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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!!

Yes folks, here's your first reminder that yearly dues are due in September. The cost remains the same - as it has for many years - at $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. You can submit your dues now via PayPal. We also accept checks through the mail and are exploring other options for payment. Remind your friends that may not see the newsletter that they can join the fun, too!!

Grilled Steak with Avocado Sauce
Serves 2-4

Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 pounds flat iron steak
1 avocado, skin and pit removed, diced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
juice from 1 lime

Instructions:
1 Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Rub all over the steak.
2 Preheat grill to medium heat.
3 Place remaining ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4 Cook steak about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a plate and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
5 Slice steak and spoon avocado sauce over the top.

To quote Emma, "YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!"

Would you like a little Trek reading for the summer? There are several great options right now, and they're noted in the article from StarTrek.com HERE 

From comics - both new and continuing series - and to books, there are choices for everyone. There are also other options not listed in this article, including novels from TOS to Picard. I'm reading The Higher Frontier right now, and it's pretty good! Check these out HERE

Happy reading!

We hope everyone has time to have a little fun this weekend, doing whatever makes you happy!

If you're missing your favorite Star Trek stars, there are multiple chances to indulge yourself in the next weeks. There are live stream Q&A sessions and one-on-one Chats. You can also purchase video shoutouts, personalized autographs and video recordings.

For example, Star Trek doctors Gates McFadden, John Billingsley, Alexander Siddig, Robert Picardo, and Wilson Cruz unite for a session on July 5th at 2pm ET. There are also sessions with Klingons J.G. Hertzler and Robert O'Reilly, and William Shatner, plus stars from other franchises.

You can find details and register HERE

Virtual Trek Con, a larger convergence (no pun intended!) of Star Trek folk, takes place from July 15 to 20. There will be cast and crew interviews, fan interactions and special performances. There are several fun chances for fans to send in your own videos. These include tributes to Aron Eisenberg and Rene Auberjonois, a virtual Trek Pool Party, cosplay video, shout out to medical/essential professionals, and more.

Virtual Trek Con details can be found HERE

Last week's picture stumped most of you, and there were lots of guesses! Thanks to everyone that dropped a line to guess or just to say hi. Please keep them coming - it's great to hear from you!

The one correct guess came from Timara U. There were seven incorrect guesses. The confusion for most contestants came from the age of the picture and the fact that the person didn't live in Minnesota at the time, while Hubert Humphrey did. Does that clue give it away? Yes, it was Phill Goldman!

Here's this week's picture. Who is this with Santa? Send me an email to guess at