September 2017 Meeting Notes

The September meeting started off with Tolling the Boats lost in September, followed by birthday wishes for our members, introductions, and the officer reports.

Getting settled in for the meeting

Old and New Business: 
2017 Tolling the Boats Ceremony – Before we started the main business meeting, Commander Al Smith thanked and praised Lois Mezek for all the work she did to put together and run the Tolling of the Boats ceremony held last month in Kirkland.

December Holiday Luncheon – Dick Gonzalez reported that a new location has been reserved for our December luncheon. Trilogy at Redmond Ridge will be our new location. Unfortunately, because we had to apply so late, we have to change the date to Sunday, December 12. The price is expected to be around $48.00 a person for a buffet style lunch. But will be firmed up when Dick is able to go to Trilogy and gather all the information for the event. We will have more information and applications the Seattle Base blog soon, along with directions on how to get there. The number of spaces available will be only 65 people, so be sure get your reservations to Jim Harper as soon as possible.

Seattle Base Float Home – We now have moorage for our float. DeFord Cochrane, who did our program in July and is a neighbor of Base Commander Al Smith, has agreed to let us store our float on his property in Kent. The canopy is erected and we now can do some much-needed work on it. There will be some painting and a little electrical work to be performed before the next parade. Be looking for an e-mail to let you know when you can help.

Auburn Veterans Day Parade – Once again, Seattle Base will be marching in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11. The organizational meetings are starting and we will provide more information when we receive it.

USSVI Charitable Fund Hurricane Relief – USSVI National is working very hard on a plan to allow donations for fellow submariners that need help due to hurricanes and floods. They want to make sure it is going to the correct places. More info to follow when they have this worked out.

Upcoming Base Elections – We are taking nominations for Seattle Base officers for our January elections. Larry Abbott and Kerry Ryan have been appointed to the nominations committee, so please contact them to submit candidates for the offices.

Good of the Order:
Congratulations to Judy Watson, base supporter and wife of former Base Commander Keith Watson, who was honored with a Lifetime Award from the city of Black Diamond at this year’s Labor Day Parade.

We received a certificate from The Submarine Sailors Association of Australia for our donation to their Heritage Trail project.

Earl Greening gave a report on the Salmon for Soldiers fishing derby the base donated to. It was held in August and Earl was one of the people who had a boat and provided transportation for some veterans. Once again, a 16-foot boat, trailer and outboard was given away as a prize. A fishing trip to Alaska and a tuna fishing trip in Westport were some of the other prizes. A barbeque lunch was provided after everyone returned back to shore. There will also be a golf tournament to be held the 30th of September.

Binnacle List: 

• Bill Lightfoot has an infection in his arm. 
• Tim Floersch has had back surgery to relieve pain in his leg. 

Our next meeting will feature a presentation by Greg Emerson of the Cascade Centennial Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. We hope to see the you there!