USS Piper (SS409) Reunion 2011

USS PIPER (SS409) 2011 REUNION
11-18-2010

Shipmates:

A decision has to be made about a Piper Reunion in 2011. This will require a lot of work by just a few of us. The turnout a couple of years ago wasn’t that great. Before we decide to go forward, I need an honest sense of who would plan to attend.

As time goes by, I understand that these get-togethers become more of a chore. However, each one we hold may be the last for some of us or all of us if this tradition fades away.

One issue is that it’s the same old thing (except for the entertainment). Same place, same clambake, same caterer, etc. That being said, we would entertain a change of venue or of the program. That’s up to you. What we need is feedback, and we need it soon.

Mike will include a response form in this issue. Send yours to me by regular mail. If we stay in Groton, I need to contact the Navy and reserve the club before the end of December, so please take action now.

We’ve had quite a run and a lot of fun. I’m glad that I was a part of it.

Regards,

Frank Whitty, FTG2(SS)
USS Piper (SS409) 1965-66-67
President

April 2011

Shipmates:

You will see a previous letter in this edition concerning shipmate Mike Lally’s passing, which I had Mike Bray hold back until I sorted things out.

I have had scant responses to my original request concerning a reunion this summer, but I realize some of us (I’m pleading guilty) don’t always follow through as promptly as we should. Here is what we’ve come up with.

Over the weekend of 29-30-31 July, we will gather in Groton for a reunion, which will include a memorial service for Mike Lally.

In response to Mike’s family’s request, we have arranged to have Mike’s ashes interred to sea off the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), which as we all know is the museum boat at the front gate of the SubBase. The event is confirmed, the ceremonial contingent is formed, and they will conduct this solemn service.

This will take place at 1100 hours on Saturday, 30 July, and will be followed by a luncheon and celebration of shipmate Mike’s life for his family, as well as members of the Long Island base, other interested shipmates, and of course the USS Piper Association.

We will start this weekend with a Welcome Aboard party at USSVI HQ at 40 School Street in Groton on Friday night at 1900 hours. Saturday morning and the subsequent luncheon will be as stated above.

Saturday evening we will have a catered meal and light entertainment back at the club. Sunday morning, we will have our traditional brunch, but that will be held at the Radisson as well.

Some members have asked about a trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino. That is doable, and I will get those details out to you all at a later date. That shuttle trip could be arranged for Saturday afternoon leaving from and returning to the Radisson in time for the reunion back at the club, perhaps from 1400-1800 hours. That should give attendees enough time to make their donation or fortune.

All attendees, Piper shipmates, Long Island Base members, or others, are welcomed to attend any scheduled events.

Once again, I need your feedback. Please e-mail me directly to Whitty409@aol.com with your thoughts and comments.

There is a registration form in this Piper Report. Please return with a $100.00 per person minimum deposit no later than May 15th.

That being said, I really need some feedback now on how many are attending and how many rooms at the Radisson we need to reserve, so if you can please e-mail or snail-mail your RSVP to me as soon as possible with your meal choice for Saturday night, it would be a great help.

Regards,

Frank

Frank Whitty
269 Plymouth Street
Middleboro, MA 02346
whitty409@aol.com

May 18, 2011

Shipmates:

The 2011 reunion is only 10 weeks away. When planning an event like this, that isn’t really a lot of lead time. We have only had 11 Piper sailors register so far. That is confusing and a little disappointing. Two years ago the attendance was down a bit but not like this. We had received at least twice the number of registrations by this time in 2009. Remember, the membership consensus was to hold one this year rather than wait until 2012.

I am hoping that if you are reading this, plan to attend, and haven’t registered yet, that you will do so now. The “deadline” has passed but guess what…it’s now extended.

If deposit amount is an issue, send a respectable amount and you can pay the balance when you arrive. The Saturday night meal at the club will be the usual choice of lobster or sirloin steak as the main entrée. Flanders, who has always done the onsite bake at Adm. Fyfe Park, will provide the meal at the club. Please let us know your choice when you register. For those who have already registered, let us know your choice(s) by sending an e-mail to: Mike Hubbard bldgmaint@subvetsgroton.org or Mike Bray, mikebray@chartermi.net who can forward it to Hubbard.

The reunion is still going to take place no matter what, but your attendance will help make it memorable. Your involvement and interest are what will keep this event going or spell its demise.

Hope to see you at the Welcome Aboard party on Friday, July 29th.

Regards,

Frank Whitty
269 Plymouth Street
Middleboro, MA 02346
whitty409@aol.com

Planning Notes:

The normal Radisson room rate for weekends in the summer is $199.00. However, I was able to negotiate a special rate for this event: $109.00.

Registration fee: $10.00

Friday Welcome Aboard Party: $15.00

Saturday Luncheon at Radisson: $19.00 (our cost) includes:
Tossed Salad with assorted dressings
Rolls or Garlic Bread
Baked Ziti
Grilled Chicken Breast with lemon and thyme
Baked Cod topped with a light cream sauce
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Choice of Cake
Coffee, Tea and Soda

Saturday Reunion meal: Range will be $25 to $50 depending on menu.

This reunion menu is not finalized, but if enough of you are interested, we’ll have a lobster/steak dinner brought in since we won’t be holding our traditional clambake at Fife Park. I will ask Mike to show it on the registration form at $50.00 subject to refund based on the final cost.

Sunday Breakfast/Brunch at Radisson: $12.00 (our cost)

Breakfast Entrée Choices:
Scrambled Eggs
Plain, with Cheese, or with Diced Vegetables
Hash Brown Potatoes
Bacon or Sausage

Or

Texas Sized French Toast
Dusted with Cinnamon and topped with sweet butter
Served with warm maple syrup
Fresh Fruit
Bacon or Sausage

* * * 2011 REUNION ACTIVITIES * * *

Day	Date	Time	Activity	Location
Friday	Jul 29	1900 Hours	Welcome Aboard Party	Subvets Groton Base Clubhouse
Saturday	Jul 30	1100 Hours	Mike Lally Memorial Service	USS Nautilus (SSN 571)
Saturday	Jul 30	Following Mike's Service	Luncheon and Celebration of Mike's Life	Radisson Hotel, New London
Saturday	Jul 30	1400-1800 Hours	Shuttle Trip to Casino	Mohegan Sun Casino
Saturday	Jul 30	Evening	Reunion Meal	Subvets Groton Base Clubhouse
Sunday	Jul 31	0830-0930 Hours	Breakfast/Brunch	Radisson Hotel, New London

Subvets Groton Base Clubhouse
40 School Street
Groton, CT

* * * ACCOMMODATIONS * * *

Radisson Hotel, New London
35 Governor Winthrop Blvd.
New London, Connecticut
Phone 860-443-7000

Try a Google search on “Groton CT motels”
for more info on this and other area motels.

* * * Here are some photos of Piper Reunion 2009 * * *

Founder of USSVI, Joe Negri (photo in upper left), watches over the 2009 Piper reunion at the Groton Base Clubhouse in Groton Connecticut. Pictured are Richard Collins and Dee Whitty at the Friday night Welcome Aboard Party.

Lobster bake at Admiral Fyfe Park in Stonington, CT

Janice and Phil Lecky, John Hendry and Mike Lally at Admiral Fyfe Park

Breakfast at the USSVI Groton Base Clubhouse in Groton, CT