Author: Mary Pucel

Remember earlier this year, when the Space Force (the military branch, not the comedy show) unveiled its new logo and was instantly targeted by countless people for using the Star Trek Delta Shield? Last week they unveiled a newer new logo, together with the official motto Semper Supra, which means "Always Above." It still looks like a Delta Shield, but they have made it very clear that they've been using a similar symbol since 1961!!

Check out more details, including specific details of each aspect of the logo, at the United States Space Forces twitter account @SpaceForceDoD

Two USS Nokomis families have had printer demise hit their homes, resulting in an overabundance of ink. They are free to anyone that needs them.

• If you're interested in becoming the owner of 1-HP 564 XL black. 1-HP 564 -2 pac black, 1-HP 564 -3pac color, email Karen at
• If you need Epson 410 ink, 1 each of black or cyan or yellow or magenta, let your captain know

I got exactly ZERO guesses for the Name the USS Nokomis Member picture last week. That's the first time and we've had up to 15 guesses, so everybody must be sleepy from the hear. Just to be sassy, I'm going to extend the guessing for another week so you'll have time to consider. I'll give you a hint - it's someone that has been a member for more than 20 years. Come on, send your guess to

Greetings, Crew!!

Are you looking forward to the new Trek this year? I know I am!! There will be much discussion about the three series online this week, starting with lots of information at Comic-Con. Check out this teaser just released by CBS (click HERE ) and see more information in this week's newsletter post (below).

The biggest news here, of course, is the imminent release of Lower Decks on August 6th. It's just not going to be right if we don't celebrate the series premier in some way, so I'd love to hear your ideas. Do you want to watch it separately and then have a Zoom chat? Is there another idea for sharing the love? Let me know!!

Here's an update on our 20th CONvergence Blood Drive on August 22nd. It's from 9:30 to 3:30 at the DoubleTree Bloomington, and we'll be Plaza 5&6 (what CONvergence-goers know as the Art Show space). I'll be posting the link on our website and Facebook very soon, so keep you eyes open. If you'd like to donate, make sure you jump in and grab an appointment, since the drive is open to the public this year and not limited to con-goers. Donors will all be tested for COVID-19 antibodies and receive a $5 Amazon gift card, so slots fill up quickly!!

See you around the Galaxy!

Mary

As promised in last week's update, here's some information on the many Trek offerings at the virtual San Diego Comic Con. It started at 11:00 this morning!

There are several panels, including All The Starfleet Ladies, the Star Trek Universe Panel, and Picard: A Literary Retrospective. You'll find lots of other options, too. Who's more emotionally intelligent - Picard or Luke Skywalker? You might find out during Friday's presentation of The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars. Starting to sound like fun???

There are several great collectibles on hand, including a gorgeous prop replica cup and saucer set, from the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A as featured in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. This one is limited to 500 pieces, so jump quick if you want it! You can even download a copy of the souvenir program book - a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Check it out HERE

Who do you think this little one is? Send your guesses to to win the big prize!!! There's really no big prize - shhhhhhhhhh - but guess anyway!!

This recipe was featured at the USS Nokomis 2020 Valentine Dinner and prepared by Emma, Shannon and Harrison! YUM!!

Chicken Marbella

½ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 cup pitted prunes
½ cup pitted Spanish green olives
½ cup capers, with a bit of juice
6 bay leaves
1 head of garlic, peeled and puréed
½ cup fresh oregano, chopped, or 1/4 cup dried oregano
2 teaspoons of salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 chickens, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds each, quartered
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, prunes, olives, capers and juice, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a shallow roasting pan; spoon the marinade over it evenly. Pour in the wine and sprinkle the chicken with the brown sugar.

Bake until the thigh pieces yield clear yellow juice when pricked with a fork, 50 to 60 minutes, basting two or three times with the pan juices once the chicken begins to brown. (When basting, do not brush off the sugar. If the chicken browns too quickly, cover lightly with foil.)

Transfer the chicken pieces to a warm serving platter and top with the prunes, olives and capers; keep warm. Place the roasting pan over medium heat and bring the pan juices to a boil. Reduce to about 1/2 cup. Strain into a heatproof bowl, add the parsley and pour over the chicken.

Greetings, Crew!!

Big news this week - a new Star Trek series!! Do you think we should have a premier party, virtually? Hmmm, we'll think about how that might work.

Don't forget Virtual Trek Con, which starts today! Click HERE for information on this free virtual convention. The fun starts at 3pm CT today and the big Welcome Party is at 8pm. I can't wait for 6:15pm on Sunday, when they'll air a pre-recorded special message from the most awesome of all Trek ladies, the great Nichelle Nichols!

Next week, I'll post information on the next big opportunity - SDCC@HOME. That's San Diego Comic Con at Home, and they will also be featuring multiple Star Trek bits just for us!

We are trying something new to tempt your taste buds - Quarantine Recipes!!! We're starting out with a good one from Master Chef Emma, whose current favorite at-home meal is featured today. We'll follow with some highlights from past gourmet club events, and you are welcome to send along a favorite of your own to share with your crewmates.

I hope everyone is well and happy. Reach out to let us know!

See you around the Galaxy!

Mary

We're looking for ideas for next year's calendar. Please let a board member know what you'd like to do next year, including past events and new ideas. And since we aren't sure about the need for social distancing, here's an opportunity for us to be creative. Have you seen fun ideas that groups and companies are using to bring people together virtually? Is there something you'd like to with your crewmates that can be done virtually, or in a physically distanced way? Jot these down too, and send them to a Governing Board member between now and the end of August so we can consider them for our upcoming calendar. We'll remind you between now and then, too!

We had a virtual crowd at our meeting on July 11th. It was so nice to see and hear everyone. A few important updates:

• The August 22nd Movie Night will take place, weather permitting. The backyard event at the Captain's Quarters will allow social distancing while we watch our Star Trek. The event still costs $12, which covers your meal and entertainment. You need to bring your chair (or something else to site on) and beverage. New this year - the event has always been rain or shine, but that's not practical this time, so you will receive a full refund if the weather forces us to cancel. Payment is due by the August meeting on the 8th.
• The CONvergence Blood Drive is also on August 22nd. It will be at the DoubleTree in Bloomington and more information will be coming in the upcoming weeks. We're thinking about inviting folks to wear costumes to liven up the fun. Please help us to spread the word by forwarding our Facebook posts and emails about this drive. Without everybody's support, getting enough people will be tough. They aren't going to be a captive audience as usual at a con!!
• We have set a general guideline that we'll let you know about events at 60 days out. This will allow everyone to make plans. Accordingly, we have made the decision that we will NOT be having a bowling party for the meeting on September 19th. The meeting will take place virtually via Zoom. Note that this is the 3rd Saturday, not the 2rd, of the month.
• At this time, we still hope to hold our annual Chuckwagon on the 25th of October. This decision will be made at the August Governing Board meeting and we'll let you know at the August 8th General Membership meeting. Regardless of our decision, please continue to gather auction items, as they will absolutely be valuable no matter what the date!!