Anthem Solar Alignment:
We always miss the solar alignment at the Anthem, Arizona, Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day because we are participating
in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.
But have you ever considered that the same solar alignment repeats for any solar position twice a year, except the summer and winter solstices?
A small group of us meet to view the alternate solar alignment each year.
As Mae West would say, "Come Up & See Me!"
at Anthem in the Anthem Community Park.
Anthem Veterans Memorial
Intersection of N. Gavilan Peak Parkway & W. Shadow Glenn Way.
41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem, AZ 85086
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the Anthem Veterans Memorial.)
Here's some photos from last year's Solar Alignment.

Laveen Community Parade:
This year's theme is "Laveen Vibes"
Parade rolls at 11 AM.
The 25th annual Laveen Community Parade will run on Dobbins Road from 43rd to 51st Avenues.
Dobbins Road will be closed from 41st Lane to 51st Avenue from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
We don't have an assigned staging location yet, so the setup is not specific, but we generally expect to be located on Dobbins Rd. east of 43rd Ave. (Same area we staged last year.) Access will be from 35th Ave facing west.
To get to the float staging area on Dobbins, east of 43rd Ave, it is recommended to take 35th Ave south to Dobbins Road and then head west. Parking along Dobbins is first come, first served.
Staging begins at 8 AM. Members are recommended to arrive there early as parking may be limited and entry by way of published routes will be restricted after 9 AM.
Here's some pictures from the 2025 Laveen Parade.

February Monthly General Meeting:
Join us at 1200 hours (noon if you’ve been out a while.) at Dillon's Restaurant,
20585 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308-6821
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to Dillon's.)
Come at 1100 for time to "socialize."
Roadwork will require lane restrictions and full closures on Loop 101, the interchange ramps and cross streets between 75th Avenue to I-17. Work will occur primarily during overnight hours and weekends to minimize traffic impacts, thus may affect travel time to future meetings at Dillon's starting September 27, 2024.
Although there is presently no closure identified for our meeting on February 14, you can check the current status on the ADOT website HERE.
You can also view the live Loop 101 cameras on the AZ511 website HERE.

Deadline for Midwatch Newsletter second quarter 2026 edition:
All input must be into Chris Gahan, communications@perch-base.org, Perch Base Newsletter Editor, to be included in the next Midwatch Newsletter.
Chris emphasizes that input to the MidWatch is welcome from ALL members, including articles, jokes, etc.

Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona:
NO MEETING AT DILLON'S!
This year all Arizona-based USSVI members from all AZ bases are invited to join Perch Base for our annual picnic festivities on National Submarine Day at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona. For Perch-base members, this event is going to serve as a concurrent monthly meeting, in lieu of meeting at Dillon’s Arrowhead.
This year, we have reserved the entire East Ramadas #6, #7, & #8, so we won't have to "compete" with an adjacent party like last year! These ramadas are next to the ones we've used in previous years.
View the ramadas #6, #7, & #8 locations at the park.
The base officers will be hosting/cranking and there will be steak burgers, hot dogs, and hot brats grilled to order. Each participating member/family is asked to provide a single picnic appropriate side dish for the mutual enjoyment of all to partake.
Paloma Community Park
29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85383
Located at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Dixileta Dr., just south of Loop 303 freeway.
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the Paloma Community Park.)
Soda-Pop, water, and utensils will be provided by the base. We have secured an alcohol permit to consume beer only, cans only, and you must provide your own if you wish to enjoy a brew with your meal. This facility accommodates handicapped personnel and elderly folks with a modern design that easily permits travel from vehicles to shelters on solid pathways without obstacles. The facility accommodates dogs and has adjacent dog park areas to permit your pouch to expend some energy and enjoy the day with you. Please bring portable kennel/crate to place your dog at rest, as lead staking is not feasible. You must have an appropriate AZG&F Fishing License if you wish to fish. Please note, there are no entrance or attendance fees to enter the park. Parking is free and there are abundant spaces close to the ramadas.
Be sure to check out all the accommodations, and the rules, this beautiful recreational park has to offer HERE.
If you are going to attend the Perch-Base Annual Picnic, or you have any special requirements and questions, please RSVP with a head and tail count to our COB, Kirby Anderson, COB@perch-base.org by Saturday, 04 April 2026. Let the Kirby know how many there are in your shore party, your pot-luck item, and if you are bringing any dogs or young children.
Here's some photos from last year's Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting.

Western Region Roundup:
The Western Region Roundup will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Thursday, April 16, 2026 thru Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map.)
Visit the Roundup website for more details.
This 2026 Western Region Roundup is hosted by USSVI Base 51.
Registration and sponsorship forms are available on the Roundup website and a link to get the discount hotel rate is HERE.
Here's some photos from last year's Roundup at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. taken by our member, Joe Trotter, attending the Roundup.

2026 USSVI National Convention:
The 2026 National Convention is in Corpus Christi, Texas at the Omni Hotel.
Register today!
Registration and the hotel room block are available on the convention website: https://subvetconvention.org/.