RECORDS: Any documentation, except for mini-reunion Financial Statement, prepared by the host is for his/her purpose. Chapter BYLAWS require a Financial Statement (Appendix G is suggested format) be submitted to the membership after the completion of the mini-reunion.

HISTORY: A written account, photographs, or other such chronicle of the reunion is at the discretion of the host. If photographs are taken, they can be posted on the NCVA website: http://web.meganet.net/kman/ncva-ne.htm .

ATTENDEES: There is no requirement that an individual be a member of NCVANE or NCVA in order to attend and participate in the social aspects of the reunion.

PUBLICITY: It can be expected that by advising members of the details of the reunion they will be better able to plan their attendance. The reunion date should be coordinated with the chapter president. Appendix C is a sample letter to news media requesting publicity. The following may be considered as possible publicity outlets:

    BASE NEWSPAPERS:

  • Public Affairs Officer
    Naval Station Newport
    Newport, RI 02841

  • Public Affairs Officer
    Naval Submarine Base New London
    Groton, CT 06349

  • Retirees Activities Office
    66th ABW/CVR
    20 Schilling Circle
    Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2800

  • Public Affairs Officer
    Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
    Code 100PAO
    Portsmouth, NH 03804-5000

  • Marine Corps Cryptologic Association: http://www.mccaonline.org

  • Naval Historical Center: http://www.history.navy.mil (provides link to a website that publishes reunion announcements)

  • New England newspapers: Appendix D contains the addresses of newspapers in New England that may publish reunion notices.

REGISTRATION TABLE: The host should set the time when he/she will be available in the hotel/motel lobby to register members. The purpose of the registrtion is to confirm the arrival of the member/guest(s), ensure that each member's requirements are being met, and deliver the Welcome Aboard packages. The Welcome Aboard package may contain:

ACTION CHECK-OFF LIST: Appendix E is a partial list to assist the host in completing tasks.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. It protects people with disabilities, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing, from discrimination in "...transportation, access to public and private facilities and services, and telecommunications." The scope of the law is very broad, as is its definition of "disability." It covers, among others, hotels and motels and restaurants. It mandates that TTY (Text Telephone), ALDS (Assistive Listening Devices and Systems), captioned television sets, visual alarms, CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Service and interpreter services be provided in many circumstances and situations.

When discharging duties, a host should ensure that hotel/motel facilities will benefit members with disabilities. See Appendix F. Through the Reunion Notice, members should be made aware of a hotel's/motel's ability to provide services to the disabled.

REUNION INFORMATION RESOURCES: The following websites provide information and ideas on holding a reunion:

THE PERFECT REUNION:

Value: Many members will be traveling a great distance. The more attractive the details of the reunion, the greater possibility that a member will attend.

Cost: Special events, conventions, peak tourism periods - all can prevent the host from negotiting reasonable rates for the reunion site, food and beverages, room accommodations, etc. A host does not want to settle for second-rate choices. In order to avoid unnecesary competition from other organizsations, the host should check with the local visitor/convention bureau before setting the final dates.

Convenience: No date will be convenient for everyone. A host proceeds with the intent of attempting to draw as many members to the reunion as reasonably possible.

BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP: The bond that is forged through military service is unique. Men and women from all walks of life are brought together to serve a common purpose. Friendships are born of shared disciplines, hardships, laughter, experiences, and even boredom. Whether this bond is based on short term, or several years of service, a mutual respect and appreciation is created. Shared moments make for strong bonds. Our reunions allow us to savor that which created the bond, acquaint ourselves with others whose path may have differed, develop new friendships, and provide for a positive memorable visit.

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