The adventures of the
USS Corona crew
AGE OF ULTRON!!!!!!
We're planning on seeing Ultron this coming Friday, May 1st in an early evening show. Who's in??
Let us know so we can get tickets online early!
We're planning on seeing Ultron this coming Friday, May 1st in an early evening show. Who's in??
Let us know so we can get tickets online early!
The crew of the USS Corona is greatly saddened by the passing of Leonard Nimoy. Not only was he our favorite Vulcan, but he was a great photographer, poet and human being as well. Nimoy had an amazing effect on people from around the world, using his notoriety to move people to act and make more of the world than what they could. A passionate man, treating everyone equally no matter your status, Nimoy touched and encouraged everyone.
The crew of the Corona got to see Nimoy in his second to last live public appearance at the Boston Pops. Something we didn't realize till the day after, when we read the review of the evening in the paper. For this, we are forever grateful. We believe that we are the last IFT crew members to see him in person. Of this, we can only say, we will miss him. He's been more of an influence on us and others on this planet than he will ever know.
Farewell, Spock.
LLAP
The crew of the Corona got to see Nimoy in his second to last live public appearance at the Boston Pops. Something we didn't realize till the day after, when we read the review of the evening in the paper. For this, we are forever grateful. We believe that we are the last IFT crew members to see him in person. Of this, we can only say, we will miss him. He's been more of an influence on us and others on this planet than he will ever know.
Farewell, Spock.
LLAP
Leonard Nimoy's Eulogy -Rabbi John L. Rosove
Leonard shared with me after he and Susan married 26 years ago that he had never met a woman like her, never had he loved anyone so dearly and passionately, that she’d saved his life and lifted him from darkness and unhappiness in ways he never thought possible. His love, appreciation, respect, and gratitude for her transformed him and enabled him to begin his life anew.
Susan, you were a stellar, loving and brilliant life-partner for your Leib. He knew it and in loving you he learned how to love his own children and grandchildren more deeply, and he came to recognize that his family was his greatest treasure and gift.
At the moment Leonard’s soul left him on Friday morning, his family had gathered around him in a ring of love. Leonard smiled, and then he was gone. It was gentle passing, as easy as a hair being lifted from a cup of milk, as the Talmud describes the moment of death. What did Leonard see? We can’t know, but Susan imagines that he beheld his beloved cocker spaniel Molly, an angelic presence in life and now in death.
My wife Barbara and I shared much with Susan and Leonard over the years, in LA and in so many spectacular places around the world so many joys and not a few challenges, and through it all we grew to love Leonard as a dear member ofour family and were honored that he felt towards us as members of his own family.
At his 80th birthday celebration three years ago, I publicly thanked him for all he’d meant to my family and me, for being the love of Susan’s life, and for bringing her so much happiness.
Kind-hearted, gentle, patient, refined, and keenly intelligent was he.
As I listened to NPR’s story of his passing on Friday, I was struck by how uniquely recognizable to the world was his voice, not only because of its innate resonance and gentle tone, but because it emanated who he was as a man and as a mensch.
He was unflappably honest and warm-hearted. He embodied integrity and decency. He was humble and a gentleman. His keen sensitivity and intuition connected him with the world and offered him keen insight into the human condition. Whatever he said and did was compelling, inspiring and provocative. He strove always for excellence.
Leonard’s Hebrew name was Yehudah Lev, meaning a Jew with a heart. His interests and concerns were founded upon his faith and belief in the inherent dignity of every human being, and he treated everyone regardless of station, friend or stranger, with kindness and respect. His world view was enriched by his Jewish spirit and experience.
Leonard was nurtured in the Yiddish-speaking culture of his childhood on the West End of Boston, yet he transcended the particular categories with which he was raised. He cared about the Jews of the former Soviet Union, about Jews everywhere, and he was concerned for all people as well.
Because he grew up as a minority in his neighborhood, even sensing at times that he was an outcast living on the margins (which is what his Spock character was all about), Leonard adventured out from the conservative home and culture of his youth, courageously at a very young age, into the world where he sought greater truth and understanding. He was curious about everything and was a life-long learner.
Leonard appreciated his success, never taking his fame and good fortune for granted. He was generous with family, friends and so many good causes often contributing without being asked, quietly and under the radar, to individuals and causes selflessly, without need of acknowledgment or credit. In his later years, he learned that by fixing his name to some gifts, he could inspire others to give as well.
Over the years, from the time he performed in the Yiddish theater as a young actor, Leonard was particularly drawn to Jewish roles in film, television, stage, and radio. Most enduringly he brought the gesture of the Biblical High Priest to the world’s attention as an iconic symbol of blessing. He was amused that his fans unsuspectingly blessed each other as they held up their hands and said, Live long and prosper!
Most recently, Leonard created magnificent mystical images of feminine Godliness in his Shekhina photographs, one of which he gave to me as a gift graces my synagogue study and adds a spiritual dimension for me of everything I do in my life as a rabbi.
One year Leonard asked me what I thought of his accepting an invitation from Germany to speak before thousands of Star Trek fans. He told me that he’d been asked before but always turned the invitation down due to his own discomfort about setting in a country that had murdered six million Jews. I told him that I thought it was time that he went, and that he take the opportunity to inform a new generation of Germans about who he was as a Jew and about the Jewish dimension of Spock’s personality and outlook. He liked the idea, and so on that basis accepted the invitation.
When he returned he told me that he had shared with the audience his own Jewish story and that Spock’s hand gesture was that of the Jewish High Priest blessing the Jewish community, an image he remembered from his early childhood attending shul with his grandfather in West Boston on Shabbes morning and peeking out from under his grandfather’s tallis at the Kohanim-priests as they raised their hands in blessing over the congregation. He told me that when he finished his talk he received a sustained standing ovation, an experience that was among the most moving in his public life.
There’s another incident worth recalling. The Soviet Film Institute had invited Leonard in the mid 1980s to come to Moscow to speak about Star Trek IV, which he had directed. Leonard agreed to come on the condition that he be granted free passage to Zaslov, Ukraine to visit Nimoy relatives he’d never met. The Soviet officials refused, so Leonard declined. Then they had a change of heart and caved, and he and Susan visited the Ukrainian Nimoys thus reuniting two branches of his family tree divided eighty years earlier. Who else but Leonard Nimoy could stare down the former Soviet Union and win!?
Over time, Leonard became one of the most positive Jewish role models in the world. He cared about all the right things, about promoting the Jewish arts, about peace and reconciliation between people and nations, and about greater justice in our own society.
He and I talked frequently about our love for Israel and its need for peace. He understood that a democratic Jewish state could survive only alongside a peaceful Palestinian state. He was disgusted by terrorism and war, disheartened by Israeli and Palestinian inability and recalcitrance to find compromise and a way forward towards a two-state solution and peace, and he was infuriated by continuing Israeli West Bank settlement construction and by both Islamic and Jewish fundamentalist extremism.
Though keenly aware of, knowledgeable about and savvy when it came to national and world politics and history, Leonard was at his core a humanitarian and an artist, and that was the lens through which he viewed the world.
Among his favorite quotations was that spoken by the 19th century actor Edwin Booth who claimed to have heard the solemn whisper of the god of all arts:
I shall give you hunger and pain and sleepless nights, also beauty and satisfaction known to few, and glimpses of the heavenly life. None of these shall you have continually, and of their coming and going you shall not be foretold.
Leonard did indeed glimpse the heavenly life in his artistic pursuits and in his love for his family and friends.
In thinking of him, I am reminded of Shakespeare’s words:
"Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine. That all the world will be in love with night. And pay no worship to the garish sun."
Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene 2
I’ve never known anyone like Leonard he was utterly unique. I loved him and will cherish his memory always.
Zicharon tzaddik livracha- May the memory of this righteous man be a blessing.
-Rabbi John L. Rosove
When Nimoy died at the age of 83 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, "he had everybody that he loved the most around him," says Rosove. "When he passed, he was ready. [His wife] Susan told him when he couldn't respond, 'Lenny, I love you. You can go. It's okay.' He smiled, and then he died. I think he saw light and he was beamed up."
Susan, you were a stellar, loving and brilliant life-partner for your Leib. He knew it and in loving you he learned how to love his own children and grandchildren more deeply, and he came to recognize that his family was his greatest treasure and gift.
At the moment Leonard’s soul left him on Friday morning, his family had gathered around him in a ring of love. Leonard smiled, and then he was gone. It was gentle passing, as easy as a hair being lifted from a cup of milk, as the Talmud describes the moment of death. What did Leonard see? We can’t know, but Susan imagines that he beheld his beloved cocker spaniel Molly, an angelic presence in life and now in death.
My wife Barbara and I shared much with Susan and Leonard over the years, in LA and in so many spectacular places around the world so many joys and not a few challenges, and through it all we grew to love Leonard as a dear member ofour family and were honored that he felt towards us as members of his own family.
At his 80th birthday celebration three years ago, I publicly thanked him for all he’d meant to my family and me, for being the love of Susan’s life, and for bringing her so much happiness.
Kind-hearted, gentle, patient, refined, and keenly intelligent was he.
As I listened to NPR’s story of his passing on Friday, I was struck by how uniquely recognizable to the world was his voice, not only because of its innate resonance and gentle tone, but because it emanated who he was as a man and as a mensch.
He was unflappably honest and warm-hearted. He embodied integrity and decency. He was humble and a gentleman. His keen sensitivity and intuition connected him with the world and offered him keen insight into the human condition. Whatever he said and did was compelling, inspiring and provocative. He strove always for excellence.
Leonard’s Hebrew name was Yehudah Lev, meaning a Jew with a heart. His interests and concerns were founded upon his faith and belief in the inherent dignity of every human being, and he treated everyone regardless of station, friend or stranger, with kindness and respect. His world view was enriched by his Jewish spirit and experience.
Leonard was nurtured in the Yiddish-speaking culture of his childhood on the West End of Boston, yet he transcended the particular categories with which he was raised. He cared about the Jews of the former Soviet Union, about Jews everywhere, and he was concerned for all people as well.
Because he grew up as a minority in his neighborhood, even sensing at times that he was an outcast living on the margins (which is what his Spock character was all about), Leonard adventured out from the conservative home and culture of his youth, courageously at a very young age, into the world where he sought greater truth and understanding. He was curious about everything and was a life-long learner.
Leonard appreciated his success, never taking his fame and good fortune for granted. He was generous with family, friends and so many good causes often contributing without being asked, quietly and under the radar, to individuals and causes selflessly, without need of acknowledgment or credit. In his later years, he learned that by fixing his name to some gifts, he could inspire others to give as well.
Over the years, from the time he performed in the Yiddish theater as a young actor, Leonard was particularly drawn to Jewish roles in film, television, stage, and radio. Most enduringly he brought the gesture of the Biblical High Priest to the world’s attention as an iconic symbol of blessing. He was amused that his fans unsuspectingly blessed each other as they held up their hands and said, Live long and prosper!
Most recently, Leonard created magnificent mystical images of feminine Godliness in his Shekhina photographs, one of which he gave to me as a gift graces my synagogue study and adds a spiritual dimension for me of everything I do in my life as a rabbi.
One year Leonard asked me what I thought of his accepting an invitation from Germany to speak before thousands of Star Trek fans. He told me that he’d been asked before but always turned the invitation down due to his own discomfort about setting in a country that had murdered six million Jews. I told him that I thought it was time that he went, and that he take the opportunity to inform a new generation of Germans about who he was as a Jew and about the Jewish dimension of Spock’s personality and outlook. He liked the idea, and so on that basis accepted the invitation.
When he returned he told me that he had shared with the audience his own Jewish story and that Spock’s hand gesture was that of the Jewish High Priest blessing the Jewish community, an image he remembered from his early childhood attending shul with his grandfather in West Boston on Shabbes morning and peeking out from under his grandfather’s tallis at the Kohanim-priests as they raised their hands in blessing over the congregation. He told me that when he finished his talk he received a sustained standing ovation, an experience that was among the most moving in his public life.
There’s another incident worth recalling. The Soviet Film Institute had invited Leonard in the mid 1980s to come to Moscow to speak about Star Trek IV, which he had directed. Leonard agreed to come on the condition that he be granted free passage to Zaslov, Ukraine to visit Nimoy relatives he’d never met. The Soviet officials refused, so Leonard declined. Then they had a change of heart and caved, and he and Susan visited the Ukrainian Nimoys thus reuniting two branches of his family tree divided eighty years earlier. Who else but Leonard Nimoy could stare down the former Soviet Union and win!?
Over time, Leonard became one of the most positive Jewish role models in the world. He cared about all the right things, about promoting the Jewish arts, about peace and reconciliation between people and nations, and about greater justice in our own society.
He and I talked frequently about our love for Israel and its need for peace. He understood that a democratic Jewish state could survive only alongside a peaceful Palestinian state. He was disgusted by terrorism and war, disheartened by Israeli and Palestinian inability and recalcitrance to find compromise and a way forward towards a two-state solution and peace, and he was infuriated by continuing Israeli West Bank settlement construction and by both Islamic and Jewish fundamentalist extremism.
Though keenly aware of, knowledgeable about and savvy when it came to national and world politics and history, Leonard was at his core a humanitarian and an artist, and that was the lens through which he viewed the world.
Among his favorite quotations was that spoken by the 19th century actor Edwin Booth who claimed to have heard the solemn whisper of the god of all arts:
I shall give you hunger and pain and sleepless nights, also beauty and satisfaction known to few, and glimpses of the heavenly life. None of these shall you have continually, and of their coming and going you shall not be foretold.
Leonard did indeed glimpse the heavenly life in his artistic pursuits and in his love for his family and friends.
In thinking of him, I am reminded of Shakespeare’s words:
"Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine. That all the world will be in love with night. And pay no worship to the garish sun."
Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene 2
I’ve never known anyone like Leonard he was utterly unique. I loved him and will cherish his memory always.
Zicharon tzaddik livracha- May the memory of this righteous man be a blessing.
-Rabbi John L. Rosove
When Nimoy died at the age of 83 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, "he had everybody that he loved the most around him," says Rosove. "When he passed, he was ready. [His wife] Susan told him when he couldn't respond, 'Lenny, I love you. You can go. It's okay.' He smiled, and then he died. I think he saw light and he was beamed up."
The Search for Spock
In what turned out to be an amazing night, for a graduation present, Darlene treated Kymm, Alex & myself to a night at the Boston Pops! After dinner at a Japanese restraunt, we geeked out a bit with "the crazy family from New Hampshire" in the lobby while waiting to get in, then we saw the always amazing Leonard Nimoy host the night with guest conductor Sarah Hicks. The show featured music inspired by outer space, including excerpts from Holst's The Planets (Mars, Mercury & Jupiter), several themes from Star Trek, the Blue Danube Waltz from 2001: A Space Odyssey, several themes from Star Wars (Imperial March, the Main Title theme & the cantina music!), E.T. & Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Mr. Nimoy narrated throughout the evening, citing his own Boston ties & facts about the music played. At the end of the night, we went out back & waited for him to come out to his car. The crowd cheered as he appeared & I shouted, "Excellent work, Paw Paw!" He turned my way & smiled, giving the Vulcan salute. Geek holy grail achieved. Pictures are up in the gallery!
In what turned out to be an amazing night, for a graduation present, Darlene treated Kymm, Alex & myself to a night at the Boston Pops! After dinner at a Japanese restraunt, we geeked out a bit with "the crazy family from New Hampshire" in the lobby while waiting to get in, then we saw the always amazing Leonard Nimoy host the night with guest conductor Sarah Hicks. The show featured music inspired by outer space, including excerpts from Holst's The Planets (Mars, Mercury & Jupiter), several themes from Star Trek, the Blue Danube Waltz from 2001: A Space Odyssey, several themes from Star Wars (Imperial March, the Main Title theme & the cantina music!), E.T. & Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Mr. Nimoy narrated throughout the evening, citing his own Boston ties & facts about the music played. At the end of the night, we went out back & waited for him to come out to his car. The crowd cheered as he appeared & I shouted, "Excellent work, Paw Paw!" He turned my way & smiled, giving the Vulcan salute. Geek holy grail achieved. Pictures are up in the gallery!
MOVIE NIGHT!!!!
Most of the crew got together to watch Captain America: Winter Soldier at our usual movie hangout, the Blackstone Plaza theater. Aside of the excellent movie, which some of us had already seen, got to induct a new member into the boatload of crazy that is the Corona! New member, Nicole Mello, seems like she'll fit right in- We all geeked out about multiple topics (X-Men, Firefly, Sherlock, Doctor Who, video games, anime & of course Trek) then went in to find our seats. Afterward, we went out to eat & called it a night. A great night & very happy to find a new friend in Nicole! Check out the group picture in the gallery.
Most of the crew got together to watch Captain America: Winter Soldier at our usual movie hangout, the Blackstone Plaza theater. Aside of the excellent movie, which some of us had already seen, got to induct a new member into the boatload of crazy that is the Corona! New member, Nicole Mello, seems like she'll fit right in- We all geeked out about multiple topics (X-Men, Firefly, Sherlock, Doctor Who, video games, anime & of course Trek) then went in to find our seats. Afterward, we went out to eat & called it a night. A great night & very happy to find a new friend in Nicole! Check out the group picture in the gallery.
A NEW year!!
It's the start of a new year! While the ship has been running quiet for a few months now with the crew's personal lives of new jobs, school & generally being busy, 2014 is a landmark year for the Corona! Why?? The chapter was started today, January 1st, 15 years ago! It's been a crazy trip through our little quadrant in central MA, so we're going to ramp up the action for the coming year?? How? Well, during the ship's annual new year party on the January 10th where the fun will be had, we're also going to be talking about how we can achieve a huge goal! A new logo & new goals! Join us for what promises to be a landmark year for the crew of the USS Corona!
The start of something good 1/27/14
The new "15 Years, 15 Good Deeds" logo pretty much says it all! This year will be our most ambitious yet, with a proposed fifteen good deeds to be done over the course of the Corona's 15th anniversary year. The deeds will be a combination of group and personal accomplishments, because the Corona is more than just our group, it's the strong parts that make up the whole.
It starts off with this weekend on Friday, January 21st, 2014! Clean out your closets! Old clothes, wrong sized clothes, stuff you just don't want or wear anymore- We'll be donating them to one or two local charities so people who really need them can have it. Adults and kids clothing will be accepted in this venture. And of course we'll be posting photos of our efforts, so be sure to come back and look for proof of the fun and work that the crew of the Corona does for the community!
Each of our deeds will be listed below here with a few details, but be sure to check out the gallery page for pics!!
It starts off with this weekend on Friday, January 21st, 2014! Clean out your closets! Old clothes, wrong sized clothes, stuff you just don't want or wear anymore- We'll be donating them to one or two local charities so people who really need them can have it. Adults and kids clothing will be accepted in this venture. And of course we'll be posting photos of our efforts, so be sure to come back and look for proof of the fun and work that the crew of the Corona does for the community!
Each of our deeds will be listed below here with a few details, but be sure to check out the gallery page for pics!!
DEED 1
Starting off a little easy, The crew decided to clean out our closets of unwanted clothing and items that could be used by those in need. After some debate, we decided to donate them to Savers, a "low cost" multipurpose store. All of our items were in clean, good condition and ranged in a wide variety from coats to t-shirts and pants to board games. This effort only took us a couple hours, but we know it'll have lasting help to those who can use the items more than we can.
Starting off a little easy, The crew decided to clean out our closets of unwanted clothing and items that could be used by those in need. After some debate, we decided to donate them to Savers, a "low cost" multipurpose store. All of our items were in clean, good condition and ranged in a wide variety from coats to t-shirts and pants to board games. This effort only took us a couple hours, but we know it'll have lasting help to those who can use the items more than we can.
DEED 2
Even the littlest things count, right? Because you never know when that good deed will be paid forward to another. While on the way home from work, Capt. Mihail spotted a car that had ran out of gas about a half block from a gas station. Parking in the nearest lot, he jumped out and helped push the car to the station.
Even the littlest things count, right? Because you never know when that good deed will be paid forward to another. While on the way home from work, Capt. Mihail spotted a car that had ran out of gas about a half block from a gas station. Parking in the nearest lot, he jumped out and helped push the car to the station.
DEED 3 & 4
Never let it be said that the crew of the Corona isn't a crafty bunch! Darlene often makes awesome geeky crafty things and sells them at craft shows and conventions. Using her button maker, we spent the evening of July 4th making hundreds of buttons, sourcing pictures from old comics, magazines and anywhere else we could find. The buttons only cost us a few pennies, but when sold for $1 each, they make a mighty tempting treat for any fan. All of the money collected from Worcester's Start on the Street and Boston Comicon is going to our upcoming diabetes walk for Step Out.
Never let it be said that the crew of the Corona isn't a crafty bunch! Darlene often makes awesome geeky crafty things and sells them at craft shows and conventions. Using her button maker, we spent the evening of July 4th making hundreds of buttons, sourcing pictures from old comics, magazines and anywhere else we could find. The buttons only cost us a few pennies, but when sold for $1 each, they make a mighty tempting treat for any fan. All of the money collected from Worcester's Start on the Street and Boston Comicon is going to our upcoming diabetes walk for Step Out.
DEED 5
Another blood drive!!! This is the Corona's third blood drive and it's something that we're always happy to put on. Did you see our signs around the Douglas area? Were you one of the dozen or so people who came and donated? If so, thank you!
Another blood drive!!! This is the Corona's third blood drive and it's something that we're always happy to put on. Did you see our signs around the Douglas area? Were you one of the dozen or so people who came and donated? If so, thank you!
DEED 6
Harry Potter crafting!! The crew learned of a young girl named Samantha who has cancer and is on the Make-A-Wish list to visit the best place on Earth (according to her), the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disneyland. An enormous Potter fan, Samantha has read each book numerous times as well as seen each movie more times than we can count! But Samantha's trip isn't coming for awhile, so through an online effort, people are crafting HP items to boost her spirits. We got together a few times to create some fun items- drawings, sculptures, the Monster Book, a Nimbus 2000, a suitcase and much more! Check out the pictures in the gallery of our sessions plus shots of Samantha with some of her items.
Harry Potter crafting!! The crew learned of a young girl named Samantha who has cancer and is on the Make-A-Wish list to visit the best place on Earth (according to her), the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disneyland. An enormous Potter fan, Samantha has read each book numerous times as well as seen each movie more times than we can count! But Samantha's trip isn't coming for awhile, so through an online effort, people are crafting HP items to boost her spirits. We got together a few times to create some fun items- drawings, sculptures, the Monster Book, a Nimbus 2000, a suitcase and much more! Check out the pictures in the gallery of our sessions plus shots of Samantha with some of her items.
DEED 7
Darlene and Kymm had a mighty shiny night when they attended a charity theater screening of Serenity in Providence, RI held by the New England Browncoats and the Rhode Island Sci-Fi Club. In addition to the ticket price, attendees were encouraged to bring a donation for the local food pantry. Dressed in their Jayne hats, weapons and a good dose of Mudder's Milk, it looks like they had a mighty fine time, don'cha think? The night collected 145 lbs. of food that went to the food bank.
Darlene and Kymm had a mighty shiny night when they attended a charity theater screening of Serenity in Providence, RI held by the New England Browncoats and the Rhode Island Sci-Fi Club. In addition to the ticket price, attendees were encouraged to bring a donation for the local food pantry. Dressed in their Jayne hats, weapons and a good dose of Mudder's Milk, it looks like they had a mighty fine time, don'cha think? The night collected 145 lbs. of food that went to the food bank.
DEED 8
Probably our biggest fundraiser that we've don't this year and certainly in the top three fundraisers of the Corona's history! One of the Corona crew has a family member who had diabetes. Though now she's passed on, Aunt Joni had recovered from a diabetic coma plus other physical difficulties, she continues to inspire. So we formed "Team Joni" and set a goal of raising $500. Happily, we exceeded that and raised $693! For more pictures of the event, check out the gallery.
Probably our biggest fundraiser that we've don't this year and certainly in the top three fundraisers of the Corona's history! One of the Corona crew has a family member who had diabetes. Though now she's passed on, Aunt Joni had recovered from a diabetic coma plus other physical difficulties, she continues to inspire. So we formed "Team Joni" and set a goal of raising $500. Happily, we exceeded that and raised $693! For more pictures of the event, check out the gallery.
DEED 9
In keeping up with encouraging the Corona members to do a personal good deed, Ens. Kymm Mooney has volunteered a total of 20 hours to Special Olympics this year.
DEED 10
Cadet Lt. Samantha Mihail, growing constantly as cadets seem to do, cleaned out her dresser and donated three shopping bags full of gently used clothing to the Salvation Army.
DEED 11
Lt. Darlene Belisle created and donated two "gift baskets" to the Central Mass Foster Parent Appreciation Day. Her basket contained a bit of fun to help the new parents along in their new roles as parents- a Star Wars themed basket containing a Star Wars Angry Birds game, Star Wars plushie, beach blanket and mugs. The second was a "game night" basket containing several board games and card games. Along with many other donations of baskets from others, they were given to local families that could greatly benefit from a little extra help in starting our with their new families.
DEED 12
Lt. "Chief" Renaud told me that he has moved out of his apartment that he just moved into, one flight up to the 4th floor of his building. Why? Turns out he lived right next to the land lady of the building and she wanted a sick relative to move in, but wanted them close so she could keep tabs on him. When she asked Chief, he instantly said yes and started moving his things that day! Talk about some sacrifice for someone you don't know!
In keeping up with encouraging the Corona members to do a personal good deed, Ens. Kymm Mooney has volunteered a total of 20 hours to Special Olympics this year.
DEED 10
Cadet Lt. Samantha Mihail, growing constantly as cadets seem to do, cleaned out her dresser and donated three shopping bags full of gently used clothing to the Salvation Army.
DEED 11
Lt. Darlene Belisle created and donated two "gift baskets" to the Central Mass Foster Parent Appreciation Day. Her basket contained a bit of fun to help the new parents along in their new roles as parents- a Star Wars themed basket containing a Star Wars Angry Birds game, Star Wars plushie, beach blanket and mugs. The second was a "game night" basket containing several board games and card games. Along with many other donations of baskets from others, they were given to local families that could greatly benefit from a little extra help in starting our with their new families.
DEED 12
Lt. "Chief" Renaud told me that he has moved out of his apartment that he just moved into, one flight up to the 4th floor of his building. Why? Turns out he lived right next to the land lady of the building and she wanted a sick relative to move in, but wanted them close so she could keep tabs on him. When she asked Chief, he instantly said yes and started moving his things that day! Talk about some sacrifice for someone you don't know!
Ship images
After three months of e-mails & conferring, final images of the USS Corona have been posted in the "Ship Specifications" page. Modeled in 3-D by artist Adam Kopala ( http://adamkop.deviantart.com/ ), the crew is especially happy to have a clear view of our ship.
Fourth of july fun
7/4/13
The crew of the USS Corona got together at the home of Ensign Darlene Belisle for a holiday cookout, games and of course we headed off to watch the town fireworks!! Check out the gallery for some of the crazy crew fun, including Ensign Mooney's now infamous "Double Tribble" experience!!
blood Drive
6/23/13
I'm happy to report another successful blood drive!! While we didn't get the turnout we did last time, the attending nurses were happy with the amount we gathered, so we're not gonna argue! Seventeen people showed up and the day went off without a hitch, even considering the new computerized paperwork system that was involved. Looks like more blood drives are in our future! Look for another one in about 3-4 months!
theater update
5/9/13
Well, looks like a "lobby party" is a bust. Turns out that unless we pay big bucks for the whole weekend, there's a company policy about not having groups in the lobby. Well, not to fear, we'll still be there, attending the 4:30 showing. So be on the lookout for us, we'll be wearing our white Corona shirts, the ones you can see in the gallery for our blood drive. We'll have some of our new info postcards that give you a quick briefing about who we are and what we do!
New blood drive
4/26/13
The location and date for the next blood drive are confirmed! We'll be back at the Douglas Municipal center on June 23rd, 9-2pm. Thanks to all who donated and we hope to see you again in June!
New meeting place??
4/4/13
Hello, everyone! This is your Captain speaking.
We're seeing a slight surge in interest in joining the IFT & the USS Corona in general, so we're searching for a new public meeting space. I understand that coming into a tight knit group like the Corona can be an adventure all it's own and sometimes meeting the crew in a public space would be preferable. To that end I'm searching around & it looks like we might be having "open public meetings" at That's Entertainment in Worcester, MA. There's still some talking to do, but they have a neat room that's used for many other clubs and such. Plus, you can't beat That's E for all of their comics & pop culture stuff! I'll keep you updated on the results of our talks.
We're also trying to see if we can do a "lobby party" at the Cinema DeLux theater in the Shoppes at Blackstone in Millbury, MA for the premier of "Into Darkness". There's lots of corporate hoops we have to jump through, but hopefully you'll see us in the lobby with some costumes, fliers & a big USS Corona banner at a table! If you do, or just see someone in a Corona t-shirt, stop us & say Hi!
We're seeing a slight surge in interest in joining the IFT & the USS Corona in general, so we're searching for a new public meeting space. I understand that coming into a tight knit group like the Corona can be an adventure all it's own and sometimes meeting the crew in a public space would be preferable. To that end I'm searching around & it looks like we might be having "open public meetings" at That's Entertainment in Worcester, MA. There's still some talking to do, but they have a neat room that's used for many other clubs and such. Plus, you can't beat That's E for all of their comics & pop culture stuff! I'll keep you updated on the results of our talks.
We're also trying to see if we can do a "lobby party" at the Cinema DeLux theater in the Shoppes at Blackstone in Millbury, MA for the premier of "Into Darkness". There's lots of corporate hoops we have to jump through, but hopefully you'll see us in the lobby with some costumes, fliers & a big USS Corona banner at a table! If you do, or just see someone in a Corona t-shirt, stop us & say Hi!
It's logical to donate - The results!!!
3/30/13
On March 24th, the crew of the USS Corona hosted a blood drive in cooperation with the Red Cross at the Douglas Municipal center, Douglas, MA. The Red Cross came in early & set up their equipment while the Corona crew met up at the Captain's quarters nearby, had breakfast (some donated by The Little Coffee Bean) & went over the game plan. We arrived at the town hall "Resource room" to a flurry of activity by the RC staff putting the final touches on the room. We were very excited to be hosting such a marvelous event where not only the crew but everyone can give back to the community!
Right in the first ten minutes we had two donors show up & the day was off!! Though we only had 17 people make appointments, the local community didn't disappoint us! A few appointments didn't show up, but the walk-ins more than made up for it! With a quick rush of five people in the last half hour of the drive, a total of 27 donors came (including three Corona crewmembers donating) & we collected 22 pints of whole blood plus an additional six units of red cells for a grand total of 28 units of blood!! We passed our minimum goal of 25 pints & almost hit our next goal of 30!! And since up to three people can be helped with just one pint, three area hospitals can now help over 70 people in need!!! Amazing!!!
While there, our crew interacted with all of the donors, just talking to them, finding out their reasons for donating. Most responses were just a simple "Because it's the right thing to do". Other stories were quite touching, including one woman who needed a transfusion herself years ago & since then she's been donating as a way to pay it forward, hoping to help someone in the same situation. We also found out that many people just like to come in on a whim when they see a sign & they know they can donate. Good to know the Red Cross' "sandwich boards" & our bright yellow fliers helped get the word out!
By the end of the week I'll have all of the day's pictures in my possession & will post them here so you can see just how wonderful the day was! Thank you everyone for donating & for those of you who thought about it, we're planning another one on June 23rd from 9am-2pm. Come on by & help save lives!
Right in the first ten minutes we had two donors show up & the day was off!! Though we only had 17 people make appointments, the local community didn't disappoint us! A few appointments didn't show up, but the walk-ins more than made up for it! With a quick rush of five people in the last half hour of the drive, a total of 27 donors came (including three Corona crewmembers donating) & we collected 22 pints of whole blood plus an additional six units of red cells for a grand total of 28 units of blood!! We passed our minimum goal of 25 pints & almost hit our next goal of 30!! And since up to three people can be helped with just one pint, three area hospitals can now help over 70 people in need!!! Amazing!!!
While there, our crew interacted with all of the donors, just talking to them, finding out their reasons for donating. Most responses were just a simple "Because it's the right thing to do". Other stories were quite touching, including one woman who needed a transfusion herself years ago & since then she's been donating as a way to pay it forward, hoping to help someone in the same situation. We also found out that many people just like to come in on a whim when they see a sign & they know they can donate. Good to know the Red Cross' "sandwich boards" & our bright yellow fliers helped get the word out!
By the end of the week I'll have all of the day's pictures in my possession & will post them here so you can see just how wonderful the day was! Thank you everyone for donating & for those of you who thought about it, we're planning another one on June 23rd from 9am-2pm. Come on by & help save lives!
"make it sew." xela's journey- pt. 2
1/23/13
Tomorrow, Alex will be on her way home from down south, working as a seamstress on Star Trek: Continues. Alex has thrown me tidbits of her adventures, including that she was able to make on camera as a background extra, but has been keeping secrets!! Pictures of her have surfaced on the sets with other actors and it looks like she's had the time of her life! I can't blame her for not wanting the experience to end. Happily, she'll be coming to the Firefly marathon this coming weekend and I'm sure we'll get a full report of her adventure!!
UPDATE: I just talked to Alex as she was sitting on the plane at JFK waiting for takeoff to come back home. She's just bursting with excitement at all of the great times she had!! I'm excited to hear her adventures this Sunday at the Firefly marathon!!
UPDATE: I just talked to Alex as she was sitting on the plane at JFK waiting for takeoff to come back home. She's just bursting with excitement at all of the great times she had!! I'm excited to hear her adventures this Sunday at the Firefly marathon!!
"Make it sew." xela's journey- pt. 1
1/19/13
Our very own Ensign, Alexandra Preston (also known as Xela, ship's Operations Officer) through a little luck, timing and her own fabulous skills is currently down in Florida (taking Delta flight #1701..... no, really!) as a wardrobe person on the new web series Star Trek Continues!! For three weeks, Alex will be working on creating and repairing costumes worn by the cast of the
show.
Produced by Farragut Films and DracoGen Investments, the production's website (http://www.startrekcontinues.com/) states that "The premise of the series is based on the original 5-year voyage. The original series ended three years into the journey. Vic Mignogna (playing Kirk) and his team are starting this new series right where the original left off." Other cast members include Todd Haberkorn as Spock, Chuck Huber as McCoy, Chris Doohan (yes, Jimmy's son!) as Scotty, Grant Imahara as Sulu, Kim Stinger as Uhura and Wyatt Lenhart as Chekov.
Alex has sent pictures of herself on the set of the original E and I have to say, the sets are flawless!! Mignogna is a life long fan of Trek, so he's made sure that everything is as close to the original look as possible. From the sets to the costumes to the soundtrack, so I'm sure we're in for a real treat!! Check out the "Captain's Log" on the Continues website, especially the vignettes so you can see just how fabulous everything looks and how well the cast plays off each other. Truly it'll be the best of the online series!
As time goes on, I'll be posting more about Alex's adventures. She has to get approval from the people there, but she'll feed us what she can. We'll also have a large article in an upcoming issue of Voyages!!
show.
Produced by Farragut Films and DracoGen Investments, the production's website (http://www.startrekcontinues.com/) states that "The premise of the series is based on the original 5-year voyage. The original series ended three years into the journey. Vic Mignogna (playing Kirk) and his team are starting this new series right where the original left off." Other cast members include Todd Haberkorn as Spock, Chuck Huber as McCoy, Chris Doohan (yes, Jimmy's son!) as Scotty, Grant Imahara as Sulu, Kim Stinger as Uhura and Wyatt Lenhart as Chekov.
Alex has sent pictures of herself on the set of the original E and I have to say, the sets are flawless!! Mignogna is a life long fan of Trek, so he's made sure that everything is as close to the original look as possible. From the sets to the costumes to the soundtrack, so I'm sure we're in for a real treat!! Check out the "Captain's Log" on the Continues website, especially the vignettes so you can see just how fabulous everything looks and how well the cast plays off each other. Truly it'll be the best of the online series!
As time goes on, I'll be posting more about Alex's adventures. She has to get approval from the people there, but she'll feed us what she can. We'll also have a large article in an upcoming issue of Voyages!!