FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION

Northwest Region

Branch 245

Bellingham, WA


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    THE HOME PORT LEARNING CENTER,  BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

        In 1993 the Juvenile Court of Whatcom County discovered that 55% of the 287 juvenile offenders that year were not enrolled in school. In order to address the needs of this population, the juvenile court started exploring alternative options and funding to give these teens an alternative to the street and get them enrolled in school.     Opening its doors in 1994 in response to our County Court's efforts, the Home Port Learning Center, Located in the Port of Bellingham's waterfront, formed as a transitional education program serving adjudicated and at-risk youth of Whatcom County.     Through experiental learning, students acquire academic, vocational and work readiness  skills. They are committed to the preservation of our maritime heritage, environment and the well being of our community...     Staffed by a highly competant  and motivated group of certified instructors working with "hands on" and academic curriculum, the Learning Center has achieved a remarkable student recovery average rate of 85% ...



    THE BOAT "THE STEWARDSHIP" A  Student work in progress! 
    Boat Length: 24 Feet
    Beam: 8 Ft. Beam
    Weight: Approximately 2000 Lbs
    Configured for  single outboard propulsion, designed for 150 Hp 4 stroke outboard motor...
    Construction:  Fiberglass over plywood,  Hull design - Shallow Vee with Soft Bow... And, "by the way" We sure do need donations for that motor! ..     Once completed the boat will be used as a platform for environmental studies, ecological remediation and other student projects that can enhance student education... The application of classroom math to practical navigation problems comes quickly to mind...
    THE FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION, BELLINGHAM BRANCH 245 Our Bellingham Branch has for several years, proudly supported this very worthwhile youth activity with fund and material donations, technical instruction and public relations support...
    THANKS TO Shipmates Barney Barrick USN Ret. and Vern Puckett USN Ret.

    "OPERATION PIZZA"

    • On September 20th at 1400 hours the USS Ford and crew returned from their latest Western Pacific deployment ( Westpac ) to Homeport Naval Station Everett, Washington... Some of our Bellingham Navy League council members were on the dock along with many well wishers, officials and dependents to greet them...  Naval regulations require that a portion of the crew remain aboard their ship  (Duty Crew!) usually for 24 hours until relieved by the next assigned duty crew... So the duty crew could only wave at the greeters, if not engaged in some actual operation of the ship at the time...     Our Bellingham council was privileged to provide many, many Pizzas for the duty crew of the USS Ford, delivered at 1700 hours that day... We also want to thank the Bellingham Fleet Reserve Association Branch 245 for their very generous funding contribution for our "Operation Pizza" project...   

     

    GREETINGS SHIPMATES:

    WITH OUR LUNCHEON AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS OUT OF THE WAY, IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER MEETING AND MORE BUSINESS TO ATTEND TO.  WE HAVE MAILED OUT THIRTY-TWO LETTERS TO SHIPMATES WHO ARE DESERVING OF LONGIVITY PINS AS LONG-TIME MEMBERS OF BRANCH 245, FRA.  WE HAVE HEARD FROM SOME OF YOU ALREADY AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM OTHERS BEFORE OUR MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY. 

    THE MEETING WILL COMMENCE AT 1130 HOURS ON 17 JUNE AT POST 7, AMERICAN LEGION, BELLINGHAM, JUST WEST OF THE FREEWAY GOING TOWARD THE AIRPORT.

    LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE AND THAT INCLUDES THE NEW MEMBERS TOO, IF YOU CAN MAKE IT.  THANKS.

    YOURS IN LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVI CE

    BOB BAISDEN


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