IF you are planning to attend as a "Day Tripper",
PLEASE contact George.
I need to know who plans to attend even if not staying at Hotel.
CONTACT: GEORGE BLUST
365 S. HURON ST.
TIFFIN, OH 44883
E-MAIL: History
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Keep watching for more information. Web Cams and Chat will be working at Reunion.
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SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 29, 2003
BUS runs hourly from airports to Galveston [
SEE BUS DETAILS]
Check in and get aquainted. Hospitality Room is Suite 200
7:30 PM: Meeting in Hospitality Room; "Meet and Greet"
{A welcome from the Galveston Visitor's Bureau by Sheri L. Teller}
THURSDAY, Oct. 30, 2003 [GROUP]
Tours of: Via Bus in Galveston: IF NEEDED
9:00AM Lone Star Flight Museum Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost; Adults $6; Seniors $4.50 (Group rates available)
1:00PM Moody Gardens and Aquarium,
[Food and refreshments available]
Open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat:
12 noon to 1 PM; 2 to 3 PM; 4 to 5 PM
Cost; [See what you want to see]
Attractions
Adult Child Sr. (65+)
Aquarium
$13.00
$6.95
$9.95
Rainforest
$ 8.95
$5.95
$6.95
SuperSenses
$ 5.95
$5.95
$5.95
IMAX
$ 8.95
$5.95
$6.95
Ridefilm
$ 7.95
$5.95
$6.95
Palm Beach $ 7.95 $5.95 $6.95
Colonel $ 7.95 $5.95 $6.95
FRIDAY, Oct. 31, 2003 Free day
[Make up a GROUP or INDIVIDUALLY]
Tours of: Via Galveston Island Trolly Cost; Adults $1; Seniors $.50; Downtown FREE
ALL DAY Historic Strand District [optional]
Railroad Museum [optional] Cost; Adults $5 (Group rates available)
Railroad Tour of Island Via Galveston Sightseeing Train [optional]
11:00 AM or 1:30 PM (weather permitting) Cost; Group rate available, have to call for cost
Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA [optional] Cost; Adults $6 (Group rates available)
7:00PM Crew Reunion Business meeting
Agenda for Reunion Business Meeting
Vance Association
Galveston, Texas
Friday, October 31, 2003
I. Meeting called to order by senior officer on board.
II. Invocation in memory of departed crew members and those serving today. Chaplain.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Review of 2002 reunion. Historian.
2. Membership status. Yeoman.
3. Financial report. Disbursing Officer.
4. Vance Association – status of not-for-profit 501c(3) charitable organization. Disbursing Officer.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. The following organizational changes are proposed by Executive Officer:
a. That the positions of Communications and Computer Officers be combined under the title “Communications Officer.”
b. That the position of “Recruiting Officer” be abolished and the duties incumbent upon the Recruiting Officer be assigned to Yeoman.
c. That election of association officers be held every two years during alternate reunions.
Note: Such proposals require amendment of Association Bylaws.
2.Vance Association Museum to be discussed by the membership:
a. TRAVELING MUSEUM by Computer Officer (Joseph Betters).
b. STATIONARY MUSEUM by Disbursing Officer (Jody Himebaugh).
The desirability for designating a method or place of permanence for the preservation of Vance artifacts and memorabilia.
3. Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates, PS Form 3624.
Among the eight categories of eligible nonprofit organizations is included
“Veterans.” A veterans’ organization is a nonprofit organization of veterans
of the armed services of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of,
or a trust or foundation for, any such post or organization.
Proposal by Yeoman.
4. Proposal to accept as members veterans of DEs and DERs who do not have
an active association of their own. Inquiries have been received from
Ramsden and Durant shipmates.
Proposal by Yeoman.
5. Election of officers.
Yeoman will present and record all nominations
received. Electronic ballots are found at www.ussvance.com and ballots were
included in the Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 3. Hard copy ballots are also
provided to membership for completion prior to commencement of Business Meeting.
6. Proposals for 2004 Reunion dates and locations
SATURDAY, November 1, 2003 [GROUP]
Tours of: Via Bus in Galveston: IF NEEDED
ALL DAY AT SEAWOLF PARK
10:30AM MEMORIAL SERVICE [With Special Color Guard]
TO COMMEMORATE THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF VANCE
12:30PM Lunch "A Texas Bar-B-Que"
Menue; Barbequed Brisket, Sausage, Chicken, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Iced tea, coffee
7:00 PM Assemble for Banquet
7:30PM Banquet at Gaido's Famous Seafood Restaurant. Stovart Room
Menue; Salad, Bowl of Gumbo, choice of shrimp, catfish, or chicken dinner; desert, iced tea, coffee
Cost; $21.99 per person [cash bar} For 40 count, room can hold up to 60 if needed
BUS DETAILS
SUNDAY, Nov. 2, 2003
Check out and departure BUS to airport for those flying [BUS DETAILS]
BUS DETAILS
Bus to and from Airport
Subject: Houston Airport discount rates for Oct.29-Nov.2, 2003
From: Galveston Limousine Service
Good morning,
We can offer the following rates for your group:
Hobby Airport: $30.00 per person one way; $40.00 per person round trip
Bush IAH Airport: $35.00 per person one way; $50.00 per person round trip
[George says: Which is not bad if you consider round trip is 45 to 70 miles]
E-mail reservations and prepayment in advance required. Non-refundable.
Must identify they are with VANCE Association
If reservations are not made in advance and just meet at the airport it will
be regular rate of: Hobby airport-$50.00 per person round trip
and Bush IAH-$60.00 per person round trip.
Any questions please contact us.
Thanks.
Frances Serrato [dispatcher]email; Francess219@aol.com
Galveston Limousine Service 1-800-640-4826
Regular Price for Hobby
Adult One way $30 Round Trip $50
Child (4-10) One way $18 Round Trip $25
Sr. Citizen One way $27 Round Trip $41
Bush IAH Airport:Regular Price
Adult One way $35 Round Trip $60
Child (4-10) One way $18 Round Trip $30
Sr. Citizen One way $32 Round Trip $55
Bus in Galveston: IF NEEDED
Galveston Shuttle Bus {for Thurs. and Sat. tours}
65 and 29 passenger buses available IF NEEDED
We would save $$ if enough drivers and space in vehicles is available
CAR RENTALS, AIRPORT DETAILS
• Advantage Rent-A-Car 800.777.5500
• Alamo Rent-A-Car 800.328.8017
• Budget Rent-A-Car Systems 800.527.0700
• Dollar Rent-A-Car of Houston 800.800.4000
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car 800.RENT.A.CAR
• Hertz Corporation 800.654.3131
• National Car Rental 800.CAR.RENTS
• Pace Thrifty Car Rental 800.367.2277
REUNION 2003 PROGRESS
Dates of Reunion;
Check in Wednesday, October 29, 2003 through
Check out Sunday, November 2, 2003 4 nights
RESERVATIONS:
There is a block of 20 rooms reserved for the Vance Association Reunion for Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2003. To confirm individual reservations, the crew MUST call 1-800-231-9921 and say they are with the VANCE REUNION.
REUNION RATE:
1 or 2 people $67.85 a night including tax
Each additional person...$12.00 plus 15% tax a night
(maximum four per room)
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Results of vote taken on 4 NOV 02
as to reunion location for 2003
10 OF 10 WARDROOM OFFICERS VOTEING
Galveston, TX---8
Annapolis, MD---2
Great Lakes, IL-0
SHIPMATES WITH RESERVATIONS:
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AIRPORTS
William P. Hobby Airport (Houston)
Phone: 713.640.3000
Recommended airport...about 45 min. drive to Galveston...one
highway to follow
Bus transportation to Galveston is available as well
as car rentals.
SERVED BY:
Air Tran Airways, American Eagle Airlines,
Continental Express, Delta Airlines, Delta Express,
Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Atlantic
Southeast Airlines |
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport
(Houston)
Phone: 281.230.3000
This airport is further to travel to Galveston:
SERVED BY:
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, America West Airlines, American Airlines, Aviacsa, Aviateca, British Airways,Cayman Airways, Continental Airlines,Continental Express, Delta Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Southwest Airlines, TACA International Airlines, TWA Reservation Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways |
DIRECTIONS TO THE HOTEL
Begin at William P Hobby on Lockheed Ave and
go North for 0.2 miles.
Turn left on Convair St and go West for 200 feet.
Turn right on Telephone Rd, TX-35 and go North for 0.3 miles.
Turn right on Airport Blvd and go East for 2.4 miles.
Turn right on Gulf Fwy and go Southeast for 0.6 miles.
Continue on ramp at sign reading "I-45 S" and go Southeast for
0.3 miles. Continue on I-45 and go Southeast for 35 miles to
Galveston Island. |
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Begin at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
on Terminal Rd S and go East for 0.6 miles.
Bear left and go Southeast for 300 feet.
Turn left on Greens Rd and go East for 2.4 miles.
Turn right on Eastex Fwy, US-59, US-59 N and go South for
0.6 miles.
Bear left on ramp and go South for 1000 feet.
Continue on Eastex Fwy, US-59 and go South for 14 miles.
Bear right on ramp at sign reading "I-45 to Galveston / Dallas"
and go South for 0.6 miles.
Continue on I-45 and go Southeast for 45 miles to
Galveston Island. |
THE HOTEL
We have received five replies to an
inquiry as to rates in Galveston,TX
COMMODORE ON THE BEACH
This hotel has offered the
BEST rates so far:
Web Site: http://www.commodoreonthebeach.com/
email:
beachhotel@aol.com
Fax: 409-763-2379
Phone: 1-800-231-9921
Rate
Range: $49 - $250 | 92 Rooms
Weekdays: $40 - $89 per room, per night,
double occupancy
REUNION RATE:
1 or 2 people $67.85 a night including tax
Each additional person...$12.00 plus 15% tax a night
(maximum four per room)
Hospitality room [600 - 650 sq.ft.]
Suite 200 will be our hospitality room.
NO CHARGE
Banquet would be OFF location
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The staff is happy to share their local knowledge - from the best
bike rental deal to the historic homes that are a must-see. You're invited
to request more information or give us a call
toll-free at 800-231-9921. |
TOURS:
SEAWOLF PARK - Galveston, Texas
Web Site:
http://www.galveston.com/museums/seawolf.shtml
Seawolf Park is on Pelican Island north of Galveston
Seawolf Park, USS Cavalla's (SS244) home, is located
on Pelican Island, just north of Galveston, Texas.
Seawolf Park also is the home of the Destroyer Escort
USS Stewart (DE-238), a tank and a small fighter plane. There
is a picnic area and excellent fishing. The park is open
during normal daylight hours. Come on out, y'all!
USS Stewart DE238
Web Site:
http://users3.ev1.net/~de238/stewart/stewartindex.html
webmaster: de238@ev1.net
USS STEWART (DE-238) Historical Research, Restoration
and Maintenance Project
c/o Charles H. Sprague, Jr.
1807 Firwood Drive
Pasadena, Texas 7750
USS Cavalla SS244
Web Site: http://www.cavalla.org/
web master: Neal Stevens nstevens@houston.rr.com
Cavalla Historical Foundation 2504 Church St.
Galveston, TX 77550
Curator: Master Chief Petty Officer John McMichael USN,
ret.
Phone: 409-744-7854
E-Mail: macm@airmail.net |
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Coming from Houston, take I-45 south to Galveston. You
can exit on Texas Road 275 before you get to the island. At
the bridge, turn left onto the Pelican Island Causeway. Or if
you continue on to the island, I-45 is renamed Broadway. Take
a left on 51st Street and cross the bridge straight to
the Pelican Island Causeway. Soon this small road becomes
Seawolf Parkway. It leads to Seawolf Park.
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LONE STAR
FLIGHT MUSEUM & TEXAS AVIATION HALL OF FAME
2002 Terminal Drive, Galveston, TX 77554
Tel. No. (409) 740-7722
Fax No. (409) 740-7612
Web Site: http://www.lsfm.org
Web
Site: http://www.galveston.com/museums/aviation.shtml
The museum is home to one of the finest collections
of restored aircraft and aviation exhibits in the nation. Over
40 restored aircraft are displayed and most are in
working condition. The collection includes WWII
Fighters, Bombers, Liaison Trainers, and Executive Planes.
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RAILROAD MUSEUM
Web Site http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/rrmuseum
Web Site
http://www.galveston.com/museums/railroad.shtml
Tel. No. (409) 765-5700
Located in a restored 1930s passenger depot, this
museum exhibits an old waiting room, a model train layout of
the port of Galveston, Pullman sleepers, cabooses, a diner car,
a mail car, steam locomotives, and a new Railroad China
display featuring plates, glasses, and silverware used in
dining cars. You can also visit the museum's souvenir
shop. |
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TEXAS SEAPORT MUSEUM
Web Site:
http://www.galveston.com/museums/seaport.shtml
Web Site:
http://www.phoenix.net/~tsm
E-Mail: tsm@phoenix.net
Tel. No. (409) 763-1877
Another notable vessel in Galveston
is the
1877 Tall Ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum
Web Site:http://www.tsm-elissa.org/
Share the adventure of the high seas at the Texas
Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship
ELISSA. Explore the decks of this floating National
Historic Landmark which has also been designated one of
America’s Treasures by the National Trust for
Historic Preservation. Walk ELISSA’s decks and imagine
the days when daring sailors challenged the world's oceans.
In the adjacent museum and theater, witness the story of
ELISSA’s dramatic rescue from the scrapyard and
her meticulous restoration.
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Located in the historic port of Galveston, the
Texas Seaport Museum also tells the story of a rich legacy
of seaborne commerce and immigration. Look for ancestors with
a one-of-a-kind computer database containing the names of
more than 133,000 immigrants who entered the United
States through Galveston, “The Ellis Island of
the West”. Join the Museum’s staff and volunteers
as they bring the past to life through special exhibits
and educational programs. |
The STRAND HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Web Site: http://www.galveston.com/thestrand/
The Strand was the heart of Galveston in the late
1800s and early 1900s when its star was bright and it was full
of great promise, the "New York of Texas." Many buildings
still remain that were built in that era, built with all the
best talents and materials that the society of the time
was capable of. Fine architects designed both the mansions
along Broadway and the buildings in the Strand area in
styles inspired by the golden ages of the Greeks or
the Victorians. A surprising number escaped the
devastation of the 1900 Storm, and still remain.
Other features that give the Strand its unique
and romantic charm are the high curbs, the overhanging
canopies that were meant to shade the streets, and the
horse drawn carriages that pass slowly in the streets, at so
much slower a pace than the automobiles of today. The Strand
is also the center of Mardi Gras celebrations, Dickens on
the Strand festivities, and - of course - antiques, shopping,
and art galleries.
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The Strand area is located on the opposite side of
the island from the Gulf, and is steps away from a
thriving commercial port, with ships delivering goods along
the harbor and wharves, and where vacationers
embark on Mexican cruises via Carnival Cruise Lines'
Celebration. |
MOODY GARDENS
Web Site: http://www.galveston.com/moodygardens/
Moody Gardens features a 10 story Rainforest
Pyramid offering an incredible tropical environment, and is
home to the largest bat exhibit in the Southwest. The
IMAX 3D will keep you jumping out of your seat, and
the experience is so real you'll reach out to touch what seems
to be inches away. Palm Beach offers a white sand beach with
a blue lagoon and lots of fun for kids. The Discovery
Pyramid features a host of interactive exhibits designed
in conjunction with NASA. Visitors can learn about the wonders
of space in the Science Theater, and take a fascinating
adventure ride on the IMAX Ridefilm Theater. Moody Gardens
newest attraction, the Aquarium Pyramid, is the largest in
the world and features 100,000 square feet of exhibit
space showcasing the waters of the world. |
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CONTACT: GEORGE BLUST
365 S. HURON ST.
TIFFIN, OH 44883
E-MAIL: History
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Keep watching for more information
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USS VANCE DE 387
