NMA Reunion 2012: Airport Shuttle Service

I'm flying to Orlando for the NMA reunion, and will need ground transportation to the Doubletree. The hotel does not have its own shuttle, but as a major resort, there's no shortage of transportation options. Because I turn into a quivering puddle of warm Jell-O at the thought of travel glitches, I've done the research.

The Doubletree Universal staff recommends Mears Transportation. Their shuttles in Orlando run to hotels and tourist attractions around the clock.

The Mears desk at Orlando International Airport is on Level 1 (near the car rental counters). There, you'll pay, get your ticket and be told where to wait for your shuttle. One-way transportation is $19, and round-trip is $30. They'll try to group travellers with geographically similar destinations together. Most trips take a half-hour to an hour.

The Mears desk closes at midnight. If you arrive later, call them, and they'll tell you where to get a shuttle. You'll need cash to pay the driver, though.

You can make advance reservations online at the Mears Transportation website. While it's not necessary, it can be an advantage. My flight arrives in Orlando at about 8:30 p.m. in the evening, and,being a professional worrier, I consider the chance that my plane will be delayed over the Arctic Circle and arrive at the airport after midnight.  Having made my reservation already, I got a trip voucher by e-mail. I can scan it at the desk and it will print out my ticket.

Mears provides other options. Visting royalty, heads of state and retired master chiefs may wish to hire a stretch limosine. For the common folk, they've got a fleet of taxis and other vehicles, which might be an option for a group travelling together.

In a nutshell:
Advance booking is not required, but can be done online or by phone. Round trip is cheaper. If you arrive after midnight, give Mears a call.

http://www.mearstransportation.com
(407) 423-5566

Frank Mullen is in no way associated with Mears Transportation and receives no remuneration or material benefit from promoting their services. He provides this information only because he loves you and wants your life to be better. Frank Mullen provides the best information available and takes no responsibilty for any damn thing that might go wrong.

U.S. Navy Memorial Day Tribute

Still fresh after a year.

Plaques by John Clemmer

Artist, photographer and NMA saxophonist creates attractive plaques on media such as aluminum or canvas. He's now offering Navy Musicians Association members plaques with the NMA emblem and personal information. This one--I've seen it, and it's remarkable--is the NMA emblem on a 9.5" x 9.5" square of aluminum, backed with a 12" x12" steel mount.

Under the anchor is room for name, rank and Navy status.

Plaques are also available in red (below). Either color can also be printed on 11" x 11" canvas stretched on a wooden frame. Remarkably, both versions, the aluminum and canvas, are created by a process that involves inkjet printing and special coating.

The metal plaques are $89, the canvas $69. Contact John for more information.

John Clemmer - clemmerphoto@comcast.net

233 N. Forest Ave.

Marietta, GA 30060

770-428-1658

Lexicon Update

I've updated the Navy Musician's Lexicon, a grudging concession to the fact that it's the only thing many visitors care about, it's the first thing I ever posted here, and, I painfully admit, maybe the best.

The Unit Leader's Guide to the Shipboard Band

I was nervous when I first took a band to sea. I'f only I'd seen this training film. I wouldn't have had a care in the world, knowing the truth:

-- A shipboard band is happy. Beyond happy, in fact. The band members have iron-on smiles permanently creased in their faces. Just give them a chance to play, and the band is infected with joy. A seagoing band is on the verge of dying of delight, 24/7.

-- The crew is delighted to have a band aboard. Whenever music floats across the deck, the ship's company come rushing to listen. In fact, they'll probably pitch in and help.

-- There's not a ragbag in the bunch. Even when performing a routine shipboard gig, the MUs sparkle and shine. This is due, in part, to the support from the ship's laundry that works overtime to ensure the band's uniforms are always crisp, clean and ready to go.

-- Even the officers are thrilled to have a band aboard. They applaud the band's contributions toward shipoard life.

Rest easy, bandleader. Command Attitude toward the seagoing band can be summed up in the phrase, "You want it, you got it."

Book your room for the NMA Reunion

You heard about it on the mess deck and smelled it in the salt air: port of call was just over the horizon. Suddenly, the berthing compartment echoed with questions. Who’s got pesos? Does anybody have a spare neckerchief? Where’s the second trumpet part to the national anthem of the Republic of East Euphonia? 

So it is as we approach the end-of-June NMA reunion in Orlando. With two months to go, we’re making travel plans, registering for the reunion and asking the annual questions: What key is “Straight, No Chaser” in? Did I remember to pay my 2012 dues? Will my brown jacket still fit?

Let me add one more important question: Have you reserved your room at the Orlando Doubletree Universal yet? If you still haven’t booked your room, I urge you to do so soon. Pronto, in fact.

You see, the fees the hotel charges the NMA for function rooms, facilities and amenities are based on the number of rooms we occupy. The more rooms we reserve--and the sooner we reserve them--the better the deal we get. Locking in your reservation now doesn’t just assure you of a room--it provides a major boost to our bottom line.  

If you haven’t reserved your room yet, the information you need is below. I hope you’ll take care of this soon--maybe today. Our course is set for Orlando, and good times, good music and sea stories lie ahead.

(P.S.--“Straight, No Chaser” is in F, I did pay my 2012 dues and, yes, my brown jacket still fits. Sort of.)

---

NMA Reunion: June 27 - July 1, 2012

Doubletree Universal

5780 Major Boulevard

Orlando, Florida

1-800-327-2110

Group Code: NMA

Giving the group code will ensure you get our special NMA rate of $97 per night with free self-parking. The special rate is also good for the 3 days before and after the reunion.