October, 2021, President’s Message:
We had a rather small gathering for the September luncheon, but the 15 or so people used a delightful room looking over the river and we really had a nice time. I’m looking forward to seeing our usual crowd return and new members join us as our “new normal” lives become routine. It was reported that several of the smaller alumni groups across the country are struggling to stay afloat and in touch. I am happy to see the enthusiasm and determination displayed by the OR/SWW Chapter. I will be gone for the next few months, but will continue with my duties as your President using our technological resources and the weekly Happy Hour. The Happy Hour has become a very enjoyable and informative way to keep in touch.
Our speaker was unable to attend in September, but we are looking forward to his talk in the future. Meanwhile, we have at least one speaker available in the next few months, and another is being recruited as you are reading this. We have our Navy/Naval Academy birthday dinner scheduled for 1830 on October 13, and are very much anticipating the Marine Corps Birthday luncheon at our November meeting, November 10th. Doug Bomarito is soliciting our usual crowd of Marine Corps vets, and we are hoping for a good turnout of alumni, spouses and guests.
The Old Spaghetti Factory has been very accommodating, and there have been no restrictions regarding spacing at or between tables. There is enough room to spread out and take the individual precautions that your comfort level requires. Masks are currently required if a person is roaming around the room or the premises. Costs have risen over the past two years and we were losing money on our luncheons prior to the pandemic. By increasing the luncheon donation to $25, we are currently covering the increased cost of food, non-alcoholic drinks, and an 18% gratuity. It is very much in line with the menu costs at the restaurant. In an effort to provide the Old Spaghetti Factory an estimate of how many will attending lunch/dinner in advance, the invite will go out a week ahead and a response is requested by the Sunday before the event.
Times are tough for the country, the government, the Navy and for us. With Afghanistan, COVID and the Delta Variant, immigration, proposed spending, and dysfunctional legislatures/political parties we have a long and difficult path. Let us try to maintain our camaraderie, USNA pride, support for our Navy, and our personal patriotism by meeting to discuss all those causes and more at our monthly luncheons.
OUR USUAL HAPPY HOUR REMINDER:
Happy Hour on Wednesday evenings at 1800 continues with enthusiasm. We would like to see more participation, so please join us if you are so inclined. Mike Carmichael is in charge of our Zoom subscription, and he asked that all of you are informed of its availability for your individual group needs. It is a very nice option to have at our disposal, and he will accommodate you if at all possible.
Go Navy,
John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)