America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

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

 Juan Hernandez PhD, Commander           James Sleichert, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

From the Commander

Fellow members,

February has been a busy and productive month for our Flotilla.  Thanks to the support of a hard working team we were able to remove the debris from the Moorings and clean the facility.  This facility will continue to be available to us during safety patrols and other missions. The team that supported this effort consisted of Art and Patti Sperling, Bob Stutzman, Ron Roth, Harry Bruno and Jim Sleichert, we thank them for helping with this project.  In addition, Art and Patti and Bob Stutzman used their trucks to transport the debris to the county landfill, a difficult task to say the least. 

We are in the process of installing the tower and antennas for our radios and pouring the concrete for the base of the tower and slab for the storage shed we brought from the Moorings.  Henry Reynolds and Art Fleming are leading the team for the radio project; Harry Bruno, Joe Floyd, Ed Stebner, Lou Magyar, Bob Stutzman and Jim Sleichert helped dig and form the pad and footing for the storage shed.  I also want to thank  Bob Chapman for securing the services of a backhoe operator for digging the foundation for the tower.  As you can see, this has truly been a team effort and I thank everyone that has contributed to these projects.

I also want to acknowledge the excellent work that Lou Magyar is doing with Member Training with support of other instructors, such as Ed Stebner, Henry Reynolds and Art Sperling. Another success story is being written by Diana Floyd, the work she is doing as head of the Fellowship Committee has sparked our Flotilla and has also involved our significant others.

The rest of our staff officers are also doing an excellent job; I thank them for using the Flotilla calendar to post Flotilla activities and events.  This makes it easy for all members to stay informed and quickly check what is going on every month.

We are proud of Patrick Wheeler, our PWC operator, who took part in the Gasparilla Festival Parade in Tampa and was commended for his excellent work. Finally, several of our coxswains attended and pass the ICS 210 course that was recently offered at the Flotilla 84 facility.

Regards,

Juan C. Hernandez, FC

Flotilla 86

 Juan Hernandez
 

 

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
James Sleichert

 

FROM THE VFC DESK:

     Well, it looks like we are back to the construction and moving mode.  We loaded two pickup trucks full of garbage and debris that was lying around the Moorings.  Then we transported this to the county landfill, and ended driving up the huge mountain of garbage to the drop off point that was designated.   This was an experience in itself.  When you get to the top of the mountain there are thousands of birds flying around.  The smell and birds was enough to make the unloading happen at record speed.  We could have filmed the movie birds there and still had birds leftover.  I like to thank Art and Patti Sperling, Bob Stutzman, Ron Roth, Harry Bruno, and Juan Hernandez.  These members not only donated time, but Art and Patti and Bob Stutzman used their trucks in a hostile environment.  

     The flotilla is also putting up an antenna for our radio room and pouring a concrete slab for the shed that we took from the Moorings.  I thank God I have some members that I can count on to help when I give them a call.  I do not understand why they even answer the phone when they know it is me and I want help again and again. Thanks to Harry Bruno, Joe Floyd, Ed Stebner, Lou Magyar, Bob Stutzman for helping me dig out and form the pad and footing for the shed. 

     By the time you read this newsletter we should have the antenna up and all concrete poured. 

     Please do not forget to get your hours on the water.  Use the flotilla calendar and see what coxswains are going out on patrol.  Just give them a call and ask to go along.  There is nearly always room for a few more. 

     Well, that is about all I have to say and hope to see you at the monthly meeting or on the water.

 

James P. Sleichert
Vice Commander

       

 

IPFC
Judi Bidwick

 

 

Congratulations to each of you who contributed to the 19,239 volunteer hours that our flotilla accumulated over the past year (2008).  This shows the commitment that each of you has for the Auxiliary:

·         10,341 hours entered on your 7029 forms

·         2,522 hours of marine patrols

·         2,808 hours of administrative support

·         1,371 hours of operations support

·         140 hours of marine safety

·         199 hours of member training

·         87 hours of search and rescue

·         26 hours of recreational boating safety/marine dealer visits

·         884 hours of public affairs events/work

·         627 hours of public education courses

·         216 hours of vessel safety checks

·         14 hours of aids to navigation, health services and recruiting assistance

Each of the forty-nine active members who share this commitment to serve the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary can be proud of what you achieved this past year.

The challenge is to get our inactive members to make a commitment to a few hours for the flotilla over the next few months.

My tenure as Flotilla Commander was challenging, eventful, productive, and enjoyable.  I appreciate the support from staff officers and the general membership.

As Immediate Past Commander, I will assist our new Commander in any way I can.  I will be available as a resource to the membership in addition to continuing my efforts with Public Education and Publications and as Operations Officer.

 

Judi Bidwick, IPFC

       

 

 Navigation Systems
Joseph Floyd, FSO-AN

 

 

All coxswains should have forms ANSC 7054 and ANSC 7030 with them while on Patrol.  The 7054 should be filled out for any discrepancy found on an Aid to Navigation.  In Section I, the OPCON # is 07-30326.  Form ANSC 7030 must be filled out and sent to FSO-IS so you and the Flotilla will get credit.  All instructions are on the back of these forms.

You may find these forms at www.cgaux7.org.  

Click on USCG Auxiliary, 7th District.  

Go to MEMBER SECTION.  

Click on Departments. You will get to Navigational Services showing a picture of Richard Leys DDC-R.

Click on Department. You will then get to Navigational Services with a picture or Rodney Reinhold, DSO-NS;  

Click on news and you should come up with a list of the forms you will need.

 Safe Boating

Joseph Floyd
FSO-AN

 

 

 

Communications Services
Denis Keyes, FSO-CS

I

Thanks to those members who provided suggestions about the E Mail system last month and a special thanks to Henry Reynolds for his help in explaining the website.

This is my first Newsletter edition so you may see a few mistakes. If you do, please contact me at deniskeyes@verizon.net.

Denis Keyes
FSO-CS

 

 

Information Services
 Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

 

 

On February 25th the Coast Guard will be changing the URL for auxinfo.  This means that if you have auxinfo quick access bookmarked you will also have to update.

The REYR list was recently published.  Those of you who are REYR are hopefully working on getting yourself out of the red!  If you no longer wish to be certified in a particular category, please notify either FSO-IS or FC so you can have your certification removed from auxdata and you no longer will be in the red. 

The Annual Member letters should soon be available and emailed to all our flotilla members

 

Harry Bruno
FSO-IS
 

 

Marine Safety
JD Harrison, FSO-MS

 

This month for Marine Safety I took Posters and Brochures to West Marine and Boaters World for display and pick-up by the public.

 

JD Harrison

FSO-MS

 

 

 

Member Training
  Lou Magyar, FSO-MT

.

“Train, Maintain, Operate”

Member training in February went well with a couple of changes due to weather but the group adjusted to the changing conditions and accomplished the training goals.  We started utilizing both the Flotilla Training Center and the Marine Max conference room depending on what type of training that is being conducted. 

We will be starting an AUX Seamanship Course on Monday 9 March for 5 Mondays and will end with the test.  The training schedule for the month of March follows.

5 March 2009 (boats)  MM
Boat handling 102 – Backing and docking
Executing SAR Patterns

9 March 2009 TC
AUX Seamanship Course at 0930

12 March 2009 (boats)  MM
The proper tow evolution
Anchors aweigh
Man overboard!!!

16 March 2009 TC
AUX Seamanship Course at 0930

19 March 2009  TC
Emergency Medical Techniques 200
Light List
TQ-03-01 through ATQ-03-03

23 March 2009 TC
AUX Seamanship Course at 0930

26 March 2009 (boats)  MM
Perform ATQ-03-01 through ATQ-03-03
Radar

Lou Magyar
FSO-MT

 

 

 

Operations
Judi Bidwick, FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

 

       I wrote an article for the Division Newsletter Pieces of 8 entitled a Public Affairs Challenge in which, among other things, I stressed the impact that all members can make in publicizing the contribution that the Auxiliary makes in supporting the Coast Guard in public education, vessel examinations, homeland security, safety patrols, search and rescue, etc.  In the article I urged FSO-PA throughout the Division\s to get a commitment from all members to help with PA activities.  I am very fortunate in 86 to have several members that I can count on to help with Public Affairs Activities.  Without them, our Flotilla would not have the reputation we have in the Division. 

      Juan made a Public Affairs presentation to the Venice Power Squadron and explained the tracking and navigation system that he and Henry Reynolds developed, and offered

       Mark April 17, 18, and 19 on your calendars for the Sharks Tooth Festival.  We will not request the Bat-Pak this year.  We will set up our booth sometime in the early afternoon on Friday and will staff the booth 1000-1800 on Saturday and 1000-1600 on Sunday.  I will contact you later to see who can help out this year.

 

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA

 

Publications
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PB

Public Education
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

We graduated 24 students of 31 enrollees in our January BS&S class.  The remaining students will take their exam in the near future.  Our February BS&S class registered 12 new students, two returning graduates and is in full session.  Weekend Navigator is continuing every Wednesday evening and our GPS class will coming up in March.

 Ruth Bruno,
FSO-PE

 

Personnel Services
Paul Corcoran, FSO-PS

 

       We graduated 24 students of 31 enrollees in our January BS&S class.  The remaining students will take their exam in the near future.  Our February BS&S class registered 12 new students, two returning graduates and is in full session.  Weekend Navigator is continuing every Wednesday evening and our GPS class will coming up in March.

       After working with three potential new members last month, we have none this month.  Mike Marmion will be the AFSO-PS.  Judi and Paul gave an inservice to Mike last month to prepare him for his work with new members.

 Paul Corcoran

FSO-PS

 

  

USCG AUX, FLOTILLA 86, Calendar  March, 2009

THINGS TO COME

                   March 2     BSS Class 1830  Navigation

                 March 3    Flotilla Meeting 1930, Fellowship1900                                                        

                   March 4     Weekend Navigator  1900

                   March 5     Member Training 0830 Marine Max 

                                       Boat Handling (backing and docking), 

                                       Executing SAR Patterns

                   March 5     BSS Class 1830, Weather, Radio

                   March 9     BSS Class 1830, Lines&Knots, Boating Safely

                   March 11   Register GPS  1800

                   March 12   Member Training 0830 Marine Max

                                       Proper Tow Evolution, Man Overboard

                   March 12   BSS Class 1830  Exam

                   March 19   Member Training  0830 Training Center

                                       Emergency Medical Techniques, Light List, ATQ 3-1---3-3

                    March 23  GPS Class 1900

                    March 26  Member Training Marine Max

                                       Perform ATQ 3-1---3-3, Radar

                    March 26  GPS Class 1900

                                   Division Picnic at Station Cortez April 17

                            Shark's Tooth Festival is coming April 17, 18, 19                

USCG AUX, FLOTILLA 86, MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 2009

Commander Juan Hernandez called the meeting to order at 1930 with 19 members and guest Fred Kermode, DCDR.   Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

FC Juan Hernandez:

*Thank you to those who assisted in cleaning the Training Center and moving items from the Moorings.

*Discussed plans for installing the concrete pad.  USF has given support to this project and the Power Squadron, Venice may also offer support.  Juan has a presentation for them on 2/4.

*Sarasota County Facility permit is in effect as of 2/2/09 allowing us to stop at the Moorings under orders.

*An ICS 210 course is scheduled for 2/20 and 2/21.

*We will need help in cleaning up the remaining items at the Moorings.

*A Sexual Harassment Workshop will be upcoming in April

*The NTRAIN conference -Juan is invited to make a presentation to National.  Juan discussed an idea that has been introduced suggesting a course for individual leadership.  the course will take a person from    FSO up the line.  An award such as an AUXLEAD ribbon with stars added for each level was suggested.

*TCT and Operations workshops will be scheduled by Operations.

*Radio station project:  Henry Reynolds spoke in regard to the G25 tower which is to be erected.  He     plans to put the tower up as close to specs as possible.  The DSC antenna will also be mounted.  The   radio room installation will begin this week.  Henry has about 8 people assisting him.

MINUTES:  A motion was made, seconded and all voted in favor of approving the January Minutes as they appeared in the Fore and Aft.

FINANCE:  Janet Heijens presented the Finance Report.  A motion was made, seconded and all voted in favor of accepting the Finance report subject to audit.

STAFF REPORTS:  Staff reports appear in the current Fore and Aft.

FSO-NS:  Joseph Floyd announced that the Division NS will hold a workshop in April for all interested.  The Local Notice to Mariners will make some changes to 11425 in 2009.  Joe also requested that members bring a camera on board when checking ATON discrepancies.

FSO-CM:  Art Sperling needs a watchstander for 2/8 and 2/15.  He reminded everyone that the old EPIRB are not in use.  Only 406mz are being monitored. 

FSO-MT:  Lou Magyar announced there will be an ICS 210 course on 2/20and 2/21 at FL84.  An 8 hour TCT course will be held at Flotilla 89 on 2/28.  The 1 hr TCT will be given at our facility along with the OPS workshop on 2/26.  Please let Lou know if you plan to attend the ICS or 8 hr TCT.  Lou distributed a revised Operational training schedule.  This Thursday he will cover Dead Reckoning, docking and line handling.

FSO-OP: Judi Bidwick announced that she will need particulars from any visitors who are working with us in Operations.  She reminded coxswains that they should change 22A to 01A when completing POMS for Member Training.  22A is no longer used.  Also if an order is cancelled, coxswains should mark "cancelled" in red across the top of the order and mail to Sector St. Petersburg.  Judi also stated that we notify Operations and FC when we have a SAR.  If you do not have the ability to fax a SAR report contact Judi or Juan who will do that for the coxswain.  Those interested in doing the Mission with the Coast Guard in May (that was circulated in an email) should let her know.  If any crew wish to participate in our patrols contact the coxswain.

FSO-PB:  Judi Bidwick thanked Henry for assisting Denis in getting the Newsletter online. 

FSO-PA: Al Bidwick announced that the Sharks' Tooth Festival is 4/17, 18 and 19.  He will be asking for volunteers.  Al stated he has good success in advertising public education classes.

FSO-PE:  Ruth Bruno told members we will graduate 32 BS&S students this Thursday.  Registration for the next BS&S class will be Monday, 2/9. 

Emergency Services:  Art Sperling told members he will circulate an email listing suggested items for a First Aid Kit for the boat. 

Fellowship:  Diana Floyd announced the next fellowship will be either 2/15 or 2/21 at the Training Center at 1600.  The plan is to play a card game, Military Whist.  Sloppy Joes will be served and members are asked to bring a dish to pass.  Diana will be circulating an email with more information.

Fred Kermode, DCDR spoke to members regarding an event he attended at the Propeller Club at which the Admiral was a guest speaker.  There were a number of auxiliarists in attendance.

*At the Sector meeting this past Monday Fred stated that he has been asked to remind everyone to notify Station Cortez as well as Fred or Raymond Paysour, DC when there is a SAR. 

*Fred told members there is a need for someone to work as a representative of the Regional Exam Center in this area 2 or 3 days per month.  This work involves reviewing paperwork for Captain's licenses, and fingerprinting.    Anyone interested please let him know.

*Gasparilla Parade is scheduled for this Saturday.  Patrick Wheeler will be attending with his PWC.

*Fred spoke about the Sea Spray Radar Test by the Coast Guard in May.  Division 11 is coordinating and will probably need crew as well as boats.  Testing of radar will be done for two weeks on M/W/F.

*Fall Conference is in St. Petersburg in September which will be good exposure four our Division and Sector. 

*Steve Hanson, CWO has left for duty overseas and his replacement will arrive in June.

*Fred expressed his thanks to all for their continuing support.

Fred presented the confirmation Certificates for FC and VFC to Juan Hernandez and Jim Sleichert.

AWARDS:

Certificate of Appreciation:  Henry Reynolds, Lou Magyar, Ed Stebner.

Certificate of Appointment:  Mike Marmion, Asst. FSO-PS

Sustained Service:  John Kandes, Charles Beeman and John Susek

3 yr Certification:  Roland Couture

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2130.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Bruno, Secretary