Escalator Conference & Mom's 80th: Support a Special Trip!

Way back in 2007, I wrote the first complete history of the escalator. After many years and trying to find a publisher, I am thrilled and honored to announce that I’ve been asked to give a presentation on these little marvels! The presentation will be part of the Second International Congress on Vertical Transportation, and is hosted by The International Committee for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage (TICCIH).

The catch is: the conference is in Santiago, Chile! And, they don’t provide any honoraria or travel reimbursements. And, while my employer is supportive, I won’t get any conference/travel funding.

Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime situation, I have to bring my mom with me!

Mom’s 75th birthday (May 2020) was somewhat dampened by COVID and the dramatic breakup with her ex-partner (who abandoned her, when she was in the ICU, following a minor car accident). 2024-25 was challenging for Mom, too, since a drunk driver crashed into the house last July:

We spent the last 11 months working on coordinating contractors to start restoration.

Therefore, I decided this trip will also double as a well-deserved 80th birthday spectacular for my devoted and supportive Mom, and I'm taking her to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)! It's a "bucket list" trip for which I can't think of a person more deserving.

I am trying to raise funds to help defray the costs of the trip. As I mentioned, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I am using all my airline, hotel, and credit card points, but I still don’t have quite enough to get us to the finish line.

Any support is appreciated! All that we raise here will go towards travel expenses, which includes; long-term airport parking, drop-in care for our cats, four nights in a hotel in Santiago, conference registration at the student/visitor rate, and a two-night sightseeing excursion to Rapa Nui. Here's a breakdown:

As you can see, the flight is the most expensive aspect. Every contribution helps!

Donors will be acknowledged in my future publication on escalators.

Thanks so much for your support and consideration!