The USCGC Katherine Walker has had a busy winter, which continues into the spring. Not only is Lt. Donahue and his crew busy with their aids to navigation work but are completing Homeland Security tasks as well. The Katherine Walker has recently been selected along with the USCGC Reliant as host ships during Fleet Week.

The USCGC Bainbridge Island, our adopted cutter at Sandy Hook Station, has had an equally busy winter and spring. Specifically, their Engineering Department has worked long hours in order for the boat to be able to complete its mission. To that end the Central Jersey Council was proud to recognize their Engineering Staff as the Sailors of the Quarter at a ceremony held on April 23, 2004. The formal adoption ceremony for the USCGC Bainbridge Island is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 11:00am

Our adopted base, Naval Weapons Station Earle, has been very busy protecting and supporting the defense of our nation. As their resources are deployed, we as a Council are willing to help more than ever before. To this end, our Board of Directors has approved monies to assist with their Command Picnic and to help with other morale, welfare and recreation needs.
The Board of Directors and the Central Jersey Council are proud to announce their decision to adopt the USCGC Sailfish. The Sailfish is a brand new 87 foot patrol boat based at Sandy Hook Station. The Council plans to formally adopt the Sailfish at their Commissioning Ceremony to be held on June 3, 2004.

Lastly and closer to home, our Council will host a May Dinner Meeting at McAteer's Restaurant on May 18, 2004. In addition to our guest speakers from the Naval Aviation Museum, we will present Philips Lighting with their Community Affiliate plaque. I truly hope that many members and guests will attend this event not only to listen to the presentation but also to thank Philips Lighting personnel for their support.

In closing, I'd like to thank all of the members who continue to contribute in every imaginable way. As you can see, our Council has been the recipient of much good fortune. With this good fortune comes a greater responsibility for us to give more to the

men and women of the maritime services who go in harms way to protect our nation. God bless all of them, all of you and the United States of America

Dan

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO REMEMBER!!

Council President's new information:
Daniel A. Dermer
28 Jensen Street
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-257-7999

Council Treasurer's new information:
William Aitken
2 Hampton Road
Monroe, NJ 08831

TAPS! !

Central Jersey Council offers tribute and prayers for Norma Brown of the Lakehurst Council who passed away on April 13, 2004. Norma Brown was a former President of the Lakehurst Council and a life member of the Navy League.

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Robert Thomas. Bob served his country and our council proudly since 1988, being a life member. Bob was always there to open the doors for our meetings at the Imperial Music Center and served on the Board of Directors and attended our various events with zeal and enthusiasm. Rest in peace dear friend, we will always remember your caring ways.

ROBERT THOMAS, AGE 80

Robert Louis Thomas, 80, formerly of Spotswood, died Friday, April 9, 2004, at his daughter's residence in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

He was born in South Amboy, and resided in Spotswood for many years before relocating to Hoffman Estates, Ill., in November 2003. Mr. Thomas served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He retired as a machinist from DuPont Photo Products, Parlin.

Mr. Thomas was a longtime member of the Imperial Music Center in South River. He was a member of the Elks of South River, the South River Boat Club and the Navy League of the United States.

He was predeceased by two wives -­the former June Baumann, who died in 1969, and the former Irene Jaglinski-Mullen, who died in 1995 -- and a son, Robert L. Thomas, who died in 1997. Surviving are a daughter, Lois Giovannone, and her husband, Michael, and four grandchildren, Jaime Giovannone, Shannon Giovannone, Jennifer Mullen and Jocelyn Finklestein.

Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, April 14, at Rezem Funeral Home, 457 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Burial was in Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery North Brunswick

SEA CADET NEWS!!

The Kitty Hawk Division, Training Ship Katherine Walker Sea Cadets will officially welcome their new Commanding Officer on May 16, 2004. This formal Change of Command Ceremony will take place at Ft. Dix at approx. 1200 hours. Senior Chief Ed Meeks and his new officers will receive their orders from Lt. Commander Ed Troche, the Regional Director NSCC. Further information will be posted on the Sea Cadet Web-Site www.kittyhawkdiv.com. The Council encourages all members to regularly visit the web-site and to actively support our youth organization.

STATE MEETING HELD!!

NJ State President John Niedzwiecki organized a state meeting that was held on April 17, 2004. Through the efforts of the Atlantic City Council and John, the meeting took place at the Coast Guard Air Station in Atlantic City. The meeting's honored guest was Sheila McNeil our National President. She spoke about her experiences during the past year and her goals for the upcoming year.

Bill Waylett, Director of Regional Activities, gave several workshops regarding local Council Administration. These informative sessions discussed Council Audits, Leadership positions and the administrating duties of Council Officers and the Board of Directors. After the program concluded, a tour of the station was given to all those in attendance.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS REPORT!!
Steve Hutton, VP Community Affairs

ShopRite Fund Raising a Big Success:
On Saturday, April 10, 2004, members of the Central Jersey Council conducted fund raising outside the ShopRite of Hillsborough, NJ. A Total of $946.65 was raised for our council treasury during this highly successful and enjoyable day.

In attendance to "shake the can" and try to recruit new Navy Leaguers, were Dan Dermer, Bill Aitken, Steve Hutton,