Newsletter #84 September 2019

  USS ALBACORE (AGSS 569)

NEWSLETTER #84

September 2019

 

As reported earlier, the latest Steve Cuff Challenge was wrapped up in record time. Thanks to our shipmates and Steve’s generous donation, the Friends of Albacore has opened a $60K Certificate of Deposit with our local TD bank in Maine. It is a six-month CD which we will roll over until the expected time of the start of the boat’s hull re-preservation effort.

 

Meanwhile, PSMA has presented the University of New Hampshire (UNH) with two proposals for senior (Capstone) projects. One is for Computer Science students to “develop and implement an interactive video display for use in Albacore museum that would:

  • appeal to younger visitors,

  • Support STEM educational goals

  • Individual visits

  • School class visits

  • Provide capability for future enhancements”

 

Proposed deliverables would include:

  • A workable prototype system

  • Hardware:

  • Tablet-like display

  • Touch screen monitor

  • Software: Windows platform

  • User Manual

 The second proposed project is for College of Business seniors to:

  • Develop a data bank of potential donors by categories

  • Develop a strategic plan for a capital fund raising program

  • Provide an operational cost analysis for the new facility and provide a plan to meet these costs.

  • Provide suggested branding and messaging

  • Provide recommendations on Go-to-Market

  • Social media, website, etc.

  • Events, partnerships, etc.

  • Outreach

Harry Fisher provided two photographs taken at what appears to be a late 50’s ship’s party. Numbers have been attached to each individual for ease of attaching names. Several shipmates have provided names to help identify the participants but there are lot more unknowns than knowns. Copies of these photos are attached. If you recognize any of the shipmates and/or their wives, please send their names (and photo ID number) to Patti Violette at Albacore Park and to myself.

Good weather and the opening of the rebuilt middle bridge have contributed to a significant increase in Park visitors. October thru July visitor numbers are up by 6,000 over the same period last year and total revenues are up by over $46,000.

Preliminary planning continues to move forward on a new museum building at the Park. The size and shape of the building is fairly well set - two 10,000 square foot floors above a full basement. The Albacore Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to look at how to efficiently use the interior space of the building. Such as visitor flow through the building, locations for old and new displays to enhance visitor flow, identifying staffing positions (e.g., educational program development, advertising, store sales, maintenance, data base management, display changeovers, fund raising, etc.) and the associated office and work space requirements. The AAC is sharing their ideas and suggestions with PSMA’s Building Committee (BC) as the BC works with the architect to refine the interior layout of the building.

 Captain David Kratch has a new email address of cakdak@gmail.com and telephones of (804) 728-2672 (h) and (302) 222-4325 (c). Plank owner Bob Marschall’s new email is subvetbob14@gmail.com. Mike Nowicki’s correct email address is wdnclths9@gmail.com. And shipmate Donald Fields has surfaced at 790 Tamerlane Street, Deltona, FL 32725. His email is fieldsd569up@gmail.com.

I regret to report that plank owner Donald L. Gasmire departed on Eternal patrol in July of last year.

Until next time, shipmate,

 

 

Jack Hunter

11 Admiralty Drive, Apt 3

Middletown, RI 02842-6254

(401) 849-7282

“jhunter2007@cox.net

Patti Violette