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Please consider helping to send the USS Cobia (SS 245) for a desperately needed major overhaul. You can help in various ways, by contacting Greg Miller, below.
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Greetings Sub Lovers,
This is going to be somewhat lengthy but please bear with me. Our warm weather is swiftly passing by and there are many warm-weather projects to benefit our adopted submarine, USS Cobia, and unfortunately participation appears to be dwindling. Basically, we have two areas of concern: One being fundraising activities for the Cobia drydocking fund, and the other being repairs to Cobia’s deck. First let me address fundraising opportunities in the foreseeable future.
Subfest should be fairly easy as many of us will be in attendance. As usual, we will have our table raising money for the Cobia drydock fund.
Wheaton All Nite Flea Market will be Saturday, August 20, 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. This is Zurko Promotions’ most attended flea market of the year, and while it sounds crazy, the Belvedere Late Nite Flea Market raised over $900 for Cobia. That one ran until midnight. It’s a long night way past bedtime, but there are still people shopping even at these ungodly hours. It takes at least 3 people to properly staff a booth and at present, we have only 1. If you are unable to last till 3:00 a.m., but can do part of it, any and all help is welcome. It’s easy. Just stand or sit and talk to people telling them how wonderful Cobia is.
Kane County Flea Market: September 3, noon to 5:00 p.m., September 4, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road, St. Charles, IL. Kane County hosts the largest flea market in the Midwest. Attended by thousands. It is even advertised on radio. We were able to get a space gratis in June and took in over $1,000. This is comparable to our fundraising for the memorial 3 years ago. Though we would have to pay for our space ($110), the return easily justifies the expense provided we have adequate staffing for the booth.
Chicagoland Civil War Show: September 24, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DuPage County Fairgrounds. Another favorable market as attendees tend to be folks who are interested in preserving history. That’s what we are doing. It’s an easy sell.
Results from previous fundraising markets indicate that revenue increases by about 25-30% with each additional representative while being shorthanded decreases revenue by 30-40%. In other words, it takes 3 guys to staff a booth, more is better, but fewer really hurts. The sooner we are aware of staffing for a booth, the better our chances of getting a good location…location, location, location.
The other major project in the days ahead involves Cobia’s deck. As you may be aware, Wisconsin weather has taken its toll on Cobia’s deck and much of it needs to be replaced. Maritime museum has obtained 50 18′ lengths of Douglas Fir ripped to size for decking. All that is needed is to put in over 300 counter-bored mounting holes properly located, chamfer all around, cut to size and shape, scarf joints cut at the ends, painted, old decking removed, new decking installed and mounting holes caulked. It’s not difficult nor is it heavy work, but it is very labor intensive. Our last working party had all of 3 attendees. General participation has been steadily dwindling. Again, we need help in order to keep Cobia as a sustainable maritime resource. The lady needs to be properly dressed. With only 3 guys, it could take years. Dates have not yet been set for working parties. You can expect them after Subfest.
About a year ago, many complaints were voiced about how Subfest was being conducted. With the exception of the date, WMM has granted all of our requests. It doesn’t strike me as unreasonable that since they have helped us, we should also help them.
Thanks for your patience with this long-winded email and hoping to hear from you all in the foreseeable future. Comments and inquiries will make my day! Thanks again and stay well.
DBF (Diesel Boats Forever),
Greg Miller
Home; 630-543-7855
Cell: 331-307-9497