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To:  Members and Friends of Island MCB 7 at Large

From:  John Blaisdell, Secretary/Treasurer, Island MCB 7 at Large

Subject:  Greetings, Holiday, good wishes for, and other stuff

I thought if I could get this newsletter in the mail before the end of the year, I could save some postage.  And I could also wish all of you Season’s Greetings.  So, Season’s Greetings to you and yours.  I hope this finds you well and prepared for the holiday.  We will gather with our families, in-laws and out-laws, and enjoy a feast or two and watch the little children go crazy with excitement.  Now that I think of it, some of the big children get a little crazy as well.

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?  When someone asks you, “A penny for your thoughts”, and you put in your two cents, what happens to the other penny?

Last July my brother Denny and I attended the NSVA National Convention and Reunion in Buffalo, New York.  Seven had quite a good number of former members in attendance.  I was pleased to meet up with Charles Bevilacqua, BUC (a retired WO), who had helped us set up in the islands some forty years ago.  Dick (Fess) Parker, formerly with Seven, was elected National Vice Commander.  He is active in the Davisville, RI, Island.  And Jim Sorenson’s daughter, a lovely and talented young lady, was awarded a Seabee Scholarship in music.  While we were in the neighborhood, we visited the Seabee Memorial at North Tonawanda, NY.  I made arrangements with Ken Wendt to purchase brass plaques bearing the names of deceased members of our Island to be placed on the wall.  Denny and I also bought plaques so when the time comes, you don’t have to worry about ours.

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?  Why do women wear evening gowns to nightclubs?  Shouldn’t they be wearing nightgowns?

I was unable to attend the MCB 7 Reunion in New Hampshire as although I had made airline reservations, I had failed to call the hotel.  When I finally realized my mistake, the hotel had been booked for a wedding and I had lost my chance.  However, I have spoken to several of the group who did attend the reunion and I understand everyone had a really nice time.  The guys were more impressed with the “dig” in Boston than the wives but everyone seemed to enjoy the tour of New Hampshire.  If you discount some fog and cool weather the scenery was really great and some even rode the tram up the mountain.  Nick Mastrocola has informed me the next reunion will be next fall in New Orleans, La, and there is a planned trip to CBC Gulfport, MS.  Year 2001 is the fiftieth anniversary of the commissioning of Mobile Construction Battalion Seven.  This sounds like an excellent chance to celebrate the occasion and to visit the Seabee base at Gulfport.  I know the Seabee Museum has a great selection of Seabee items for sale to anyone who would like to purchase such items.

What is the difference between “slim chance” and “fat chance”?  We are born naked, wet, and hungry.  Then things start to get worse.

The NSVA convention and Reunion for 2001 will be in my back yard at ST Cloud, MN.  Island Minnesota X-2 will be the host Island.  I plan to assist in whatever capacity I can.  The gathering will be August 15 through 19, 2001, at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St Cloud.  My friend, ex-USMC, Dave Crane, lives about ten minutes from there and has offered part of his farm as an RV park.  There is room for at least a dozen RVs, a beach and water is near, and parking is free to the first dozen or so.  Don Kunz, Secretary/Treasurer of host Island X-2, is attempting to get Governor Jesse Ventura to speak at the banquet.

There are two theories about arguing with women.  Neither one works.

Some of you receiving this newsletter will find a copy of the Island Application form enclosed.  This means you have not paid your dues for 200-2001.  I will be happy to accept payment at your convenience.

If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.  And don’t worry, it is only kinky the first time.  Remember, a closed mouth gathers no foot.

In case you need it:  Dave Crane, 9897 55th Street, Clear Lake, MN, 55319 or email:  crane011@tc.umn.edu.
 

Yours in the Can Do spirit,

John Blaisdell, Secretary/Treasurer