Volume I, Number 1  •  April 2008 
Contents

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Sunday April 6
Captain Matt Ebeling

Wednesday April 9
Ensign JG Eric Lange

Monday April 14
Ensign Elisa Roper

Tuesday April 15
Lt JG David Churvis

Thursday April 17
Ensign Adam Rocca

Wednesday April 30
ENS3 Hal Doby

APRIL MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Wednesday April 9
Ensign James L. Newton

Friday April 11
Ensign Clint Mull

WISH LIST
The Republic needs certain items on a continuing basis to operate.  To help keep our expenses and membership dues as low as possible, donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your support!

•  address labels: Avery 8160 or compatible
•  9 x 12 clasp envelopes
•  standard staples
•  clear packing tape
•  HP 78 or 78+ color ink cartridge or compatible
•  HP 45 black ink cartridge or compatible

ABOUT THE REPUBLIC
The USS Republic NCC-1371 is a chapter of STARFLEET International (SFI) and a member of STARFLEET Region 2.  Commissioned in 1988, the Republic currently has 50 members (as of April 1) and is the third largest STARFLEET chapter in the world.  The Republic plans and coordinates an active schedule of events for its members, frequently partnering with other local science fiction groups in the Atlanta area for joint activities, but does not hold meetings on a consistently fixed date each month.

Membership in the Republic includes membership in STARFLEET International.  Annual dues are $25 per person for both groups (family discounts are available with certain conditions and restrictions).  Membership in the Republic includes a subscription to our award-winning quarterly paper newsletter, The Sovereign Star, access to our YahooGroups message board, voting privileges in chapter elections and a personalized laminated membership card which entitles the member to receive discounts or rebates on products and services offered by our Member Benefits Program Partners.  Additional information on Republic membership and how to join can be found on our award-winning web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

OUR MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAM PARTNERS
Visit our web site for details!

• Welcome to The Republiqué!
• Upcoming Event: USS Robins' Welcome Home Party

• Upcoming Event: Mystery Star Trek Theater
• Upcoming Event: USS Hephaestus Spring Cookout
• Upcoming Event: Spring Dinner Meeting
• Upcoming Event: TimeGate '08
• Upcoming Event: Sci-Fi Summer Con
• 20th Year Celebration Party Packs
• 2008 Republic Calendars now available!
• Captain Watts featured in Star Trek: Phase II eMagazine
• Member Recruitment Special: Star Trek: New Voyages DVDs

Welcome to The Republiqué!
Welcome to the first issue of the USS Republic's brand new monthly e-zine, The Republiqué!  (The what?  "Republic" + "communiqué" = Republiqué.  Pronounced "re-PU-bli-KAY."  Okay, you can stop groaning now.  We almost called it... The Republicator!  No?  Would you have preferred... The Republican?  Yeah... we thought not.)

The Republiqué is in addition to---not a replacement for---our award-winning chapter newsletter, The Sovereign Star.  The primary purpose of The Republiqué is to keep our members and friends up-to-date on our upcoming events and activities so that all of you can make plans to join us (no more "But I didn't know about it!"), as well as to tell you about member birthdays, upcoming membership renewals and occasional special offers.  The Sovereign Star will remain the Republic's official organ and include all the editorials, articles, columns, artwork, chapter activity reports and other outstanding content that earned it the STARFLEET Region 2 "Best Printed Newsletter" Award for 2007.  Also, The Republiqué will be emailed to all our members and friends on a monthly basis, while The Sovereign Star will remain a members-only, paper-only quarterly magazine---now more than ever, the crown jewel of our member benefits!  (Friends of the Republic may purchase copies of The Sovereign Star for only $3.00 each from our web site.)

We hope you're as excited about this brand new e-zine as we are, and we invite you to send us feedback and suggestions.  Of course, if you prefer not to receive any future issues, please let us know.  Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you at one or more of the fun-filled events we've got planned... details below!

Captain Eric L. Watts and Lt. JG David Churvis, Editors
Away Mission to USS Robins' Welcome Home Party

Saturday, April 12, 2008
Ryan’s Restaurant, 1992 Watson Blvd, Warner Robins GA  31093
Meet to carpool at 10:00 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m., meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Join the USS Republic on our "away mission" to Warner Robins to help the USS Robins welcome Lt JG Will Glass home from his tour in Korea with the United States Air Force at their monthly chapter meeting at the local Ryan's restaurant.

Let's carpool!  Anyone wishing to carpool to Warner Robins should arrive at the home of Capt Eric L. Watts at 2902 Aspen Woods Entry, Atlanta GA 30360, no later than 10:00 a.m. sharp!  We'll load up the car(s) for the two-hour road trip and split the cost of a tank of gas!  This is an excellent opportunity to show support not only for our STARFLEET colleagues, but also for an honored member of our armed services!  And it'll be fun, too!

MAP AND DIRECTIONS
Mystery Star Trek Theater

7:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008
Hosted by Lt JG David Churvis
412 Ivey Park Lane, Norcross GA  30092
Join us as for an exciting new event where we watch a truly awful episode of Star Trek on Lt. Churvis' bigscreen TV, followed by a truly awful movie!  Comments from the peanut gallery are STRONGLY encouraged; in fact, if you don't say anything, you're doing it wrong!  This month's episode selection is the Original Series episode "The Way To Eden," in which Spock joins a bunch of space hippies on a quest to find paradise.  Then, we'll heckle one of the Captain's all-time favorites, the classic 1980 movie Xanadu, which needs no introduction.  It's guaranteed to be a night of  musical disaster!  There will be a special prize for anyone who shows up wearing something Olivia Newton-John would have worn in the movie!  Some food and drinks will be provided, but bring something to share if you'd like.

Lt. Churvis' apartment complex is called Ivey Brook (although the sign looks like "Joey Brook" to many). The gate code is 235.
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
Away Mission to the USS Hephaestus Spring Cookout

2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008
Meet to carpool at 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by and at the home of VADM Pete Mohney
3152 Dolly Ridge Drive, Birmingham AL 35243
(205) 747-0610
www.ussheph.org
On April 19, the USS Hephaestus is hosting their annual Spring Cookout at Admiral Pete Mohney's home in Birmingham.  The day will start at 2:00 p.m., and they'll kick it right off with games, movies and lots of food and drink!  Early in the afternoon, they'll fire up the grills and cook up whatever you bring (and they have some pro cooks in the group, if you're not barbecue-inclined)---all you have to bring is your main course.  They'll provide all sorts of sides, condiments, toppings, buns and everything else you'll need.  They'll have some spare burgers and hot dogs if you forget your food, or if you're just THAT hungry and want more!

Following the noshing, they'll start the infamous Spring Poker Game, open to all comers.  There will be a $10 buy-in, and all the money will go to the winners, due to the Hephaestus' rather fat treasury.  There may even be some prizes, too!)  In addition to the poker, there will be other games and activities---some Dalmuti, some Munchkin, some DVD trivia on the TV, and of course... more food, until the last one calls it a night!

Let's carpool!  Anyone wishing to carpool to Birmingham should arrive at the home of Capt Eric L. Watts at 2902 Aspen Woods Entry, Atlanta GA 30360, no later than 12:00 noon sharp!  We'll load up the car(s) for the two-and-a-half-hour road trip and split the cost of a tank of gas!  This is an excellent opportunity to show support for and have a lot of fun with our STARFLEET colleagues in Alabama!
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
Spring Dinner Meeting

6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ryan's Grill Buffet Bakery
7045 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross GA  30092
(770) 840-9637
Please join the Republic for our Spring Dinner & Business Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, at the Ryan's restaurant on Jimmy Carter Boulevard just west of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross.  We'll enjoy a scrumptious dinner at 6:00 and conduct our business meeting promptly at 7:00.  This is an especially important meeting for everyone, members and friends alike, who are interested in and/or plan to participate in our 20th Year Celebration at Sci-Fi Summer Con (SFSC) in June (see below for event details).  SFSC will be just over a month away by the time of this meeting and we'll be hammering out many of the final details of our reception, party and programming details. We'll also confirm the details of our chapter presence at TimeGate '08 in May (see below) and start planning for our presence at Dragon*Con August 29-September 1.  Again, this is an especially important meeting for everyone desiring and/or planning to be a part of our 20th Year Celebration and other convention appearances this summer, so mark your calendars and now and please plan to attend!
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
TimeGate '08

Friday-Monday, May 23-26, 2008
Holiday Inn Select
4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta GA  30341
www.timegatecon.org

For the third consecutive year, the Republic will have an official presence at TimeGate, including a fan table and participation in several programming events.  Hosted by our friends Stargate Atlanta and the Atlanta Gallifreyans, this sci-fi con is devoted to Stargate, Doctor Who, "and everything in-between"!  We look forward to seeing you there!
MAP AND DIRECTIONS

USS Republic's 20th Year Celebration 1988-2008
Hosted by Sci-Fi Summer Con

Friday–Sunday, June 6-8, 2008
Crowne Plaza Marietta
1775 Parkway Place, Marietta GA  30067
http://sfscon.tripod.com/
The USS Republic was commissioned as a chapter of STARFLEET International in May 1988.  We will be celebrating not only our 20th Year, but also our BEST year EVER as one of the largest chapters in all of STARFLEET, at Sci-Fi Summer Con.  This celebration will include a STARFLEET reception on Friday night, a dance party on Saturday night and two days of ongoing discussion panels and presentations dedicated exclusively to Star Trek and STARFLEET throughout the weekend, which will be in addition to Sci-Fi Summer's regular track of programming dedicated to other, general sci-fi genres.  Come and help make 2008 Sci-Fi Summer Con's BEST year EVER!  To see the programming events we've got planned for Sci-Fi Summer, please click here.

PRE-REG SPECIAL!  PURCHASE YOUR SCI-FI SUMMER CON MEMBERSHIP THROUGH THE REPUBLIC AND SAVE $5.00!  In exchange for the opportunity (and hotel space) to host these events, the Republic has guaranteed SFSC management a specific number of convention memberships, to be brokered by and through the Republic.  These memberships are now available for only $15 per person, $5 less (a 25% discount!) than the current individual rate ($20) offered through the SFSC web site.  To receive this discount, you must purchase your Sci-Fi Summer Con membership through the Republic web site.  Your payment will be forwarded to and processed by Sci-Fi Summer Con management, and your membership will count towards the Republic's guaranteed quota.
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
20th Year Celebration Party Packs
In addition to the $5.00 discount off the regular Sci-Fi Summer Con membership rate, the Republic is also offering a limited edition party pack for attendees of our Celebration who purchase their SFSC memberships through the Republic.  This exclusive party park will include a 20th Year Celebration t-shirt, a commemorative key chain, a "really cool" party favor for the Saturday night dance party, and a raffle ticket for your chance to win some of our great door prizes, to be given out at that same party.  The 20th Year t-shirt, available in all sizes from Small to 4X, is a 100% preshrunk cotton tee with the two-color USS Republic 20th Year Celebration logo screenprinted on the full chest.  This exclusive party pack will be available only from the Republic's web site, only until May 20, and for only $15.00!  Be advised: These items will not be available for sale at the convention!  Those who place their orders before May 20 will be able to pick up their party pack with their SFSC registration packet.  Many conventions charge more than $15.00 for just a t-shirt, so the Republic's party pack is a fantastic value!  Don't wait... order yours today from the Republic's web site---and use the Shopping Cart to order your membership and party pack at the same time!  The proceeds from these party packs will help us present an outstanding STARFLEET Reception on SFSC's Friday evening, June 6.  Thank you for your support!
2008 USS Republic calendars now available!
The 2008 USS Republic wall calendars are here!  This full-sized, 10.75" x 17" calendar, printed on 90# index card stock and suitable for any wall (especially yours!), features full-color photos of twelve different chapter events held during the previous year and a half, the birthdays of all our members, all federal holidays and other notable occasions!  Comb-bound and predrilled for easy hanging!  A limited edition, they're going fast---hurry and get yours today for only $5.00 each plus $2.00 shipping and handling!   Click here to buy with PayPal or send check or money order payable to "USS Republic" to Captain Eric L. Watts, 2902 Aspen Woods Entry, Atlanta GA  30360-2759.
Captain Watts featured in Star Trek: Phase II eMagazine
You only THOUGHT you knew everything there was to know about your Captain!  Dragon*Con Director of Star Trek Programming and STARFLEET International's 2006 Commanding Officer of the Year, Eric L. Watts, is featured in a full-length, nine-page interview in the March/April 2008 issue of Star Trek: Phase II (formerly Star Trek: New Voyages) eMagazine.  Captain Watts discusses his introduction to Star Trek, his first Star Trek convention and Star Trek fan club, joining Dragon*Con to create TrekTrak, and how TrekTrak led to his involvement in the award-winning New Voyages episode "World Enough and Time."  The 72-page eMagazine is available as a free PDF download from the Star Trek: Phase II web site.  Get it and read it today!  And yes, that really IS Captain Eric with long hair and pointed ears in 1983!  And, speaking of Star Trek: New Voyages...
Member Recruitment Special:
Star Trek: New Voyages DVDs
Attention Friends of the Republic!  For a limited time, we're offering free DVDs of the Star Trek: New Voyages episodes "To Serve All My Days," starring Walter Koenig as Ensign Chekov, and the award-winning "World Enough and Time," starring George Takei as Lt. Sulu, with a cameo by the Republic's very own Commander Brian Holloway as a "red shirt" security guard... who gets decked by Sulu!  (Captain Eric L. Watts also served as a production assistant!)  Each DVD comes in a deluxe DVD case with the official (and no longer available to the general pubic!) STNV DVD case art as shown above and are absolutely FREE when you join the Republic during the month of April!

Disclaimer: It is illegal for anyone, including the Republic, to sell any episode of Star Trek: New Voyages.  All STNV episodes are available as a free download from the STNV web site.  We wish to make it clear that we are not selling these DVDs... we are giving them away for free as a member recruitment incentive to anyone who joins STARFLEET and the Republic during April at the regular combined rate of $25.00 per person.  Please visit the Republic's web site for information on how to join and please mention "Star Trek: New Voyages" on your membership application and/or PayPal payment "memo."
Classifieds
•  ADVERTISE your product, item, service or business to 50-75 science fiction fans in the USS Republic's award-winning newsletter, The Sovereign Star!.  Only $10.00 for a business card-sized display ad (2" x 3½").  Contact Capt Eric L. Watts for details.

USS Republic NCC-1371
2902 Aspen Woods Entry  |  Atlanta, Georgia  30360-2759
USSRepublic@aol.com  |  www.USSRepublic.com
Commanding Officer  
  Captain Eric L. Watts
Executive Officer  
  Commander Brian Holloway
Communications Officer  
  Lt JG David Churvis

The Republiqué Volume I, Number 1, April 2008.
Published monthly by and Copyright © 2008 USS Republic NCC-1371.
Captain Eric L. Watts and Lt. JG David Churvis, Editors.