USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
April 15, 2000
Meeting minutes
Meeting was called to order at 3:15 P.M.
Present: Don and Pat Nellis, Jim Ownby and Pat Smith, Jerry and Ruth
Judge, Parky and Betty Parkhurst, Jerry Pennington, Dudley and Ruth Cass,
Allan and Louise Jefferis, and Jack and Jean Timmons. John Reynolds
(President) and Mary Reynolds were unable to attend, had car troubles
while en-route. John Reynolds asked Dudley Cass to act on his behalf for
association matters.
Minutes of the Advisory Board meeting September 25, 1999 at Bonita, CA
were read and approved.
Treasurer's report and Membership Report; We are still solvent
Treasurer's report of current financial condition and the current
membership report were read and approved. Noted all 25 new members since
Sept '99 registered via Topeka Web Site.
Old Business:
1. Review of Reunion Guidelines, Status: Jim Ownby reports this review by
Jack Connery and himself is still in progress.
2. Insurance Review and Options: Jim Ownby reports he was unable to find
local insurance agent who would even talk about insurance for our
association needs. Jim Ownby believes our past insurance agent provides
insurance that most closely meets our needs.
Correspondence:
1. Inputs from Jack Connery re various subjects:
A. Newsletter:
(1) Next newsletter is scheduled to be out May 15, wants board to
consider whether to have a July Newsletter or not.
Discussion: Consensus to have both May and July newsletters. The
July Newsletter to be out by mid-July and to be a "bare-bones" issue.
Dudley Cass says reunion information for May Newsletter is nearly ready to
be sent.
(2) Jack Connery is looking for someone interested in becoming the
newsletter editor. Discussion: Jack is doing a fine job and it will be
difficult to find a replacement.
(3) If Jack Connery continues as newsletter editor, he would like
inputs for how to improve the newsletter and wants approval to
redesign and reformat the newsletter to give it a more professional
look. Expect the "New Look" by Feb 2001.
Discussion: Several present are members of other reunion
associations and they believe the Topeka Reunion Newsletter is the
best-written and most informative newsletter of those they have seen. If
Jack Connery wants to improve it, we are supportive of Jack
Connery's efforts.
B. Baka Hachi Revision:
(1) Jack Connery reports the revision will not be ready by the San
Diego Reunion and he will likely have the revision completed before
Christmas.
(2) Jack Connery wants to know who we should dedicate the Baca
Hachi Revision to; the last issue was dedicated to John Hobaboon. Jack
offered several options/suggestions.
(3) Jack Connery would like to list Ranks/Rates in the Baka Hachi
(Revision). Prior version did not because we were making a concerted
effort to make sure everyone considered each other as just shipmates
and friends.
(4) Jack Connery letter of September 28, 1999 listed cost estimates
for various numbers of copies of the new issue of Baka Hachi.
Discussion: Considerable discussion of each of these issues.
Resolutions:
1. OK to delay to maintain the high quality we have come to expect.
2. No decision was made re dedication or if it is desired or
necessary.
3. Agree that Names and Ranks should be included as useful to many
readers.
4. Agree with Jack Connery that an order of 500 copies likely could
be sold, any more would result in many copies unsold and therefore not
cost effective.
Can always have reprinted if sufficient demand exists. Concluded that
the sales price should allow full cost recovery at 250 or 300 copies.
Request Jack Connery to verify price quote to make sure costs have not
gone up. We will plan to have a sign up sheet at the San Diego Reunion
with prices listed.
C. Ship's Store New Merchandise:
Listed information re new merchandise available including new high
quality jackets and shirts, both with new logos.
2. Meek's Lithography re Oklahoma Sales Tax. Discussion re letter from
Meek's Litho who does our newsletters and possibility that our
organization might have to pay Oklahoma State Sales Tax. Reported Jack
Connery discussion with Meek's ownership indicated we would not be charged
this tax.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dudley Cass report on San Diego Reunion:
1. Dudley Cass reviewed the document "San Diego '00 Reunion" that is
nearly ready for inclusion in the May Newsletter re Reunion Details
(copy has been sent to web page and Newsletter by Cass)
Discussion:
A. On the Viejas Casino and Shopping Outlet Mall. Dudley says we
incur no financial obligation on busses to the reservation. Al Jefferis
indicated he believes if we get at least 35 persons for this tour, they
normally give $20 book of free tickets, including $5 for gambling.
B. Saturday Group Pictures will be like Branson, several different
groups, all men, all women, all together, etc., various options
available. Estimated cost for 8"X10" @ $10 per picture and pictures will
be available Sunday.
C. In addition to all the things listed, by popular request, Ruth and
Dudley will get brochures for other tourist attractions that might be of
interest and plan to display them in the Hospitality Suite.
2. Dudley Cass reviewed the Reunion Cost Estimator Spreadsheet. We
hope to have a color guard and will pay for dinner for 4 members of
the color guard. Motion was made, seconded and approved to have the
reunion cost to be $80 per person.
3. Dudley Cass reviewed the Reunion Registration Form which will be
included in the May Newsletter.
4. Dudley Cass reviewed possible entertainment. Jack Connery's
daughter Trish has volunteered to do an exhibition of "West Coast
Swing Dancing". Trish and her partner do a very sophisticated dance;
they compete in dance competitions and are very good. They will
compete with this routine at major national WCS competitions including
the prestigious US Open Swing Dance Championships in November.
Discussion: This was very favorably received. Dudley says the
music can be hooked into the hotel sound system and the dance floor can be
provided. Should be short and entertaining.
Motion was made, seconded and approved for this issue.
Jack Connery called from Tulsa and got some updates as to how we were
doing.
Don Nellis complemented Dudley and Ruth Cass for providing a very nice
and complete package of information re the 2000 Reunion.
Meeting Adjourned: There being no further business or
discussion, motion was made, seconded, and voted in the affirmative to
adjourn at 4:48 PM.
Next Meeting: At the San Diego Reunion
Submitted:
Jack E. Timmons
Secretary/Treasure
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