Saturday, Sept. 3, brought some Council members to Freedom Park at Navy Lakehurst at the invitation of Navy Lakehurst Historical Society's President and Past Council President Carl Jablonski to join his society members at their annual picnic. The food was delicious (all donated by society members and benefactors) and the party was enhanced by the presence of a large group of National Guardsmen and Reservists who were training at Navy Lakehurst for deployment to Iraq. Carl had kindly invited the group to join the festivities. A good time was had by all!

Save the Date: Friday, Oct. 28, 2005 is the NWS Earle Navy Ball, to be held at the Sheraton Hotel, Route 35 in Eatontown, NJ. Entertainment will be provided by the Electric Brigade, the Naval Academy Band. Tickets are $50 per person. Dinner entree choices are Chicken Marsala, Prime Rib of Beef or Flounder Francaise and the evening also includes a one hour open bar and hors d'oeuvres. This year, our Council has again aided the effort to make it possible for all E-5 and below sailors to attend the ball at no cost, by donating $1000 to the base. Please call Jane Niedzwiecki at (732) 255-5898 if you are interested in attending. Do join us for a great evening.

KATHERINE WALKER UPDATE!

On Monday, July 4, 2005, over 30 Council members were guests of Lt. Brian Donahue and the crew of the USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM 552) for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Display. The weather was beautiful and the fireworks were spectacular. A great time was had by all. The Katherine Walker is currently in the shipyard and is expected back in Bayonne in late September.

GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling, school is back in session and Halloween is fast approaching. Before you know it Thanksgiving will be here. So be reminded our Council will once again be conducting our Annual Turkey Drive for NWS Earle and the USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM- 552), the Bainbridge Island and the Sailfish so please lets remember to start our Turkey Drive, plan now, more details at the September 26, meeting

MEETING FORMAT TO CHANGE IN 2006

Due to the merger of the Jersey Coast Council with the Central Jersey Council, the changes to the regular meetings will be delayed until 2006. Starting in February 2006 all Regular meetings will be covered dish dinners starting at 6:30 PM at the American Legion Hall in Milltown, NJ. The Board of Directors will conduct their business during the Regular Meeting (unless special circumstances require a special meeting). This new format will allow all Council business to be conducted openly and earlier in the evening. Any member attending the meeting will be encouraged to bring an item for the covered dish dinner or make a small donation to the council. Formal Council Dinner Meetings will continue to be held at the East Brunswick Chateau in March, May and October.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RE-ELECTION

In accordance with the National By-Laws, I am formally seeking re- election as Council President for a third and final year. The past Presidents of the Central Jersey Council will review my intentions as well as any other individual who may wish to become the Council President. Any member wishing to be considered, please forward a letter declaring your intentions to the Council Secretary no later than Sept. 23, 2005.

Secretary Central Jersey Council
Judy Bufis
26 Jensen Street
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

The decision of the past presidents as well as the slate of officers for 2006 will be published thereafter with elections scheduled for November 28, 2005.

Respectfully submitted
Daniel A Dermer

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

The Central Jersey Council, together with all Americans, have watched in horror at the terrible human tragedy that has taken place along the US Gulf Coast. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been forever changed by Hurricane Katrina. We ask God's blessing upon the souls of those lost and ask that He give comfort to those who must now go on.

To those who have provided rescue, support and relief to the survivors, we join the chorus of thanks from a grateful nation.

Anyone wishing to make donations ---- either monetary or otherwise, please contact me for official NLUS sanctioned charities or those charities which are specifically supporting the families of maritime service personnel and their families.

ANGEL PROGRAM PLACED ON HOLD!

In light of Hurricane Katrina and tens of thousands of people who have lost everything, our Christmas Angel Program has been placed on hold. This program provided over 600 gifts to children of Navy and Coast Guard personnel and was spearheaded by the Kobilis family thru the Fish Organization. It has been determined that the Fish Organization will concentrate all of its efforts on providing immediate and continued relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Central Jersey Council NLUS are developing plans on how we can best help the Fish Organization with this project. As they in the past worked to help us, it is now incumbent upon us to return that favor. Anyone wishing to help out or make a donation, please feel free to contact me: Daniel Dermer, 28 Jensen Street, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Phone: 732-257-7999.