Reno Reunion Reservation Ready
Finally! Our Reunion Registration is complete and in this newsletter.
I’ve been negotiating with several Reno Tour Companies this past month and have finally settled on the best deal for our crew. The hotel’s been available since March, so I hope many of you have already reserved your rooms. Our registration form is now available and the deadline for the reunion sign-up and the special hotel rates is August 5th. Send it in as soon as possible, as it helps to plan when you have actual numbers.
It’s been a little tougher to trim the Lake Tahoe Tour as the boat has fixed prices for the cruise and their luncheon. So the price we’ll pay ($60) is actually a few dollars less per person than we’ll be billed for. That’s where our Brooke fund, the Ship’s Store revenue, reunion registration fees and our annual raffle will make up any shortfalls. In addition, the funds we have in reserve and those we project during the reunion will pay for a lot of extras. Hopefully, the Comedy Club will be one of them if I can get the reservations. It’s listed on the registration form, so don’t overlook it. I’ll need a total number by our deadline to purchase and reserve that many seats.
As for Virginia City: We were able to secure a better rate, when everything is not included. You can tour the city at your own pace, have lunch in your choice of eateries (rather than a group lunch at a set time and @ $22 pp) and do the Mine Tour, the Rail Road Trip and/or visit the museums and shop the unique shops, all in your own time. So, at $30, it’s a bargain for a round trip deluxe coach trip and enough time to really explore the old west. We should return by 1500 on both trips.
If we add the Comedy Club show, it will probably be on Friday evening.
Thursday evening is the Basque dinner, starting at 1800 and ending at a TBD time. They do tend to provide an extra glass of wine or two from their extensive wine list; your choice: Red or White. The menu for Louis’ Basque Corner and our Saturday Night Banquet are on page 7. There’s something for everyone at both dinners.
The list of projected attendees hasn’t changed much, so the next up-date will be in next month’s Port & Starboard. By then, we’ll have a handle on who’s coming. Hope it’s a long list!
Since the last newsletter, we’ve trimmed our mailing list by about 35 to save on postage and printing. It was a success, as we received only two responses: One complained about being dropped and the other was from Plankowner/ TM John Baadte, who joined and is member #117. Welcome aboard John!
Lastly, don’t forget about our annual raffle…bring an item indigenous to your part of the U.S., send in your registration forms ASAP and I’ll see you in Reno!Steve, Your Sec./Treas.
***********************************************************************
Shipmates,
Greetings everyone and I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday. And since I brought the subject up, I would like to take a few moments to share my thoughts with you about Memorial Day. A vast number of our fellow citizens consider the Memorial Day weekend to be the “unofficial” beginning of the summer season. It is a time to grill a steak and relax with an adult beverage while maybe catching a ball game on the tube. Now while there is nothing wrong with that, I wonder how many of them take a moment out of their weekend to reflect on what Memorial Day represents. I must admit that were it not for the fact that I have spent most of my adult live in or around the military, I too, would probably take Memorial Day as just another long “72”. Now this observation is not intended to denigrate the millions of Americans who “kick back” on Memorial Day. After all, one does not have to participate in a parade to show gratitude to those who served. And again, maybe my perspective is a bit skewed by where I spent part of my Memorial Day weekend.
Harriet and I were fortunate enough to be able to spend her birthday (and being a gentleman I will not divulge which one) in Hawaii this year. Now as has been my custom for every trip I make to the islands, my plans were to pay my respects to the men of the U.S.S. Arizona. However, this time I decided to change it up a bit and visit a place I had never had the opportunity to see; The National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Since we were returning to the mainland the day before Memorial Day we decided to visit Punchbowl on Saturday as they (the VA is responsible for the cemetery) were going to have it all decorated out for the weekend. It turned out to be a good decision as the grounds were beautiful and serene and the sight of all those flags just added to the beauty. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii that they take a moment to see Punchbowl.
And that brings me to my point. I have wondered at times how we, as a nation, may have become complacent about holidays that celebrate events related to our military. Not indifferent mind you just distracted maybe by the latest sale at the mall or movie opening at the Cineplex. Well, I believe I can say without a shadow of a doubt, if every American had the opportunity to visit the National Cemetery of the Pacific, any complacency would evaporate in a minute. Standing at the top of one of the observation points in Punchbowl, one can see the grounds, Waikiki Beach, Diamondhead, and……Pearl Harbor. To look at Pearl Harbor, then, glance at the grounds, it is virtually impossible to miss the connection. It is one of those moments like standing on the surrender deck of the Missouri looking at the Arizona Memorial. All I could do was simply say “Thank You” to all those markers in the ground.
May you all have a safe and enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing many of you in Reno in August.Fair Winds And Following Seas,
Tom Adametz
President, USS Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association
************************************************************************************
To print this form either print this webpage or right-click on the form and save the image to your computer, then print it.
************************************************************************************
Reunion Events
Paddle Wheeler &
Lunch Cruise on
MS Dixie II
There is no better way to enjoy the amazing clear blue water of Lake Tahoe and the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains than on the water itself. From the decks of Lake Tahoe’s favorite Paddle wheeler, you will cruise along Tahoe’s south shore to the famed Emerald Bay.
On the cruise your guide will be sure to fill you in on the history of Lake Tahoe and how it was formed, who were the first inhabitants and how it became the bustling tourist area that it is today. Along with the cruise is the narrated tour “The Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe.” Follow along as you watch the Lake’s underwater canyons and beautiful colorful formations through the glass window on the bottom of the boat. To top off the cruise, a delicious lunch will be served!
Luncheon Cruise Includes:
· 2 hour cruise plus transfer time
· Tour Guide
· Lunch on the Paddle wheeler
· Dessert & Coffee
· Paddlewheel Cruise Admission
· All Taxes and Gratuities
Virginia City
Relieve the Comstock Era – A Day in Virginia City
Virginia City once concealed treasures of great wealth that held the attention of the world for half a century, pouring over $400,000,000.00 in silver and gold into the economy of our expanding nation. Little has changed in Virginia City since the booming days of 100 years ago. Let your guide reveal how this boomtown came to be the richest settlement between Denver and San Francisco and learn how the grubby prospectors became instant millionaires who built mansions and financed the Civil War. Throughout the day, your guide will share with you the many stories and legends of Virginia City.You can stroll through the stately mansions, through an underground mine and walk through the many lively saloons.
Your group will have some time to themselves to browse through the unique silver shops, ice cream parlors, western wear stores and museums & churches that will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Virginia City Tour Includes:
· 5 hour tour from Reno’s Silver Legacy
· Entrance to the Way It Was Museum
· Tour Guide
· Bottled water and snack
· All Taxes and gratuities
· Other tours available are the round-trip on the V&T Railroad and the Mine Tour. Tickets can be purchased in Virginia City
Silver Legacy
RESORT - CASINO - RENO
silverlegacy.com
The Silver Legacy is completely connected to two other beautiful resorts – the Eldorado Hotel/Casino and Circus-Reno. The Tri-property Resorts are the only Reno Hotels with such a wide array of entertainment choices both on property, and within walking distance of the hotel. The Silver Legacy, Eldorado Hotel/Casino and Circus Circus adjoin by spacious skywalks, lined with restaurants and shops, providing easy access within this six-block entertainment complex! Within the combined Tri-property and all under one roof, are:
· 28 outstanding restaurant choices, ranging from sushi to award-winning steakhouses, dance clubs and ultra lounges with live entertainment.
· Extensive shopping and entertainment options, including a 500 seat showroom, 200 seat Comedy Club and consistent concerts throughout the year
· Spa and Health Club
· Business Center
· Lulu’s a full service hair salon
· 24 hour room service
Downtown Arts District and within walking dist.:
· Downtown River Walk
· Kayak Park on River
· Century Theater C’Plex
· Nev. Mus. Of Art
· Nat. Auto Museum/ The Harrah Collection
· And Much More!!!
Special Brooke Rate!
$59
Monday – Thursday
$99 Fri. & Sat.
Single/Double
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Spa Suite:
$109/$159
Superior Suite:
$129/$199
The above rates apply to rooms booked under the USSBRK group code and apply two days prior and two days after the reunion dates.
Rates quoted are for single/double occupancy. Each additional person is $10 per room, per night plus tax. Maximum 4 people per room.
Rates do not include 13.5% room tax and $3.00 per room, per night resort tax. Free airport shuttle 19 hrs. daily and free valet and self- parking.
Reservations
Reservations are now accepted.
Phone Group reservations at
1-800-687-8733
Be sure to request your
group code:
USSBRK
To receive our special rate
Cutoff Date
Special rates are effective until 21 days before reunion,
(or August 5th, 2009).
Reservations received after that date will be accepted on a space and rate availability basis.
Check
In/Out
Check-in time is 3 pm. Check- out time is 11am. If rooms are requested prior to check-in time, we will make every effort to accommodate your requests or store your luggage until rooms are available.
Cancellation
The Silver Legacy allows individual attendees the right to cancel their reservations without penalty up to 24 hours prior to your arrival date.
************************************************************************************
Word to the Wives
By Linda Hunt
Well, the count-down to Reno has begun--as I write this, it’s less than three months away! Even though I’ve been to Reno several times, this trip will be special, as we’ll be with the Brooke family! Also, it will be the first time I’ve done a Lake Tahoe cruise, which should be specta-cular.
I’ve also been to Virginia City before, but have never done either the Rail tour or the mine tour. Since most of my maternal grandparents’ generation were railroaders, I may lean more toward the rail tour, but will have to check them both out more thoroughly before I decide. (Steve is leaning toward the mine tour.) It would be nice to be able to go on both tours, but that might be a little too tiring—after all, none of us are getting any younger!! (Besides, we want to have SOME time for shopping in Virginia City, don’t we, ladies?)
I hope to see a lot of “old” attendees, but hope that there are a lot of new ones, too! I also hope that I have more time to visit with all my old friends than I did on the cruise last year, and that I have time to make a lot of new friends. After all, that’s the main purpose of these reunions—all of the fun events are just the icing on the cake!
Linda Hunt
************************************************************************************
Word from the VP
By Buddy Harris
Just wanted to wish everyone well at this years’ reunion in Reno. I’m sorry I can’t make this one, as I know it’ll be a great one! Julie and I just had too much on our plate this year to squeeze in another vacation. As you probably know, this year’s reunion business meeting will include the election of officers and I regret that I will not be part of it. I know you’ll elect a replacement VP who will provide more time and effort than I am able to. Thanks for these past 4 years! Good luck and we’ll see all youse guys at the 2010 reunion!
************************************************************************************
WestPac ‘68
New Video!
UNREPS, VERTREPS, Gun & ASROC Shoots, Towing exercise (or real tow?) Road Runner Flag, Port Visits, Crossing the Equator Fun!
Only $15.00
Plus $4.95 shipping/postage
All proceeds go to our Association
(DVD Duplicates supplied by Steve Hunt)
Make checks payable to:
Steve Hunt, USS Brooke Association
P.O. Box 1692 Tacoma, Wa. 98401
************************************************************************************
Reno Schedule Of Events
Aug. 26-30, 2009
Wednesday
Welcome Aboard Party
In the Hospitality Room
1800 to ??
Thursday
1000 to 1500
Lake Tahoe Luncheon
Cruise on MS Dixie II
Louis’ Basque Corner At 1800
Late Comedy Show If available
Friday
1000 to 1500
Virginia City Tour
Mine tour and/or Rail road trip
Lunch on own
Possible evening show
Saturday
0800 - 0900
Annual Business Meeting
Election of Officers
Free Day
Downtown Shopping, doing the River walk
or gambling, whatever…
1800
Saturday Evening Banquet
Sunday
Memorial Service - 1000
In the Hospitality Room
Farewells until 1100
***********************************************************************************
Silver Legacy’s
Classic
Buffet
Saturday Night
Dinner Banquet
Salads
Assorted Field Greens
Tomato, Walnuts, Crumbled Roquefort, and Sliced Olive Toppings
Hot Entrees:
Baked Salmon
Lemon & Tarragon Butter Sauce,
Roasted Honey Almond Chicken
Roast Loin of Pork with Fresh Sage Juice,
Ravioli Bolognese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Served With:
Roasted Red Potatoes
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Freshly Baked Rolls and Butter
Carved at the Buffet:
Roasted Prime Ribs
of Beef
Au jus and
Creamed Horseradish
Desserts:
Pastry Table to include a selection of: Tartlet, Pies, Gateaus, Flans and Mousses, Coffee, Decaf Coffee and Tea
***********************************************************************************
An Evening at Louis’
Reservations
Thursday
Evening
August 26th,
6 pm
“A short walk just
East of Silver Legacy”
************************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************************
Regular Membership dues to the Association are $25 per year. Associate membership (no fee) is available for all surviving spouses of Brooke Crewmembers.
Your current membership expiration date is to the right of your name on the address label on the newsletter. To continue "Port & Starboard" please remit your dues payment in accordance with published dues schedule, payable to the USS Brooke Association and mail to our Treasurer at the address below:
Steve HuntUSS Brooke DEG/FFG-1
P.O. Box 1692
Tacoma, WA 98401
******************************************************
For more information please visit our website @
