FROM THE PRESIDENTWell it is getting to be time for another "Baca Hatchi" family gathering in the Big Apple. I just thought I would drop a few hints about a place you might find as fascinating as I did when I was there. Hop on the subway and head for Flatbush Avenue and Empire Blvd. in Brooklyn. You will find the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Its 52 aces include the Garden of Fragrance, for the visually impaired: the Japanese Hill-and-pond garden, the Conservatory, housing tropical plants, and a bonsai museum under three glass pavilions. You will spend at least an hour taking in all the beauty. Then you can just take a short walk, and behold! You will find Prospect Park, where you will find one of America's greatest zoos. You will also find waterfalls, trails, boating facilities, and Lefferts Historic House, and 18th century homestead museum containing furnishings and relics.
Don't forget Brooklyn. You can find some great treasures there. I did in 1945 when I found Mary at the Prospect Park Roller Rink. She rolled into my life and has been there every since. John Reynolds
EVENING DINNER CRUISE
As the reunion coordinator I want to apologize for my error in calculating the cost of the dinner cruise. The now correctly calculated cost of $85.00 per person is all-inclusive. We will have a premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner and dessert. Kathy Spatz This is a private charter on the Cloud Nine III. CLOUD NINE IIITop Deck- -Main Deck- -Lower Deck- GOLFERSAnyone interested in playing golf at the reunion in New York City? Please contact me so I can arrange some golf times for you. There is an outstanding course under the Throgs Neck Bridge with a view of the Manhattan skyline. Sounds like a plan!
BROADWAY SHOWDue to the evening Dinner Cruise on Wednesday evening the plan for a Wednesday matinee would not be wise. I suggest that we attend the Thursday evening performance of The Producers. The show begins at 8pm with a group cost of $90.00 per ticket. Please contact me if you are interested and when I get enough responses I will move foreword with these arrangements. New Members (Since MARCH)Odie M. Selby PC3 (65-66) Bayonne, NJ TapsWilliam J. Ruhe Captain (63-64), 11/04/03 LETTERS03/13/05 Just got the latest newsletter the other day, and I was deeply saddened by the passing of Don Nellis. During the time I served aboard Topeka from 63 to 66, I did not know Cmdr Nellis personally except to know who he was by sight. I really did not meet the man until the reunion in San Diego in 2000. At that time I was super impressed with the genuine interest Don and his wife showed in everyone there including me. He was a real people person and it was not hard to understand that he possessed genuine leadership ability. I understand that when any one of our shipmates is called to higher duty, that it is a real loss to all of us, but Don Nellis will be and is genuinely missed by this Topeka sailor. Doug Olson Please send your dues to Jack TimmonsREUNION HOTEL 2005Courtyard New York La Guardia Airport Located directly across from LaGuardia Airport, New York the Courtyard New York LaGuardia offers personalized service the Marriott way by mixing business and pleasure with style and ease and by providing just what you need to accomplish your travel goals. Hotel Highlights
VISITING MANHATTAN
Ray and I live on Long Island, just 30 miles or so outside of New York City. When we plan a trip into “the city” it is a very exciting time. We usually travel on the Long Island Railroad, which brings us into Penn Station just below Madison Square Garden. The maps and tour books come out, and we plan our day. Perhaps we are going to sightsee, or visit a museum. I always enjoy the shopping, which happens on any visit to Manhattan. There are street vendors on every corner, you can find many small shops or if you prefer any exclusive store you can think of has a location in New York City. Naturally at least one meal will be in our plans, this can be a very difficult decision to arrive on as the restaurants are in abundance. The choices range from street corner hotdogs and pretzels to a white glove restaurant. Just being in “the city” is an exciting experience. Walking through the different neighborhoods, coming across a street fair, talking with the people, visiting historic sites or eating the food is something everyone must experience. Ray and I are hoping to share our excitement of New York City with all of you that plan on attending the 2005 Reunion. The tours we have planned will help you to view many of Manhattans highlights and introduce you to “the city”. SEE YOU IN NEW YORK CITY!Names and Telephone NumbersBoard of Directors Board Members: Dudley Cass, Don Anderson, Jack Connery, Ken Noble,
Tom Victory President Secretary-Treasurer 2004 Reunion Coordinator Newsletter Editor Webmaster Ship's Store SHIP'S STOREThese items are available
from the Ship’s Store, order now and come to the reunion already
dressed out. Most of the merchandise will be available in Charleston.
All orders should be sent to Linda Roberts at 7315 Valley Lane,
Hixson, TN 37343-2207. Linda’s phone number is 423-842-5147. Include
$5.00 shipping with each order and make checks or money order payable
to the Reunion Association and send to Linda with your order.
USS TOPEKA REUNION ASSOCIATION |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
202-12 Willetts Point Blvd., Bayside, NY
