Y EXPLORER S GAZETTE Published in Pensacola, Florida USA for the OAEA Reunion Committee Uniting All OAEs in Perpetuating the History of United States Involvement in Antarctica Special Edition No. 7 Old Antarctic Explorers Association, Inc April 2014 Reviewed & layout 21 April 2014 Old Antarctic Explorers Association 7th National Reunion Norfolk, Virginia 12 14 November 2014 ou are cordially invited to join us for the 7 th Old Antarctic Explorers Association (OAEA) National Reunion in Norfolk Virginia. We have worked hard to make this a memorable and safe reunion, at a great location. The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel is a downtown waterfront landmark and is ready to roll out the red carpet for us. Norfolk is very military friendly and many businesses offer military/retired military and senior citizen discounts. Date: Wednesday, 12 November through Friday, 14 November 2014. Registration fee: $80 per person (registration form enclosed) Point of Contact: Ed Hamblin 757 405 3362 Ehamblin74@verizon.net Mailing address: OAEA 2014 Reunion 3104 Deepspring Drive Chesapeake, VA 23321 Venue: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel 777 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 Reservations: By telephone: 1 800 325 3535 or 1 757 622 6664 or On-Line at: https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/stargroupsweb/booki ng/reservation?id=1402260615&key=80d84 HOTEL INFORMATION Hotel Reservations & Rates: Room reservations are the responsibility of the attendees. Approximately 150 rooms are blocked for the OAEA in the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. This downtown Waterside landmark hotel is located on the Elizabeth River approximately 7 miles from the Norfolk International Airport, less than a mile from the Amtrak terminal, and less than ¼ mile easy driving access off I-264. All official gatherings and meetings will occur at the hotel. Room rate is $109.00 plus local taxes (which may fluctuate) per night. When making reservations via phone, be sure to identify yourself as being with the Old Antarctic Explorers Association. Rooms are limited, book early! The special OAEA room rate is available for the entire week, Monday 10 November through Saturday 15 November for those who want some extra time up front or at the end. (See Page 3 for Additional Hotel Information)
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel SHERATON NORFOLK WATERSIDE HOTEL AMENTITIES Golf Courses Nearby Luggage Storage Cash Machine (ATM) Express Check-Out Concierge Service 100% Non-Smoking Rooms and Facilities Laundry/Valet Service (Laundry is non-self service) Tennis Nearby (Outdoor) Safe Deposit Boxes Dry Cleaning Service Pet friendly Fitness center Nearby parking (free to attendees; limited daily access) RV remote parking available with shuttle service DIRECTIONS From Norfolk International Airport Distance from hotel: Approximately 7 miles. Exit the airport on Norview Avenue. Turn left on ramp merging onto Interstate 64 East toward Norfolk/VA Beach. At exit 284A, turn right on ramp merging onto Interstate 264 West. Take Exit 9 to the left onto Waterside Drive. Turn left at the first light into the hotel parking lot. From South Take Interstate 95 South to Route 58 East (toward Norfolk). Follow Route 58 East to I-64 West (toward Richmond; this route to avoid tunnel tolls - downtown tunnels are served by EZ PASS only). Take I-464 North to Portsmouth/Norfolk and cross the bridge. Take the Waterside Drive Exit and stay on the left. The hotel will be on your left. From West Take Route 58 East (toward Norfolk). Follow Route 58 East to I-64 West (toward Richmond; this route to avoid tunnel tollsdowntown tunnels are served by EZ PASS only). Take I-464 North to Portsmouth/Norfolk and cross the bridge. Take the Waterside Drive Exit and stay on the left. The hotel will be on your left. From East Take Interstate 64 East toward Richmond. Just before reaching Richmond, take I-295 South (toward Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Bypass Richmond, and then get back onto I-64 East. Continue to I-264 West and take Exit 284A (toward Norfolk). Follow Exit 9 to Waterside Drive. The hotel will be on your left. From North Take Interstate 95 South toward Richmond. Just before Richmond, take I-295 South (toward Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Bypass Richmond, and then get on I-64 East. Continue to I-264 West and take Exit 284A (toward Norfolk). Follow Exit 9 to Waterside Drive. The hotel will be on your left. 2
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS The Norfolk International Airport is the nearest arrival airport to the Waterside Sheraton. Address: 777 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: 757 622 6664 Taxi Cab Information: Current taxi fares from the airport to Waterside area are approximately $20.00 with a 15 minute transit time in off traffic periods. Car Rental Information: There are also rental cars available via several companies at the airport. Hotel Parking: For those driving in, free parking is available at a nearby parking garage. Norfolk RV Parking: There is RV parking at an offsite location (approximately ½ mile) with on-call shuttle service to and from the hotel. For attendees wishing to RV camp, there are two KOA type Campgrounds approximately 20 miles from the hotel. Public Transportation: Public buses and the Tidewater Rail Transit system are available for transportation around the Norfolk area. Tunnel Tolls: Tolls are now established on the two downtown Norfolk tunnels, and there are no cash options. If you use the tunnel, after your visit, you will be sent a toll charge of several dollars to use the tunnel. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER In the event that space limitations are exceeded the following policy has been established: Only dues paid OAEA members, and their registered guests, will be permitted to attend reunion events. Individuals who are eligible to be Regular Members of the OAEA cannot be a guest of another member. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first served basis. A membership application form is provided for nonmembers. Please complete and mail separately to the address at the top of the application with a check made payable to OAEA. Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel ADDITONAL HOTEL INFORMATION Hotel reservations must be made by 12 October in order to receive the event/group rate! The event rate is for either single or double occupancy. The hotel will charge your credit card for one night if you are a noshow and did not cancel at least 72 hours in advance. Check in is after 3 PM and checkout is by 12 noon. AREA ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO Downtown Norfolk is a wonderful mix of old and new with many attractions within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. The welcome aboard bag ( reunion ditty bag ) will have brochures and maps. Some of the offerings are within walking distance: Over 30 restaurants from sit-down city style to neighborhood style delicatessens. An upscale downtown shopping mall (MacArthur Center) Battleship USS Wisconsin and Nauticus Museum St. Paul s Church (with a cannonball from 1776 embedded in an outer wall) Chrysler Art Museum MacArthur Memorial/Museum/Research Center Numerous downtown shops and stores Waterside Park Downtown library with Virginia genealogical and historical information For the more adventuresome (will need transportation): Colonial Williamsburg (reunion tour option) Army Transportation Museum at Ft. Eustis Yorktown Battlefield Jamestown Settlement/Jamestown National Park National Park and Victory Center Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach (reunion tour option) Mariner s Museum in Newport News Tour of Naval Station Norfolk (reunion tour option) Norfolk zoo 3
EVENTS fter hotel room check-in, follow lobby signs for Adirections to the Reunion registration/check-in area. The OAEA gathering and hospitality area will be on the ground floor in rooms close to the main lobby, clearly marked with signs. This will be exclusive OAEA territory and the place to be for information dissemination, socializing, merchandise sales, tour departures, and for sharing memorabilia. Here you can rejuvenate memories and renew friendships with old shipmates, coworkers, and acquaintances. Cruise books, VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, photos, and more are welcome anything you want to share. Space for displaying memorabilia will be limited therefore anyone who will require space for displaying large items should contact Ed Hamblin no later than 1 November. Members of the Reunion Committee and other volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer other assistance. Each attendee will receive a Welcome Aboard bag that will include a Schedule of Events, information on Norfolk and other goodies. Throughout the entire reunion, there will be a vendor available for the purchase of OAEA merchandise and the committee anticipates individual member displays of Antarctic artifacts will also be available for viewing. There may also be representatives of local businesses representing scheduled tour transportation and special local civic events. Wednesday s events will include registration, a memorial service, an OAEA Officer s meeting, and leisure time for looking up old friends. The day s events will be capped with an evening of socializing that includes serving of hors d oeuvres and a cash bar set up. Thursday s events will include late registration and coffee and snacks followed by an early membership general assembly meeting. The day will available for tours, followed by late afternoon guest speakers, and for those that opt in, a dinner cruise on the nearby Spirit of Norfolk. Friday s events will also start with coffee and snacks followed by an early officer s meeting, an optional tour; for those not touring, the remainder of the day is free for exploration of the scenic downtown area or just leisure socializing. Following memory book photos in the afternoon, we will move into the banquet room for dinner, raffle drawings, entertainment, cash bar, and dancing for those up to it. On Saturday we will have to bid farewell. There will be coffee and snacks available and the reception area will be open until 1200 noon for final farewells. Please let the POC know when your plans are firm, but not later than 1 November. The Reunion Committee needs to know numbers as soon as possible for planning purposes. The total cost of the meal, including sales tax, and gratuity is included in the Registration fee. Any attendee requiring a special dietary menu should contact the POC prior to 1 November. Attire is optional. We also plan to hold raffles as part of our banquet supper. Donations of items suitable for raffle or for door prizes will be accepted. It is desired that donated items be related to the Antarctic, but any appropriate item will be welcome. Remember, one person s white elephant may be exactly what another person is looking for! VENDORS The 2014 OAEA Reunion Committee has determined that only OAEA members will be authorized to sell OAEA logo merchandise during the reunion. Anyone wishing to sell merchandise should contact the Vendor/Merchandise Coordinator, Ed Hamblin not later than 1 November. A B B R E V I A T E D S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S : Attendees follow the signs to the OAEA Registration area. Check-in with the Reunion Committee volunteers and pick-up your Welcome Aboard bag(s). The Designated Hospitality Area will be the primary OAEA gathering places throughout the Reunion. Note: Scheduled tour prices are on the Registration Form. Tuesday 11 Nov: Volunteers assemble welcome aboard bags Wednesday 12 Nov: 8 am-4 pm Registration 8 am-10 pm Socializing 4:30 pm Memorial Service 5 pm-10 pm Cash Bar 5 pm-7 pm Icebreaker Hors D oeuvres 6 pm-7 pm Officers Meeting Thursday 13 Nov: 6 am Coffee & Snacks 7 am-8:15 am General Assembly Members Meeting 8 am-noon Late Registration 8:30 am-4 pm Shopping tour- Colonial Williamsburg, Premium Outlet Mall. Lunch NOT included 9 am-4 pm Riding Norfolk tour- Naval Station & Naval Air Station. Lunch included 4 pm-6 pm Guest Speakers 6:30 pm-10 pm Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise Friday, 14 Nov: 6 am Coffee & Snacks 7 am-8 am Officers Meeting 8:30 am-2 pm Riding Virginia Beach Tour & Military Aviation Museum of Virginia. Lunch included 4:30 pm-6 pm Memory Book Photos 6 pm-11:30 pm Banquet Dinner, Cash Bar, Guest Speaker Drawings, Entertainment Saturday, 15 Nov: 6 am Coffee & Snacks 6 am-noon Socializing 4
REGISTRATION FORM 7 TH National Reunion of the Old Antarctic Explorers Association 12-14 November 2014 OAEA Member: Nametag to read: Address: Street City State Zip Email: Telephone: Antarctic Experience: Members, please give a very brief summary, including rate/rank, branch of service (if Antarctic experience as Military), seasons, dates of cruise visits, station, activity/agency/command/ship names etc., to be used on nametag: Note: Antarctic experience will be abbreviated as necessary to fit on name tag Spouse/Guest: Nametag to read: Note: If necessary, use separate sheet of paper for additional names ******************************************************************************************************* Number of people attending: at $80 per attendee $ Shirt size(s) Banquet meal preference: Beef Chicken Extra Cost Tours (See back of registration form for full tour descriptions) #1 Norfolk Tour, Naval Station and Naval Air Station: Number of people attending: at $49 each..$ #2 Shopping Tour, Colonial Williamsburg and Premium Outlets Mall: Nr of people: at $39 each..$ #3 Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise: Nr of people: at $69 each.$ #4 Virginia Beach/Military Aviation Museum of Virginia: Nr of people: at $59 each...$ Total: (Add up above costs to obtain your total registration amount $ Note; Any disability or dietary needs that require special attention, either by the hotel or tours? Note: If necessary continue on a separate sheet of paper Return this completed form with check or money order payable to OAEA 2014 Reunion not later than 1 October 2014 (Shirts not guaranteed if order received later!). Mail to: OAEA 2014 Reunion, 3104 Deepspring Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23321 YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OR MEMBER SPONSORED GUEST TO ATTEND! If you are not an OAEA member please complete 2014 and Norfolk mail the enclosed Reunion membership application Tours to the Information address on the application form. Your OAEA membership dues will require a check or money order payable to OAEA. Source: OAEA Web Site
2014 Norfolk Reunion Tours Information Tour #1: Riding Norfolk Tour Naval Station/Naval Air Station Norfolk, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Tour the Norfolk Naval Base, which is part of Naval Station Norfolk-the largest naval installation in the world. Home port to over 75 ships ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines, 26 aircraft squadrons comprised of 133 aircraft and headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet, this naval complex occupies over 8,000 acres and is home to more than 100,000 military personnel. Your tour will take you past the 14 piers and through the Naval Air Station. You will also pass by the historic homes built for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition on Admiral s Row which houses many area flag officers. Lunch will be included for the group at one of the clubs on base. Tour #2: Shopping Tour, Colonial Williamsburg and Williamsburg Outlet Mall, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Depart via motor coach with tour guide for the charming town of Williamsburg. Step back into the 18 th century while strolling through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. The historical interpreter will guide you through the past and historical events that helped shape our history as you enjoy a 1 ½ hours leisurely walking tour through the restored area of this lovely colonial capital city. (Actual distance is approximately 5 blocks). Following the overview tour, enjoy free time to shop and browse in the many unique shops in Merchants Square. Enjoy lunch on your own in Merchants Square. Your guide will point out dining options as you pass through town. Following lunch, board the motor coach for the short ride to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, continuously ranked as one of the top shopping centers in the outlet industry. There are over 90 outlet stores to choose from. Coupon books will be made available. Some walking, lunch is not provided in the tour package price. Tour #3: Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise, 6:30 to 10:00 PM Walk the short distance from the hotel to board the magnificent Spirit of Norfolk for a dinner cruise. Feast on a sumptuous buffet as you enjoy a 2 ½ hour cruise through the Hampton Roads Harbor where you can view many fascinating sights along the waterfront, including mighty aircraft carriers, Battleship Wisconsin, Old Fort Norfolk and the Norfolk skyline. You can enjoy the lively after dinner entertainment, or sightsee. The ship has two climate controlled lower decks and an open-air upper lounge deck. Guests will walk to and from the hotel (less than 2 blocks), boarding time is 6:30, the cruise starts at 7:00. Tour #4: Riding Virginia Beach Tour and visit Military Aviation Museum of Virginia 8:30 AM-2:00 PM Depart with the tour guide to enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay as you ride through Virginia Beach. See historic lighthouses and the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry. Walk out on the overlook to see where the bay and the ocean meet, and where the famous Battle of the Capes took place during the American Revolution. Following these stops, the bus will continue through the Virginia Beach resort strip area down several miles into Pungo for a stop at the Military Aviation Museum of Virginia. This museum is home to one of the largest private collections of WWII and Korean War era fighters, bombers, trainers, and seaplanes in the world. Many of the aircraft have been fully restored to their original condition and are used for fleet demonstration, movie productions, or commercials. Enjoy and guided tour of the galleries and shopping in the gift shop which is stocked with all things flight related. A box lunch will be included at the museum. Note: All tour prices are based on 35 person minimum. Where meals are included as part of the package, taxes and gratuities are covered. Gratuities for guide and driver are not included, and are at the discretion of the individual.
Application for membership in the Old Antarctic Explorers Association, Inc. Please print or type all information, enclose a check or money order in U. S. dollars, payable to the OAEA, for your total and submit to Ed Hamblin, 3104 Deepspring Drive, Chesapeake VA 23321 PERSONAL INFORMATION (If Commemorative Membership, enter submitter information in this section deceased OAE information to be recorded below) Last Name First Name Middle Int. Mailing Address City State Zip Code Telephone Number E-mail address (type or print legible please) Nickname Country ( ) MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Please read the following Add $2.00 to all dues for a one-time enrollment fee All dues payable in U. S. Dollars Check or money order only, no electronic transfers please Annual dues at $10.00 per year Initial registration between 1 Jan and 30 Jun will expire June 30 th of the following year. Members that require international mailing from the US please add 20% surcharge for international mail charges Commemorative Memberships require no dues or enrollment fee. However, a tax-deductible donation to help defer administrative costs would be appreciated. Donations in the name of Memorial Members are also gratefully accepted. Lifetime dues based upon age of member at closest birthday Birthdate 81 and above - $5.00 76 to 80 inclusive - $10.00 56 to 60 inclusive - $75.00 Amount Submitted 71 to 75 inclusive - $20.00 51 to 55 inclusive - $90.00 66 to 70 inclusive - $40.00 46 to 50 inclusive - $100.00 Dues + Enrollment Fee + Donations = Total 61 to 65 inclusive - $60.00 45 and below - $110.00 $2.00 Regular Members Men or Women who worked on or visited the Antarctic Continent, and/or offshore islands or aboard ship in Antarctic waters for any legitimate purpose. Including U.S. Coast Guard personnel and U.S. Navy or Royal New Zealand Navy personnel who served on any of the Ocean Station Vessels that participated in Operation Deep Freeze. Widows/Widowers or Surviving Children of any deceased individual who would, if living, be eligible for membership. Commemorative Members Deceased Men and Women who, if living, would be eligible for Regular Member status Memorial Members Men and Women who were killed or died in Antarctica. Members of Operations Highjump and Deep Freeze who were killed or died in Antarctica are automatically inducted into the OAEA as Regular Members. Associate Members Men and Women who do not qualify for regular member status but who believe in and desire to support the goals of this association. T Y P E O F M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I E D F O R Regular Associate Commemorative Indicate OAE Name and Date of Death ( if known) below Length of Membership Lifetime Annual ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE/INTEREST INFORMATION Status (Circle one) (If military indicate rate/rank) Country if other than US Civilian / Military Rate/Rank Activity assigned to Approximate dates assigned Provide a brief description of your involvement or interest in Antarctica (attach separate sheet if necessary) If applying for membership as a widow or widower of a deceased OAE, please include deceased OAE s Antarctic history. If submitting for Commemorative Membership indicate deceased member s Antarctic Experience if known Please check below if applicable (authority will be assumed if not checked) I do not authorize release of my mailing address and telephone number information to the general membership I do not authorize release of my e-mail address to Topica.Com (e-mail mass mailer system used for OAEA for membership messages) and desire membership communications via snail mail Signature Date For OAEA processing Membership Number Assigned Recorded in register Registered with Topica.Com Comments/Application Source 2014 Reunion Gazette OAEA WEB SITE 05/05/14