January Meeting Notes

After the delay due to the snow and ice storm that rolled through the area, we finally held our January meeting. We started out with the Tolling of the Boats for January and introductions, and then moved on to business. Here is the important information that was shared at the meeting.

Officer Reports:
Treasurer Jim Harper provided the year-end totals for the Base funds and let us know that we are pretty much breaking even on total receipts and expenses. He fielded a few questions from those at the meeting and wanted to make sure everyone knows that if they have any questions about base finances, they can contact him with the questions.

Base Storekeeper Bill Giese let us know that he still has a few 2012 USSVI calendars. However, if you want one contact him as soon as possible, since he is planning on returning any extras to the USSVI National office soon. On a related subject, 'Dutch' Krompholz asked members to bring any old submarine calendars to him, so that the pictures can be 'recycled' for other purposes.

He is also getting some of the new Holland Club rocker arm patches for adding to your Holland Club patch noting begin qualified for 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 years.

Old and New Business:

Pat Householder (right) swear in the new Seattle Base Officers

Base Elections: The call was put out for nominations for officers and a vote was taken. The 2012 Seattle Base Officers are: Base Commander - Doug Abramson, Sr. Vice Commander - Art Thompson, Jr. Vice Commander - Tim Floersch, Secretary - Bill Giese, and Treasurer - Jim Harper.
We also want to thank outgoing Base Commander Keith Watson for all the work he has done for the base.

Pat thanks Keith for his work as Base Commander

Base Float: The trailer for the float needs a lot of refurbishing to get it ready for this year's parade season. Several places on the trailer and the cradles that hold the submarine have cracks that need to be repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage, we might need to purchase a new trailer. We will keep you informed on how things look and if we are going to have a float work-party.

Donation: Loma Taylor, Ted Taylor's widow, was at the meeting to present a donation in Ted's name of $1,000 to help out with the Base float. She also let us know that a family friend donated $5,000 to the USSVI Scholarship Fund for a scholarship in Ted's name. Scholarship applicants from the northwest will get first priority for the funds.

Outgoing Base Commander Keith Watson accepts the donation check from Loma Taylor

Because the business meeting went long, we decided to skip this month's program. It will be presented at a later meeting.

Binnacle List Update:
As many of you know, Base Chaplin Andrea Geisler has been struggling with an eye infection. She let us know that she finally had the damaged eye removed and had a false eye implanted. The false eye looks very natural and she said she is officially off the Binnacle list.