America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

Flotilla 86 Venice, FL             www.cgauxvenice.org           7th District

Denis Keyes, Commander            Judi Bidwick, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

 

As we get closer to the end of the year, Judi and I are planning for the transition of the office of Flotilla Commander. A few months ago, we agreed that any decisions affecting the Flotilla that would carry over to 2007 should be made by the incoming and outgoing FC and VFC.

There is one issue that we are jointly working on and that issue is vital to the Flotilla. As a result of a State legislative change, Sarasota County will no longer provide funds to the Flotilla for its Public Education and Boat Safety Programs. In the past two years those funds have greatly helped us improve our PE Program as well as outfit our Facilities and Boat Crews.

I have written to Commissioner Staub and Patterson asking both to address the membership and discuss this issue. I hope to hear from them before December's meeting.

On a personal note, I will be leaving the Sarasota area before the end of the year, relocating to New York City. A number of things have come together during the year, both business and family and although I will miss the Florida weather there is more personally for me up north.

My plans are to remain a member of 86 and in another year or two travel to Sarasota for the winter months. My place on Siesta Key is up for sale and I'll shortly be a permanent resident of New York.

On an even more personal note, this past February 17th Bill Cabana passed on to me an E-Mail from a friend that I've seen maybe three times in the past 40 years. Her name is Maureen Hopkins, the girl I took to her High School Prom and the girl that I'll marry December 30th.

I hope to see you all at the Change of Watch.

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

In order to go forward with solid objectives for the coming year, it is important to look at where we've been and what we've done over the past year.

Under the guidance and planning of Bud Beeman, we have expanded Member Training opportunities. In addition to training crew and coxswains in towing, Bud recruited knowledgeable members to offer classes for large or small groups. In that manner, he tried to address the individual needs of members. This arrangement of having two or three groups working at the same time on different objectives has met with great success, so we will continue that format during the coming year with Bud remaining in the FSO-MT office. We will also continue to teach AUXOP classes in all six areas several times a year, coordinated by Bob High, Ed Stebner, and Charley Dulany.

Public Education continues to advertise classes on the National Website and on our own site. Local newspapers appear more responsive to our advertising needs, allowing more space to our press releases and releasing information in a more timely manner, thus providing community members with more time to register.. We continue to teach four 13-lesson Boating Safety and Seamanship courses. PE had excellent response to the GPS for Mariners course recently and we will continue this class in the spring. Advanced Coastal Navigation will begin in January and is open to both members and the community. Combining classes with members and community has worked well for the past five years, so we will continue this format next year. The sailing course has been curtailed until the new books arrive, and that will be sometime in 2007.
This spring, for the first time, we will teach America's Boating Course. This is a much shortened form of our regular boating course but should provide a service for those who are not able to spend a longer period of time to study the BS&S course.

Public Affairs is flourishing with Al Bidwick at the head. He has brought us into the National headlines on the USCG Auxiliary website with a number of photo entries from several of our members. In addition, he has written a number of articles about our flotilla and the Auxiliary in general, which have made our local newspapers. For the first time in history, District 7, Division 8, and Flotilla 86 received five (5) first place National Photo Awards and four (4) second place photo awards this year. All of the photographs were taken of flotilla activities that we participated in--member training, public education, vessel examination, public affairs, and National Safe Boating Week. As Casey Jankowski said, "You've won first place; you can't get any higher!"

Our Vessel Examination Program continues to do well under the leadership of Henry Reynolds, with Patrick Wheeler leading examiners with over 250 boat safety checks. With ten moderately active examiners out of 16, we are reaching our goal set at the beginning of this year. We look forward to training new vessel examiners as we get new members.

With John Kandes at the helm of Boat Safety Program Visitor, we are getting back on track with our visits to local marine stores and those stores that sell boating supplies as well as libraries, grocery stores, and community centers. Some of our class members report getting information provided by these places.

Jerry Hopfengardner has done an excellent job creating materials for our Mentor Program. In addition, he has brought many new faces into mentoring, and we are seeing our partnerships pay off with our new members and our members who have chosen to strive for positions as crew, coxswain, or radio watch stander. We are very proud of Jerry's efforts and the outcomes he has achieved.

Operations continues to flourish with Juan Hernandez as FSO. We have twelve active vessel facilities that will lead us into the coming year. Patrols continue each weekend. Coxswains are able to sign up for patrols on line by using the computer program which Juan developed.

Our flotilla continues to train new watch standers with the assistance of Walt Jennings. This is one area we need services constantly. Walt, as our Communications officer updates communication standards yearly and fills our patrols with watch standers monthly.

Bill Cabana has performed competently as our Communications Services officer, bringing us into the forefront with a number of useful items for boaters--both members and community. In addition, Bill has published our newsletter on our site for the last three years.

Ed Stebner keeps us up to date with ATONs and we want to expand our efforts here in order to keep our area of the ICW safe.

Information Systems, one of the most demanding technical positions in the flotilla, has gone well this year with Harry Bruno as officer. His continual reminders have kept us up-to-date with our reporting of hours.

Marine Safety has taken on a new face over the last year, and it continues to be in the forefront of flotilla activities with Fred Shaneyfelt.

Without Paul Corcoran and his perseverance with new members, we wouldn't be where we are today. Personnel Services is one of the most important offices in our flotilla and with our constant efforts to gain new members and keep our old ones, our flotilla remains one of the largest in Division 8.

The area where we will feel the pinch is in our Finance Office. We have benefited greatly from Sarasota Grants for the past few years. Grants from the county may not be available in the future and we will need to look for other sources of support. However, we have gained a renovated teaching facility, computer, projector, software, tables, and many items for our operations and public affairs programs.

Our flotilla Materials Officer, Ruth Bruno, has performed above and beyond this year as she met all the needs of our programs and our personnel. Maintaining an unusually good relationship with her counterpart at the national and district level, Ruth is able to place and receive orders in record time.

As we proceed to the next year and as I move into a new position, I feel it is important to glance back to see where we've been as we look forward to the future in setting new goals.


Judi Bidwick
VFC

Marine Safety
Fred Shaneyfelt, FSO-MS

 

With '06 coming to an end and January 1, 2007 on the door step, a good New Year Resolution would be getting involved more within our Flotilla. All jobs within the Flotilla do not require special training, study of courses, and test taking.

Vessel Inspectors always need help at the boat ramps to assist in getting boats ready for inspection and passing out literature on America Waterway Watch (AWW) and Sea Partners programs. This is a good area to see if boaters want to get involved and join our Flotilla.

Any day of the week you can pick out a boat ramp and make contact with boaters and talk with them about AWW, Sea Partners, Safe boating classes and other classes we present at our Training Center for the public.

The more contact we have with the public on or near the water helps keep a strong safety presence by our Auxiliary.

Fred Shaneyfelt
FSO-MS

Member Training
Bud Beeman, FSO-MT

Two excellent Coxswain candidates and one excellent Crew candidate are prepared for their QE tests, to be held soon. Jean and Stan Ozimek are ready for Coxswain, having first achieved Crew status last spring. Janet Heijens recently joined, and is now going for Crew.

Member Training will have gained five Coxswains, and eight Crew this year, in what has been an extraordinary team effort to make that accomplishment. Boat handling, with Coxswain and Crew instruction, was largely accomplished by classes or boating offered by the Bidwick-Sleichtert "Partner-Ship", Denis Keyes "Acerta", Juan Hernandez "Sea Angel", and Bob High "Bomar". Others have assisted as well, offering their boats--Ed Stebner, Lou Magyar, John Harrison, and Walt Jennings.

Other member achievements have been in learning GPS, navigational and SAR skills, and Nav Rules. Al Bidwick, and Denis Keyes with Lou Magyar and Parick Wheeler have been responsible for those areas. Many other members should be recognized for weekly serving as Crew or as Watchstanders to make the training possible--and complete the Team effort.

Bob High, as Assistant MT, has supervised the courses for members to gain AUXOPS status through the year. A Weather has course just concluded for six members. Other courses completed were Seamanship, Patrols and Navigation. Not in the AUXOP list, but important to FL86 is Instructor Qualification. Soon an Instructor course will begin, and anyone interested should contact Bob.

Many thanks to all who participated in any way in Member Training this year.

Bud Beeman,
FSO/MT

Operations
Juan Hernandez, FSO-OP

 

As we get ready to end the year, I want to express my appreciation to all of you for the support received as Operations officer. Jim Sleichert will be taking over this function next year as I move to the Vice Commander role. Please join me in welcoming him to his new position in our Flotilla.

Many of you have become aware of the impending changes to the Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Program and I would like to take this opportunity to update you on these changes. The Auxiliary Surface Standardization Team (Surface STAN Team) was commissioned in December 2004 to review the boat crew program and make recommendations. Its mission is to "promote safety, standardization and best practices in all aspects of Auxiliary surface operations". This team focuses on policy, procedures and training issues.

The first challenge that the STAN team faced in revision of the Boat Crew Program was a philosophic one….what were we trying to achieve? The team ultimately agreed on this basic precept.

To assure our customers, the Coast Guard units and the public, that all Auxiliary boat crews are at a state of perpetual readiness and that they could, at any time, meet the standards for which they were originally qualified.

The STAN Team published a SITREP on their progress and some details of the new program are listed there. You can find more details about these changes in the Surface Operations section of the Chief Director's website at http://cgauxsurfaceops.us/ABCTM.htm.

Details of Some of the Operation Changes for the Coming Year:

o Incorporation of a Qualification Examiner (QE) Guide to the Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual.

o Changed some initial qualification tasks from optional to required, removed some optional tasks, and changed some optional tasks to waiver able by DIRAUX.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Commodore's Information

o Changed the required number of underway time from 8 hours to 12 hours per year, which can be earned as either coxswain or crew. (That is, coxswains can serve as crew members to achieve the new 12 hour requirement!)

o Annual currency maintenance tasks have been removed!

o Five year QE Check ride will be reduced to every three years. (Implementation plan pending approval.) But if you are due in 2007 or 2008, be looking for the new task list.
You will probably be completing the revised check ride with a QE sometime in 2007.

o Check ride tasks are being revised and will be published when approved. There will be a few additional tasks in the new check ride taken from the qualification check ride tasks. There is nothing you haven't done before, but you might not have done some for a while.

o One hour annual TCT review will be completed, designed by the Department of Operations, which can be conducted without a TCT facilitator at the local level.

Summary:

These changes are simply a course correction for the Boat Crew Program.
This is also an opportunity for us to determine our actual position and make the changes needed to provide a ready operational surface fleet, so your work can be continue to be accomplished.

We are not changing where we want to go, we are simply correcting for set and drift.

Juan C. Hernandez,
FSO/OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

I Love a Parade!

I hate to tell you this, but those of you who couldn't "march" the Sun Fiesta Parade with us missed out on a lot of fun.

Most of us met at the training center around 0900 and hopped aboard the Sleichert "taxi" which took us to the staging area down by Venice Beach. Walt Jennings and Patrick Wheeler were already there as well as Bill Cabana who drove Patrick's trailer. In a short time, we were lined up and ready to go, leaving us ample time to take photos, some of which are included in this newsletter.

Soon the parade began, and we fell in behind the Venice High School Marching Band. Harry Bruno and Harry I, the only walkers, led the way carrying a flotilla banner. I must say, we looked impressive in tropical dress blues. We even wore our garrison caps.

Patrick Wheeler, following close behind and riding high on Union Jack with auxiliary signboards and life saving gear, waved to the eager audience and occasionally sounded his horn. First Light and its crew, all attired in ODUs and wearing life jackets, completed our contingent. Judi Bidwick, Jim Sleichert and Jake The Wonder Dog (also in a life jacket) stood on the bow, followed by Ruth Bruno and Jean Ozimek. The crew played the Coast Guard theme song, Semper Paratus, all along the parade route as they waved and exchanged well wishes with the crowd.

What a great feeling we all shared when the viewers stood, saluted, clapped, or expressed their approval in other ways. Whether viewed as Coast Guard or Auxiliary, we sent a positive message to the crowd.

After the parade, those of us who did not have other plans met at the Crows Nest and shared a delightful lunch, finishing in time to head home for an afternoon siesta. Does it get any better than this?

Al Bidwick,
FSO-PA

Vessel Examiner
Henry Reynolds, FSO-VE

 The year, 2006, is just about to come to an end. The Flotilla has examined 427 vessels as of 31 October with a pass rate of 54%. This has been a good year for the flotilla and especially for Patrick Wheeler. He has examined 267 of the 427 vessels. Patrick is well on his way to earning the new Recreation Boating Safety Device. Well-done Patrick.

All of the Flotilla VEs have done an excellent job this year in conducting VSCs. Keep up the good work and let's make this a record year for the Flotilla.

This year's vessel examination goal is 500 VSCs. With two months remaining in the year we can still make the goal. To accomplish this we will need to have an all out blitz at the ramps in Venice and Turtle Beach. This is attainable, so let's do it.

Thanks to all.

Henry S Reynolds
FSO-VE

 

 

STANDARDS OF DRESS
USCG AUXILIARY

Wearing the Auxiliary uniform, as a representative of the us coast guard and homeland security, members should take pride in the way they look. Appearance, uniform fit, and grooming shall reflect the pride of that representation.

Uniforms should be pressed, clean, fit properly, and be in good repair.

Hats and caps shall be worn squarely on the head.

Shirts, coats, jackets, overcoats, and raingear shall be buttoned. Sleeves shall not be rolled up unless specified.

The bottoms of trousers or slacks without cuffs should touch the shoe tops. The socks must not be exposed when the wearer is standing.

Except for formal uniforms, a female skirt hemline will be no higher than the crease in the back of the knee nor lower than 2 inches below the crease.

Women's handbags may be carried in the hand or worn over the shoulder with the strap.

Members in uniform may wear personal display items such as bracelets, necklaces, wristwatches, ID bracelets and rings. If visible while in uniform, these items must be conservative, non-controversial, and in good taste. There shall be no more than two rings on each hand. Eccentricities in color and manner of wear (for example, rings on every finger) shall not be worn when in uniform.

In uniform, men are prohibited from wearing earrings. Women may wear one pair of golf, silver, or pearl earrings which should be small (maximum ¼ inch) and of the round ball style. Women may wear diamond stud earrings (maximum ¼ inch) with dinner dress uniforms. Dangling and hoop earrings are prohibited while in uniform. No articles, jewelry, or studs other than those specified for women shall be through or attached to the ear, nose, tongue, or any other visible body part while in uniform.

Women's cosmetics shall be of conservative color and worn in good taste. Eccentricities in color and manner of wear shall not be worn while in uniform. Men and women shall keep their nails clean. Women may wear nail polish, but the color shall be conservative and neutral in color. Decorative nail art is not authorized while in uniform.

Necklaces and neck chains must not be visible when wearing the uniform.

The only additional jewelry authorized are cuff links, shirt studs, tie clasps, and tie tacs. These items include the tie tac earned at sar school which may be worn on ties.

Many articles should not be worn or carried exposed on the uniform. These articles include pencils, pens, watch chains or fobs, pins, handkerchiefs, combs, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and similar items.

Men's hair is to be neat and clean, not touch the collar, and be away from the ears. Beards, sideburns, or mustaches if worn, shall be well groomed and neatly trimmed at all times in order not to present a ragged appearance. No portion of a mustache will extend below the lipline of the upper lip. Handlebar mustaches or other eccentric styles are not appropriate while in uniform. Full or partial beards, van dykes, and goatees are authorized.

Women's hair should not be below the collar or extend below the eyebrows when the hat is removed.

Windbreakers and jackets are authorized for use with the tropical, winter dress, undress, and working uniforms. When worn, the jacket shall be zipped at least 2/3 of the way up.

Frame and lens styles will be conservative and in good taste. Mirrored lenses are prohibited while in uniform.

If wearing the coast guard uniform, religious/ethnic items must be concealed or worn only during religious services. They must not detract from the general uniform appearance of coast guard auxiliary personnel.

For more information on uniform and proper dress, consult CChapter 10,
USCG Auxiliary Manual
 

 

 

One Of Our Own Back From Iraq

As most of you know 1LT Louis Magyar III son of Lou and Momi Magyar has just completed a one year deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. He was attached to the 10th CSH (Combat Support Hospital) A Company out of Fort Carson Colorado. What some of you don't know is Louis has been a member of our flotilla since he, Lou and Momi transferred into our flotilla from Hawaii in March 2001.

Louis started his Auxiliary career while he was helping his dad at the DIRAUX office in Hawaii. At the age of 15 the Commodore of District 14 made him an honorary Auxiliarist due to his volunteer spirit and commitment to the Auxiliary. At the age of 17 Louis became a regular Auxiliarist. Louis always wanted to help others and volunteered for many civic projects when he was a Boy Scout.

His desire to help others caused him to become a nurse in the Army and while he was in Iraq he passed his certification test to become an Emergency Room Nurse and was subsequently designated an ER nurse in the Army. When asked how he felt about being in Iraq he answered I wish I was home but I am happy here because I am doing what I joined the Army for - saving lives. Louis and his fiance are being transferred from Fort Riley Kansas to Tripler Medical Center in Honolulu Hawaii in January.

We are proud of the service to our country that Louis is doing and very proud to have him as a member of our flotilla and a fellow Auxiliarist. Bravo Zulu

Pictures are included at the end of the newsletter.

 

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

No report at this time. Check back later.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruthanne Bruno, Secretary
 

 

 

Oct 19 Registration,pick up book, pay $50 or $60/couple sharing 1 book

Oct 23 Which Boat is For You…………………….Lou Magyar

Oct 26 Handling Your Boat………………………...Helen Sarvis

Oct 30 Trailering Your Boat……………………….Butch Brann

Oct 30 Equipment For Your Boat…………………Lou Magyar

Nov 2 Navigation……………………………………..Denis Keyes

Nov 6 Rules of the Road…………………………….Ron Hogarth

Nov 6 Powering Your Boat………………………….Denis Keyes

Nov 9 Your Highway Signs…………………………Judi Bidwick

Nov 9 Inland Boating………………………………..Bud Beeman

Nov 13 Boating and Weather…………………………Tom McGuire

Nov 13 Your Boat's Radio…………………………….Walt Jennings

Nov 16 Lines and Knots………………………………Judi Bidwick

Nov 16 Rest of the Story………………………………Butch Brann

Nov 20 Exam

Changes in chapter order should be noted. Please read each chapter prior to the class.

When you have successfully completed this course by passing the exam, you will receive a certificate that will probably reduce your boat insurance. The State of Florida Fishing and Wildlife Commission will issue a lifetime Florida Boater Card.

Judi Bidwick
492-5904