Saturday, September 22, 2012

September Meeting Notes

We started the September meeting with the Tolling of the Boats for September, birthday wishes for our members, introductions and officer reports.

The base newsletter was announced as the Western Region Class One Second Runner-Up and Base Commander Doug Abramson presented the certificate to newsletter editor Dave Schueler.
Dave Schueler receives the newsletter certificate from Base Commander Doug Abramson

Old and New Business

November Meeting - Because the November meeting is currently scheduled for the Thursday before Thanksgiving, we are looking into shifting the meeting to the second Wednesday, November 14. We still need to confirm the VFW that the meeting room is available that day. We will update the membership on this as soon as we know.

Fund-Raising Ideas - We had a short discussion about using the base float for fund-raising opportunities for the base. If you know of or have suggestions for a store (or other location), where we could park the float for a little publicity and to get donations, please bring them to the next meeting.

USSVI Memorial Plaque - The USSVI plaque is set to be dedicated in 2014 at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. for the 50th anniversary of USSVI. USSVI is still looking for donations to cover the cost of the plaque and the Seattle Base will match donations (up to $250 total). Additionally, members that donate $125 or more will receive a replica plaque, pictured below, that is similar to the one being installed at the Navy Memorial.
8" x 10" member appreciation plaque for donations of $125

Save the Clamagore - As many of you may have heard, the museum at Patriot's Point in South Carolina does not have enough funds to do maintenance on the Clamagore. If money cannot be raised for the work, the Clamagore will probably end up on the scrap heap or as a artificial reef. The Clamagore Veterans Association is working to get donations to fix up the boat. They think they will need around 3 million dollars for all the work and to set up a maintenance fund. Please think about donating to fund.

You can donate at the website http://www.savetheclamagore.com/ or by sending your donation by check or money order to:
Save The Clamagore
c/o George Bass
110 River Birch Drive
Salisbury, NC 28146.

2013 Calendars - The USSVI 2013 calendars are available. The calendar, titled "The Victors", honors the World War II U.S. submariners and their boats. You get your copy from the Seattle Base ship's store or you can order your copy directly from the USSVI National Storekeeper.

Upcoming Events

Navy Birthday Celebration - VFW Post 2995 is planning to have a dinner to celebrate the Navy's Birthday on October 13 and they have invited us to join them. The dinner will run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and costs $12 per person. The dinner menu is ham, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, with cake for desert. Be prepared to sing Anchors Aweigh!

Auburn Veterans Day Parade – The parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 12. This is a great parade, be sure to mark this on your calendar.We will provide more information about when and where to meet at the next meeting.

Holiday Luncheon - We will have our annual Holiday Luncheon at the Seattle Yacht Club on Saturday, December 15. Be sure to mark the date on your calendar. It is always a fun time and this will probably be the last year we will be at the Seattle Yacht Club.

September Presentation
We had three short presentations for the September program:

Dave Schueler brought photos from the Tolling the Boats Ceremony and gave an overview of the ceremony.

Pat Householder gave a report on the USSVI National Convention in Norfolk VA. Approximately 1,200 SubVets attended the convention, including 62 members of the Submarine Veterans of WWII. The convention tolling ceremony was held on the battleship USS Wisconsin. The convention also marked the end of an era as the Submarine Veterans of WWII officially closed as a national organization. Pat stated that it is now USSVI's responsibility to carry on their legacy. Tim Floersch also attended the convention and gave a recap of the Silent Service Motorcycle Club meeting and ride at the convention.

Doug Abramson reported on his trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats with his Model A Roadster team. He passed around photos from the event (the DVD he brought didn't want to work with Keith's laptop) and described the work that was done on the car. His group was able to get their car up to over 132 MPH on their speed run. He also related information about the other vehicles at the event and some of the past history.

No comments:

Post a Comment