2023 Reunion Summary- Providence, RI
2023 REUNION REVIEW By Kathy Michaels
Because of last minute medical conditions, our numbers were down 5 the week before we met. Mike and Diane Parent, Phil and Lynn Varner, and I arrived on Monday, the 4th of September.
Tuesday- the 5th, the five of us visited Battleship Cove in Fall River Massachusetts. Had a nice lunch at a Portuguese Restaurant called The Chipper in Fall River Mass.
Wednesday- Phil, Lynn, and I invaded the local BJ’s Market Place. Bought various snacks for the Hospitality Room (HR). Rhode Island has restrictions on alcohol sales. We found the Liquor Warehouse. It worked to have beer, wine, and liquor all in one place. We returned to the HR and set it up for the arrival of the rest of the crew. Through the Armed Forces Reunion Committee, the hotel provided deli-sandwiches, chips, and soda for our dinner. The hotel also served a breakfast buffet for us in the HR each morning of the reunion. That proved very convenient for us all. Kerry and her staff took great care of us.
Thursday- we headed to Mystic Connecticut. We had the option of exploring the Aquarium or the Mystic Seaport Historic Village. Six chose the Aquarium and the rest chose the Village. Many of us took an upriver boat ride. It lasted about a half-hour, and we all enjoyed the sights and the pleasant breeze on the hot day. Back to the hotel and the HR. Our Wednesday excursion to BJ’s yielded 2 deli platters, which Phil and I picked up. Our thirsty crew required a second trip to the Liquor Warehouse. Our former clerk remarked that “They are back already.” We have the responsibility to support the local economy.
Friday- had us travel to the Subbase at Groton CT after breakfast. Groton is where many of the Weeks crew transferred to the USS Gehring, DD 710. We were afforded a guided tour by a well-informed Coastie. A tour of the submarine, The Nautilus, was also available to those who wished to go below her decks. We were taken to the Mohegan Native American Casino. Several of us took advantage of the gambling facilities and others gathered to eat lunch together. Or they did both. After our return to the hotel, we were on our own for dinner. Many took advantage of the local seafood fare.
Saturday- another breakfast, and our general meeting was held for all who wished to attend. The main topic of interest was where we go next year. Dayton was selected by the majority of the members. (Minutes available from Dave Connelly). Many decided on carpool trips to the mansions in Newport RI. Several of us gathered to set up the room where we held our memorial ceremony and the dinner. This year, I decided we should include the spouses in our remembrance ceremony. We honored four of the Weeks shipmates and four spouses. We used white roses for our shipmates and yellow roses for the spouses. As always, a red rose denoted the last sailor standing. The dinner was quite fun. And the food was terrific. After dinner, we assembled in the HR to break down the room. Several of us had early departure times. That’s the reunion from my point of view. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were happy to spend the time together.