America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

Flotilla 8-6 Venice, FL             www.cgauxvenice.org           7th District

Denis Keyes, Commander            Judi Bidwick, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

 

Happy and safe July 4th to all. As I hope you all know, the July meeting has been cancelled because it falls exactly on the holiday.

At the August meeting we'll have the Division Captain and Vice Captain as well as Rear Commodore West, Casey Jankowski as guest. They will address the membership and answer any questions. Please make every effort to be there and show support for the Flotilla.

This is the time of year when "DUES ARE DUE." We still keep our annual dues at $40.00 and ask that you send your check to Lou Magyar as soon as possible.

Unfortunately our OPEX planned for June had to be cancelled because Fuel dollars were depleting quickly. We seem to be back on track and OWT will not be affected. Juan is planning another OPEX in the fall when most of our members will have returned. Keep looking for details.

If you haven't sent in your check for this years COW, please do it as soon as possible. The affair will be Saturday November 11th and it will be on the Marina Jack's Dinner Cruise. The price is $55.00 per person and it will include a pre-Dinner Cocktail Party. Please make your checks payable to Flotilla 86 and send them to Lou Magyar FSO-FN. Reservations will be on a first paid first served basis. When we have 80 people including those we invite, we will no longer take reservations.

Denis Keyes
FC

Denis Keyes, FC

Contents

 

Important Notice Best Viewed With Windows Internet Explorer Flotilla Staff Officers                CM - Juan Hernandez                CS -  Denis Keyes                FN -  Janet Heijens                IS   - Harry Bruno                MA - Richard Markwitz                MS - Roman Gzyl                 MT -  Lou Magyar                OP - Jim Sleichert                PA - Al Bidwick                PB - Judi Bidwick                PE - Judi Bidwick                PS - John Kandes                PV - Jerry Mitchell                SR - Ruthanne Bruno                                       General Meeting:               First Tuesday - 1930                  Training Center               On The Water Training               Every Thursday - 0830                Marine Max, Venice

Vice Commander's Message
Judi Bidwick, VFC

Our Public Education classes finished up with the GPS course and a first time offering for teens from the Sarasota Summer Camps. Sixteen students participated in a training exercise at the moorings on our regular On The Water Training day. Four of our boats had non reimbursable orders for an OWT experience for these students; however, weather prevented us from that part of the morning.

Five instructors did assist in giving these teens some experiences with the heaving line toss, water pump, knots, environmental concerns, and they were able to board First Light, Walt Jennings' boat to see the equipment we use for patrols. Bud Beeman, Al Bidwick, Ed Stebner, Mike Marmion, Paul Corcoran and I were instructors for the morning.

It's not too late to get your yearly request in for our flotilla budget. It is important that we plan your expenditures in advance so we have a plan for our monies. If you, as an FSO, have not submitted your request, please do so as soon as possible. If you have questions, email me.

I would like to encourage those of you who are interested in becoming an instructor or a vessel examiner to study the manual and take the tests online. Finishing your requirements can be done afterwards with either Henry or his designee for Vessel Examiner or with me for Instructor.

If any of you take pictures while on patrol or at a flotilla function this summer, please send them to me so we can include them in the next newsletter. I would like pictures taken at the next meeting in August, especially. This would help me since I will be away for the next two meetings.

Celebrate the birth of our nation by flying your flag proudly!


Judi Bidwick
VFC

Information Services
Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

 

 

 

Some reminders from your FSO-IS:

1. SAR: If anyone does a SAR mission, be sure you indicate the time and change of mission at the top of the 7030 form. DO NOT JUST NOTE it in the remarks section. If you only do that you will not get proper credit for the SAR; you will only get credit for a safety mission.

2. CURRENCIES: Half the year has gone by-please be sure you complete your currencies. DO NOT LEAVE IT TO THE END OF THE YEAR! If you need any information about your status, please contact me.

3. ICS tests 100 and 700 are due at the end of June. ICS 200 and 800 should be completed by 9/30.

4. FORMS: Please be careful to complete your forms fully and properly. Many are omitting mission code, finish time, etc. I will begin returning incorrect forms to the sender rather than correcting the errors as I have been doing.
Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

Marine Safety
Fred Shaneyfelt, FSO-MS

 

C-SCHOOL

C School is a knowledge step that is offered to all Auxiliary members. C School should be looked at to further one's knowledge to help keep 8-6 number one in the 7th.

Its easy to get started, but you have to stay the course and make it work for you.

Step One
Get on the web: http://cschool.auxservices.org
This site is USCG Auxiliary C-School Portal. Check out C-School Listing and see if they have something that not only can help you but the flotilla. Always keep in mind the schooling you request to take has to be brought back and used in our flotilla.

Choose your school, time, date & location. Make sure that school is more than 45 days or more from starting. This will give ample time for processing at DIRAUX and at C-School.

While still in this site you can fill in a Short Term Training Request (STTR) or fill one in from our Web site under Members Resources. Forms & Manuals: CG52233

Step Three
STTR Form must be submitted to FLOTILLA COMMANDER for approval and submission to DIRAUX for final approval. Flotilla Commanders submits to DIRAUX in Miami

While you are still in the C school portal, Useful Student Links bring up the following, fill out
USCG Finance Center, EFT/ACH Member Payment Enrollment Form - SUBMIT
Open up REQUIREMENT TO USE SATO - make copy
Open up USCG TRAVEL GUIDE - make copy
Go to http://aux04.auxservices.org/students/info  - make copy. This will give you all the information about the class your are taking along with other sites of interest. You will find a TAX EXEMPTION FORM ON PAGE 2 - fill out and take with you.

Check on the status of your request by entering DIRAUX - Training Database (Direct Access)

When approved you will start to receive emails from your instructors welcoming you to C School. Contained in the email will be a step by step process of who must be contacted and the action you must take to get processed. You may have pre- school assignments and this will be explained in the emails from your instructors.

You will then receive written orders in the mail. Review and make copies. COPY OF YOUR ORDERS MUST BE FAXED TO SATO. No ticket will be issued if you do not send them a copy

IF YOU NEED SOME HELP PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME VIA PHONE OR EMAIL UNTIL WE ARRIVE BACK IN SUNNY FLORIDA.  BETTY & I JUST CAME THROUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR AUGUST 2006 AUX-04 CLASS AT ALAMEDA.

Fred Shaneyfelt
FSO-MS

Member Training
Bud Beeman, FSO-MT

 

 

Members who are not yet AUX-OPs need to look at the courses this fall, to complete those needed to reach AUX-OP. That is a significant level to be reached in the Auxiliary, and it enhances boating experiences as well.

This summer, emphasis will continue on Coxswain training, with a good number of candidates now here.

Bud Beeman,
FSO/MT

Operations
Juan Hernandez, FSO-OP

 

 

Patrols hours were recently restored and this will allow us to continue safety patrols, OWT missions and support other events, such as the July 4 Fireworks and the Offshore Boat Races. The summer is also a good time to work on meeting ACM requirements, prepare to take ICS tests and get one-on-one training for crew and coxswain qualification.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you a yours a great holiday weekend and a safe and enjoyable summer season.

Juan C. Hernandez,
FSO/OP

 

MINUTES-JUNE 6, 2006
USCG AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 8-6
(These are abbreviated Minutes- full Minutes available in Secretary's Manual)

Flotilla Commander, Denis Keyes called the meeting to order at 1930 with 26 members in attendance.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. FC Denis Keyes reminded members to stay out of the office area when attending OWT at the Moorings.The Commander announced that members no longer are required to file an SF86 form to become crew or coxswain. Denis stated our July meeting falls on the 4th. A motion was made and carried to cancel

the July 4th meeting. Commander Keyes announced the date for the C.O.W. is November 11. He encouraged members to reserve a place as soon as possible, as reservations are limited. Juan Hernandez is accepting checks for those interested in traveling by boat and staying at the Marina. Denis also announced that dues are due for the coming year ($40).

II. VFC Judi Bidwick:

III. Minutes of the May meeting were approved as they appear in the Fore and Aft. The Finance Report was approved.

IV. STAFF OFFICERS' REPORTS:
FSO-CS: Bill Cabana stated the Newletter was published and is available on the website.

FSO-OP: Juan Hernandez spoke about the OPEX that will take place on June 18 with the Coast Guard. Petty officer Shawn Wilcox will be in attendance. It will begin with a conference and then on the water training. Juan also invited any member interested to attend the practice on Saturday evening.

FSO-IS: Harry Bruno reminded everyone to complete the ICS 100 and 700 tests by the end of June.

MAINTENANCE: John Harrison plans to trim the area by the driveway and will need some help.  Harry Bruno reminded John that the sensor lights are not working properly.

FSO-PE: Judi Bidwick announced that the PE schedule has been published and sent to all instructors. Anyone interested in assisting is asked to contact Judi.

FSO:PA: In Al Bidwick's absence, Judi Bidwick stated that signs were placed at 4 different locations in Venice announcing National Safe Boating Week. Two articles have appeared in the papers and a photo of the presentation by the Mayor appears on the District 7 website.

FSO-MA: Ruth Bruno announced that 7 packages have been sent to Lou Magyar's son for distribution to the soldiers in Iraq. A $50 donation from Publix,in the form of a credit card will be used toward future packages.

V. AWARDS:
Award of Merit Member Achievement Award: Walt Jennings, 3rd place Operations, Coxswain Harry Bruno, 1st place Operations Crew

Sustained Auxiliary Service Award: Jerry Hopfengardner (1st Award); Harry Bruno (4th Award) John F. Susek (6th award); Lou Magyar (7th award); Patrick Wheeler (7th award);  Judi Bidwick (7th Award) and Jim Lair (9th award)

Commodore's Certificate of Excellence: Harry Bruno, Operations/Marine Safety Directorate, Coast Guard Operational & Administrative Support, Member Services Directorate; Ruthanne Bruno, Coast Guard Operational & Adminstrative Support; Walter Jennings, Operations/ Marine Safety Directorate; Louis Magyar, Coast Guard Operational & Administrative Support, and District Multi Directorate; John Susek, Coast Guard Operational & Administrative Support.

Instructor: Art Sperling

Coxswain 5 Year: Bob High, Denis Keyes

SAR Course: Patrick Wheeler

NAV "B" John Harrison

AUX Annual Service Award: Ron Hogarth (15 years) 24 Oct 06

Facilities: Momi Kai and Kingfish

VI. NEW BUSINESS: Lou Magyar announced that computers at Diraux West will be connected to the intranet. Members will log in to an electronic log for POMS, AUXDATA and as Watchstanders. Walter Jennings will have the user name and password for watchstanders.

Judi Bidwick told the members about plans for the Recreation program set up by Mike Marmion to be held at the Moorings on June 13th. This is a special boating and safety activity for teenage campers. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. All members are invited to participate.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2000.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruthanne Bruno, Secretary