America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

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

Judi Bidwick, Commander            Juan Hernandez PhD, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

From the Commander

National Safe Boating Week was a success for our flotilla.  We appreciate those who took part in the various activities that our Public Affairs and Vessel Examiner Officers planned.  Both Walmart and West Marine supported our efforts and those who joined us at the Venice Boat Ramp met, educated, and inspected a number of boaters.

We all need to concentrate on preparing our families for the upcoming hurricane season.  Weather predictions appear ominous so we need to take the suggestions seriously and prepare our homes properly, set aside food and water, and make plans in case we must to leave the area.

Our USCG/Auxiliary hurricane drill was successful in that we accounted for each of our members.  If you haven’t already updated us as to your out-of-area contact person, please let the Vice Commander know immediately.  If you decide to leave the area prior to a hurricane or merely for a vacation, please let your caller (the person who called you) or Vice Commander know.  This will allow him/her to expedite the calling process when it is activated and not waste precious time by trying to call someone who is not at home. 

If a hurricane is imminent, we may be called on to run a pre-hurricane patrol.  It is important to know at a moment’s notice who is available as crew or coxswain and which of you are willing to take responsibility for cruising our area to inform marinas and others about safety procedures.  Remember, the most important thing to do is take care of your family first.

Many of our members will receive Sustained Service Awards this month.  This award is directly related to the number of hours that are reported on the 7029 forms.  Each of these awards represents 750 hours of service to the Auxiliary.  Whether it’s the first award or the 10^th, our members should be proud of the time they donate as service to our flotilla.  It is important to have a true representation of the time spent by each of our members so please fill out your “29” forms.

We are collecting dues for the coming year so please pay Stan at the next meeting or send your check in to make sure dues are paid in a timely manner.  In addition, we are making plans for the Change of Watch in November so look for information coming soon.

Judi Bidwick

 

Judi Bidwick, FC

Information

 

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
Juan Hernandez Ph D

 

This is the time of the year when we wish our members that return north a safe trip and an enjoyable season. We had a busy month as we prepare for the summer, as evidenced by the following accomplishments:

·      The hurricane plan is ready and we thank all members for their cooperation during the drill;

·      Our activities in support of the National Safety Boating Week (NSBW) were successful; we were present and visible to the boating public at the Venice boat ramp and other places;

·      We are ready to re-qualify four coxswains and three crew members during the QE mission scheduled for June 12, 2007.

Finally, I also thank all staff officers for their contributions and support during the first semester of this year.

Juan Hernandez

 

Communications
Walt Jennings, FSO-CM

 
 

Pre-patrol coordination with your Coxswain is imperative in order for the patrol to function properly.  Coxswains are responsible for notifying crew and the watch stander of the time of commencement of the patrol, where they will meet, and what the uniform of the day will be.  The patrol order number, crew, and coxswain cell phone are necessary items to share with the watch stander, preferably a day or two before the patrol.  This enables the watch stander to have all information at his disposal.

The watch stander needs to ensure that he/she knows at what time the radio room needs to be opened and arrive in plenty of time to ready the equipment and activate orders with Station Cortez.   Although it is not mandatory for the watch stander to be in the same uniform as the Coxswain and crew, the watch stander must nevertheless be in an official uniform and stay in the proximity of the radios so an immediate response can be made to the patrol boat.

Walt Jennings
FSO-CM

 

 

Communications Services
Henry Reynolds, FSO-CS

 

Nine Information Notices were distributed during the month. 

Yearly maintenance continues on the Website

Henry Reynolds
FSO-CS

 

 

Finance
Stanley Ozimek, FSO-FN

 

Greetings from your FSO-FN

It's that time of the year again when our Auxiliary dues must be paid.

The Flotilla has opted to hold the dues at the same amount as last year :  $40.00.
Of your $40.00, we are required to give $27.00 to District and Division which leaves the Flotilla with only $13.00 for its own use.

We would appreciate your prompt attention; please bring a check to the next meeting or
            Mail to:      Attn:  Stanley Ozimek

                                         USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 86
                                         PO Box 1941
                                         Venice, Fl. 34284
See you on the water.

Stanley Ozimek
FSO-FN

 

 

 

Information Services
 Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

Please submit your 7030 forms to me on a weekly basis for work that you do regularly.  This will assure that you and the Flotilla receive proper mission count and hours.    

Anyone who wishes to clear their record in AUXDATA of the REYR in red, and does not wish to continue a particular qualification, please let me know by email or phone.   

Also, if there are any changes to your personal information please be sure to submit a 7028 form to me.  Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Harry Bruno
FSO-IS

 

Materials
Ruth Bruno, FSO-MA

 

 

The 7th district store has notified us that they can no longer allow walk-in customers.  This is due to a zoning ordinance. You can still access the store at cgaux7.org.  

Reminder:  Metal devices on your work uniform (ODU) are no longer permitted if embroidered ones are available.  A new ODU will be available in 2008 with a jacket type shirt that will not have to be tucked into the pants. 

Ruth Bruno
FSO-MA

Marine Safety
Fred Shaneyfelt, FSO-MS

FROM THE EDGE OF THE WATER

Before heading to the northlands, I decided to qualify as a  Program Visitor. This program was called the Marine Dealer Visitor Program and is now known as (RBSVP) Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program. The test was taken on line and passed. Two supervised visits were made and the necessary paper work made out and submitted for verification.

I, along with others from the Flotilla attended an Aton Verifier qualification program on May 5th.

Seven marina’s were contacted and presented with America’s Waterway Watch Program stickers.

As a VOLUNTEER one must always look at the direction he wants to take and the direction he is going. Every Flotilla has various activities and programs that anyone can participate in.  Participating is a key factor in keeping a flotilla strong. Everyone is not cut out to be a crew member, coxswain, pilot, vessel examiner or radio watchstander, but there is still plenty of room to fit you in. As a VOLUNTEER you must try out the programs to see what YOU like, what makes you comfortable for the fit. An RBSV helps deliver brochures to various places—libraries, stores, marinas, etc. We can always use extra people in this area and it takes a minimum of time. 

Fred Shaneyfelt
FSO-MS 

 

Member Training
Bud Beeman, FSO-MT

Member Training continued during the past month with emphasis on preparing coxswain and crew members for requalification.  One more QE test will be held 12 June at the Moorings. 

Many members have left for the summer.  Anyone in the FL86 area wishing to get time on the water should review the calendar to see who is on patrol, or On-The-Water Training, and give them a call.  Coxswain and crew all need 12 hours to complete the new requirements.

Bud Beeman,
FSO-MT

 

Operations
Jim Sleichert, FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

May was a busy month for Public Affairs.  The central part of our activities focused on National Safe Boating Week.  With the help of my “elves” we were able to spread some literature and posters around the community.  Henry Reynolds and I collaborated on an article on the importance of getting an annual vessel safety check that appeared in some of the local newspapers.  We kicked off the week at the Train Station Ramp, offering vessel checks by some of our finest.  Henry Reynolds, Juan Hernandez, and Judi joined our “resident” examiner, Patrick Wheeler in extending invitations to boaters.  Jeanne imek, Harry Bruno and I set up a table, displaying literature and talking with folks who stopped by to learn more about safe boating.  Everyone who came by was given a WEAR IT sticker. We met a group of Kayak enthusiasts who were eager to learn more about safe boating and wanted to get their boats checked.

After checking a boat for the required equipment and helping a young family launch their “new” boat, Henry bade them farewell and wished them a safe day on the water.  Within minutes, they returned to the dock after taking on considerable water.  They didn’t realize that their boat had a plug that needed to be inserted before they put their boat in the water.  We saw a lot of interesting sights and observed what to do and what not to do when launching a boat.  We also heard some interesting tales; especially one told by a boater whose boat sank while he was fishing off of Englewood.  He didn’t have time to don his lifejacket before it went down with the boat.  Clinging only to the top of a cooler, he stayed afloat for two days before drifting ashore in Bradenton.  Helicopters looking for him passed overhead numerous times and boats came close by, but no one saw him.  Thoughts of his wife and young child helped him to persevere and survive his ordeal.

While we were holding forth at the ramp, John Kandes was meeting with patrons of West Marine and distributing safety literature.  West Marine was good enough to advertise Safe Boating Week on their roadside sign.   

Judi and I attended a meeting of the Venice City Council where our Flotilla and the Power Squadron received a proclamation from Mayor Hammett, which recognized the importance of safe boating and expressed an appreciation for our joint efforts.  The article I wrote about the event and a picture I took appeared in the Venice Gondolier.

Patrick Wheeler, Jim Sleichert and I ended the week at Wal Mart.  Patrick brought his PWC and we set up an information booth.  Several people stopped by to chat with us.  Some were interested in our classes and a few even signed up for vessel safety checks.  One parent of a student at Venice High talked with me about the Coast Guard Academy.  Fortunately, I have literature and a CD that I agreed to send her.

Two of our four large banners that we display along the roadside did not fare so well this year.  The strong easterly winds we experienced all week presented us with a challenge.  Two banners tore loose from their bindings and sagged sadly before I realized what happened and was able to tie them up again.  The banner at the corner of Jacaranda and Venice Avenue mysteriously disappeared overnight toward the end of the week.

Everything considered, we had a great week.  Thanks to all our great members who generously gave of their time to make this year’s Safe Boating Week a success.

Al Bidwick,
FSO-PA

 

Public Education
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

We graduated 7 students from the America's Boating Course held May 11 and 12th.  Another successful OWT--PE class was held on May 13th. 

The schedule for the new season is now posted on our website.

Ruth Bruno
FSO-PE

 

Vessel Examiner
Henry Reynolds, FSO-VE

 

The Vessel Examiners along with Public Affairs staffed an information booth at the Venice RR Station boat ramp on 19 May, the first day of National Safe Boating Week. There were four Vessel Examiners attending this activity, Judi Bidwick, Juan Hernandez, Henry Reynolds and Patrick Wheeler. The number of vessel examinations given was rather low compared to previous National Safe Boating Weeks; but, we were able to help a few first time boaters on their maiden voyage. 

Congratulations to Garland Russ on passing the Vessel Examiner test. Well-done “Russ”. 

The Vessel Examiners have conducted 190 vessels examinations to date.

  Remember-

                                “Be a safe boater – have a Vessel Safety Check”

Henry Reynolds
FSO-VE