
Charlie is hard at work on the next issue of the the North Star!
If you have information you would like to share with him for the next
issue please contact him at stgeorge@netsync.net.
U.S.S. ALASKA (CB-1) REUNION
JUNE 14-17,2006
MILLENNIUM HOTEL, BUFFALO, N.Y.
I am sorry to say that our 2006 reunion was poorly attended, but
still successful, eventful, and "lots of fun." There were 22 people in
attendance, with only 10 crewmembers attending. However, even being the
smallest group we have ever had, the hotel statftreated us as if we were
a large group. The meals were great and our hospitality room was always
ready with food and beverages.
As you read in the minutes of our meeting, it again was voted to have
it at the same place for 2007 and again voted to start our reunions with
check-in on Wednesday and check-out on Saturday. This will enable all of
the fathers to be home with their families on Father's Day. Personally,
I thought this was a great idea and hoped it would increase our
attendance, but unfortunately it did not work.
This year, it was nice seeing members of the Buschlen and Freeman
families. Hope next year we will have several more members of our
families joining us. It's nice to see the young people show an interest
in our group.
It was suggested that I publish the roster of the U.S.S. ALASKA
(CB-1) in Division order so people can contact members of their division
to attend the reunions. The last pages of the newsletter have the
listing. Also, everyone can see if there 2006 dues have been paid
The trip to Lewiston Power Project as well the tour of Buffalo was
very interesting. Our tour guide for Saturday was super great and gave a
history of the City of Buffalo. The two places that the group had lunch
were beautiful with plenty of food.
This year the "T" Division was in first place with three attending.
The reminder of the group consisted of one member each.
I would like to thank James Cavanagh and John Bollenbacher for all
the pictures they took and mailed or e-mailed to me. Due to space
limitations, I am unable to put them all in this edition. The next issue
will carry some more of the pictures.
Also, we would to thank my grandson, Jake Proper for being our guest
speaker of the evening, along with reading a few of the letters his
students wrote to us.
At our Annual Banquet, Linda Schulz, Sales Mgr. and Ron Flatley,
Banquet Mgr. of the Millennium Hotel, were presented with a U.S.S.
ALASKA (CB-1) commemorative plaque showing our appreciation for services
rendered during the past three years.
Hope we see you next year in Buffalo.
Charlie St. George
Chairman
FUTURE FOR U.S.S. ALASKA REUNIONS
We need input from everyone regarding the future of our reunions.
I recognize that attendance has dropped significantly for many
reasons and this year's attendance was the lowest in our history. There
were only 10 official Alaska crew members, and the rest of our total of
20 people were spouses or family of former members. It looks like this
past reunion could be our last one.
In order to even consider planning a reunion for 2007, I will need
input from those of you who are still interested. As noted in the
minutes, I was advised by those attending to send out a questionnaire to
everyone so we know what action to take.
Would you please take a minute to print & complete
the form located here.
Please return it to me at:
U.S.S. ALASKA REUNION
c/o Charles St. George
25 Leon Place
Fredonia, NY 14063-1313
2007 Reunion Dates Changed to June 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2007
U.S.S. ALASKA (C.B.1)
MINUTES OF MEETING
JUNE 16,2006
BUFFALO, N.Y.
Chairman, Charles St. George, opened the 9 am meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
The 2005 Financial Report was submitted and the Chairman mentioned that
the reunions were selfsustaining, but he depended upon donations to keep
the North Star in operation. He thanked the many people who generously
supported our group throughout the year. Motion was made by Jim
Cavanaugh and seconded by Pete Fiorini to accept the financial and
treasurer's report, and passed unanimously.
The Chairman then brought up the subject of self-sustaining reunions,
which were constant up to this year. He mentioned the fact that bus
companies, no matter where reunions are held, require at least 49
people. In working with the bus company this time, the representative
was able to help us out by reducing the minimum number to 25; otherwise
we would have had to cancel the bus trips. Even with the number 25, we
only had 20 on the first day and 22 on the second day, and we had to pay
the minimum. The money to cover this "loss" necessarily came from our
treasury. He indicated that should this situation continue (less than
45-49 people attending) he would no longer be able to make arrangements
for further reunions.
Discussion followed: John Cahill made a motion and seconded by Jack
Dishaw to continue having reunions, but to send a notice informing
everyone that a commitment needed to be made. Ed Smith made a notion,
seconded by Jim Cavanaugh to have the next reunion in Buffalo again at
the same place. Both motions were passed. There was further discussion
as to how best to go about getting people committed and interested in
coming. It was decided that Charlie contact everyone through the North
Star newsletter using a flyer or a questionnaire to get input from
members. James Cavanaugh felt it important to go back to people that
have attended other years and suggested that each of the members make an
effort to get in contact with the men within their division to see what
could be accomplished. This probably wouldn't happen until after the
August newsletter has been sent out.
Peter Fiorini made a motion to close the meeting seconded by Joe Jarvis.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma St. George
Secretary