July 2002 Newsletter

14 July 2002

Shipmates;
Welcome to the July newsletter. I hope you all are enjoying the summer!
Here's the news:

USSVI/USSVWWII joint picnic, Sunday 4 August
The August meeting will be the joint Grenadier chapter/USSVI Buffalo Base
picnic on Sunday August 4th. Here is a repeat of the blurb from the last
newsletter.

Grenadier Chapter USSV WWII and Buffalo Base USSVI would like to invite you,
your ladies, children of all ages and interested friends to join us at our
annual summer picnic.  This popular social event will be held at Chestnut
Ridge Park in Hamburg, NY on August 4th.

Buffalo Base has eight Holland Club candidates to be inducted at this event.
Holland Club Commander Bill Britt will be on hand to welcome aboard our new
Holland Club Members.  Amongst other dignitaries expected to attend are
Eastern Regional Director Pat Ulmen, District 2 Commander Matt Schmitz,
Hudson Valley Base Cdr. Capt. Jack Jarvies (Carbonero).

I am especially pleased to announce that USSVI National Commander Jack
Ensminger will also attend.  Last year's picnic was a great success and well
attended by both clubs.  I expect an even larger member attendance this year.
 Please plan now to join us.  Put it on your calendar now.

Latest Information: Corn on the cob will be furnished: Please bring a dish
to pass (either main course or desert) your own cups-plates, utensils and
meat to grille. It's a good idea to bring lawn chairs. Call event coordinator
Peter Spira at (716) 849-3813 or email peter.spira@ubspw.com Inform Peter of
the number in your party and what you will be bringing to pass.   See ya
there!

National Elections and Balloting:
USSVI National office has mailed the 2002 Election Ballots and C&B proposed
change information to each member. Please take a few minutes to read all the
information, fill out the ballots and mail to me at PO Box 166 - Scottsville,
NY - 14546.  Some may prefer to save time & postage by voting electronically.
To make it simple and easy for those with email I will accept and tally your
ballot by email ONLY IF:

1. You identify yourself. (to avoid duplication)
2. Write the name and office of each candidate you vote for.
3. On the proposed Constitution & Bylaws amendments list each one and vote in
the following manner;
i.e.:         C2/02 - - - - - YES

I am trying to make it as simple and easy as possible to vote so as to get
closer to 100% voter participation. Last year we had 62% all by mail ballot.
This year, using the email system we should be able to break 80%. Voting  may
not seem like a big deal, but it is important to the organization and those
who devote so much time and effort to our organization at all levels. Gent's
that's what we went to sea for!

Each year I'm asked by several members for voting input. This year there is
only one candidate per office.  Each is qualified and will do a good job.
They should be supported unless you have a write-in candidate.
Last year there were write-ins for me. However, thanks, but don't bother, I'm
NOT a candidate! The C & B proposals are explained in your information. Those
that were recommended by the C & B committee for the ballot I support! The
others I do not! Nuff said! Please take the time to vote if you haven't yet.

The return of the USS Croaker to the Naval Park is now scheduled for Monday,
5 August.  Lots of news coverage is expected for both her departure from
Bethlehem pier and subsequent arrival at her new temporary berth at the park.
 We would like to have as many Base members as possible on hand for this
occasion.  If you can be available on that day please plan to be there. More
information will be along as plans develop.

---

Last newsletter (22 June) I announced that the USS Croaker lottery calendars
were available and appealed to each member to order ten calendars to sell or
at least order one for themselves. As of this date we have had just under 30%
response from Base membership. Below is a repeat of the ordering information.
Please lend a hand if you can!!

The sales campaign runs from today until 1 September. The lottery runs from 1
Sept. to 28 Feb. 2003

We are asking each Base member to take some calendars to sell.  Preferably in
lots of 10 calendars each. This year we are including an information sheet
with each calendar that will aid in explaining to purchasers how the calendar
works.  It also includes a short history of the wartime achievements of the
Croaker and her crews.

To have calendars sent to you please contact Lyle Doody at his email address
dootsone@adelphia.net

For those without email write him at 1576 Master Street, North Tonawanda, NY
14120-2212 or call him at (716) 694-8105.

Our Croaker restoration committee has put a lot of time and effort into
developing this fund-raising event. They have made improvements in the
overall operation by eliminating the glitches experienced in the 2001
campaign. 2001 sales were about 850 of the 1000 calendars printed. We want to
sell all 1000 lottery calendars this year!
The success of this fund-raiser, which will add about $10,000 to the Croaker
restoration fund, depends on getting out the sales and turning in the funds
and ticket stubs by 15 August. We need your help!

Commander's  Kudos
Atta Boys for June and July:
 Those on the Croaker Restoration Committee for getting the
calendars out and managing the program.   SK Ripp Collins for his 3 year plus
tenure as plankowner Base Storekeeper.  Also to Fritz Marazita for stepping
forward and relieving Ripp.  Neil Bellenger for traveling to Baltimore for a work
 weekend aboard USS Torsk.  Neil met with some of the Torsk Bandits
and learned much that will help with our Croaker project.

That's about it for now!   Order your calendars from Lyle & enjoy your
summer.  See ya at the picnic!

As you were.

John T.

(585) 533-9341 jatrubee@aol.com