June 21, 2002
ATTENTION IN THE FISH POND!
I think those of you who attended our last reunion will agree that, in terms of camaraderie, food, accommodations, hotel staff, scheduled events, weather, and even "surprises," it ranks as the best yet. That is saying a lot because all of them have been excellent. "Bonding" was the real key. You can help make it happen again by planning right now to attend "Reunion 2002" on October 11th, 12th & 13th.
For the fourth year in a row we have booked rooms at the BEST WESTERN FT. WALTON BEACHFRONT HOTEL. The crew in the Tiki Bar, on the swimming pool deck, and the inside bar--The Swizzle Stick Lounge-- are already rubbing their hands in glee. Although the hotel has no restaurant, we'll be eating in Friday and Saturday evenings, thanks to Southern Sensations, our wonderful caterers from last year. For you Hungry Jacks, there are several fine eating places just up the road for brunch.
Our hotel rooms have two queen-size beds, refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee-maker, ironing board, hair dryer, in-room pay movies and a computer port. Inland rooms are on special to us at just $55 per night (single/double). Gulf Front rooms, with private balcony, are only $14 more. Call early and make your reservations now.
For the last two years, our planned deep sea fishing trips did not launch. For those who want to try it again on Saturday, October 12th, please mark that option on your registration form. I will arrange something after we see your responses.
This year, another golf outing is scheduled for you pros and duffers. Sadly, last year's project chairman, former 14th CAB commander, "Black Sam" Kalagian, has passed on. Carl Muthersbaugh has graciously agreed to pick up where Sam left off and arrange for a mini-tournament again this year. Hey! The gals are welcome too.
Bob Jones has agreed to a repeat performance as the 174th official tour guide. This year he plans to lead you animal lovers to the zoo just outside of Navarre, FL., only 30 minutes away. A car pool will be organized Friday evening for the Saturday tour.
Arrangements will be made for those who just want to cool it. A bay cruise from nearby Destin is being scheduled for Saturday morning. A light noon snack on board will get you through the day until our fabulous seafood buffet that evening.
Vice President Mel Lutgring has again designed a special 174th AHC Assn. T-shirt to be given to each person who registers for the reunion. Mel also has a really great surprise "gift" for all of you who come this year. The "gift" also goes to those who can't attend, but use the registration form to pay their annual dues. Extra T-shirts, at cost, can also be mail-ordered. Please don't forget to include shipping costs.
Dick Overhamm, who arranged to have those popular 174th auto license plates/holders in time for last year's reunion, has arranged for some reorders. Anyone interested should mark that option on your registration form. Plan to pay Dick at the reunion or mail a check to his home. Do not send money with your registration. This is Dick's personal project for those who missed out last year.
Now! You've decided that you will attend this year's reunion. Right? Here's how:
Call 1-877-243-9444 toll-free for room reservations and ask for Peggy Mahone. Tell our treasured friend, Peggy, that you are with the 174th reunion and get special group rates. You can also FAX or E-mail Peggy. (See the attached Registration Form.) Include your name, dates of stay, room type, smoking preference, payment method and, if appropriate, your credit card number. Be sure to also tell Peggy if you want to go fishing or go on the bay cruise. Please make your reservations no later than September 13th to be assured of a room at our special rates.
A bar-b-que buffet is planned for Friday evening at the hotel. The cost of that meal is included in your registration fee. A seafood buffet dinner will be catered Saturday evening, also at the hotel. The cost is $17.50 per person, payable with your advance registration. Please note that the registration fee is the same as last year.
Be sure to complete the attached Registration Form and return it, with your check made payable to "174th AHC Assn.," no later than September 16, 2002. Meeting this deadline is especially important so that we can honor our vendors' deadlines. So, please help us by returning the completed form and check by 9/16/02 to Bernie Cobb, Secty/Treas., 174th AHC Assn., 16098 Highway 167, New Brockton, Al., 36351.
Thanks for your continued support of our fine organization. See you in October. And please, don't forget to bring (or send) a "hot" item for bid at our annual auction.
Wally Nunn,
President