New Frontiers: October Update

Our Oct. 11 party went exceptionally well, and everyone I've spoke with both on the Challenger and our visiting guests from other Starfleet chapters, said they enjoyed the food, the conversations and looking over our old photo albums on our own memorabilia table. I want to once again thank everyone who turned out for that event, and also worked to make it happen.

I also enjoyed our more private luncheon gathering held on Oct. 26 in Eatontown. That too was highly enjoyable, included wonderful food and many of our favorite Challenger stories of the past. Funny stories, dramatic recollections and people and events that have stuck out in our mind for one reason or another. For me it has been a 20 year journey that has been nothing less then incredible and it is my pleasure to continue serving as the leader of our ragtag group as we head into our 21st year of fun, frolics and insanity.

Ironic that on the same day as our private anniversary party, we also said goodbye to the Rose family of Seaside Heights who are now off to Florida. You never know how long a time you'll have with your friends in this organization, many real life things pull us apart and many of us were sad to see the Rose family go. Victoria Rose, who turned 9 in September, has been our cadet for almost 10 years. We went and saw her in the hospital following during an Away Team event at the Lakewood Ren Faire and Toms River Greek Festival held on the same day. Where does the time go?

Well we've had a year of multiple celebrations and have faced new challenges which I think have made our little group stronger. In the new year however, our sights are going to be set on new adventures and ways to bring in new people to our club which like all organizations, must continue to grow in order to survive. We do have a good sized group but new blood will bring in new ideas and new ways of looking at things.

Many chapters in Starfleet are looking to do the same way, and with the excitement of a new Star Trek feature film coming out next spring, well, that should provide a great opportunity for us. Actually there may well be multiple opportunities on the forefront and Challenger will be looking to examine all of them. For now, though, I hope you will have a howling good Halloween and will enjoy a great Thanksgiving, which will be here before we know it.