vote for?'...

 

...those who were "too busy" to vote...

 

and...perhaps the worst...

 

... those of you who were swayed by a blog owner who constantly defends FAILURE, and whose concept of proper money management is SPEND, SPEND, SPEND...everything that is YOURS, YOURS, YOURS.

 

Now....with the following information, if you don't consider SENDING ALL OF THEM to a place WHERE THEY CAN NO LONGER DO ANY FURTHER DAMAGE...

 

...YOU DESERVE THIS !

 

 

Let's begin about something that our own Mr. Fix-It, Forrest Fetherolf, wrote some time ago, saying "Vic's was in trouble".

 

Oh..."What does he know?", according to some blog owner who has damned him over and over again, year after year.

 

Well, what we all know NOW is that Mr. Fix-It  could see..."the FORREST through the trees" !

 

So---here's what is going to be discussed AND VOTED ON...at the next board meeting on October 24, 2013 with regard to Vic's Restaurant:

 

a. Modifying the hours of operation--for the remainder of the lease.

 

No more lunch...operating from 3:00pm to 9:00pm (Tuesday through Sunday)

 

b. Payment of Utilities.

 

Deferring payment of utilities for the months beginning June, 2013 through September, 2013 executing a note payable over a 24 month period from January, 2014 through December, 2015.

 

THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVEN'T PAID ANY UTILITIES EXPENSES DURING THAT TIME FRAME.

 

(but they are going to pay monthly starting October, 2013...and sign a personal guarantee backed by the restaurant principals)

 

DUH !---a "personal guarantee"  that was "conveniently" removed from the original lease agreement by Vic's and OK'd by this board.

 

c. Reduction of rent.

 

Effective November, 2013, the rent will be reduced from $4,000 p/month to $2,000 per month.

 

So what do we get in return?

 

"Tenant and its principals agree to hold SCACAI harmless and indemnify it against any and all possible financial losses resulting from Vic's operation. The parties acknowledge that Tenant's request for these concessions is in no way a result of any actions by SCACAI."

 

(Cutting through it all....they would agree NOT TO SUE US.)

 

There are also changes to "catering" which our Mr. Fix-It will be covering in a subsequent article, but for now....just what do all of these changes mean on a BOTTOM LINE basis ?

 

It has been determined that in order to "break even" on a restaurant, Sun City Anthem MUST RECEIVE a MINIMUM of $4,000 p/month.

 

Now...do the math. 

 

With a reduction in rent to $2,000 p/month.....that simply means...

 

YOU and I will be paying $2,000 p/month---$24,000 EACH YEAR for the REMAINDER OF THE LEASE....to FINANCE a private business.

 

YOU and I originally told them through an original survey..."We don't want to finance anything", didn't we?

 

YOU and I, through INEXPERIENCE and LACK of PROPER FINANCIAL PLANNING....are going to pay for THOSE MISTAKES....aren't we?

 

Why?

 

So they won't sue us !

 

Does that make sense to any of you ?

 

But...there's more !!!!!

 

Two of the directors, Jerry Gardberg and Dan Forgeron, are in favor of CHARGING THEM ZERO RENT !

 

The others are MUM on the issue.

 

Of course, we have a president, Jean Capillupo, who once told an entire community that blogs are providing "misinformation" didn't she?

 

...and NEVER retracted that statement.

 

Well, Jean, WE BELIEVE THAT ALL ALONG YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS FINANCIAL PROBLEM....said NOTHING to residents...and YOU were the one, Madame president, who was providing the "misinformation".

 

And with this REAL INFORMATION...let me state to this community...

 

If Jean Capillupo or Dan Forgeron or Jerry Gardberg run for reelection to our board in the coming months, and you REELECT any of them...

 

...jusr remember...

 

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW !

 

Namely...YOU'D HAVE TO HAVE...

 

A...

 

This entire community should send them A BILL...for services rendered !

 

Dick Arendt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Nevada Law AB 395

Why Anthem Opinions No Longer Accepts Anonymous Comments

In the past week, a Sun City Anthem alternative blog wrote what we believe, was a damning attack against a respected lady in our community, Mary Lee Duley, following an email she sent to each Sun City Anthem community blog/forum.

Here is a copy of the email Mrs. Duley sent to EVERY website owner that provides information to all SCA residents. All website addresses were furnished (as referenced below). It is a two part email; lengthy, but informative.

Hi Neighbors:

Your consideration in NOT sending emails and expecting responses for the last few weeks has been greatly appreciated. The quality time with family and friends is important to all of us and I enjoyed mine thoroughly. We are blessed to be able to enjoy a "great grandson", in addition to the grandchildren (now adults) and children (now adults). I sent the below email (in green) on October 6th but have just added comments due to the volume of emails I just finished reading.

We are all entitled to our opinions and preferences without receiving criticism for same, in my opinion. Please be respectful when you post any comment on the various blogs available to SCA residents and refrain from finger pointing by "name" as it offers no value to the community and continues to separate our unique community.

I have elaborated below due to the "volume" of emails received in our absence from the laptop the last few weeks. Information is sent on a regular basis but I do not have a blog, nor do I intend to have one, these emails are sent as a courtesy.

Please HOLD all emails as I will be unable to respond to same for now. We plan on spending lots of quality time with " family and out of state friends" and the number of commitments is a bit overwhelming. 

My suggestion is for you to stay on top of the "happenings" by reading the blogs on the web sites available to Sun City Anthem Residents.

Please do NOT hesitate to post questions you may have and opinions as open communication is encouraged. The web addresses are as follows:

http://www.anthemtoday.com

http://anthemopinions.blogspot.com

http://www.scaview.org

http://www.sca-hoa.org

http://www.anthemvoice.org

http://www.anthemjournal.typepad.com

HI Neighbors: Please note, this has just been added to the original post emailed to all in my data base on October 7th and, again, thanks for your consideration in NOT sending emails and expecting responses while we enjoyed our family and visiting friends.. 

For what it's worth, IF I receive more than twenty five (25) emails from SCA residents regarding a specific editorial referenced on any of the above referenced blogs, I DO forward that particular editorial to my data base, regardless of the specific blog. 

ALL blog web site addresses (as referenced above in green) have been forwarded to those in my data base on a quarterly basis as we have new neighbors moving in and old ones moving out on a regular basis.

Emails containing this information has been shared with SCA residents since we moved into Desert Sky Village in 2006.

YES, like everyone else, I have web sites that I prefer over others.

I have just been accused of "pretending to be something I'm not" as I chose to forward an editorial from Ron Johnson's research on the proposed miniature golf course a few weeks ago and didn't forward information from another blog owner.

This blog owner asked to be REMOVED from my data base a long time ago and, needless to say, the informative emails are not forwarded, but many in the community are encouraged to "share" information that may be helpful or informative. 

Three of my neighbors have, personally, been to Summerlin this past month and have talked to Summerlin residents on the golf courses (there are three golf courses), the Arts & Crafts Club at the Summerllin Recreation Center, AND visited the Summerlin SCA miniature course.

It was surprising to them that there were NO players on three different visits and the weather was outstanding. One neighbor resides in Desert Sky Village, as I do, the others reside in Shadow Canyon and Black Mountain, all within walking distance to Liberty Center.

The Summerlin Golf course participants shared that WHEN and IF their "grandchildren" visit, they take them to play, but that isn't often and that, sadly, it is rarely used and they felt it was a waste of dollars spent to maintain.

Their course is beautiful yet expensive to maintain, from what I've been told, on a second hand basis. I do not have specific figures but residents can call the Sun City-Summerlin office and obtain general information, if desired and their administration number is (702) 966-1401.

Please do not waste their time with trivia as, like our Administration Offices, they are exceptionally busy handing day to day business.

SCA residents that have asked to be added to my data base have been added immediately, and it is necessary to have your names, addresses, and phone numbers emailed when registering. This information is NOT shared as PRIVACY is important to all of us.

I do not believe in or approve of anonymous postings on ANY blog available to SCA residents. My personal opinion is that IF you have something to say, why hide behind a first name or nickname or anonymous name? IF you feel the issue is important, please have the strength of your convictions when you share information and use your real name.

Many have written expressing concern over sharing comments on various blogs for "fear" that they will receive open criticism and, like yourselves, this saddens me. 

If you have asked to be REMOVED from my data base, you will no longer receive information emails, nor will emails and information from you be posted. If there is finger pointing and name calling in an email or blog comment, I will NOT forward the information and have elaborated on this for years.

We are long overdue for the residents in the community to "work together" in my opinion and put all of the negatives and egos aside and allow residents to move forward in a "positive way". 

Many have asked my "personal opinion" regarding the proposed miniature golf course and I have informed them, as well as all blog owners. I am against spending that kind of money for an amenity that, in my opinion, will not be used often.

IF the bocce courts had been constructed CORRECTLY initially, this would not even be an issue and we would be enjoying it.

 I, personally live a couple of doors away from Liberty Center and purchased the lot for a reason. The close proximity allows me to walk and enjoy the facilities IF and WHEN we are unable to drive.

Since we began playing bocce when we arrived in 2006, we were thrilled that the master plan for Liberty Center included tennis and bocce for outdoor activities.

When the bocce courts were NOT constructed the way the bocce courts are at Anthem Center, residents in Desert Sky, Shadow Canyon, and Black Mountain contacted the decision makers for our community to make the changes where the Bocce Courts would be playable.

That has not happened and that is the ONLY reason the courts remain empty. The cost to correct even FOUR out of the eight courts would be a reasonable amount, unlike totally reconstructing the area and turning it into a miniature golf course, in my opinion.

Paddle Ball and Pickle Ball has become extremely popular as many tennis players find it more difficult to play with our aging challenges. Some of the bocce courts could easily and reasonably (cost factor) be converted and enjoyed by many as this is another popular activity in an active adult community.

We have a professional four hole putting green in our back yard, in addition to the swimming pool, and it is rarely used. In retrospect, we should have built a much larger pool.

It was interesting to me to go to the http://www.suncity-summerlin.com web site and then click on "About the Association".

There are four categories: Our Vision, Community Highlights, Community Governance, and Homeowner Fees.

The Community Highlights are what potential purchasers look for when searching for a new home.

While the miniature golf course is listed on another page under "recreational amenities", it was NOT listed under Community Highlights.

Summerlin consists of 7,800 homes, three 18-hole golf courses, and extensive recreation facilities.

The web site reflects the following:

In addition to the three (3) Billy Casper/Greg Nash golf courses and three (3) restaurants are four (4) SCSCAI owned and operated social and recreation facilities: Mountain Shadows, Desert Vista, Sun Shadows, and the Pinnacle. They incorporate outdoor and outdoor pools, 13 tennis courts, craft rooms, card rooms, social halls, a 312 seat theater, exercise rooms with the latest hydraulic exercise equipment, bocce ball courts, a baseball diamond and spas.

There is NO reference to their miniature golf course under "community highlights".

It continues to say there are more than 80 resident-organized social and recreational clubs covering a wide variety of interests. It then lists convenient shopping, banks, grocery chains, hospitals.

The feedback I have received from neighbors participating in data base, regarding the survey or petition that has been promoted for miniature golf course varied, but most were most concerned about the overall COST to construct and then maintain.

Many emailed that they had signed the petition because they were told the cost to build and maintain was "reasonable", but specific figures were not provided.

While monies come from our "asset enhancement fee", in my opinion, it's still resident's money as you (as a resident) pay the fee when you sell your home. Monies are used to "maintain" the community the keep it up to it's wonderful standards, from what I've been told, but spending a large amount of money on something that could be minimal to correct the existing problem makes more sense to me.

I've elaborated, in an attempt to answer questions that have been emailed to me in the last few weeks as there are not enough hours in a day to respond to each and every one of you. 

IF you have opinions and thoughts about various issues, please contact the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors (email addresses in the Spirit Magazine), Committee Chairmen, and/or go to the various web sites (as referenced above). 

I do NOT forward emails without the consent of the sender. Please consider this MY CONSENT to forward this to your family, friends, and neighbors that reside in Sun City Anthem. 

I will forward it to ALL of the blog owners and am hopeful they will share personal opinions without criticism as we are all entitled to mutual respect.

This was lengthy and I appreciate your emails sharing information pertinent to residents of SCA. Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Mary Lee Duley
----------------------------------------------------------------------

In our opinion, this correspondence did nothing other than EXPRESS A PERSONAL OPINION from a concerned resident...a resident, whose residence is within the immediate vicinity of a proposed project that might be constructed near the Liberty Center.

Unfortunately, this resulted in both DAMNING articles, as well as continued DEMEANING statements, against her and other residents of Sun City Anthem...for one reason....

...disagreement with that particular blog owner in opposing the building of a miniature golf course.

I am bringing this to the attention of you, our readers, for two reasons:

First, we must allow ANY PERSON the opportunity to RESPECTFULLY share an opinion, whether they agree or disagree with you.

Second, we must NOT ALLOW another individual to be subjected to DAMNING commentary for simply making a respectful statement.

On October 1, 2013, a Nevada law, AB 395, became effective, and its objective was to prohibit "harassing" others, making it a CRIMINAL OFFENSE to do so.

Accordingly, Anthem Opinions changed it's posting policy effective October 1, 2013, no longer accepting "anonymous" postings, in order to both protect innocent parties being subjected to such harassment, as well as,  our blog against the possibility of CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

We will, however, continue to accept emails to anthemopinions@gmail.com

to post comments on your behalf, should you choose not to do so, personally. 

And...as a result, we have altered our  "anonymous" Information Page, to now read, "Instructions for Posting a Comment on Your Behalf".

If you click on that Information Page, both this Nevada Law, AB395, is printed, as well as, "anonymous" posting rule changes are summarized.

(It is located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

Anthem Opinions is fully committed to making "comment" posting an ENJOYABLE experience without suffering possible embarrassment or damning response.

Dick Arendt & Allen Weintraub

Anthem Opinions

Claims "Misrepresentation"

Sun City Anthem Resident Speaks Out Against David's Anthem Journal

Within the past two days, two articles have been published on David's Anthem Journal that have been widely critical of a number of Sun City Anthem residents, one of which is Mrs. Mary Lee Duley, a woman primarily known for her extensive Sun City Anthem data base primarily covering the Desert Sky, Shadow Canyon, Black Mountain, as well as a number of other villages in our community.

Mrs. Duley often provides those members of her data base, information about our community, and has always strived to be impartial in her reports.

Following an email sent to that data base in which she reported facts and expressed concerns about the proposed miniature golf project at Liberty Center (see copy of email in Anthem Today article entitled "Why Anthem Opinions No Longer Accepts Anonymous Comments", she also forwarded copies to the major blogs/forums in Sun City Anthem for their consideration to publish.

Following that email, an article appeared on the blog, David's Anthem Journal, entitled " An Attack on the Mini-Golf Proposal", in which Mrs. Duley was heavily criticized for merely expressing a personal opinion about the mini-golf proposal.

David Berman originally contacted Mrs. Duley in May, 2013 and asked her the following: "How do you think you personally, as well as your neighbors, would feel about this type of use for that space?" (Liberty Bocce Ball court)

A portion of Mrs. Duley's response for her personal opinion was "the residents of the three villages would rather have the end of the bocce courts reconfigured to match the ones at Anthem Center and you would find them used continuously. The cost would certainly be much cheaper to reconfigure than tear it up and add something else."

Subsequently, David's Anthem Journal composed and published an article which not only offended Mrs. Duley by attacking her with his judgmental presumptive assumptions,  but a number of Sun City Anthem residents as well.

In addition, as a result of other comments made on the Anthem Today community forum that were critical of that article in defending Mrs. Duley's personal opinions, yet another article appeared entitled "About that Dining Offer-", this time, heavily criticizing another lady named Patsy McCarthy, the purpose of which was a mystery, yet ridiculed her as well.

As a result of the Berman publication, "An Attack on the Mini-Golf Proposal", Mrs. Duley submitted a response, and  requested other publications post it on her behalf.

And in accepting that request, we support not just Mrs. Duley, but ANY PERSON  who has the right not to be ridiculed for expressing an opinion, as long as done so in a respectful manner.

Here is Mrs. Duley's response to the David's Anthem Journal article entitled "An Attack on the Mini-Golf Proposal":

----------------------------------------------

     Subject: MISREPRESENTATION

Dear SCA Neighbors, Family, and Friends:

David Berman has elected to place what I consider a "misrepresentation" of myself on his blog (Anthem Journal/owner), which I felt was insulting and unprofessional, while criticizing my "personal opinions".  My personal opinions greatly differ from his push to replace the existing, incorrectly built,  Bocce Courts at Liberty Center with a miniature golf course.

While on an extended family holiday, I also received and ignored two emails from David Berman, that were judgmental, presumptuous, insulting, and AGAIN, criticized my "personal opinion" of not favoring a miniature golf course.  Actually, my opinion hasn't changed since my  personal response to David Berman's REQUEST for my "personal opinion" and that of my neighbors. on May 25, 2013.

David Berman has ATTACKED me on his web site, most likely because I chose to IGNORE his insulting emails. I do NOT plan on having ANY conversations with Mr. Berman, either in person, via email, or other venues available.

Informational emails will continue to be forwarded to those that desire to participate in my data personal base.  Let me assure you that all transmittals are sent using Bcc, as privacy is a large concern to all of us.  IF you are on my data base and desire to be taken off, it's just a matter of a quick email to  mlduley@msn.com.  If you desire to be added to the data base, please provide your name, address, telephone number, village name,  and email address.  You will receive a confirmation email when you have been added.

Thank you for your continued support, time, and consideration.Sincerely,

Mary Lee Duley

Garage Door Getting Harder to See ?

That Garage Getting Too Small for Your Eyes ?

For all the details, just click on our Information Page, 

"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home Improvement"

(located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

Sun City Anthem E-Blasts....Are Some " Relevant to Residents" ?

Why Does Vic's Restaurant Have Access to Sun City Anthem Residents Email Addresses ?

Are you as tired as I am receiving emails from Vic's Restaurant, a private company who merely leases space from Sun City Anthem ?

Here's the latest every person who subscribes to the Sun City Anthem website received today:

__________________________________________________

SUN CITY ANTHEM

Message from Vic's Restaurant

Special events, tonight and tomorrow!

Friday, October 18
Come listen to the mellow sounds of accomplished pianist Marilyn Peterson on Friday, October 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday, October 19
Due to popular demand, Vic's is extending Free Bananas Foster Night to include ALL dinner hours!  There is still some availability for Free Bananas Foster on this Saturday, October 19!  Call now before all reservation times are gone!

Please do not respond to this message. Use the appropriate eForm found on the website to communicate with management personnel and the Web Administrator. To change your e-mail address, login to the website and click the User Profile and make the desired changes. If you do not wish to receive future email bulletins, you may unsubscribe by unchecking the appropriate boxes in the subscriptions tab of your user profile.

_______________________________________________________________________

These notices come via official Sun City Anthem eblasts !

And...the disclaimer is BUNK ..especially this part:

"you may unsubscribe by unchecking the appropriate boxes in the subscriptions tab of your user profile"

So...I decided to try to locate the "appropriate box" in my Sun City Anthem "User Profile" where I could DELETE SOLICITATIONS...

...you know....like the ones most of as call...SPAM !

As per the instructions, I logged into the SCA website, and opened up the "User Profile" under "Home" only to find a tab called "subscriptions".

OK...I opened up "subscriptions" and the only thing I could delete was "Alerts: Events Relevant to Residents".

So...since "Messages from the Board President" must be "relevant to residents", perhaps someone might answer this question.....

....What is the RELEVANCE of "Free Banana's Foster Night"  ???

...and just why should a solicitation from an independent business that is merely a renter, be allowed at all on SCA official correspondence ? 

How and more importantly, WHY, is this independent business allowed free access to Sun City Anthem resident email addresses to ADVERTISE themselves?

Want to delete SPAM advertisements anywhere else ...not a problem...

...but here ????

YOU CAN'T....unless you also unsubscribe to all Sun City Anthem emails...because of one reason...

This board or management company WANTS Vic's TO HAVE ACCESS to you.

And WHY should that be ? 

Are they paying for the email lists? 

Are they being prepared by an employee of FSR (our management company) ...

...who IS BEING PAID by Sun City Anthem residents...

...to receive THEIR ADVERTISING ?

Or is the word "bananas" synonymous with Messages from the Board President?

We believe the SCA website should NOT ALLOW any form of Private Solicitation...from any profit making organizations without payment....and in addition...the SCA website should be altered to allow you to OPT-OUT of any such material. 

We'd like your opinion.

Should Vic's Restaurant or any other independent profit-making company or individual be allowed to advertise by way of official SCA E-blasts?

Should any outside party have access to your email address for such purposes?

If allowed, should any such party pay for advertising? 

Should the SCA website have an "Opt-Out" option for any solicitations from private profit-making companies?

If you are unable to comment, send us an email at:

anthemopinions@gmail.com

We'll post it for you as long as it falls within our definition of "respectful discourse".

Dick Arendt

City of Henderson Offers Financial Planning Seminar

Need to talk to someone about financial planning issues...that won't try and sell you something?

 

Then check out the FREE City of Henderson "Financial Day" that will be held on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

 

This "day" covers topics for not just the retired, but for those still a part of the working world.

 

City of Henderson to Hold Free "Financial Day"

 

For full details, just click on our Information Page, "Henderson, Las Vegas, and Nevada News Happenings"

 

(located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

 

Norm's Got a Special Story with Entertainment This Week

Norm Johnson has the fun spots to check out this weekend...in...

 

Norm Johnson's Weekend Entertainment News

 

For complete details, just click on our Information Page, "What's Up in Weekend Entertainment"

 

(located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

Special Guest: Lou Gazzara from Vegas the Show

Vegas Voice Show Saturday, October 19th

 

Join  Radio host, Dick Arendt,  this Saturday, October 19th at 7:00am and again at noon on Sunday for The Vegas Voice Show on  KLAV radio, AM 1230, on your dial.

 

Dick's Special Guest this week is Lou Gazzara, the former star of "Vegas the Show".  It's the 2nd part of an interview that first aired on September 14, 2013.

 

You'll learn about Lou's career from his being a semi-finalist on American Idol; his conversations with hosts, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul, and how his career has progressed over the years.

 

And...if you miss the broadcast, or would like to hear Part One of the interview, you can always download it on The Vegas Voice website.  Just go the "Radio" link, click on it, all past shows are archived for your convenience.

 

And don't forget to read The Vegas Voice, the largest Age 50+ Senior newspaper in the Las Vegas valley.

 

http://www.thevegasvoice.net/

You May Be Surprised Just How Possible It Is !

Earthquake...Can It Happen Here ?

You bet it can....and more so here than in 46 other states according to the article entitled "Annual Shake Out Drill Thursday" in the Nevada Section of the Wednesday, October 16th edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

According to the article:

...only California and Alaska incur more earthquakes than Nevada.

...seven quakes of magnitude of 6.5 or greater have struck Nevada in the past century, but none has occurred since 1954.

...and WE'RE DUE !

Most people are unaware that the Las Vegas valley is SURROUNDED by a number of seismic faults, capable of producing a major quake.

...and Thursday, October 17th, at 10:17am, more than 550,000 Nevadans will participate in the "Great Nevada Shake Out", including all 315,000 public school students.

Here's a link to the article:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/hit-deck-were-due-earthquake

Do you carry earthquake insurance through your homeowners policy?

Most people are not aware that similar to flooding, earthquake damage IS NOT COVERED on your policy unless a RIDER is ADDED to the coverage.

Is it costly?

That's for your individual budget to determine, but one has to ask one's self...

...Is it worth $200-$300 of additional cost per year to protect an asset worth $200,000 to $700,000 depending on the value of your home ?

I do...and I carry earthquake insurance, not just for peace of mind in protecting one of my most valued assets, but because I place the cost in proper perspective.

Do you drop a couple of hundred bucks in a slot machine in a year? 

I do...and I'll bet most of you do as well. 

and...we all know those big buildings aren't built on people winning, don't we?

So...if you can "sacrifice" that slot machine a time or two over an ENTIRE YEAR...

...is it worth it.

..to protect your home from such devastation....if for no other reason...

...than your having a place to sleep each night...when you drop another two hundred bucks ????

I think so...and it doesn't cost anything to call your insurance agent to find out what it costs to add it to your present coverage.

That might be the ex-insurance man in me, but I have to admit, that in the 35 years I spent in that industry....

Never ONCE....

Did I ever have a claimant refuse to cash a check !!!!

Dick Arendt

Second of a Three Part Series

The ABC's of Cruising  (Part Two)

 

In the first article, I discussed some initial concerns, primarily where and when to go, and the merits of an inside or outside cabin as well as its location on the ship you've decided to book.

 

Next up is where to buy the cruise.

 

First, I suggest that you subscribe to discount cruise outlets.  They will send you "specials" as they come along, and sooner or later, the cruise you are most interested in, will have some kind of promotion.

 

And...if the price seems right...book it...but make sure the cruise agency offers a "lowest price guarantee".

 

"A lowest price guarantee" makes sure that IF you find a lower price anywhere prior to your making final payment, they guarantee to REDUCE your price to that amount. 

 

Many outlets will tell you about this, but in reality, YOU must bring it to their attention in order to obtain the reduction in fare.  As a result, if this option is applicable, KEEP A SHARP EYE ON THE PRICE every few days.

 

This "best price guarantee" is usually good for up to 90 days prior to the sailing...as mentioned earlier...the date of final payment.

 

As a result, DON'T PAY THE BALANCE UNTIL THE FINAL DAY IT IS DUE.

 

If you do, the "best price guarantee" normally will NOT apply.

 

...and if you see a better price elsewhere, you can always cancel the original reservation (normally without penalty, and rebook it with the less expensive outlet. Make sure you cover that fully before you book the cruise.

 

90 days is critical...and that will be covered a bit later in this article.

 

Here are some of the best internet outlets I've experienced over the years.

 

For a starting point, I suggest you subscribe to "Vacations To Go".

 

http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm

 

Though I have never purchased anything from this site, it's always been a useful barometer as to the true cost of a cruise.  They have a "90 day ticker" that offers terrific bargains on cruises sailing within 90 days of the present date.  It's a benchmark to use when searching out other avenues, and checking it OFTEN, will reap its rewards.

 

Why is 90 days prior to a cruise a critical day in getting a bargain ?

 

...for a couple of reasons.

 

First, it is normally the "last date" for full payment of the balance, and many who originally booked and must cancel, do so on that day, or lose their entire deposit; and

 

Second, because cruise outlets usually have to return any unsold cabins remaining in their inventory to the cruise company ...rather than do that, you will see last minute bargains.

 

...and "bargains" can come in different ways; either a fare reduction, or in the case of those cruise companies who do not permit discounting, will give you a little something extra to make up for the inability to discount.

 

Some might offer you "prepaid gratuities", others will give you a "shipboard credit" on any purchases made on the ship; and still others, might discount shore excursions or provide you "specialty dinners" in an exclusive restaurant on board.

 

So...the best bargains are within 90-100 days of the actual sailing. You may not get the cabin of your choice, but the cost will more than make up for it !

 

...and if none of the cabins "fit your bill", remember...you're retired and there will always be other bargains in the future.

 

These are just a few of the discount cruise outlets I have used over the years...

 

Best Price Cruises

http://www.bestpricecruises.com/

 

CruCon Cruise Outlet

http://www.crucon.com/

 

Cruises- N-More

http://www.cruises-n-more.com/

 

Cruises Only

http://www.cruisesonly.com/promotion/CruisesOnly/email/email_thankyou.asp?msg=2

 

Then...after you have your best price, use this site "to keep them honest". 

 

Cruise Compete

http://www.cruisecompete.com/

 

Cruise Compete allows you to state your preferences, and send it back to them.  Within a short time, you will receive offers from various discount cruise outlets "giving it their best shot" to earn your business.

 

In addition to these, if you are a former airline employee or retired military, there are discount agencies offering even greater discounts, often for specific cruises.

 

Here's yet another benefit....

 

No matter where you purchase your cruise...

 

... if you choose to cruise on any Carnival Corporation owned cruise line (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa), and you own just 100 shares of Carnival Corporation common stock, you will also receive a special "shipboard credit" for being a stockholder. 

 

That special ADDITIONAL shipboard credit will be between $50 and $250 depending on the length of the cruise purchased.

 

So...this Part Two will hopefully give you an idea or two as to who to buy from and when.

 

If you can suggest any other discount sites, send us an email at:

 

anthemopinions@gmail.com

 

We'll be glad to pass those on to our readers as well

 

In our Part Three, we'll cover transportation and shore excursions...and how to get the best "bang for your buck" in those areas.

 

Dick Arendt