Announcements

Below is a message from Billy Bob Overend announcing the essential details for our next reunion which is set for 9-11 April 2010 in New Orleans. BO has contracted with the Intercontinental Hotel, 444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, Tel 504-525-5566. We have also set up a page on the VP-17 web site where new information will be posted as available. Be sure to check it regularly for updates. To get to it, go to the web site (http://ghspaulding.com/VP-17homepage.htm) and punch the big blue 2010 REUNION button.

For now, everyone should go ahead and book your hotel room ASAP using the telephone number BO has provided (800-445-6563). Then confirm via email to me at gerkar@comcast.net that you have made your room reservation and for which dates (more on dates in BO's message below). We'll put the master attendee list together and collect additional information, such as arrival/departure flight times, etc, as we go.

See you in NO.

OK Shipmates. The InterContinental Hotel New Orleans has been booked for our event. Here is the weblink: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/msyha

InterContinental is rated as a 4 star hotel. Therefore our rate of $109/night is a helluva deal. To make reservations call 800-445-6563. Refer to the VP-17 reunion. I have established the rate for one night either side of Friday and Saturday night if you want to come early or stay late. The cut off is March 1, 2010. Cancellation is 72 hours prior.

I did not include breakfast in the rate and here's why. You are going to eat and drink your way through New Orleans while you are there; both for our planned dinners and out on your own. You are not going to want to ruin that with a big hotel breakfast buffet. One of my favorite old guard New Orleans breakfast places called "Mothers" is a couple of blocks from the hotel. http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/ That's where I will be drinking chicory coffee, homemade biscuits, homemade sausage, and grits floating in butter. If I wake up early with a hang over, I may walk about a mile to the Cafe du Monde for some beignets and cafe au lait. I've done that cure plenty of times before.

The InterContinental is centrally located versus the French Quarter, Warehouse District and Casino. It doesn't matter where you are in New Orleans, you are going to need a good pair of walking shoes to really enjoy the area. That's good because you are going to need to walk off the Bloody Mary's in the suite, Po Boy sandwiches from the Central Grocery, Draft Dixie Beer sold on the street, Oysters from Felix's or Acme, Beignet's and Cafe au Lait from Cafe du Monde, Hurricanes from Pat O'Brien's, etc., etc.

We have a nice 2500 square foot suite set aside and we can bring in our own booze. But I can tell you now, we will probably down play the suite a bit because of so many entertainment opportunities within a stones throw. It's going to be a different reunion in that regard.

I am working on the dinners and entertainment. I can tell you food and beverage in New Orleans is not cheap. We'll do a casual dinner somewhere on Friday night and dress up on Saturday night. For those of you who know New Orleans, I am looking at Galatoire's and Arnaud's for Saturday night. They are still among the best restaurants in the French Quarter.

As soon as I get everything else put together, Gerry Spaulding will set this all up on a website so you can register and pay. In the interim, I would suggest you go ahead and book your room at the Intercontinental.

Anybody don't like these arrangements.......well you know the drill.

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Message #2 - 22 Sept 2009

Y'all,

This is to update/correct information in MSG #1 about how to make your reservations at the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans.

FYI, when I first made my reservations on 17 Sept, the Reservations desk was not aware that some members of our group would remain until Monday 12 April. They said the blocked dates were Thurs 8 thru Sat 10 April (i.e., Sun night not included). So my initial reservation was from 8 thru 10 April at the group rate plus one more day at the normal rate. Billy Bob has since cleared up that misunderstanding and today I was able to revise my reservation to four nights (arrive 8 Apr - depart 12 Apr) at the group rate. If you reserved early, are staying four nights and have not received an email update from the hotel, recommend you call them to make sure everything is copacetic with your rates.

More info on reunion activities will be posted as available on the 2010 Reunion Page of the VP-17 web site at http://ghspaulding.com/2010REUNION.htm

80 knots,

Ger

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(1) Billy Bob says Happy Birthday to “Bullet” Bob Barclay and to Larry “Moose” Lane, both of whom turn exactly one million years old today. OK, old birthday boys, your challenge is to stay awake past 8 PM tonight.

(2) This Friday 8 Jan marks the 90-day countdown reminder (R-90) prior to the commencement of our 2010 Reunion in New Orleans (official dates 9-11 April; extended dates 8 -12 April). Specifically, this is a reminder to…..

Make your reservations by phone rather than through the hotel's web site. That way you can tell an actual reservations person that you are with the Patrol Squadron 17 Reunion group for which BBO has contracted a group rate of $109/night for a "Superior" room. Call the main desk at 1-800-445-6563 and ask for Reservations. For those who have not already done so, once your reservations have been made, please notify us of that fact by email at gerkar@comcast.net so we can maintain a current headcount for planning purposes.

Meanwhile, be sure to keep track of planned activities and other useful information posted on the 2010 Reunion Page of the VP-17 web site at http://ghspaulding.com/2010REUNION.htm. You might also want to follow a link posted there to an amazingly long list of New Orleans songs to see how many you can remember.

New Orleans to host four major events in a row: Super Bowl, Super Bowl victory parade, Mardi Gras and the 2010 VP-17 Reunion

NEW ORLEANS – It’s one big celebration after another for a city once mired in self-pity in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. First the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints celebrated Mardi Gras-style, with carnival floats carrying players, coaches and team owner Tom Benson rolling through downtown New Orleans for a victory parade last Tuesday.

And now Mardi Gras 2010 itself has begun with a series of 14 parades, the last one scheduled on February 16^th. With a Super Bowl victory in hand, this year’s Mardi Gras may be the most protracted and most memorable in decades.

New Orleans will barely have time to clean up all the beads and confetti and catch its collective breath before the Patrol Squadron SEVENTEEN Alumni begin arriving eight weeks from now on April 8 for this notorious group’s fourth reunion, officially set for April 9, 10 and 11 at the New Orleans Intercontinental Hotel. Those desiring information about the VP-17 reunion may find it at http://ghspaulding.com/2010REUNION.htm

Well, folks, the Runion is just around the corner. I know most folks have made their reservations. Some are getting to New Orleans a couple of days early and some are staying a couple of days late. New Orleans (pronounced Nawlins) has built in fun. I you can't find it there, you can't find it anywhere.

If you haven't made your reservations, the cut off is 3/8/2010. I won't be able to work any magic after that. The InterContinental reservation line is (800) 327-0200 and refer to the Patrol Squadron Seventeen Reunion.

By 3/19/2010 I need $200 for each attendee. The last reunion, I read the number and hurriedly sent Gerry Spaulding a check for $200.....johnny on the spot, right? Wrong. If you are bringing a significant other, you need to multiply that number by 2 and send me a check for $400. Why is it important that you get it to me on time? Because your check has to be deposited and clear the bank. I don't intend to show up in New Orleans with my funny money! Jack Schrager is in charge of busting knees unless Jimbo Owens shows up in which case it will be shared duty.

They will be deposited into a separate account set up for the reunion with USAA Bank.

Food in New Orleans is expensive. I've tried to keep costs down and make if fair for those who drink less. But it is what it is. So here is what you will get:

Dinner Friday Night 2/9 at Mulate's, The Original Cajun Restaurant. On the menu, you will be able to choose from main entree's Catfish Mulate's, Cajun Seafood Platter, Crabmeat Au Gratin or Grilled Ribeye. Dessert is Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce. We will be seated at 2 large tables in the main dining room has entertainment. It will be a cash bar. I suspect everyone will be fairly loaded at the Hospitality Suite before we get there.

Saturday Dinner will be at Arnaud's, one of the oldest, most famous and best restaurant's in New Orleans. I has been ranked as high as 5 stars over the years, depending on who's doing the ranking. Main entrees will be Petit Filet Charlemond or Trout Amandine. Dessert will be Bananas Foster, flambed at the table. Wine will be included with dinner on this night and we will have a private cash bar set up. Below is a picture of the private dining room and the museum which is part of the restaurant. A jacket and tie for Saturday night is suggested for gentlemen, however loosely that term may be applied. The jacket does not necessarily have to button! Ladies, of course, will know what to do. Three of them I am thinking of in particular, will have multiple outfits for each evening.

The Hospitality Suite will be changed a bit. We have had an increasing amount of left over booze. Is it possible, that we can't drink as much these days? In any event, to keep expenses down, we are going to have primarily a vodka bar with various mixers (because that is what has moved in the past). some decent white wines and Bud Light. There may be a bottle of Scotch show up for some hard core brown liquor drinkers. But, there are plenty of liquor stores close by if you have to have some specialty drink. You will be invited to share it with your shipmates. Snacks and all of that will be available on a more limited basis. New Orleans is all about eating. I suggest you not ruin your appetites eating junk in the suite.

The InterContinental Hotel is centrally located between the more newly developed warehouse district and the older French Quarter. It is very close to the Casinos. I anticipate that everyone will walk to the events and most daily activities. Cabs are a plenty, however. I suggest you bring comfortable shoes. I doubt anyone will be looking under the table for spike heels at Arnaud's on Saturday night.

No breakfast was built into the hotel bill. Here again, there is a great New Orleans restaurant, Mothers, that is moderately famous for their breakfasts and two blocks from the hotel. The hotel really doesn't push their restaurant business and the food is terribly expensive. I will have a list of restaurants for you, many of them famous, where you can dine on everything from oysters to po boy sandwiches to beignets.

There is no planned mid day event. Sign up sheets will be in the suite so people can tell others where they are going and at what time. Leave no one behind. There is so much to do in New Orleans within walking distance of the hotel. There will be a packet of tourist attraction brochures when you check in. The new National WWII Museum, http://www.ddaymuseum.org/, is probably where I will head Saturday afternoon. I recommend that you get on the internet

In Nawlins, they say, "Les Bon Temps Rouler" which translated means: Let the Good Times Roll.

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First, just a clarification on where to send your checks for the reunion. Send them to Billy Bob, not to me. Right quick like a bunny, please make out your check for $200 (solo) or $400 (couple) to William J. Overend and mail it to him at this address:

Some time ago we asked everyone to let me know by email when their hotel reservations had been made. Based on notifications received so far, below is my most current list of who’s coming for sure, who we think is coming and who cannot come. If I’ve missed anyone or gotten it wrong for anyone, please advise ASAP.

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Depending on your date of arrival, tomorrow, Thursday or Friday will mark the four-week point prior to the commencement of our 2010 reunion in New Orleans. More about arrivals further below.

First, though, a critical hard date is closer at hand: That’s Friday, 19 March, the date by which Billy Bob needs your check for the reunion fees in hand and ready for deposit. These fees cover your dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, the Hospitality Suite and probably a well-deserved massage for Billy Bob somewhere on the Quarter. Looks like most folks mailed their checks as soon as requested to do so, but if you inadvertently overlooked it, please take care of that little chore post haste.

Now, about arrivals and departures. Even though for some this will be redundant, please reply via email with your most up-to-date arrival date/time and departure date/time. The arrival info will help BBO in making any necessary arrangements in advance of the official start of the reunion on 9 April, and all arrival/departure info could help folks hook up to share cab rides between the airport and the hotel after we post the list.

FYI, made contact yesterday with Kishie Bushnell, who is living in San Diego and doing well. She would have loved to make this reunion, but by the time we tracked her down, the notice was just too short. She hopes to make the next one. We look forward to seeing her then, perhaps along with Sam Rettig, who lives in Miami Springs, Fl and teaches swimming-related things. Both Kishie and Sam say “HI.”

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You may remember that I lived in New Orleans from 88-91 while on the Reserve Air Admiral's staff at the Hubert Defense Complex near the French Quarter.

Risking data overload, here are some things to do in NOLA. Since the French Quarter Festival is in town, there will be plenty to see and do. The restaurants I listed would be best for lunch. The ferry ride is always a good low cost way to see the city from the river.

Commander’s Palace: One of the best. http://www.commanderspalace.com/ They have a dress code, even for lunch. No shorts, flip flops, etc.

Causal Restaurants for lunch or late night snack, not so expensive spots to eat:

Maspero’s: 601 Decatur St. Stick with the sandwiches. Their Muffaletta’s were good. Cash only

Yo-Mama’s Bar and Grill: 727 St Peter St. Across from O’Brien’s on piano bar side. Burgers got great reviews

The Chart Room: 300 Chartres St. Has a local following. Strong drinks and a juke box.

Déjà Vu: 400 Dauphine St. Always my first stop after parking the car. You can also get breakfast here 24 hours a day.

Pat O’Brien’s: 624 Bourbon Street. The piano bar is my fave. They have five separate bars.

Take the free ferry at the end of Canal St across the river to Algiers. You can get a great view of the skyline. Get off, turn right and walk a few blocks, and you will come to Dry Dock Café. Decent food and drink. http://www.yelp.com/biz/canal-street-algiers-ferry-new-orleans

There is a streetcar that travels St Charles Ave near/next to our hotel. You can take this car down St Charles Ave. Beautiful ride. You have to get off at the end. There are many places to eat and drink at the turn-around point. Many may like this area better than the French Quarter. Restaurants: Dante’s Kitchen, Magnolia Grill, and Jacques-Imo Café. Maple Leaf Bar.

You can get a three day pass to ride the street car and buses for $12. They can be purchased at Unique General Food Store, 127 Royal St (@Canal). 504-586-0102.

I also recommend that if anyone takes the Street Car ride, do a day and night ride to appreciate both. I like to ride in the late afternoon to early evening to a nice little restaurant off of St. Charles Avenue on Napoleon Avenue {about 6 blocks from St. Charles Ave.) It is called: Pascal-Manales Restaurant (established about 1913). Their BBQ Shrimp and raw oysters are my favorites. Ask for John or Mark De Fellise, and tell them Danny Meyer said hello. The Bread Pudding is a treat…

Then, walk off the food while returning to St. Charles Avenue for the night ride back to the city. There are several night spots on the return trip.

I also recommend riding the Street Car to the end of the line and return. If so, at the 90-degree turn in the tracks, The Magnolia Grill Café is a great place for breakfast and more….

Please add my favorite bar--the Carousel Bar inside the Hotel Monteleone 214 Rue Royale!! I plan to park my rear for a little while on Thursday and/or Friday, sip a Sazerac and watch the world stand still as I let the good times roll or at least spin around!! Hope a few of you can join me!!

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