Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Boston 2 - 2002

I guess happiness is returning to a place you enjoyed! The consensus of the group assembled at San Diego seemed to be to accept a return to Boston rather than no reunion at all. So, Ken and I agreed to host Boston again. There are many other great towns in New England, but air transportation in and out of them is difficult.

We have been busy beavers contacting the necessary concessionaires and believe that Boston will be feasible and "almost" affordable.

Here are our preliminary plans:

Our reunion will be held from Thursday, September 12 through Sunday September 15, 2002, leaving for home on the morning of September 16.

Our hotel will be the Westin-Waltham, as before. I'm sure that those of you who attended Boston '96 remember what a great hotel it was, outside the traffic of the busy city; accessible to the subway, malls, and historic places you might want to visit on your own free time. It has been completely renovated. Because of our past affiliation with them, they are securing rooms at the rate of $109 + taxes for the nights of the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th only. Due to the high-density use of the hotel on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week, and the usual rate of $300 per night, they cannot offer us any extra nights at $109, either before or after the reunion. Because of this restriction, I am afraid that we will not be able to hold our usual golf tournament.

The Cambridge Room will be our Ready Room, as before - a perfect place for our gatherings and morning continental breakfast. The restaurant is still available for those who prefer a full breakfast.

We will hold our banquet in the Ballroom. Having it in the hotel will cut down on the costs since we will not have the added expense of bus transportation.

As before, we will not be able to have an open bar in any of the public rooms. This is a state law. We will host a Cocktail Reception, on the night of our arrival, where we can all gather and renew all those wonderful friendships in a relaxed atmosphere.

As for our tours, we will be using the same tour company we used the last time. Helen was thrilled to have us return and will do as well by us as she did then. I'm sure it's because we were so well behaved!!

All tours include walk-on guides who are exceptionally well versed in the history and lore of each area we visit.

As of now, our plans are to offer you a short boat trip through the Essex river estuaries, enjoying the marshes and the beautiful eastern seashore, our wonderful New England Clambake (lobster feast) at the Gloucester House, perhaps a short stop in either the old Portuguese Church with its unique decor or the Hammond Museum, the former home of one of the Hammond organ family.

We will most likely revisit Salem and Lexington/Concord. These are such authentic, historic towns that returning will allow the people who went to one before, to visit the other this time around.

We will spend a day in Boston. This will include a ride on the amphibious ducks that take you through the historic districts quack quacking at the staid people of Boston who are not lucky enough to be having the fun we are. The duck ends up cruising down the Charles River, seeing another side of Boston.

All of our tours will include lunch. Except for Sunday Banquet, all afternoons and dinners will be on your own - free time to tour on your own, shop, rest, relax, and enjoy your many friends, whatever!

Approximate costs for the tours will be $55 to $75 per person. This price includes transportation, tour and lunch.

All trips will be planned for a minimum of on-and-off buses and other vehicles. We are well aware of the physical limitations and endurance of our friends.

Of course none of this is chiseled in stone and may be adjusted. We will have alternate options in the event of inclement weather. We do hope though, that you find our thoughts exciting enough to sincerely think a bout joining us.

Both Ken and I thank you for the opportunity to plan this vacation for you and look forward to your joining us in Boston 2 - 2002.

Again, the dates are September 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2002, leaving the hotel on the morning of the 16th.     

MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT ISSUE.

Sincerely,

Ken and Louise Thoman
86 Driftwood Lane
Trumbull, CT 06611
(203) 268-2393