DaVinci Pilot Newsletter of the USS DaVinci, NCC-74671, Columbus, GA Volume 19 Number 01 September 2013 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 CMDR Jessie Sutton (706) 442-0371 Operations Officer RADM Joe Perry (706) 457-9725 Community Service Officer CMDR 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 LTJG Leiko Koone (706) 663-2763 Counselor LT 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 ENS Todd Kes (706) 593-3598 Quartermaster LT Randy Dunn (334) 291-0150 Security Chief JR Furgerson (706) 957-0337 Cadet Corps Commander VACANT Starfleet Marines Commander VACANT UPCOMING EVENTS **14 September, Jurassic Park Marathon, Freddy’s House, 12:00 PM **16 September, Night Out/Membership Meeting at Cannon Brew Pub, 7:00 PM **21 September, Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Cookout, Freddy’s House, 2:00 PM PASSAGES StarTrek.com is saddened to report that veteran character actor and iconic Star Trek guest star Michael Ansara passed away on July 31 at the age of 91 following a long illness. Ansara had a remarkably long and prolific career that spanned from 1944 to 2001 and included Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Broken Arrow (on which he starred as Cochise), The Fugitive, Gunsmoke, I Dream of Jeannie, It's Alive, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Fantasy Island, Murder, She Wrote, Babylon 5 and such late-career animated projects as Batman, SubZero, Batman Beyond and his final credit, 2001's Batman: Vengeance; he voiced Dr. Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze in all of those Batman iterations. Star Trek fans, of course, embraced Ansara for his performance as the Klingon commander, Kang, in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Day of the Dove." Later, when Star Trek exploded into a cultural phenomenon, Ansara became a favorite at conventions and on cruises. Decades passed and, in 1994, Ansara made a triumphant return to televised Trek, reprising his role as Kang in the Deep Space Nine hour "Blood Oath." Ansara played Kang yet again in the 1996 Voyager episode "Flashback" and portrayed an entirely different character, Lwaxana Troi's Tavnian spouse, Jeyal, in the 1996 Deep Space Nine episode "The Muse." Michael Ansara as Kang in “Day of the Dove” and as Kang again in “Blood Oath” Ansara was preceded in death by Matthew, his son with second wife, I Dream of Jeannie actress Barbara Eden. He is survived by wife, Beverly Kushida.. IT’S THE CAPTAIN CALLING On Monday, 19 August, 22 gallant members of the DaVinci crew converged upon Cafe Le' Rue in Columbus, GA for our monthly night out. This was a rather small location and there was not much room left in the dining hall once we were all seated; however, the waitress did an outstanding job of taking care of us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. J.R. Ferguson, who is one of our newest members and our new Security Officer, attended as his first event with us and brought his two beautiful daughters, Gabby and Maddie. They also were dressed in trek shirts, which was wonderful! Starfleet Order of Merit certificates for the Order of Babel in the area of recruiting were awarded to Joe Perry, Jeff Kirkland and Randy Dunn for their contributions during the Trek movie premier in May 2013. Russell presents the Order of Babel to Jeff, Joe, and Randy This was the Houser family's last official event with us due to Robert's new assignment at Fort Hood, TX in September. Cami was presented a Meritorious Service Certificate and the family was given a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the entire crew. Adding to the occasion, Cami's name was drawn as the winner of the free meal for August. NEXT DAVINCI NIGHT OUT AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE AT CANNON BREW PUB ON MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 7:00 PM COME FOR THE FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP !! Russell presents Cami with a Meritorious Service Certificate and a Certificate of Appreciation to the whole Houser clan The Captain's perks were won by Cara who received an action figure from the first Trek reboot movie and Janet won a Hamilton collector's plate of CPT Sisko from Deep Space Nine. Jeff was given the floor to speak briefly about the upcoming Highland Games at Stone Mountain, GA coming in October with the suggestion of an away mission for interested crewmembers. The crew closed the evening out around 8:30PM and headed home. Look what we won! Cami (free meal), Janet (Deep Space Nine plate), and Cara (Sulu action figure) And now for some fun-filled future events. On the 14 September there will be a “Jurassic Park” marathon at Freddy’s house beginning at 12:00 PM. Snacks will be provided but you must bring your own drink. Connie will prepare some exciting munchies for the viewing so make sure you let Freddy know if you are planning on attending. Our annual “Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall” cookout will be held on Saturday, 21 August at Freddy and Connie’s house beginning at 2:00 PM. The DaVinci will buy the burgers and hotdogs. The rest of the food will come from you. So, if you wish to attend this event please let Freddy know how many in you party and what you are planning on bringing! Dutch has another special event scheduled for the Coca Cola Space Science Center. On Saturday, 05 October 2013 from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM will be the 7 th annual Sci-Fi MiniCon and as always, the USS DaVinci will have a membership drive table on site. Volunteers are needed to assist Dutch with the event and for “Randy's Kitchen.” You can contact them both for more information. For those of you who hold an active Starfleet membership, this is an election year for the new Starfleet Commander. I am officially making my endorsement at this time for the Killough/Bates ticket (the DaVinci editor prefers the other ticket). By the time you receive this newsletter, ballots will have been sent out and I highly encourage you to vote and return your ballots promptly. You can find out more about the candidates thru the sfi.org website. Oh, one final note. Every member of the USS DaVinci is a truly valued part of our crew. We appreciate everyone's contributions and attendance at our events. You have helped make our chapter the best in Region 2 and a shining example within the Starfleet Fan Association. Having attained over 100 members in our chapter is an accomplishment all of you can be proud of. There are; however, several of our crew whose membership both in the DaVinci and in Starfleet have lapsed in the last couple of months and I would like to personally ask that you take some time to consider your renewal at the earliest convenience. Starfleet membership rates will be changing effective 01 January 2014 with a lower rate for a newly established electronic membership and a small increase for those who wish to continue receiving the paper membership materials. Take the time to renew today. You'll be glad you did! That's all for this month. Warp speed ahead in 2013! RADM Russell Ruhland COMMUNITY SERVICE Greetings officers and crewmates. I hope everyone is well and have been keeping hydrated from this summers heat. Now the temperatures are changing, so make sure to keep an eye on the thermometer. Stay safe please. Have y’all been saving the pop tabs? We are getting closer to our goal! Also have you been clipping the manufacture coupons for our military folks overseas? They do appreciate getting them. Also, do not forget the Box Tops or Labels for Education and your spare change for the Christmas Jar. I hope so because I'm sure there is a deserving family out there that may need it. Well that is about it for me. If you have any ideas or suggestions call or e-mail me. I'm wide open to suggestions. Til next time CMDR Jessie Sutton SICKBAY I am organizing an Away Mission to go to the Stone Mountain Highland Games. It will take place on 19 October. At the games there will be all types of competitions: Piping, Highland Dancing, Harp Playing, Caber Toss, Stone Of Strength, Sheaf Toss, Weight Toss and Weight Throw, Hammer Throw. There is even an area for wee competition for the children. A live Highland Cattle, Scottish Foods, Musical Entertainment, shops, and so much more. You can also join in and learn some Scottish Country Dancing. There will be plenty of clan tents (family tents) to visit around the woods. Mother and I will base out of the Douglas Clan Tent, right in front of the harp competition tent. You can look up your clan and join your or any clan you want. The only thing that will stop mother and I from going will be a day of rain. Come and join us for a day of fun and enjoyment. For more information go to: www.smhg.org. COMM Jeff Kirkland RED SHIRT SURVIVAL TIPS Greetings, I am J.R. Furgerson and am onee of the newest members to join the DaVinci.