| Greetings Crew of the Aurora, I'm glad to see that we had a great year, in 2010, and have done a number of extraordinary things, not the least of which was winning a very special award! (But I'll get to that later, I first what to speak of how we won that particular award.) Our activities for 2010 were on the rise. We continued to do a bit of role-playing games, and had fun sharing in our now-Annual Ship Picnic with a guest coming to see us all the way from Perth, Australia! We also did a fair bit of charitable activities. Some of us continue to file surveys with ZoomPanel, as a way to get points that can be transferred to dollars that go to wonderful charities. If you would like to be part of that, please sign up with them today, or ask me to send you an invitation to join them. We also found ourselves sharing in some arts and crafts, not the least of which has been to rebuild and restructure out 577th Firebirds to operate more like a full Support unit, and also included a new Lance Squadron under them, the Aurora Thunderbirds special operations team. We began - and have plans to continue - to set up our own geocache and share in more of that activity with other people affiliated with Groundspeak, and also started training in the art of Tai Chi with a fellow SFI member, Ken Hill. Our Firebirds have done some nice writing projects, logo designs, ship specs and designs, and their own take on the Red Shirts vs. Death competitions, by holding a baking contest of the Firebirds vs. Thunderbirds which went over fairly well and allowed each team to offer special treats to local area Fire and Police stations during the holiday season. Some of the Aurora crew are also looking at doing sewing projects
based on an idea our own Charities Liason CPO3 Phillip Buff had in
the earlier part of 2010, which includes using new, remnant and
recycled cloth and presenting their creations in auctions or
donating them to charities. (Great idea, Phillip! I'm not sure which
of our other crew members ran with it, but see what you started!)
While other crew members are continuing to collect gently used
towels and blankets to donate to local area no-kill animal shelters
and missions. And speaking of missions, we have done so much good in
our community and inspired so many others with the great things
we've done that there are now four other clubs that have taken up
the Towel Day idea, and our Sock Drop party, and joined the cause! |
To date, our ship has done some fantastic
activities and events, brought in a staggering amount of funds for
various organizations locally and abroad - a total of over $5000
since our launch date, with over 1/3 of that amount being just from
2010! (And that doesn't include our Overseas Coupon Program totals.)
We have helped such charities as Amnesty International, March of
Dimes Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Doctors Without Borders,
University of Washington Medical Research, Union Gospel Mission,
Everett Animal Shelter, Washington State Parks and Forestry Service,
and many others. For a job so well done, and the winds rushing
onward as we make our way into 2011, we were granted the award of
Ship of the Year for 2010 by Maquis Forces International. Fantastic
job, everyone! Keep it up, Aurora! You all do one another proud and
I offer my own heartfelt appreciation for having the opportunity to
lead you and sing of your praises in regard to these endeavors. Keep reporting your wonderful accomplishments, continue to support the endeavors of one another by paying attention (and responding) to the calendar and announcements, and we'll inspire even more people to come share in being part of this beacon of hope and progress we call the USS Aurora.
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| YOU CAN FIND ME AFK...
Many, if not all, of you have heard of the AFK Tavern by now. For those not so familiar, it's a Geek (not Greek) Tavern situated on 41st Avenue in Everett, WA. It's not far off of major bus lines, and has plenty of parking. There is a family area, and a separate bar area. Children are allowed in the family area, but minors should be accompanied by an adult. The AFK offers a modest menu of good foods. I can personally recommend the Tater Tots +1, and if you bring a friend, the +2 make a full meal. Alone, you'd have leftovers! I also highly recommend the Portobello Burger. There's a wide range of drink options, mostly alcoholic, and some have names that challenge the bold. (Try some Orc Piss, I dare you!) On a separate menu you'll find a different kind of fare. Video games, card games, board games, and even RPG games are available for customers to request and play. You may also bring in your own games, space available, and sit with your friends and while away hours having fun. |
Yes, it's pretty much all fun and games at the AFK. Be polite, order a drink (sodas start at $2 as of this article, which includes 2 refills, with additional refills only $.25 each), and when you get munchy, order food. Chat with the friendly wait staff and go read the scribbles on the wall of the "Red Room", presuming you won't interrupt a private party or group in that area. The AFK website lists weekly events, and the tavern has also hosted one wedding, with 2-3 more in the future. So, if you're looking for a unique venue to tie the knot, consider contacting the folks there. Yours truly is hoping to run a monthly Ironclaw game at the AFK. We've already held one ship meeting there (were you there?) and hope to host others in the future. Oh, and when you chat with the wait staff, mention you're part of the USS Aurora and Starfleet. No benefit except you may get a smile and a, "Hey, I'm Starfleet too! USS Pinguin!" back. The AFK is open 3pm-3am seven days a week. |
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An Interview With:First Lieutenant Juanita Burlew Name: Juanita Burlew If you could be any species, or mix of species, from the Star Trek Universe, what would it be?: I don't know... I'd like to be a tribble, but Andy'd make me into slippers! Do you have a nickname you wouldn't mind people using?: My real name is Juanita, after my grandmother. 'Nita is what most people call me, so that works. |
What's your favorite color?: Purple. Amethyst. Lavender.
Lilac. Berry. (And any other purple variant...) Yep. Purple. What's your favorite food?: Hmm... tough call. I do love really, really good dark chocolate. Does that count? What's your least favorite food?: Cauliflower, liver, or limburger cheese. What do you like most so far about being a member of STARFLEET and/or the USS Aurora?: Here I feel like I matter, like I "fit". In the real world, it's tougher to do that than a lot of people realize. What do you look forward to the most, being a member of the USS Aurora?: Being able to do more away missions. Do you have any pets?: Yes... two cats, and a horde of plushies. Do you talk to your friends and family about your STARFLEET activities?: yes, as often as I can... while trying not to drive them crazy with it. What do you think is the most interesting thing about yourself?: I am a tree-hugging, book-reading, cage-rattling radical in a Starfleet uniform! I believe in the possibility of change for the better, but I also believe we are responsible to make things happen for the better - "Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Ghandi |
Nita Burlew has also won the Captain's Star award two years running for her indefatigable enthusiasm for all the USS Aurora does and wishes to do. Thank you Nita!
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