DaVinci Pilot
Newsletter of the USS DaVinci, NCC-74671, Columbus, GA
Volume 17 Number 10 June 2012
A Local Chapter of Starfleet, the International Star Trek Fan Association
USS DAVINCI STAFF ROSTER
Commanding Officer RADM Russell Ruhland (334) 298-3998
Executive Officer FCPT Cami Houser (808) 372-5409
Operations Officer COMM Joe Perry (706) 457-9725 Community Service Officer ENS Jessie Sutton (706) 442-0371 Finance Officer COMM Connie Heller (706) 392-5100 Publications Officer ADM Freddy Heller (706) 325-TREK Records Officer ADM Freddy Heller (706) 325-TREK
Science Officer ENS Lech Mazur (706) 596-9542 Computer Science Officer ENS Leiko Koone (706) 663-2763 Counselor LTJG Diane Ruhland (334) 298-3998 Medical Officer COMM Jeff Kirkland (770) 253-6474 Morale Officer ENS Dutch Cummings (706) 407-9945
Engineering Officer VACANT Communications Officer LT Randy Dunn (334) 291-0150 Quartermaster VACANT Security Chief LTJG Jonathan Evans (910) 624-3586
Cadet Corps Commander VACANT
Starfleet Marines Commander VACANT
UPCOMING EVENTS
**Night Out at Longhorn Steakhouse (Whittlesey Blvd Location), 18 June, 7:00 PM
IT’S THE CAPTAIN CALLING
On Saturday, 5 May, the DaVinci once again had the opportunity to have a membership drive table available at the Coca Cola Space Science Center in Columbus during the annual Free Comic Book Day. Our table was set up in a different location than usual but I do not think that had any effect on the numerous people that came for the event. Joe, Freddy, Jessie, and I took care of things with Jessie volunteering to assist with security in the comic book sales area. There were many costumed attendees and a lot of them were Avenger (a big hit) characters. I was dressed in my full Vulcan (wig and ears) and of course took full advantage of the numerous requests for photos. I also entered the adult costume contest and it was no contest as the winners were Iron Man, Batman, and Loki. I thought the Thor costumer was a shoo-in for 1 st place but he didn't even make the top three. Anyway, the day continued well and we did get another new member to sign up with the DaVinci. We welcome Professor Manuel “Mandel” Cabrera, who teaches philosophy at Auburn University to the crew. I had to leave early as my vehicle was non-functional that day and got a ride home but I understand the rest of the afternoon went well. My heartfelt thanks to those who assisted with the membership table and the event in general.
Russell helps new member Mandel with his application and a couple Vulcans at the table.
NEXT DAVINCI NIGHT OUT AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE AT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE (WHITTLESEY BLVD LOCATION) ON MONDAY 18 JUNE AT 7:00 PM COME FOR THE FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP !!
Jessie assists at the comic book table and the DaVinci crew at the show.
I was out of town for the movie away mission on the 12 May to watch the new Avengers movie. Joe and Lech were the only ones to attend and it quickly turned around for them as the movie was sold out for the matinee. They mutually decided not to wait for the next showing. I do thank them both for making the effort. This is the second time a movie away mission was thwarted by a sell out and the Avengers had already been out for a week. Everyone I have spoken to about this movie say it is outstanding and I would still like to see it but may have to wait until it comes out on DVD! Who knows, maybe we can set up an Avengers superhero movie night somewhere in the future after this movie comes out on DVD. I am always open for suggestions. Well, the Night Out for May at the Olive Garden may have not been as well attended as years past but still we had 12 of the DaVinci crew that made it for the delightful Italian cuisine and fellowship. Just prior to us getting seated, Freddy met up with a couple from Hawaii, who were visiting the area and would be flying back home that evening, that were Star Trek fans and immediately took the opportunity to encourage them to join up. I caught up with him in the middle of their conversation and we both provided our business card to the couple in hopes of them joining when they return home. There is not a chapter in Hawaii that we know of and maybe this will be the chance for someone to start one but we both welcomed the couple to join the DaVinci and Starfleet as correspondence members. One of the attendees was J. Chris Lewis, whom we have not seen in a while and to his surprise he won the drawing for the free meal this month. The service was great and the food even better. I provided an additional perk with a drawing for a Star Trek Scene-It game, which was won by Randy. The fellowship continued and we all went our separate way around 8:30 PM. The next night out will be at the new Longhorn Steakhouse in Columbus on Monday, the 18 th of June. Since this is a new restaurant location how ’bout we make this one a uniform night? Wear your Starfleet finest but still come and be a part of the evening's activities if all you have is a DaVinci or Star Trek shirt or polo. Hope to see many of ya'll there.
Jeff and Martha and Joe and Lech waiting to order at the Olive Garden.
Sandye and Randy waiting to order while Russell and Connie discuss the finer points of Trek!
Joe, Lech, and Chris get their meals and the crew following a delicious dinner! The 13 th annual 4 th of July cookout will be a little different this year. It will be in conjunction with a volunteer party hosted by the Coca Cola Space Science Center and will be held on 6 July. Dutch has graciously agreed to allow us to combine this event with an event he is having for the CCSCS volunteers the same evening. Sine he is a member of the DaVinci he invited the entire crew to attend! The gathering will begin after the CCSCS closes to the public on that Friday evening and go until everyone leaves. I will provide more information as I receive it and fill ya'll in on what you can bring as “pot-luck” items for the event. There will be awards, promotions, and, special activities available so I am looking for as many crew members as possible to be there. More updates later by email. OK, let's not forget that the Starfleet International Conference is coming up in Memphis, TN the weekend of 3, 4, and 5 August. There is still plenty of time to register for attendance and the hotel is a marvelous one. Diane and I as well as Freddy and Joe are planning to attend. I would like to see some other DaVinci members in attendance as well if possible. Remember that your fearless and faithful CO is in the running for CO of the Year at fleet level as well as the USS DaVinci for fleet level ship/chapter of the year. Until next time, warp speed ahead!
RADM Russell Ruhland
TAB ULATIONS
Whoa! I guess Jeff’s source did not dry up completely! At the May Night Out Jeff gave me a box containing 22,000 tabs vaulting him into first place in the tab count! Way to go Jeff!! We still have a long way to go to meet our goal of 155,00 tabs. Come on folks, check with your friends. Check with your neighbors. Talk to the folks at your church or school. Still no decision as to who else (besides the CO and XO) will get splattered next January. Here are the numbers as of press time:
Starting Balance 107
Jeff Kirkland 22000 Jessie Sutton 16042 Freddy Heller 6353 Tony Fleming 2797 Russell Ruhland 1369 Hal Stewart 181 Connie Heller 124 Dutch Cummings 90
Total 49123
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM
Timegate will hold its convention at the Holiday Inn-Select, Perimeter, Atlanta, GA on 25-27 May. Tickets run $40.00 from 01 January to 06 May. Guests include David Nykl (Dr. Radek Zelenka in Stargate Atlantis); Paul Kasey (best known for monster and alien portrayals on Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures); Paul Marc Davis (Trickster in the Sarah Jane Adventures); Christian J. Simpson (best known for LT Gavin Sykes in The Phantom Menace and as an older Fred Weasley in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire); and Nalini Kirshan (best known for playing Barriss Offee, a Mirialan Jedi in Attack of the Clones). Check out their web site for other guests and for more information: http://timegatecon.org/index.htm. ConCarolinas will have their 2012 show on 01-03 June at the Charlotte University Place, Charlotte, NC. Current guests include writer Jack McDevitt and actor Jeffrey Combs. Check out their web site for more information: http://www.concarolinas.org/. Atlanta will be the site for the 2012 Sci-Fi Summer Con. The dates are 08-10 June and will be held at the Crowne Plaza Perimeter Galleria hotel. No media guests have been announced but several artists and authors are scheduled to appear. Check their web site for more information: http://sfscon.tripod.com/. ImagiCon will hold their Columbus, GA convention on 22-24 June at the Columbus Trade and Convention Center on Front Avenue! No media guests have yet been announced and at this late date it seems unlikely they will get any. They do have a list of artists and authors coming. Check out http://imagicon.org/imagine20 for more information.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Many happy returns to the following DaVinci personnel, Star Trek celebrities, and events that are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries in June!
Star Trek III Premiers (1984) 1 st Rene Auberjonois (Odo on DS9) 1 st Zachary Quinto (Spock in Star Trek) 2 nd Anthony Montgomery (ENS Travis Mayweather on ENT) 2 nd Sally Kellerman (Dr. Elizabeth Dehner on TOS) 2 nd Surveyor I Lands on the Moon (1966) 2 nd Suzie Plakson (K’Ehleyr on TNG) 3 rd First American to Walk in Space (Ed White 1965) 3 rd Star Trek II Premiers (1982) 4 th Deep Space Nine Ends (1999) 6 th Karl Urban (Dr. Leonard McCoy in Star Trek) 7 th James Darren (Vic Fontaine on DS9) 8 th Star Trek V Premiers (1989) 9 th DeForest Kelley (Dr McCoy) Dies (1999) 11 th Malcolm McDowell (Dr. Soran from Generations) 13 th Probe Pioneer 10 Leaves the Solar System (1983) 13 th Deke Slayton (Mercury 7 Astronaut) Dies (1993) 13 th Mariner 5 Launched to Venus (1967) 14 th Robin Curtis (Savik from Search for Spock) 15 th John Cho (Sulu in Star Trek) 16 th First Woman in Space (Valentina Tereshkova 1963) 16 th First US Woman in Space (Sally Ride 1983) 18 th First Woman to Fly Across Atlantic (Amelia Erhart 1928) 18 th Zoe Saldana (Uhura in Star Trek) 19 th Mariette Hartley (Zarabeth from TOS) 21 st First Privately Funded Space Flight (SpaceShipOne 2004) 21 st Tim Russ (LT Tuvok from VOY) 22 nd ENS Dutch Cummings 23 rd CADET Anya Houser 23rd ENS Margaret McGillicuddy 24 th ENS Ray Hannagan 27 th Alice Krige (Borg Queen from First Contact) 28th Jeri Taylor (Executive Producer) 30 th Three Soyuz Eleven Cosmonauts Die Upon Reentry (1971) 30 th
MEMBERSHIPS Many of you do not know when your membership in the DaVinci or Starfleet is due for renewal. So to help you remember, the following lists your family expiration dates. Please note that if your name is highlighted in RED in the DaVinci column this will be your last newsletter. If in BLUE you membership is expired or nearing it expiration so please renew as soon as possible. Thanks!
DaVinci Starfleet Matt Arnold Jul 12 Jul 12 Karen Baker Jul 12 Gage Brazie Jul 13 Steve Brown Dec 12 Mandel Cabrera Jul 13 Mackey Carter Mar 13 Don Cotton Jan 13 Dutch Cummings Jul 13 Randy Dunn May 13 Jun 12 Jonathan Evans Dec 12 Dec 12 Tony Fleming Jul 12 Jun 12 Bart Glabman Jul 13 Ray Hannagan Jan 13 Jan 13 Freddy Heller Jul 12 Sep 12 John Hood Mar 13 Mar 12 Cami Houser Jan 13 Jan 13 Benlee Huguley Feb 13 Todd Kes Oct 12 Jeff Kirkland Oct 12 Aug 12 Leiko Koone Nov 12 Nov 12 Lech Mazur Jul 12 Nov 12 Margaret McGillicuddy Nov 12 Nov 12 Maria Morgan May 13 May 13 Lisa Neal Jul 12 Andrea O’Connor Jul 13 Mar 13 Joe Perry Jul 12 Nov 12 James Prince Feb 13 Karen Pynenburg Jul 12 May 12 Russell Ruhland Aug 12 Aug 12 Park Scully Mar 13 Gisela Stephens LTM Nov 12 Harold Stewart Feb 13 Apr 13 Jessie Sutton Nov 13 Nov 12 Darel Troby Jul 13 Corey Webb May 13 Justin Whitaker Apr 14 Apr 13
DAVINCI NIGHT OUT
The restaurants for the 2012 Night Out locations were selected at our Thanksgiving dinner celebration. What a great list indeed! Unfortunately three of the locations chosen have since closed: Mi Casa (March), River City Grill (June), and Capone’s (December). In their place similar restaurants were selected.
January McAlister’s Deli February Cook’s Place March La Nacional April Giovanni’s (Phenix City) May Olive Garden (Captain’s Choice) June Longhorn Steakhouse July Fuji Japanese Steakhouse August El Vaquero (Phenix City) September New China Buffet October Houlihan’s (Doubletree) November Panera Bread Company December Johnny Carino’s
Congratulations to J. Chris Lewis (free meal) and to Randy (Star Trek Scene It Game) winners at the Olive Garden during the May Night Out.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Welcome aboard to the following crew personnel who have recently joined (*) or renewed their membership in the DaVinci (D) or Starfleet (S).
Mandel Cabrera (D*) Maria Morgan (S) Corey Webb (D*) Sharon Webb (D*) Kristiana Webb (D*) Randy Dunn (D) Sandye Holt (D) Matthew Dunn (D) Rebecca Dunn (D) Christopher Dunn (D)
DaVINCI T-SHIRTS There are plenty in stock in varied sizes and are available for immediate sale. Prices are very reasonable (S-XL - $10.00; 2X - $12.00; 3X - $14.00; 4X - $15.00) and the shirts are now in color according to Star Trek departments, those of course being red for Operations, yellow for Engineering, and blue for Science. We do also have some shirts in the non-traditional ash gray if you desire. Please contact Freddy for size availability. Take advantage of this unique offer now if possible as the cost of the shirts may be going up by $2 or $3 due to economy changes. Check out the photos BELOW:
Operations Science
Engineering Generic Gray
FINANCIALLY SPEAKING
Opening Balance $94.98 Deposit $148.50 Anniversary Party $59.90 Postage $24.60 Night Out $19.00 Closing Balance $139.98
COMM Connie Heller
ACCOLADES
A BIG Bajoran thanks or congratulations go to: Hal for his weekly donation of cans and stamps; Jeff for his donation of cans.
TV SHOWS ON DVD Here are some scheduled DVD releases for June: “Burn Notice, Season5” (5 th ) “Falling Skies, Season 1” (5 th ) “Twilight Zone, Complete Series [Blu-ray]” (5 th ) “Twilight Zone, Fan Favorites [Blu-ray]” (5 th ) “Sarah Jane Adventures, Season 5” (12 th ) “Invisible Man, Complete Series [Blu-ray]” (19 th ) “Dead Zone, Complete Series [CAN]” (28 th )
NEXT DAVINCI NIGHT OUT AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE AT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
(WHITTLESEY BLVD LOCATION)
ON MONDAY 18 JUNE AT 7:00 PM COME FOR THE FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP !!
USS DAVINCI IN PICTURES
The following is a trip down the USS DaVinci memory lane. Each month I will show a series of photographs from our very beginning, as the Shuttle DaVinci, up until the present time. Many of you will remember these faces. To others they will be complete strangers. But, they made the USS DaVinci what it is today. Enjoy! Reminisce. If you have any photographs that you would like to see published in the Pilot, feel free to send them to me with a brief explanation as to who is in the photo and when and where it was taken. If I get a name wrong, please let me know! The following photographs are from 2005, our 10 th annual Thanksgiving Dinner get together. Enjoy!
The crew lines up for turkey, ham, and all the fixings while Ariana digs in to her helping!
NEXT DAVINCI NIGHT OUT AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE AT
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE (WHITTLESEY BLVD LOCATION) ON MONDAY 18 JUNE AT 7:00 PM COME FOR THE FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP !!
Russell and a smiling Diane enjoy their meal and so do Rebecca and Skye!
Connie and Lisa enjoying their meal while Ariana and Rebecca get crazy for the camera!
FINALLY!
Scan the image on the left with your smart phone and your browser will take you to the USS DaVinci web site.
DaVinci Web Site QR Code
CARGO BAY
Receive a $25.00 Discount On Tax Return Preparation!
Receive a Free Regular Drink with Adult Buffet Purchase!
DaVinci Members Receive a 20 % Discount!
DaVinci Members Receive a 10-15% Discount!
DaVinci Members Receive a Discount!
Purchase $5.00 Worth of Food and Get a Free Drink!
Want to put an ad in the Pilot? Just send it to me and it will go in. Does not matter what it says, wanted, for sale, or something more personal! Deadline is the 20 th of each month.
A LITTLE HUMOR AND DISMISSED!
Scotty has beamed up for the last time. The ashes of James Doohan were launched into space on 22 May aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The unmanned rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:44 AM EDT carrying the Dragon capsule filled with cargo for the International Space Station. Also aboard the rocket were the ashes of Astronaut Gordon Cooper.
NEXT DAVINCI NIGHT OUT AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE AT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE (WHITTLESEY BLVD LOCATION) ON MONDAY 18 JUNE AT 7:00 PM COME FOR THE FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP !!