The 2000 Ship's reunion began unofficially with some Committee Members and others arriving on Sunday, September 24, to get things organized and setup for the Reunion.
Our Wednesday, September 27 event was a trip via school buses for 90 shipmates, wives and guests to board the "Grand Lady" for a dinner cruise on the Niagara River. The meal and entertainment was great and the rain held off until the cruise ended.
On Thursday, September 28, a total of 110 traveled in more comfortable buses to the quaint little Canadian town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to sightsee, shop, and have lunch.
Friday, September 29, found 141 of us aboard comfortable buses to see the American and Canadian Falls. Some opted to see the Butterfly Conservatory, others visited the Botanical Gardens, and still others opted to take the Maid of the Mist boat ride to get an up close and "WET" view of the Horseshoe Falls. Between events we somehow found time to get in a lunch and do some souvenir shopping.
Friday evening we had a first for a USS SOLEY Reunion. On their way to Buffalo, Shipmate Edmund Shartrand (his first reunion) and his fiance Sandra Griffin had discussed getting married while in Buffalo. They made their final decision after arriving, received their marriage license, and made the decision to get married on Friday evening with all present for the buffet in attendance. Shirley and Gene Blum were asked to be the bride's attendant and the groom's best man--an honor for them both. Vickey Dankowski, Marriage Officer of the Town of Cheektowaga was the officiant. We were hoping to have the television and newspaper media present at the Ceremony, but that did not happen. That was their loss because it was an impressive Ceremony and would have made good news copy. The Italian Buffet that followed was enjoyed by 157. It was very good, the entertainment pleasant, and the door prizes provided by shipmates and Tin Can Sailors were many and varied.
Saturday 160 of us again boarded school buses to the Buffalo Navy and Military Park where the first order of business was to board the USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG4) to conduct a Memorial Ceremony. The roll of all known deceased shipmates was read. We were honored to have Michelle Stone, the daughter of Raymond "Rocky" Stone with us to present the Memorial Wreath over the side. We were also honored by the attendance of Helene and Paula Wallace (Wife and Daughter of Bill Wallace) and Rena Cummings (Wife of Carl R. Cummings) present at this reunion. Rena Cummings also brought a bouquet of flowers to present a Memorial to Gerald Courier. Helene, Paula and Rena have been regular in their Reunion attendance. They are members of our "SOLEY Family" and are always welcome. We enjoy having them with us. After the Memorial Ceremony we were free to look over the USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG4), Submarine USS CROAKER (SSK246), and the Destroyer USS THE SULLIVANS (DD537), as well as the other military items on display throughout the Park.
Saturday evening was the the grand banquet with 178 present. We had a choice of Grilled Salmon or Beef and Chicken. Both were excellent according to reports. We were entertained by music of "The Swing Kings" that played music of the 40's and 50's. After the dinner we recognized 11 Plank Owners that were aboard the SOLEY when she was commissioned on December 7, 1944. We also recognized 19 that were attending their first SOLEY Reunion. During intermissions Raffles were held for a number of gifts provided by shipmates. The raffle also included priizes of 1, 2 and 3 nights at the Radisson Hotel and Suites and a 50/50 drawing. We thank all that attended and trust that you had a very enjoyable time. There were some hurdles that have to be overcome but none that were a big problem. The Reunion Committee looks at these problems as an opportunity.
Our Business Meeting was held Saturday afternoon after returning from the Navy Park. Committee members gave their reports. Gene Blum reported that since the 1999 Charleston Reunion 177 have been added to our Active Roster and 30 added to our Deceased Roster. Frank Hawkins gave a preliminary financial report. The SCOOP has funds available to publish 2, possibly 3 more editions. A complete report of our financial condition will be prepared after the Reunion and published in the SCOOP. Mike Kranack reported that Ship's Store sales were very good with several items sold out. More will be ordered to enable filling future orders.
New Committee Members were elected for the next reunion as follows:
Reunion Coordinator: Ken Hoult
Assistant Reunion Coordinator: Al Stiles
Tour and Program Coordinator: Mike Pollack
Assistant Tour Coordinator: Frank Brennan
Treasurer: Frank Hawkins
Assistant Treasurer: Gene Blum
Secretary-Registrar: Gene Blum
Assistant Secretary-Registrar: Al Stiles
Newsletter Editor: E. T. Bryan
Store Keeper: Mike Kranack
Assistant Store Keeper: Mel Gilmore
Historian: Jim Hawker
Several sites for the next Reunion were discussed including Louisville, KY, Massachusetts/New England and Southern California (Buena Park). A site survey was made in Louisville; Massachusetts/New England rates were very high; and Gene Blum had a package from the Buena Park CVB with a rate committment of $65.00 plus tax at the Holiday Inn, Buena Park. There are numerous entertainment venues and Long Beach is within 15 miles for a ship visit and Memorial Ceremony. A show of hands resulted in Louisville getting about 59 votes; Buena Park about 40 votes and Massachusetts/New England less than 20 votes. It was agreed that a poll would be included in the next SCOOP to get the opinion of all subscribers desiring to vote.
To all of you that brought items to be used as door prizes and raffle prizes we say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!. We hesitate naming each of you individually for fear of missing someone. You know who you are and can give yourselves a big pat on the back. It is your efforts and attendance that make the reunions so enjoyable and memorable. We had 94 shipmates/widows/daughters present in Buffalo. There were 18 first time Reunion Attendees and 11 Plankowners.