America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

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

Denis Keyes, Commander            Judi Bidwick, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

I’d like to extend my appreciation to Bud Beeman (FSO-MT) and all those who’ve helped with the OWT program this spring and summer. Arranging for Boats, People, and Missions in times of extremely High and Low activity is a very difficult task. The number of Crew and Coxswain candidates as well as 5 Year Re-Quals is probably our highest priority.

So far this year we’ve had 7 members qualified for crew and 3 scheduled for coxswain. We’re already planning for a second group of coxswain candidates as well as several new crew members. Again thanks to Bud and his people for the fine effort.  

            I am pleased to report that with the exception of one member we knew would dis-enroll, all of our members have received Favorable Status for their OS/DO Security checks. Thanks to all for your help.      

            Elections will be held at our October meeting and either our DCP Raymond Paysour or VCP Fred Kermode will attend. Judi will be running for FC and Juan for VFC and I wish both a successful election. Please make every effort to attend and show your support for the Flotilla elections. 

            Our BS&S season has started and as usual we can use all the help we can get. Please assist us by attending one of the sessions and getting involved with the students. Do you remember when you took BS&S--the attitude and involvement of the Flotilla members was one of the reasons you decided to join?           

            If anyone has not paid dues yet please send your $40.00 check to Lou Magyar as soon as possible. We still keep dues at $40.00 and when we receive your check, it’s your commitment to remain in the Flotilla for another year. If we do not receive your payment shortly, we must proceed with the dis-enrollment process.             

As a final note remember the COW on Saturday November 11^th. 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 No Notices Flotilla Staff Officers  AN - Ed Stebner  AV - Al Bidwick  CM - Garlan Russ  CS - Henry Reynolds  FN - Janet Heijens  IS -   Harry Bruno  MA - Ruthanne Bruno  MS - Henry Reynolds  MT - John Harrison  OP - Jim Sleichert  PA - Al Bidwick  PB - Monique Ring  PE - Ruthanne Bruno  PS - Paul Corcoran  PV - John Kandes  SR - Ruthanne Bruno  VE - Denis Keyes General Meeting: First Tuesday - 1930 Training Center On The Water Training Every Tuesday - 0830 Moorings

Vice Commander's Message
Judi Bidwick, VFC

We're in the last throes of summer, finishing our member training and beginning to set goals for the fall. Garland Russ, Patrick Wheeler, and John Harrison met with QEs and joined the ranks of coxswain. The day included a requalification for Lou Magyar and also a crewman from 84. Three veteran QEs joined us-Casey Jankowski, John Scholl, and Roy Bellas. Bud Beeman planned the activities and organized the day which included a cookout for all participants and those who came to give support to our candidates. Pictures from the day's activities are included in the photo section of this newsletter. Congratulations to each of the new coxswains and to Lou for effortlessly passing his requals!

Our 13-lesson Boating Safety class is underway with 15 members, many of whom are interested in taking part in the On-The-Water Training follow-up class for those who pass the BSS course.

A four-day GPS course begins October 11, following by our second BSS-13 starting October 19. A special thanks to Jim Sleichert, Paul Corcoran, and Butch Brann who attended the registration in my absence and started the course off on a positive note.

Harry and Ruth Bruno cleaned out and rearranged the PE book closet this summer and have continued to participate in the nightly BSS classes as support personnel. Patrick Wheeler also joined us to assist.

The Public Education classes are a good place to start volunteering if you are a new member. Not only do you provide needed services, but you can be a positive influence on those taking the class. We try to make learning meaningful and fun at the same time.

Those of you who haven't seen the training facility recently, please join us at the next meeting on Tuesday, October 3. New carpeting and ceiling tile, along with the new paint, really make the room look good. These kinds of changes happen only because our members generously volunteer their time and talents for the flotilla.

Judi Bidwick
VFC

Information Services
Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

 

Thank you to all members who are getting their forms to me in a timely manner.  It is a great help to me in performing my job.

 Those members who have multi-7030 activity reports should be submitting these reports to me weekly or bimonthly to ensure the flotilla and the member obtain full credit for service activities performed. 

REMINDERS: 

*  By the end of September the ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 tests should be completed.

*  Facility owners:   be sure to check your boat inspection due date.

*  Be sure all your currencies are up-to-date.  Feel free to call or email me if you have

    any questions. 

*  Please be sure you submit ALL forms (including your 7030 in POMS) in a timely manner. We are running into many problems due to the lack of forms being submitted in a timely manner and being filled out properly. Without proper codes you will not get credit. To all coxswains, remember, 01A is the code to be used for OWT and patrols.

Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

Marine Safety
Fred Shaneyfelt, FSO-MS

 

The BACKBONE of the Auxiliary is knowledge brought from our past and mixed with knowledge gained daily with the Auxiliary. This is shown day after day with Boat Classes, GPS courses, and Navigation courses, etc. These are just a few of the classes given throughout the year to new members and offered to the general public. As we serve, all of us must keep in mind , in order to grow we must take advantage of classes and courses that are offered to us. A lot of responsibility has been placed on those who teach us.

As some of you know Betty & I attended the Aux -04 Auxiliary Distance Education Technology Training (Basic), ISC Alameda California from August 10 - 14. This "C" School was on Electronic Presentation and Web Based Technologies.

In my past years, I have probably attended over 100 classes and or seminars but nothing like this. From the time we arrived at the Executive Inn in Alameda until the time we left four days later it was 95% business, 5% bathroom breaks, breakfast, lunch, dinner and sleeping. We were kept busy with PowerPoint and web based technologies.

Also included in the 5% was a tour of the US Coast Guard Cutter Monroe and a dinner at an Italian Restaurant located in Jack London Square.

The staff who presented the above were outstanding in every way possible. The knowledge they have of the subject and the way it was presented was outstanding in every way. I can not say enough about each one and the teaching methods. The point is to bring this knowledge back to our flotillas.

My wife and I salute -Jeff Mahl. DC-I, Robert Fritz DVC-IR, and Todd Thuma BC-IRT the instructors for Aux-04.

I would highly recommend that each member check out the schools offered in their field and take advantage of what is offered.

Fred Shaneyfelt
FSO-MS

Materials
Ruth Bruno, FSO-MA

 

The Seventh District Fall Training and Business Conference was held in Tampa at the Westin Harbor Island Hotel from 9/14 - 9/17. Lou and Momi Magyar and Ruth and Harry Bruno attended representing Diraux West.

Harry and Ruth worked during the conference creating ID cards with the newly developed "Diraux Automation" program. Attendees whose ID cards were expiring and new members were able to have a photo taken and receive a new card within minutes. This new program makes data quickly and easily accessible and will continue to offer even more improvements in the near future.

On Friday and Saturday, workshops were offered and a general meeting was held with Elections of 2007 Executive Committee and a District Board Business meeting. Many awards were presented. It was exciting to hear Flotilla 86 mentioned so often for the awards that Judi and Al Bidwick received in the photograph category.

The Commodore's Banquet was on Friday evening, which gave us the opportunity to meet members from all around the District. Presentations were made recognizing the many accomplishments members had made over the past year. The keynote speaker was  RADM David Kunkel.

On Saturday evening the highlight of the "Big Band Fun Night" was a show presented by the "Coasties" along with auxiliary members. It was amazing to see the unexpected talents that surfaced. Prizes were given for costumes and dancing, as well as many free raffle prizes. Activities wrapped up on Sunday with everyone leaving with increased knowledge, new friendships and renewed enthusiasm, looking forward to the next Conference in January 2007.

Ruth Bruno,
FSO-MA

Operations
Juan Hernandez, FSO-OP

 

We had a productive summer session and we are looking forward to your return and the fall activities. Culminating the summer season is the coxswain qualification QE mission Bud Beeman scheduled for Tuesday, October 26, 2006 for 3 coxswain candidates – we are looking forward to welcoming them to the coxswain team!

We are ready to distribute the lines, floats, clips and charts we bought for facility owners at the next meeting. This will help us standardize towing lines among all facilities and update the area charts. In addition we also bought additional PFDs, let me know if you need one.

Finally, the Change of Watch (COW) dinner is approaching. Please let me know if you plan to take your boat to this event, reservations are required.
 

Juan C. Hernandez,
FSO/OP

 

MINUTES - September 5, 2006
USCG AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 8-6
(These are abbreviated Minutes- full Minutes available in Secretary's Manual)
 

Commander Keyes called the meeting to order at 1930 with 24 members present and one guest,

Peter Heijens.  Meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation.

 

FC REPORT:  Denis Keyes pointed out the following:  scheduled guest was not able to attend and will reschedule; there was 100% accountability during the calling tree for hurricane "Ernesto."   Denis pointed out the many new improvements completed at the training center.  Commander reminded everyone dues are due and reservations for the COW should be made.  He told members Bob High is looking for members to participate in the Christmas boat parade.  Contact Bob.

 

STAFF REPORTS: 

FSO-VE: Henry Reynolds said there will be a VE Day at South Venice Association on 9/30 and 11/18, 9:30 to 12:30.  He needs a VE volunteer.  Henry stated old flares can now be dropped off at the Sheriff's building on Route 776 at the property office.  You will get a receipt.  He asked members to notify marinas.  Henry announced 363 VE done and 195 passed.  Patrick Wheeler performed 66% of them.  More VE are needed.

 

FSO-IS:    Harry Bruno reminded everyone to get their currencies done before the end of the year.

 

FSO-MT:  Bud Beeman invited everyone to attend member training every Tuesday at the Moorings.  There are 4 coxswain candidates who will qualify on 9/19 or 9/26.  After that we return to crew and coxswain training with the hope of qualifying more candidates in December.

 

FSO-COM: There is a new watchstander computer at the Moorings.  The user name and password are posted. When finished log off, DO NOT SHUT OFF ANY COMPUTER.

 

FSO-PS:   Paul Corcoran had one interview which did not materialize into a new member. 

 

MAINTENANCE: John Harrison thanked the members of the work parties for all the improvements. He warned members not to go inside the new fence around the antenna as it is dangerous.  Anyone needing access for maintenance must call St. Petersburg from the small building to receive proper instructions.

 

AWARDS:    NAV RULES:  Garland Russ

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Screening Committee:  Bud Hynes read the rules for the selection and voting of new candidates for the upcoming year.  Announcement of nominations and election will take place next month.

 

Russ Wolfe announced that Leroy Zeedick's wife is hospitalized.  Members were asked to send cards.  The flotilla will also send a card.  Bud Hynes told members he has heard from Ken Smith that they moved to Santa Barbara July 15, and are doing very well.  Lou Magyar thanked members who have helped clean up the Moorings.  Lou also announced that Jim Sleichert will be handling online testing requests for NTC.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Our next meeting is October 3rd.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruthanne Bruno, Secretary
 

 

Public Affairs, Publications and Photo Contest Winners Announced

The National Public Affairs department has posted a web page listing the winners of the Public affairs, publications, and various photo contests. 

 Visit http://www.auxadept.org/contest.shtml to see the willing NSBW ALBUMS. 

The NATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST results are also available for download in the following formats:

PDF:  http://www.auxadept.org/contest/PhotoContest2006.pdf
Flash:  http://www.auxadept.org/contest/PhotoContest2006.swf

 

The following are winners from our Division/Flotilla:

National Safe Boating Week Digital Photo Album: 

First Place—Judi Bidwick

This is a compilation of all flotilla activities that related to NSBW.  This album contains 22 pictures taken at the various activities performed or supported by Flotilla 86.  Many of our members are represented in the photos.

National Public Affairs Photo Contest:

First Place--Vessel Exam—Judi Bidwick

First Place--Public Affairs—Judi Bidwick

First Place--Member Training—Al Bidwick

Best of Show—Judi Bidwick

Sixty photographers entered 240 photographs in each of seven areas that the Auxiliary functions—Public Education, Public Affairs, Vessel Exams, Member Training, Marine Safety, Operations, Fellowship

 

 

 

REMINDERS:

Certified Coxswains are solely responsible for ensuring that crew meets the minimum requirements in terms of number and that they are currently certified.  The certification of the crew should be checked in POMS or AUXDATA by the Coxswain prior to beginning the patrol.  If a patrol is conducted with uncertified members, POMS will not allow the reimbursement of the patrol.  Trainees do not count as a certified crewmember. 

The Coxswain must ensure the patrol is authorized prior to beginning the patrol.  In other words, the radio operator will call the station and obtain verbal authorization to begin.  This call makes the 5132 an authorized order and ready to execute.

 If a Facility is no longer accepted for use, or a certification lapses before executing orders, the patrol will be canceled.  If an unauthorized patrol is performed, the member will not be reimbursed as the patrol was not authorized by the Coast Guard.

Crew members are responsible for ensuring that they do not perform as a crew member unless they are certified.  They too share the responsibility of ensuring they have met the minimum requirements and their certification is up-to-date in AUXDATA.

Coxswains are obligated to offer crew members the following allowances whenever they are serving under reimbursable orders:

Meals	Time	Amount ($)
Mid Rations	2200 - 0200	1.90
Breakfast	0400 - 0800	1.90
Lunch	1000 - 1400	3.50
Dinner	1600 - 2000	3.50

 Crew members may choose to donate this allowance; the following options have been suggested:

1-     Give it to Paul Corcoran for whatever collection is being made at the time;

2-     Give it to Lou Magyar, FSO-FN, for support of Fellowship functions;

3-     Put it in the coffee fund.

 If a coxswain provides food and drinks during a patrol, crew members are not eligible to receive meal allowances. 

Coxswains should always discuss with crew members how meal allowances will be handled before patrols

 

 

THE GUARDIAN

 

On September 29, the film The Guardian will be released in movie theaters nationwide. This film is the first about the Coast Guard in many years, and is expected to have a significant impact on the public image of the Coast Guard and, by extension, the Auxiliary.

Auxiliary personnel are authorized to participate in the opening of the movie in several ways. They are encouraged to establish safety booths at theaters to support our traditional Auxiliary missions of recreational boating safety and maritime domain awareness. They are also encouraged to cooperate with local Coast Guard recruiting personnel, who may find that moviegoers are inspired to join the Coast Guard after watching the movie. They are permitted to attend the movie in uniform, individually or in groups. As we get closer to the release date, we are hoping to provide you with resources on how to identify local theaters which will be featuring the movie. In the meantime, we suggest that you share this concept with your fellow Auxiliarists, arrange for appropriate quantities of handout materials, and put together your watchstanding schedules.

Auxiliarists are not permitted to promote the movie, based on prohibitions of commercialism in the Coast Guard. This includes the distribution or use of trailers or posters promoting the movie in a way which would promote it. We are not permitted to solicit donations of tickets or posters. However, if the production company or theaters offer us items, we are permitted to accept them in accordance with the provision of the Auxiliary manual. As you may know, the procedure for donations of less than $2,500 are handled at the local level. It may be advisable to accept any such donations explicitly on behalf of the CGAuxA.

We hope this information will be useful in participating in one of the more exciting Coast Guard moments of our time. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact me at ntarl@dictyon.com or DC-Ad Ed Sweeney at esweeney-uscgaux@comcast.net.

 Nick Tarlson, DC-A
 

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY POLICY STATEMENT