By Heide Dziardziel, member, USS Challenger
JERSEY SHORE – Star Trek fans from several Starfleet chapters celebrated First Contact Day during the most recent chapter meeting of the USS Challenger.
The USS Challenger meets at the Seaside Heights Community Center each first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at 1000 Bay Blvd. in Seaside Heights. The general public is always welcome to stop by. The club’s next meeting is May 4.
The annual observance of First Contact Day was derived from the plot of the 1996 Star Trek film, “Star Trek: First Contact.” The date of April 5, 2063 in the fictional Star Trek universe, is the day of first contact between humans and aliens, specifically Vulcans.
The date was chosen by screenwriter Ronald D. Moore, and was based on his eldest son’s birthday. The crew of the Jersey shore chapter of Starfleet, the international Star Trek Fan Association, note this event through their annual Intergalactic Food Festival which renames familiar foods and beverages with the names of delicacies seen in Star Trek such as Vulcan Rib Roast and Breen Meatballs plus blue soda as Romulan Ale and Mountain Dew as Saurian brandy. No actual alcoholic beverages are served during the event.
The event is also a celebration of spring and serves as an open house for science fiction fans to gather, eat and enjoy each other’s company while catching up on the latest news about upcoming science fiction, comic book based and fantasy films and movies. “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” will return for its third season this summer on the Paramount + streaming service.
Some attendees came in uniforms from the Star Trek franchise including guests Jay Ansky and Michael Smith who traveled the furthest distance from the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania area to represent their chapter, the USS Sovereign.
Admiral Bob Vosseller who heads the USS Challenger, which formed in 1988, promoted Bill Cusato to the rank of captain during the event. He is a member of the Starfleet chapter USS New Jersey based in Atlantic County. Rank in the club signifies activity as a member of Starfleet.
While the fictional Vulcans from the Star Trek franchise are vegetarians, some rare Vulcan roast ribs were found among the intergalactic delicacies served up at the USS Challenger’s Intergalactic Food Festival held earlier this month. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Cusato, a member of Starfleet since the 1990s, was originally assigned to the USS Briza, which ultimately merged with the USS Arthur C. Clarke and was based in South Jersey, where he served until 1999.
Star Trek fans enjoy socializing and discussing episodes they hold dear in their memories and participate in parades and numerous events.
As the founder of the USS Challenger NCC-1676-D, Vosseller reflected on his youth and shared his experiences as a member of the club and his interest in Star Trek films, TV series and the new streaming service shows.
There was an abundance of food served up including salads, numerous casseroles, and a variety of desserts.
Those interested in learning more about the club can reach out by calling 732-575-6904 or email 732-575-6904 or email BillSchmidt1000@aol.com. You can also visit usschallenger.org or like us on Facebook at USS Challenger.
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