Major Projects/Efforts

In November, STARFLEET Petfleet focused on several key initiatives aimed at improving member engagement and celebrating the service’s rich history. The most significant achievement was the launch of the new STARFLEET Petfleet website on November 1st. This was followed by the publication of the November newsletter, a scavenger hunt contest to encourage interaction with the new site, and continued efforts to develop 20th-anniversary merchandise for release in December. 

Key Points:

• New Website Launch: Central hub for resources, registration, contests, and more.
• Newsletter Publication: Informs members about activities and opportunities.
• Scavenger Hunt Contest: Boosted website engagement and awarded prizes.
• 20th Anniversary Merchandise: Collectables launching in December.

New STARFLEET Petfleet Website Launch

The STARFLEET Petfleet website launched on November 1st, marking a significant milestone in the auxiliary’s evolution. This site provides a one-stop hub for members, offering features such as pet registration, awards nominations, volunteer opportunities, and interactive activities. The website also documents Petfleet’s history, showcases its command staff and regional liaisons, and includes the full SFPet handbook. On November 2nd, a website tour and AMA were held to introduce members to these features.

Key Points:

• New features: pet registration, contests, awards nominations, and more.
• Interactive activities like photo contests and pet walking challenges.
• Website tour and AMA event on November 2nd.
• Link: STARFLEET Petfleet Website.

Quarterly Petfleet Newsletter – November Edition

The November edition of “Pet Tails from the Final Frontier” was published on November 1st. This quarterly newsletter continues to be an essential communication tool, providing updates on STARFLEET Petfleet’s activities, upcoming events, and opportunities for members. The latest issue featured highlights of the new website, an overview of the scavenger hunt contest, award nomination information, and more.

Key Points:

• Detailed website launch overview.
• Announced scavenger hunt contest and prizes.
• Spotlight on award nominations and volunteer opportunities.
• Link: Newsletter Link.

Website Scavenger Hunt Contest

To encourage members to explore the new website, a scavenger hunt contest was held in November. Members searched for hidden mini delta paw icons and entered to win exciting prizes. The contest was a fun and engaging way to familiarize members with the website’s features and celebrate its launch. Winners received commemorative merchandise, and their prizes have been shipped.

Key Points:

• Contest goal: Find hidden delta paw icons on the website.
• Prizes: 20th Anniversary Coin, Petfleet Patch, and Sticker Pack.
• Winners: Matthew Chrysler, Susan Anderson & Larry French Sr., all from Region 12 – notified, and prizes distributed.

November Photo Contest – “Pets in Action”

November’s photo contest celebrated dynamic and energetic moments of our members’ pets. Themed “Pets in Action,” the contest saw incredible entries from members across the fleet. The first-place prize was awarded to Janet Livingston, with honourable mentions going to Rik Moran and Logan Littrell.

Key Points:

• Theme: “Pets in Action.”
• 1st Place: Janet Livingston.
• Honourable Mentions: Rik Moran and Logan Littrell.

20th Anniversary Product Development

In preparation for STARFLEET Petfleet’s 20th Anniversary, new merchandise is being developed for release in December. Items include collectable coins, patches, pins, and stickers, with more planned for 2025. These products celebrate Petfleet’s milestone and provide members with exclusive collectables.

Key Points:

• Products: 20th-anniversary collectable coin, patches, pins, stickers, magnets, coasters and more.
• Release date: Mid-December 2024 via the Quartermaster Store.
• Supported by STARFLEET CS seed funding.

Issues/Problems

In November, STARFLEET Petfleet faced the difficult loss (Retirement) of our Director’s Consultant, James Cecil. James had been a valued member of the SFPet community since 2000, and his contributions to the organization were immeasurable. Over the years, James held several important roles, including Director of SFPet and Newsletter Editor. His passion for the community, coupled with his incredible sense of humor, made him an unforgettable presence within STARFLEET Petfleet. Even during the most challenging times, James always knew how to bring a smile to our faces, often lightening the mood with his witty remarks and, of course, his ever-present offer of Scooby Snacks.

Additionally, Petfleet is navigating resource challenges, including funding for a WordPress plugin to streamline data management and preparing for the integration of member records into the upcoming STARFLEET database.

Key Points:

• Retirement of RADM James Cecil, a key contributor to Petfleet.
• Resource needs: WordPress plugin for data management.
• STARFLEET database integration planned for future streamlining.

Accomplishments

November marked several major accomplishments for STARFLEET Petfleet. The successful launch of the new website and the publication of the November newsletter were key highlights, alongside a well-received scavenger hunt contest. Behind the scenes, the team made significant progress on 20th Anniversary merchandise, which will soon be available to members.

Key Points:

1. Website launch as a central member resource.
2. Newsletter publication to keep members informed and engaged.
3. Scavenger Hunt contest promoted interaction with the new website.
4. Progress on exclusive 20th Anniversary merchandise.