DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '09 II => Topic started by: Irishcoda on August 16, 2009, 04:02:00 PM
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Hi you guys,
I haven't posted in a long long time but have been lurking and keeping up with DS news and the daily episodes you guys are doing. :)
My husband and I went to the Fest on Saturday. I mostly wanted to see friends, hear the presentation on time travel, and then enjoy watching Jonathan Frid and the cast reunion.
The last time I went to a Fest was in 2001. If I'm not crazy, I seem to remember that there were volunteers to help meet the needs of disabled fans. Am I nuts or did that happen? Well, anyway, my DH and I both have spine issues now and both of us need surgery. We are still ambulatory but can't stand for more than a few minutes at a time.
Anyway, I saw some of my friends and that was wonderful. Both my hubby and I totally enjoyed the time travel presentation. We left our seats (in the back) and went to get lunch and visit the merchandise room. We got back around 2. I knew the room would be crowded because of Frid and then the reunion. But what I didn't figure on was that there wouldn't be a single seat left, not even way in the back, last row. People are standing up all over, packing in like sardines. People in wheelchairs aren't in the front, like I thought they'd be, they're all over. Some people in the chairs are asking the standees to please move because they can't see. There's also no volunteers around.
Hubs and I went from back up to the front searching for friends. There's lots of chairs empty except for purses or programs—you know “saved for others” seats. There's also a bunch of “reserved for Marcy” seats, most are empty. One of my friends tells me, if Marcy's volunteers all don't show up, maybe we could sit there. So Ted and I sit. A woman (a volunteer I recognized from before) leans over right off and says, “You can't sit here.”
I say, “My husband and I are disabled in that we can't stand. Can we sit here and see if all the volunteers show up?”
She goes, “Well, then they'd be for the stars.”
About she also didn't say, listen, let's go find two chairs for you. I don't care if we sat in the back of the room up against the back wall. All we needed was to sit down. But she said nothing.
Ted and I went back out to the table where people had originally registered us. I thought, okay, maybe on the original online form there’d been a place to indicate you needed accommodation as a disabled person. So I asked the one guy. He didn’t know, referred me over to Anne. So I asked Anne the same question. She didn’t answer my question but she did say, “You need to find a volunteer and tell them you need to have a seat.”
I said the only volunteers I’d seen were sitting down in the front and there weren’t any chairs in there. Anne goes, “Well, I don’t know what to tell you.”
Guys, I was shocked. She repeated herself, like maybe I was deaf.
So my husband and I left. We didn’t see Jonathan Frid nor the cast reunion. We’d driven over two hours to spend the day and had spend only three hours there. I mean, I might have been able to manage sitting on the floor but not my husband. There was no point in staying.
I looked on the registration form at the website today and I’m seeing that there IS no place to indicate a person is in a wheelchair/needs a chair/needs any accommodation. ?? ??
I figured I would write to Jim Pierson or whoever’s in charge of the Fest now and suggest they add that to the form. Then wouldn’t they consider having a place set aside for people who need it? You know what else? There *are* deaf fans of DS out there because they can get captioned versions of it now…but deaf people sure can’t come if there’s no interpreters and no way to request them, right?
I did enjoy spending time with my friends, though. That part was good.
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If I'm not crazy, I seem to remember that there were volunteers to help meet the needs of disabled fans.
I'm pretty sure that in the past the Fest has accommodated disabled fans. I'm sorry to read that you had problems this year - and that caused you to miss out on something you were looking forward to.
And welcome back! [ghost_smiley]
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Thanks, M.B. Love the glow in the dark eyes! [ghost_smiley]
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I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you and your husband, Irishcoda! I work with people with disabilities, so I'm really touchy about this. I certainly hope you do push this with Jim Pierson and whoever else puts on the Fests. There can be no excuse for this. They need to make sure that all venues and activities are accessible, including by providing reserved space for wheelchairs as well as chairs for those who require them. And obviously, there must be some type of "workshop" with the volunteers so they know what to do. All that the one you you asked - or any of the ones you asked - about acquiring a couple extra chairs had to do was was go look for some, or ask one of the hotel personnel who would've fetched them immediately. It was as simple as that and it boggles my mind that no one you asked had any clue (or desire) as to what to do.
Oh, and Jim Pierson or whoever is in charge had better refund your admission fee and provide you with free admission the next time you are able to attend.
Gerard
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Aww, that is a shame. I've volunteered in the past and I know what you mean about not always being enough chairs or people holding spots for others. I think it is a shame that an able bodied person did not offer to give up their seat and stand. Something I just thought of would be for anyone who is in a similiar situation may want to think about bringing one of those little chairs that fold up. I've seen some that can actually be folded and fit into a bag and then you just pull the legs down when you need a seat. You may not get a front row view but at least be able to rest your legs while listening to what's going on.
The staff, volunteers and hotel need to get more on the ball with this issue because we dark shadows fans are all aging and more and more will need assistance for future fest.
I am glad you enjoyed your time with friends~~
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It is a shame, but the reality is that most able bodied folks don't think about the needs of the disabled. I have learned that we must advocate for ourselves. So please do follow through with writing to the Fest organizers. Your idea of a line on the registration is great-that will give the organizers an idea of how many wheelchairs/regular chairs to expect. Gerard is right also-you need to insist the price be refunded since the Fest was not accessible. And by the way, all public events are required under ADA to be accessible. I really want to go to the Fest the next time it is in California, so those of us who need accommodation (I am in a power chair and on a ventilator)should get moving on making sure the changes happen the next time. Good post, Irishcoda! I am sorry you were not able to enjoy the entire Fest.
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Thanks, Gerard. I thought that the organizers used to do a better job with this but I wasn't having physical problems in 2001 (last time I attended) so maybe I'm wrong...or things have really changed! [ghost_tongue] You're right about the admission. I hadn't thought to ask for it back but it was a two hour drive for us one way...
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Something I just thought of would be for anyone who is in a similiar situation may want to think about bringing one of those little chairs that fold up. I've seen some that can actually be folded and fit into a bag and then you just pull the legs down when you need a seat.
You know, that's not a bad idea until they get on the ball with this one. I wish we'd thought of it. I wouldn't have cared if we'd been up against the back wall, just needed seats. But I'll tell you...if there'd been a fire or any kind of emergency, it was so crowded people would've been hurt or killed--especially if visually/mobility disabled people hadn't had someone right there looking out for them. [ghost_tongue]
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I thought the same thing about fire safety when I heard people had to stand due to a shortage of seats. That would be an issue the hotel should look into. My father was a fire inspector and would have had a fit.
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And by the way, all public events are required under ADA to be accessible. I really want to go to the Fest the next time it is in California, so those of us who need accommodation (I am in a power chair and on a ventilator)should get moving on making sure the changes happen the next time.
Funny thing, I'm used to advocating for the deaf. I have deaf parents and used to be a sign language interpreter. Now I need to get used to advocating for my husband and me.
About the ADA: Wow, that's right--I'd forgotten that after nearly 10 years of not interpreting anymore! *All* public functions must be accessible to all. Many times I'd be hired to go to a town meeting or school board or community event just in case deaf people showed up. The deaf people didn't have to ask ahead of time.
It should be that way for all of us but I think at the very least the Fest committee could find out from us if/what accommodations we need. It *is* the law.
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We probably should have gone right around to the hotel desk but didn't think about it, we were so upset. I don't know if it's crowded again today or not.
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You're right about the admission. I hadn't thought to ask for it back but it was a two hour drive for us one way...
A two hour drive each way! Then Jim Pierson also owes you for gas and mileage! H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks, he should pick up your lunch tab, too! And throw in a new washer and dryer for good measure! I know that was silly, but right now I'm so dog-gone mad!!!! [ghost_mad] And I can't believe that no one there had the decency to offer you their seats. Let me tell you, if I were there, I would've seen to it that you got them, even if I had to yank them out from under someone. What's the matter with these people? Our beloved Jonathan Frid is there. He may not be non-ambulatory, but most likely he wouldn't be able to chase Alex Stephens around the stage hitting him with his cane anymore. Imagine if he needed some assistance; what would they do, just gauk at him and say there's nothing they can do?
All our friends who are there now, start talking to people, especially those in charge, about this! Make an issue out of it! Rouse some rabble! oooooooooo........I'm just so mad!!!!!!!!!
Gerard
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I think it'd be a great idea--the more people who wrote to the fest organizers about the issue the better--even able bodied people should write. Someone pointed out that a lot of us fans are getting older and more and more people are going to need accommodations of one sort or another.
One of the stars joked one year we'd start having Fests in the nursing home. The committee ought to think about that. They definitely would not treat Jonathan Frid--or any of their VIPs that way. Fans should receive no less respect than simple courtesy and accommodation for needs.
On a side note: I wasn't even all that impressed with the hotel's idea of "accommodations" in the restroom. The disabled stall was way down the at the very end of the room, no short distance. When you go into the ladies' room, there's a sharp turn to get to the stalls. Not easy to maneuver. [ghost_tongue]
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Our beloved Jonathan Frid is there. He may not be non-ambulatory, but most likely he wouldn't be able to chase Alex Stephens around the stage hitting him with his cane anymore. Imagine if he needed some assistance; what would they do, just gawk at him and say there's nothing they can do?
We kind of saw the answer to that last year when he fell on stage during his Sunday program. There were half a dozen people, including his assistants, right there. But the fans? I was in the second row both Saturday and Sunday last year, and had someone try to take a seat I HAD to save because it was for my then 12 year old son, who was sometimes with us, sometimes with another family (and we gave up the seat when we found our son was with the other family). We had to rotate out getting food, bathroom, etc. the entire weekend because if your seat gets left open, it WILL be taken. Are there really fans so pig-headed that they couldn't show some respect to those who could not stand? I'm with you, Gerard, I've been angry about this since I first read it this morning.
It is high time, after over 25 years of this, that this nonsense stopped! Imagine how, if the movie takes off, movie fans start showing up. We will be laughed to scorn over this utter idiocy of stampeding like cattle. It's even true of the banquet, and while I'm at it, HOW ABOUT A DRESS CODE??? It irks me no end that people can't even be bothered to put on something besides T shirts and jeans for something they've paid $60 to attend. If they can afford to do that, they can darn well get something decent to wear. I'm not asking for black-tie (even though that was, in essence, what my family and I did last year because we were combining it with another occasion), but I think a no-denim rule would not be out of line.
Oh, before I go on ranting, I'd better just stop. Thank you to those who have listened. Julie
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I've given up on getting a good seat in the ballroom so usually I head straight to the back. It's kind of nice that way if you need to run out to the restroom and just discreetly leave if you get a bit bored with what' going on at the time.
It doesn't bother me what people wear ( within reason) so much. I'm sure many save and pinch pennies all year just for the opportunity to go and feel the whole fest experience and fashion may not be on their priority list. I gave up the whole banquet thing a few years ago when I realized the cost did not equal the quality of food. The last time my meal was not edible so I've skipped it and usually find a nice local place to eat and then head back to say my good byes until next year [ghost_sad]
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Irishcoda, I'm very surprised to hear about your problems at the Fest. [shkdg] I couldn't afford to go this year, but I went to the last 6 Fests starting in 2003, and it seems to me that the disabled fans got to sit up front, and were brought up to the front of the autograph lines. Their treatment of you was deplorable! [ghost_tongue] It really burns me up! [ghost_mad] You should definitely contact Jim Pierson about this. I don't know if you are on Facebook, but Marie Wallace is there. You could post something about it. There are lots of DS fans on Facebook. I'm sure something could be done about this problem so it doesn't happen again.
----- Sally -----
[snow_bigglass] [hippy2]
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Sally,
That's what I thought I remembered too from 1999 and 2001. I hadn't had the opportunity to go to a Fest until this time around. But I remember that there was a place reserved for people with special needs and I do remember that they exited the room first and got on line first. So I just assumed it would be the same this time around. I am on FB and I did leave a post to Marie about the Fest, regretting that I didn't get to see her because there weren't accommodations for mobility impaired folks.
Just a P.S. to everyone: About other able-bodied people giving up their seats: I don't know that they were aware of our problem. And for all we know, there were people with mobility issues that had to stand along the walls that we didn't see. It was really really crowded in there and then the lights went out as we left the room. All I know for sure is that a volunteer was the one who told us we couldn't sit in the seats because they were reserved for volunteers or stars. I told her that my husband and I couldn't stand and she didn't say, oh, let's get you two chairs and bring them to the back of the room. She said nothing at all except move.
People in wheelchairs were not all in the front. A lot of them were on the sides, behind people already standing up. As we were leaving, they were asking the standees to please move a little so they could see. I thought it really stunk that there wasn't a section for the wheelchairs and people with crutches and canes.
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This sounds horrible, and I really think the organizers had better take heed. I have only been to 2 fests: 1995 and 1997, and Midnite has just said that the latter had the highest attendance. It was too long ago to recall what, if any, the arrangements for the disabled might have been, but I do remember there being some major crowd problems. In particular, the crowd waiting to get into the room to see the Selby play in 1997 was an insane situation, and clearly a fire hazard, to boot. I recall people on the AOL board and others trying to voice their concerns, and even offer a few simple suggestions that might improve the dangerous situations in the future, and it mostly falling on deaf ears. I think in some cases, people who offered to volunteer to help were blown off. This type of stuff is probably one of the reasons I've avoided going to fests after that (the other that I was a little burned out on DS for some years, after watching it religiously for 7 or 8 years on the Sci Fi channel). But these folks have been doing these fests for long enough that they really don't have an excuse not to know about issues for the disabled and for health and fire safety.
Cathy
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Even if the crowd was within the fire code law, sometimes the set up of chairs or if groups of people are standing and blocking exist can make the difference. A non handicapped/disabled person may have a chance to get out if a fire occurred but someone in a wheelchair, walker or who just moves slow due to age or arthritis is not going to have the same chance. Because we do have a large fan base with disabilities who are able to make the fest why not assign a section close to exit and close to the front so they can have those areas reserved. Even just an area clear of chairs so those in wheelchairs can roll up close.
I'm one of those people that when I am in a crowded room or event starts thinking about fire and what I would do or what exit I would take.
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Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who encouraged me to contact Jim Pierson. I sent him an email today and am following up with a letter to him. Here's hoping for better planning in the future!
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Yes, IrishCoda. Fingers and toes crossed! I know I'm a little late to the party on this but I have to comment. Good for you for following through with an email AND a letter. So many times people "let things go" but this really is unacceptable.
For a fest that has been around for some time not to have a plan in place for people with disabilities is ridiculous. And its one thing to not have it set up but then to basically dismiss your issue at the event TO YOUR FACE is just awful. [ghost_mad] You and hubby are fans just like everyone else and deserve to be treated with decency. Never mind you paid to be there and had to spend time and money on travel. I'd love to know if anyone else over the years with issues has complained loudly enough because it seems not to be a concern by the folks running things.
Anyway, please keep us updated on what happens with this. I don't have a disability but it makes me angry knowing if I did that I would have gotten that kind of treatment.
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This relates to another issue--- there WERE many more people signed up as volunteers (including myself)
who had basically nothing to do most of the time, even though many were good about showing up for assignments.
No doubt, this is one task some of the numerous would-be volunteers could have been given, assisting handicapped and so forth.
You are right, this WAS done better in the past, and not so very long ago either. I hope your efforts to communicate with Jim Pierson have positive results.
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Irishcoda, I am so sorry that this happened to you and your husband! It's terrible that none of the staff or volunteers were willing to accomodate you and that you ended up going home early. I remember when you used to post on mrjuggins's old board. It would have been nice to meet you had you been able to stay longer at the Fest.
I too was always under the impression that handicapped guests were given the opportunity to get autographs or be seated in the ballroom/banquet hall first. Even on Sunday night while we were standing in the banquet line, one of my roommates noticed a number of people in wheelchairs who were toward the rear of the line, and she went back to inform them that they should move to the front. Sure enough, when I entered the banquet room, I noticed people with canes and wheelchairs were already at the tables. Perhaps your addressing the problem of no seating on Saturday finally motivated the staff to take action on their behalf.
I plan to send an e-mail to pansyfaye@darkshadowsfestival.com. I'll begin by mentioning the things that I liked about the Festival (the banquet food was the best I can remember having in a long time, and most of the events did run on schedule) and then I'll bring up my concerns about the lack of consideration and assistance for disabled fans. Hopefully, a mixture of praise with criticism will make her more receptive to instating changes.
ProfStokes
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Many, many years ago there was special seating for disabled people (I know because I assisted people in getting to the area) but more and more fans suddenly had crutches, limps and other ailments whereby they claimed they could not stand or see the stage very well and needed to be closer. It was disappointing to learn being handicapped was a ruse fans would use to get better seats. However, that said, there has been assistance and seating arrangements for wheel-chaired and special needs fans. That was so the last time I was at a fest two years ago.
Cassie mentioned in her post that Jonathan Frid wouldnt be treated the way she and Ted were if he had special needs.
But there, my friend, you are wrong: fans regularly are insensitive to the fact that Frid is an old man, hard of hearing, tires easily and tries to give all he can on stage for ALL fans while he is there. Sometimes he has the energy to do all he plans, sometimes he doesn't. You don't have to have any special knowledge to realize that someone in his mid-80s will tire more easily especially if he has traveled from Canada and prepared to participate in various ways at the fest.
I doubt that most of us would expect or demand as much from a relative who was in his mid-80s.
I saw video of Jonathan Frid trying to eat at the banquet last week. I was flabbergasted at the horde of two-legged ignorance that would not take no for an answer when he and/or those assigned to sit with him explained that he was trying to eat and would not do autographs and photos for people at his banquet table. I would have had hotel security thrown the people out who kept pestering after being asked to leave the area and leave Frid alone but those who were with JF tried to remain polite but firm as possible. If one approach didn't work, you could see these same fans trying some other approach around the other side of the table trying to avoid the first group of protectors assigned to Frid's table.
What the hell is wrong with some people? You don't behave like that in the first place and in the second place, you don't make an old man's dinner difficult to enjoy in that fashion.
I don't care WHO it is, you don't treat someone in that fashion.
Nancy
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Nancy brings up a good point. To have the fest run smoothly we need staff and fest goers to all pitch in and help. Those few fans that behaved like that should be ashamed of themselves. Bothering anyone while eating is rude and being persistant when told politely to he was not signing autographs is ignorant. Sometimes I think there are a few (thankfully) who think paying admission to the fest also means getting undivided attention from the cast.
I had an experience a few years ago while volunteering at the festival. They made an announcement that handicapped could move up to the front of the line and I had a huge surge break the line and I told them handicapped first and they looked me straight in the face and said " Oh, we are handicapped" Since I had seen them moving around fine most of the weekend I seriously doubted their claim and thought how rude to take a place in line that someone else deserves.
So, it boils down to the fact that we all need to be aware of our friends and neighbors at the fest or anywhere and offer assistance if it appears to be needed. Give up a seat if you are a healthy adult who can stand for awhile and just be kind and courteous. This applies especially to those of us who have attended many fest and know the ropes a bit. I think it's nice when the newcomers can have the close up seats and be first in line to get autographs. It makes it a good experience for them and they return the next year. Sorry, I seem to be rambling~
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It's incredible to think there are rude people like that who would treat our beloved Mr. Frid like he was some sort of souvenier rather than a gentleman who simply wants to enjoy his meal in peace after having given his all for his fans, and that there are people (obvioulsy, not a small number) who would pretend to be handicapped just to shove ahead in line when that is reserved for the disabled.
I wonder if it would be possible for providing some sort of "notice" for fest fans who are disabled? Folks with things like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, oxygen, etc., are obvious, but there are some for whom it is not immediately apparent but are, neverthless, not in the best of condition. Maybe when they register they can receive a special sticker containing something like the international sign for handicap access.
Teresalita's account of the very apprently non-handicapped trying to utilize provisions for the disabled reminded me an an incident I saw way back when I was living in Las Vegas. I was in a bank on a Friday afternoon so the line trekking to the tellers' windows was very long. Standing in front of me was a gentleman, well into his senior years. The sound of screeching tires from outside drew all of our attention through the panoramic windows as we watched a car tearing into the parking lot. An elderly lady got out and raced across the concrete at break-neck speed. The moment she got to the front doors and passed through them, she suddenly hunched over and "painfully" ambled her way past the waiting line, heading towards the front. The senior gentleman in front of me raised his hand and made a thumb, pointing the opposite direction. "Hey, Missus!" he shouted. "The line's back there!" She straightened up, glared at him murderously, and did a quick two-step towards the back of the line where she huffed in anger at being caught, tapping her foot. The gentleman looked at me and growled: "GD old people! Some act so feeble just so they can get ahead in line and take whatever else they want! Not on my watch!"
Gerard
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It's really terrible how people can be so small ! I would never want to treat elderly folks like that .. They are not
used furniture.!! I live with my two older parents who are in their 80's and my mentally retarded brother ,
Just couldn't hurt them like that at all, you have to treat older people with respect because you never know when
you might need them someday. [ghost_smiley]
Love Anne
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Cassie's incident was very much an isolated one in terms of how the fest handles handicapped needs. Still, it should not have happened. Some of the volunteers are themselves handicapped and their assignments are based on what accommodations can be made for them to fulfill them.
One tip though: for events that are likely to be popular and have standing room early, get into the room early especially if you have special needs. Everyone and their mother will be in there for a Frid presentation, for example. Wheelchair-bound guests need a place to be where it is easy to get in or out. Those who are not wheel-chair bound also have trouble seeing past fans who stand up in front of them. Those standing fans should be asked politely to sit down.
I do agree that the ballroom and other areas need to be better organized so there are clear isles in which to walk and wheel.
As for Frid, yes, it makes me angry on many levels when people diss him yet claim to be fans. I remember so well being with him once years ago when two women came up to where we were eating and just started taking pictures of him. No hello, no "may I take your picture" nothing. He was so angry that he swore at them and they fled. I had never heard him swear at a fan before, never mind women but the incident made him feel as if he were in the zoo. It was humiliating to him.
nancy
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As for Frid, yes, it makes me angry on many levels when people diss him yet claim to be fans.
Interestingly, almost constantly dissing what one claims to love seems to be a major phenomenon in today's society. It would seem to be a complete dichotomy, but it's rampant. [ghost_huh]
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Very true. [ghost_mad]
Interestingly, almost constantly dissing what one claims to love seems to be a major phenomenon in today's society. It would seem to be a complete dichotomy, but it's rampant. [ghost_huh]
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Hi you guys,
Just wanted to update and let you all know that I heard back from Jim Pierson. He apologized for what happened and also said the difficulties Ted and I had were the only ones reported.
I sent a reply back thanking him and asking him to add to the registration form a place asking for accommodations.
If anyone had a problem this year or would like to see the registration form ask for accommodations, it would be a good idea to contact him!
P.S. I'm adding what I said in my email...
Cassie
Dear Mr. Pierson,
Thanks for responding back to me.
I was wondering if you’d consider, for future Fest events, having a place on the registration form to indicate whether accommodation is needed? It would really help to have that information in advance, don’t you think? Having that information would help plan for how big a section you’d need for disabled people, or if you needed a sign language interpreter for Deaf fans. Although it might not have happened, now that the DVDs are captioned, you might get Deaf fans that want to attend. People who don’t pre-register (like my husband and me) could be encouraged or told in a newsletter—like Shadowgram—to make their needs known.
I used to be an interpreter for the Deaf and I’m used to advocating for their needs. I’ve learned a lot about having my husband’s and my needs met. When we registered, we should have told the volunteers that we would need chairs to sit during the event. When there weren’t any chairs accessible (because of being saved by friends for other people) and the volunteers weren’t helpful, we could have gone to the hotel management. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), if the organization sponsoring event isn’t providing accommodation (not enough chairs), then it’s the hotel’s responsibility to do it and we could have asked them for chairs.
Would you consider this please? I know there’s a shortage of volunteers as there is and I wouldn’t be able to help on the west coast as I can’t afford to travel there but I would be very happy to help with accommodating needs on the east coast.
My friends Cheryl and Dawn had an issue with Marcy Robin, but my husband and I did not. It was another volunteer who told us we couldn’t sit in the reserved seats even after I told her we were disabled. We’d left the building long before Marcy Robin came into the room.
Thanks again,
Cassie
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Uh oh, I just read your post...that's really discouraging! [ghost_sad] Mr. Pierson told me that ours was the first complaint he'd had...
I recall people on the AOL board and others trying to voice their concerns, and even offer a few simple suggestions that might improve the dangerous situations in the future, and it mostly falling on deaf ears. I think in some cases, people who offered to volunteer to help were blown off.
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I saw video of Jonathan Frid trying to eat at the banquet last week. I was flabbergasted at the horde of two-legged ignorance that would not take no for an answer when he and/or those assigned to sit with him explained that he was trying to eat and would not do autographs and photos for people at his banquet table. I would have had hotel security thrown the people out who kept pestering after being asked to leave the area and leave Frid alone but those who were with JF tried to remain polite but firm as possible. If one approach didn't work, you could see these same fans trying some other approach around the other side of the table trying to avoid the first group of protectors assigned to Frid's table.
What the hell is wrong with some people? You don't behave like that in the first place and in the second place, you don't make an old man's dinner difficult to enjoy in that fashion.
I don't care WHO it is, you don't treat someone in that fashion.
That's totally sickening and deplorable! How could people do that to someone they supposedly love and admire? And you're right, it doesn't matter who it is. No one should be treated like that. What happened to respect for our elders?
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I had an experience a few years ago while volunteering at the festival. They made an announcement that handicapped could move up to the front of the line and I had a huge surge break the line and I told them handicapped first and they looked me straight in the face and said " Oh, we are handicapped" Since I had seen them moving around fine most of the weekend I seriously doubted their claim and thought how rude to take a place in line that someone else deserves.
That is totally wrong. Granted, these people might have problems similar to Ted and me but when it comes to waiting in an autograph line, just grab a chair and drag it along. That's what we would have done. It's the same thing with the chairs. We didn't need to be anywhere near the front. We just needed chairs.
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One ongoing problem has been (a) finding volunteers and (b) then finding volunteers who will actually show up and do as asked.
I have always assisted with the "security" aspects of the festival. I can tell you that some volunteers brought on turned out to be bigger problems than fans with no manners. Some folks choose to use the volunteer status to do what they wish, pester the actors and be rude to fans. Most volunteers do not abuse their role. As a consequence, there is much picking and choosing and sometimes it's better to do without volunteers who are more problems than the crowd. Then there is the case of assigning volunteers to do this and that and they don't show up. That leaves a hole in the overall planning for coverage and it's not always possible to find an unassigned volunteer to fill in that gap on such short notice.
Unfortunately, that translates into the festival wanting to recruit people they know to be reliable and/or have worked for the festival in the past. Volunteers are not "blown off" so much as there being caution as to who to bring out and how much to entrust to them to start with.
Nancy
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I remember the fest in Tarrytown where JF made his return to the DS world and I was helping him out of his car and pulled his legs (which were cramped up from the long drive) out of the car too, helping him gain purchase on the ground. A fan said to me after I saw that the Fridster got in "Do you chew his food for him too?"
Evidently, it's a very strange thing to assist someone in his 80s in getting out of a car after a long road trip. I'd do that for a stranger (and hopefully wouldn't appear to be mugging the guy!)
Nancy
That's totally sickening and deplorable! How could people do that to someone they supposedly love and admire? And you're right, it doesn't matter who it is. No one should be treated like that. What happened to respect for our elders?
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I remember the fest in Tarrytown where JF made his return to the DS world and I was helping him out of his car and pulled his legs (which were cramped up from the long drive) out of the car too, helping him gain purchase on the ground. A fan said to me after I saw that the Fridster got in "Do you chew his food for him too?"
I don't understand that. I also can't understand why the volunteer didn't go and get a chair for you two to sit down from out in the halls. That's what I would have done. I guess common sense is something rare nowadays. Doesn't sound like much of a volunteer to me.
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It wasn't a volunteer - just a fan who was outside the same time we were. We would not have wanted to sit down in the halls anyway.;)
Nancy
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Wow! That is terrible Nancy. That person showed little respect for a senior citizen and they were very rude in general.
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It wasn't a volunteer - just a fan who was outside the same time we were. We would not have wanted to sit down in the halls anyway. ;)
Oh, well it was still a silly thing to say. I guess people aren't used to others actually being courteous.