August 15, 2005
Dear Shipmates,
Thirty-seven shipmates and guests enjoyed our annual reunion July 24-29, 2005 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The associates at our reunion hotel, Holiday Inn, Historic District, were most eager to make our visit as enjoyable as possible. The hotel provided a complementary two-room hospitality suite and a room for our banquet and auction.
The association kept the hospitality room well stocked with snacks and beverages. It was open early for coffee and remained open late. As usual everyone enjoyed the camaraderie renewing old friendships and making new ones.
The reunion schedule kept us busy seeing historical sites and experiencing some of the area culture. Day one included a lunch cruise on the Delaware River aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia followed by a double deck bus tour of the city.
On day two, we visited Lancaster County, home of many Amish and other "plain people". We enjoyed a progressive meal, stopping at three homes, the first for appetizer, second for entree and third for desert. The day seemed long on the bus but the ladies seemed to perk up for the shopping.
Day three was spent in the Historic District. Our visit to the U.S. Mint was cancelled at the last minute as it was closed for emergency repairs.
The Constitution Center, located a block from the hotel, was enjoyed by all attendees. The Center consists of a live theater performance, interactive exhibits, and the current special programming "Lincoln the Constitution and the Civil War". We also had the opportunity to visit the Liberty Bell Center with various exhibits in addition to the Bell. We then went across the street to Independence Hall and Congressional Hall. There were no other scheduled activities for the day giving us the opportunity to visit other sites in the district.
We visited the USS New Jersey (BB-62) on our last full day. The ship is now a museum moored on the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. We toured the ship and had a very emotional memorial service for those shipmates no longer with us. That evening we enjoyed the banquet and auction. Although they were unable to attend this year, I want to thank Nick Tarr and Jack Maguire for sending items for the auction.
We missed a few shipmates who regularly attend our reunions and hope to see them next year. First time attendees included Joe and Angela Bonanno, Melvin and Helen Blalock, Kimberly Hoffman, Aileen Judd and Pat and Ralph Ocasio
Pat Taylor was not feeling well while in Philadelphia. On the advice of his doctor, he checked in to the University Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. After numerous tests, he underwent colon surgery. He is currently recovering in the hospital.
As many of you know Jack Maguire resigned as Secretary Treasurer due to health reasons. He is currently recovering at home.
Both Pat and Jack are receiving tremendous support from their respective families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery.
Election results were as follows:
President, Chuck Artis
Secretary, Roy Hoffman
Treasurer, Bob Crooks
Pat Taylor remains Vice President.
The members present in Philadelphia chose Las Vegas, Nevada for our 2006 reunion. Tom Weaver will be the reunion planner. Watch the web site and your mailbox for further details.
See you in Vegas.
Charles E. Artis
501 Lakeview Drive
Oldsmar, Florida 34677
Phone 813.855.3349