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

Many thanks to those who helped with the carpet and ceiling tile replacement in the Training Facility. Pulling up the old carpet showed extensive water damage and parts of the carpet were literally rotting away. A water barrier was applied before the new carpet was installed and hopefully this will prevent any future damage.

The District meeting is being held in Tampa this September 14th-17th and it provides an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to be there. You can attend for one day or part of a day since Tampa is relatively close. For anyone interested, check the following website:

http://www.cgaux7.org/articles_conferences.asp

I've had a number of members respond to the Float Coat 50-50. We'll be ordering soon, so if you're interested and haven't contacted me yet, send an E Mail with your size to deniskeyes@comcast.net .

For those stragglers, please send your dues 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 11th. 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 members always seem to muster the energy to pool their collective resources, talents, and equipment when called to improve our facility. Although a small group, they were enough to get the job done. They replaced all ceiling tile and pulled up the old carpet in our training facility so new carpet could be installed. There were lots of lumps, bumps, and surprises as they went along, but each of these hardy souls was able to handle the tasks. The pictures at the end of this newsletter reflect the individual efforts. When members return in the fall, they will see some needed changes to our flotilla building.

If you act as a mentor to a new member or to one who is working on crew or coxswain, please stay in contact with these aspiring members. To be an effective mentor, you need to contact your mentee and offer support and direction often.
One of the keys to keeping members in our flotilla is to keep them active and involved.

I'd like to thank Walt Jennings, Denis Keyes, and Jean Ozimek for submitting pictures for the July, August, and September newsletters. In my absence they were able to keep us all aware of flotilla activities.

Public Education classes will begin with registration on Thursday, September 14 at 1800 for the 13 lesson BSS course. Our first class is Monday, September 18 at 1830. If you're able, please come to class and assist. Knots will be taught during the first 30 minutes of each class and it is especially beneficial to have assistants for class members during this time.


Judi Bidwick
VFC

Marine Safety
Fred Shaneyfelt, FSO-MS

 

As a relatively new member (2-yr.) to 8-6 I have stumbled, bumped my toe (s) and at times run face first into brick walls trying to find my way to information needed. All the time it was right in front of my face.

www.cgauxvenice.org

Yes, D-7 Flotilla 8-6 web site. As I check out each Flotilla's Officer's page and open up the attached links I am astonished at the wealth of information that is available not only to us of 8-6 but the assistance it can provide to the boating world in and around us.

FSO-CS Bill Cabana our Webmaster should feel very proud of the fact that we have an excellent website.

REMINDER: Pre- planning for weather emergencies requires time and effort. .

DO NOT FORGET YOUR IMMEDIATE LOVED ONES/PETS

Fred Shaneyfelt
FSO-MS

Mentor Program Update
Jerry Hopfengardner
Mentor Program Officer

Commander Denis Keyes announced our Mentor Program in January 2005. Over the past 20 months it has matured and extended its role - an accomplishment championed by our FC, VFC, FSO/MT, and numerous dedicated shipmates! Simply stated, our MP mission is to: (1) facilitate the assimilation of new members into the total life of our flotilla; and (2) lead established members in fulfilling their aspirations to qualify as Crew, Administration, or Coxswain.

Denis has stated that "the Mentor Program is changing the culture of our flotilla!"

FSO/MT Bud Beeman and I have collaborated in establishing mentor strands for the following qualification categories, which will become fully operative in early fall:

• New Member

• Crew

• Coxswain

• Administration

Bud plans to appoint two Assistant FSOs/MT for Crew and Coxswain programs, while I will honcho the New Member and Administration qualification groups. We anticipate this will facilitate more direct leadership of Mentees in each of the programs by narrowing the span of control.

The following current data reflect a Mentor Program being increasingly responsive to the needs of both Mentees and our total flotilla:

• New Members with Mentors 9

• Boat Crew Trainees with Mentors 1

• Coxswain Trainees with Mentors 6

• Available for New Member Mentoring 5

• Available for Crew Mentoring 6

• Available for Coxswain Mentoring 0

Our Mentor Program is alive and well - and hopefully making a contribution to the vitality of 8-6! A big debt of gratitude goes to shipmates who serve as Mentors - and a genuine invitation is extended to those of you who'd like to consider boarding the "Good Ship MP!"

Semper Paratus!

Academy Admissions Partner Program
Jerry Hopfengardner
AAP

The Academy Admissions Partner Program (AAPP) succeeded the former Career Counselor (CC) program 1 January 2006. Stated reasons for this move were to ensure greater standardization of procedures among the cadre of U.S. Coast Guard Academy volunteer recruitment representatives and bring the program under more direct control by the Academy's Office of Admissions.

Partners are represented by former CCs, retired Coasties, and families of current and former Academy cadets. We report to Captain Susan Bibeau, USCG, Director of Admissions and are supported by Associate Director of Admissions for Volunteer Programs, and Academy alum, Tamara McKenna. My AOR is west coast from Bradenton to Port Charlotte.

Stated briefly, the AAPP mission is to familiarize youth and their parents and high school teachers/counselors with the Academy - and facilitate the application process of students considered viable prospects re admissibility (high school program of studies - preferably science, math and computer science - and grades, board scores, demonstrated leadership and community service, and physical fitness). Partners approximate the role of civilian college admissions personnel - representing the Academy at college nights, speaking to groups of students/parents, recruiting for Academy Introduction Mission (AIM - summer program for rising twelfth graders), and honchoing public announcements.

The response from high schools, students and parents in my AOR has been very positive! Commitments this fall include three college nights, two school visitations to meet with groups of interested students, and eight presentations to tenth grade JROTC cadets.

Please tell me about students you know who are realistic Academy prospects.

The future leadership of our United States Coast Guard is dependent upon the quality and number of officers educated and commissioned!

 

Vessel Examiner
Henry Reynolds, FSO-VE

How to be the Best Darn VE Possible!
And Then Become a Program Visitor Too!

The key to becoming a great VE is all in the training. Becoming a Vessel Examiner can be done by classroom instruction along with hands on training, or by self study along with some hands on training.

On this page you will find links to training tools and the open book on-line Vessel Examiner examination. These tools can be used by your FSO-MT (Member Training Officer) or your FSO-VE (Vessel Examiner Officer) as well as by you to self study the course.

The first and most important tool is the VSC Manual M16796.8 which can be obtained through your FSO-MA (Materials Officer) or by downloading an Adobe Acrobat version from this link which is 1.59 MB in size. You should become totally familiar with this manual as it will be your "Bible" to guide you in becoming a great vessel examiner.

There have been some changes to the manual since it was printed and they can be found at this link in the form of an Adobe Acrobat file which is 49 Kb in size.

You should also download the Forms ANSC-7003, ANSC-7008, ANSC-7012, ANSC-7038 and ANSC-7045 from the forms page at http://forms.cgaux.org/forms.html and become familiar with them.

The best tool to prepare you for the examination is the Microsoft PowerPoint VSC Training Presentation which your instructor should use to teach the course. You can use this as a self study tool as well and we strongly encourage you to do so. This is a very large file at 16.28 MB in size but explains everything you need to know and quizzes you in preparation for passing the VE Exam. You can download the PowerPoint from this link.

We also have a PowerPoint presentation for performing VSC's on PWC's and you should download that PowerPoint from this link which is 7.27 MB in size.

Once you have used the above tools and feel you are ready to take the exam, go to http://cgexams.info/testing and take the on-line Vessel Examiner Course Exam. This is an open book exam and you will get your results as soon as you complete the exam. You can retake this exam as many times as you need if you don't pass it the first time around. The great thing about the results you get is that it tells you what pages to study when you get questions wrong.

That's not all... As we said above, you must have some hands on training. You need to go out with a qualified Vessel Examiner and perform 5 exams under the supervision of that qualified examiner. After this is completed, the examiner must notify your Flotilla Commander who will in turn notify your DIRAUX (Director of Auxiliary Office) that the task has been completed. Your DIRAUX will then certify you as a qualified VE and you can start performing exams on your own.

Your Local and State Regulations... Each state and many localities have their own rules to compliment the Federal regulations. This information you should get from the qualified VE (your mentor) that you work with. You can also generally find the state rules on the Internet of your state's website. It's good to print that information out and have it with you when you perform VSC's.

Once you have become qualified, go to http://safetyseal.net/index3.asp and scroll down to the link that says ""I Want a VSC" Volunteer Examiners Sign-Up Here!" and sign up to be a member of our on-line "I Want a VSC" volunteer force where the public can locate examiners near their ZIP code.

But don't stop here... Did you know that to become a Program Visitor many of the questions on the PV Exam come from the VSC Manual that you just mastered? So why not take that additional step and become a Program Visitor too?

This is the time to take that step since you are already half way there with the knowledge you just gained in the above steps. Download the RBSVP Manual - M16796.3C from this link. Along with what you learned from the VSC Manual, study the RBSVP Manual and take the RBSVP Exam linked on this web page http://cgexams.info/testing. Once you've passed the exam, get together with a qualified Program Visitor to perform two visits under his or her supervision. Once that is done, the qualified program visitor must notify your Flotilla Commander who in turn must notify your DIRAUX Office that you've completed your visits. Your DIRAUX will then qualify you as a Program Visitor.

 

 

MINUTES - AUGUST 1, 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 30 members in attendance. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. FC Denis Keyes reminded members of the following: Dues are due ($40); remember to submit reservations for the C.O.W. November 11th, $55pp. There will be a cut off at 80 persons so members should reserve early. Denis advised members that the Nominating Committee is now to be called the Screening Committee, headed by Bud Hynes. The Commander also stressed hurricane planning, reminding everyone to notify him if they go out-of-town or if they will evacuate during a storm.

Raymond Paysour, Division Captain, spoke to membership reiterating the importance of calling a contact, notifying them of your whereabouts during a hurricane. We need 100% accountability.

Casey Jankowski, DCP, also stressed that during hurricane preparations we are now reporting to Station Cortez and, therefore it is vitally important that all cooperate.

II. Minutes: There were no Minutes for July as the meeting was cancelled due to the holiday.

III. Finance Report: The Finance Report was approved.

IV. STAFF OFFICERS' REPORTS:

FSO-CM: Walter Jennings pointed out to watchstanders and coxswains that the proper call sign for our radio station is "VENICE RADIO". (Do not use Venice Radio 1.)

FSO-IS: Harry Bruno reminded everyone to complete their currencies and ICS tests. If there are any questions regarding a person's status they can contact him by phone or email.

FSO-PS: Paul Corcoran interviewed one new member. Due to the summer months recruitment is slow.

FSO-VE: Henry Reynolds stated there have been 349 VEs completed with 183 passing, which is a 52% pass rate.

FSO-SR: Ruth Bruno read a thank you letter from Louis Magyar III and the soldiers in Company A in Iraq, thanking the flotilla members for the packages of toiletries, snacks and miscellaneous items. To date seven packages were shipped and another shipment will be sent in August.

MENTOR PROGRAM: Jerry Hopfengardner announced that the mentor program is going very well. He encourages all to keep up the good work. Jerry also spoke in reference to the Academy Admissions Partnership Program which succeeded the Career Counselor program. The new program is "going gangbusters!" Jerry has been invited to speak to many groups. If anyone knows of a group or individual
who is interested in information about the Coast Guard Academy he would be happy to meet with them.

MAINTENANCE: John Harrison said that two antennas are being erected at the training center; a concrete pad is being poured for the building and various other projects. If anyone is aware of other projects that need to be done they should contact him. Jobs on the agenda are removing the old a/c units changing ceiling tiles and installation of new carpet by a contractor. A work group will be set up.

V. AWARDS:
Commodore's Certificate of Excellence: Guenther H. Hennig, CG Operational/Admin. Support

Adult CPR & AED: Jean Ozimek, Stan Ozimek

Administrative Procedures Course: Jerry Hopfengardner

Facilities: Bomar, Partnership, "D" Boat, Sea Note II (H. Reynolds)

Nav Rules: Stan Ozimek, Jean Ozimek, Garland Russ

SAR: Al Paul Patrols: Al Paul Crew: Jean Ozimek, Stan Ozimek

VI. New Business: Lou Magyar explained that a HF antenna is being constructed which consists of two sections - one 65 ft and another 150 ft long by 80 ft. wide. The small building has received power, a/c, new roof and a coat of paint. A 2 X 3-1/2 ft tower is in place with phone lines coming in from the road.

The company doing the installation of these towers and antennas will do a presentation on safety at our next meeting. The plan is to surround the antennae with a fence for safety reasons.

Casey Jankowski, Rear Commodore West, spoke about the upcoming District Conference in Tampa on September 14-17. All are encouraged to attend. There will be a few missions where members can get checked out for currencies. If someone wishes to bring their own boat they will need to contact Cliff Martin.

Casey mentioned there has been some confusion about who or when to call during hurricanes. He is working with the Coast Guard to clarify any issues. Casey also reviewed an incident that happened  during member training at another flotilla. His objective was to stress the importance of reporting any mishaps to St. Cortez. Casey Jankowski is running for District Vice Commodore.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Bruno,
Secretary
 

 

2006 BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP-MON, THURS, 6:30-9:00pm

Sept 14….Oct 19 Registration, pick up book, pay $50 or $60/couple sharing 1 book

Sept 18….Oct 23 Which Boat is For You…………………….Lou Magyar

Sept 21….Oct 26 Equipment For Your Boat…………………Lou Magyar

Sept 21….Oct 26 Trailering Your Boat…………………….Walt Jennings/Ed Stebner

Sept 25….Oct 30 Handling Your Boat………………………...Helen Sarvis

Sept 28….Nov 2 Your Highway Signs…………………………Judi Bidwick

Sept 28….Nov 2 Rules of the Road…………………………….Ron Hogarth

Oct 2……Nov 6 Inland Boating………………………………..Bud Beeman

Oct 2……Nov 6 Powering Your Boat………………………….Denis Keyes

Oct 5……Nov 9 Navigation……………………………………..Denis Keyes

Oct 9……Nov 13 Boating and Weather………………………Tom McGuire

Oct 9……Nov 13 Your Boat's Radio………………………….Walt Jennings

Oct 12…..Nov 16 Lines and Knots……………………………Judi Bidwick

Oct 12…..Nov 16 Rest of the Story……………………………Juan Hernandez

Oct 16…..Nov 20 Exam