The Sarasota Grant for FY 2010 is almost exhausted and I expect to submit a final invoice
by June 30th, 90 days prior to the end of the Grant period.

Thanks to all who planned and executed the spending, especially Janet Heijens who kept the books in order and me on schedule.

The FY 2011 application has been submitted and with the current economic environment there's no guarantee  we'll be approved and if we are, for how much.

I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Denis Keyes
FSO-CS

On April 20, we conducted an Aids to Navigation Patrol.  We were able to verify all the ATONs from the Venice Train Station to the Blackburn Point Bridge.  I will give a complete report at our May meeting. 

J.D. Harrison
FSO-NS

Operations will continue with weekend patrols, weather permitting.  This month
there were no On-the-Water Patrols but we continued classroom instruction.  The overall communications instruction with the information on MMSI from Juan Hernandez and Henry Reynolds gives whole new meaning to LOCATION, and what can be done with it.  

New members qualifying for crew will give our patrols more opportunity to be
filled; this will allow our flotilla to continue the patrols and training, especially with many members going away from Florida for the summer season.  

Henry Reynolds, Sea Note II;  Walt Jennings, Idlewilde; Juan Hernandez, The
Guardian; JD Harrison, Kingfish II; Roman Gzyl, Waterfront Two; and
Bidwick/Sleichert, Partner-Ship, continue to offer their boats for Flotilla
activity.

Bud Beeman,
FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

 

 I don’t know how I could do my job as Public Affairs Officer without the support I receive from members.  Certainly, I can still advertise for Public Education.  That’s a solo job.  Every once in a while I write an article for one of our Auxiliary publications.  I can do that myself.  I’m pretty good at speaking to community groups or visiting schools to teach children about protecting our water environment or wearing life jackets.  That’s mainly due to the fact that I have such a good helper, who always accompanies me and does more than her share of the work.  You know who that is, I’m sure. 

However, there are many other jobs I do that can’t be done alone.  Imagine my walking alone along the parade route in downtown Venice Avenue carrying a flotilla sign, erecting a tent in the wind at the Venice Boat Ramp, or working the booth at the Sharks Tooth Festival.  Some things just can’t be done alone.

 Our flotilla is well known in the community because of the great support that I get from our members.  They are my superstars.  These are the people that have always turned out to support me over the course of the six or seven years that I have had this job.  Obviously, some contribute more than others, but that does not minimize the contributions that they make.

I want to public acknowledge the people who are always there for me.  The following members are my superstars.  I can’t thank them enough!

Judi Bidwick, Harry Bruno, Ruth Bruno, Paul Corcoran, Joseph Floyd, Roman Gzyl, John Harrison Guenther Hennig, Juan Hernandez, John Kandes, Richard Markwitz, Mike Marmion, Richard Putnam Henry Reynolds, Ron Roth, Jim Sleichert, Charlie Weede, Val Weede, Patrick Wheeler,

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA 

If you have had a chance to glance at the current edition of the Breeze, you are in for a treat reading about the developing plans for the Auxiliary, specifically District 7.  Aside from highlighting the rescues and super deeds described  by members who wrote articles, our leadership have clearly outlined the path of all of us who are dedicated members who want to make a difference with our volunteering in the Auxiliary.  Some of the comments I gleaned are shared below: 

“One thing that has not changed in the last 20 years is that information has to be turned in to be counted. If you don’t send in your activity logs and mission sheets, your hours will not be updated in AUXDATA your records are not accurate. You as the member need to ensure that records are accurate and up to date.”

Sue Hastings, DSO-IS D7
Spring 2010 Breeze------------------=================Logistics:

“Our people are the backbone of the Auxiliary, providing experience, background, and depth to the various National Directorates. District 7 is blessed with so many of these people who do far beyond what is called for. They answer the call repeatedly to serve this great organization.”

Dan Jacquish, DCAPT-EFormation

“Of course, some folks (obviously none of us) resist change until they are dragged along by events. They may even feel like victims when change occurs, but as they let go of the old ways they (usually) see opportunities in change and feel a new sense of purpose.”

John Tyson, DCAPT-W

“As I traveled the district during these past years, I continually see the image of volunteer
organizations to which I have belonged be they civic, ecclesiastical or even Auxiliary.
Each has its ups and downs. Each has its unique member list which always encompasses types that I have previous outlined in these pages as (1) “stay and stagnate,” (2) “flee and vanish,” or (3) “commit and develop.” As Auxiliarists we are called to serve. Reasons are many: love of the sea, civic responsibility, duty to country, family history, and the list goes on. In our response to that call, we do an outstanding job illustrating what we voice, “For them I am Semper Paratus” (Guardian Ethos).”

Commodore Allen Brown,
Immediate Past District Commodore

“I’m sure you heard about our district’s and national’s intention to use a team approach to expanding RBS. That means combining Public Education (PE), Vessel Examinations (VE), and RBS Program Visitation (PV) along with Public Affairs (PA) to develop and deliver a highly effective, growth driven, RBS Program. By the time you read this, that plan should be completed for D7 and widely delivered to all of you; we ask for your support in putting it into action. It will focus on increasing both the number of people we attract to our PE courses and the number and type of courses we offer. It will also focus on increasing the number of Vessel Safety Checks we perform and making sure that we check the right ones – check those who are most likely to get in trouble on the water. PV and PA are huge contributors to our success in making it all happen.”

Commodore Donald Frasch

Public Education
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PE

 

The Public Education Program has accumulated 165 hours so far this year.

I’d like to thank the following instructors for their work in supporting our program by teaching or by assisting: 

            Bud Beeman, Al Bidwick, Charles Dulany, Joe Floyd, JD Harrison, Janet Heijens, Juan Hernandez, Ron Hogarth, John Kandes, Denis Keyes, Jim Sleichert, Ed Stebner, Patrick Wheeler. and visiting instructors Tom McGuire and Helen Sarvis.

Without their support, we would not have the education program that we have.

Our Paddling America program will be given on May 10 and 13, 1900—2100 at the Training Center.  John Kandes and I will present the material.  I encourage you to join us on those evenings.

Judi Bidwick
FSO-PE

Just a reminder to all the vessel examiners that at the 2010 workshop our flotilla set a target for each qualified examiner to complete twenty (20) Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) during this current year.   I encourage you all to get busy showing the boaters the decals. 

By the time you read this I shall be on the high seas and going through the Panama Canal on the way to Vancouver, Canada. 

I encourage all examiners to send in their yearly count to me before the next meeting; this will allow me to give an accurate count on how many Safety Checks have been done to date.

 As of April 17, the following Safety Checks have been completed:

P. Wheeler      99
J.  Bidwick      34
R. Gzyl             23
W.Jennings     12
R. Markwitz     12
C. Weede         9
J.  Sleichert       7
E. Stebner         7
R. Stutzman       7
J.  Hernandez    6

         Total   216

On your safety checks, remember:

 A little time spent on a VSC can pay big dividends if the owner passes and receives the decal it is visible to all agencies authorized to board a vessel.  Fifteen requirements passed and they can breathe easier knowing safety items have been addressed.

Don't forget to present the Water Way Watch.

 Patrick Wheeler"
Acting FSO-VE.

At the time of writing there have been no requests for a mentor from any of our current members.  If a member feels he or she could use the service of an experienced mentor do not hesitate to ask; if I am not available, contact the Vice Commander and receive this excellent service.

Patrick Wheeler  
Mentor Advisor

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

                                    U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, April 6,  2010

  

Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 20 members and guests,  

Braxton Ezell, DCDR; Fred Kermode, IP-DCDR; Maura Klein, prospective member.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

 

Flotilla Commander’s report:

*April 10, 11 is the Shark’s Tooth Festival.

*April 8^th is a one hour TCT, Operations and Sexual Harassment Workshop at our Training Center.

*April 17^th is an 8 hour TCT at Fl 84

*Jim Sleichert, Juan Hernandez, J.D. Harrison will be assisting with the special needs children’s fishing tournament.  John Sleichert of Flotilla 99 will also be on board to assist.

 

MINUTES:  A motion was made by Judi Bidwick, seconded by Harry Bruno and all voted in favor of accepting the Minutes of March 2, 2010 as they appear in the Fore and Aft.

 STAFF OFFICER REPORTS:  (Staff reports appear in the Fore and Aft):

Jim Sleichert, FC read a letter received from a Dr. S. Silberstein regarding an excellent VE inspection he received from Roman Gzyl.  Copy of this letter will be kept in Roman’s file.

FSO-AN:  John Harrison reported there will be a night mission for ATON checks this month.  Roy Bellas SO-AN will hold a Nav-Aid Verifier workshop in September.  John Harrison and Ed Stebner will also do a workshop at a Thursday member training session in the future.

FSO-CM:    Juan Hernandez reported that there will be a radio communications program covering DSC procedures, log procedures and new programs on April 15^th at member training.

FSO-FN:  Janet Heijens presented the Treasurer’s report.  Judi Bidwick made a motion to accept the report; Joseph Floyd seconded and all voted in favor of accepting the report, subject to audit.

FSO-IS:  Harry Bruno said the new 7030 is now on the national website under email forms.  The new 7029 email form is still not available and no word has been received as to when it will be posted.  He asked that members give him both pages 1 and 2 when submitting the 7029.  He announced that all members (with the exception of APs) participating in a PA mission will be listed as lead on a 7030.

FSO-MA:  Jim Sleichert announced that Ron Roth will be giving up his office as MA due to personal commitments.  The office will be assumed by Richard Markwitz.

FSO-MS:   Roman Gzyl discussed the Clean Marina program.  He also said he will be attending a Sarasota County meeting regarding speed zone changes. 

FSO-MT:  Judi Bidwick reported for Lou Magyar that an Aux Seamanship class will begin 4/12 at 0930.  The class will run 5 weeks.  Lou is looking for additional instructors interested in helping to teach the course.  The member training Thursday, 4/8 at 0900 will be an Operations, Sexual Harassment and 1- Hour TCT workshop.  

FSO-PA:  Al Bidwick spoke about the upcoming Sharks’ Tooth Festival, 4/10-11 and scheduled those who volunteered to help.  Al also spoke about the plans for the “Always Ready” event, May 15^th 1000 to 1430.  Volunteers are needed.  Literature will be circulated to our members for informational purposes.

Braxton Ezell, D-CDR mentioned that this program grew out of Juan Hernandez’s idea.  Braxton also told members that coverage will be given to the event by Comcast and Brighthouse. 

FSO-PB:  Judi Bidwick announced that the Newsletter is online.

FSO-PE:  Judi Bidwick said that the GPS class is completed with 11 graduates.  Al Bidwick was the instructor.  Al and Judi Bidwick will be working with preschoolers in the near future. 

FSO-PS:  John Kandes is working with a new candidate for membership.John Kandes spoke about the new Paddling course which will be scheduled in the future.  More information will follow.

AFSO-VE:  Patrick Wheeler stated his report appears in the Fore and Aft.  Ed Stebner reported that our VEs performed safety checks along with the Power Squadron on 3/26-27 at Southbay.  We inspected 17 of the 23 performed.

Fellowship:  Janet Heijens will try to set up a boat trip for lunch at a local restaurant for 4/29. 

 

Awards: 

Service Award:  5yrs:  Ron Roth; Roland Couture.  10 yrs:  Juan Hernandez.  15yrs: Lou Magyar

Facility Inspection certificate:  Juan Hernandez, Lou Magyar

Certified Boat Crew:  Roman Gzyl, Charles Weede, Valarie Weede 

3 yr Boat Crew recert:  Harry Bruno, Ruth Bruno, Joseph Floyd, Richard Putnam

AUX Performance Awards Operations:  Al Bidwick, Harry Bruno, Ruth Bruno, Juan Hernandez, Robert High, Walter Jennings, Patrick Wheeler.

Certificate of Completion: Nav A and B:  Roman Gzyl

 

Division Commander Awards:  Certificates of Election:  FC:-Jim Sleichert; VFC-Ed Stebner

Medal of Operational Merit:  Juan Hernandez, Lou Magyar, Valarie Weede, Ramon Thompson (Fl 83)

Aux Commandant’s Letter:  Juan Hernandez

 

New Business:  Richard Markwitz said we have been invited to participate with West Marine for Safe Boating Week.  Discussion was held regarding plans for participation.  Volunteer VEs and members will be needed for May 22^nd event.  More information will follow. 

   Judi Bidwick also reminded everyone that Wednesday, April 7^th would be a good day to purchase any items at West Marine as they are offering our flotilla members a special discount on that day. 

 

Maintenance:  FC asked for assistance in cleaning up, mowing the lawn and weedwacking on Monday, April 12^th at 0800. 

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2055.  Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on May 4th, 2010. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ruthanne Bruno, FSO-SR

                     Monthly Calendar

                                           MONTHLY CALENDAR--MAY, 2010

 FELLOWSHIP AT MARINA JACK’S, 1120                                      APRIL 29

HURRICANE HUNTER AIRPLANE DISPLAY (PA EVENT)       APRIL 30    

    (1030—1600, SARASOTA-BRADENTON AIRPORT)

SEAMANSHIP CLASS, TRAINING CENTER, 0930                       MAY 3

MEMBER TRAINING, MARINE MAX, 0830                                   MAY 6

SEAMANSHIP CLASS, TC 0930 (EXAM)                                         MAY 10

PADDLING AMERICA COURSE, TC, 1900                                      MAY 10

MEMBER TRAINING, MARINE MAX, 0830                                   MAY 13

PADDLING AMERICA COURSE, TC, 1900                                      MAY 13  

ALWAYS READY, FL 84, 1010^TH STREET, 0730—1530               MAY 15

  (OPEN TO PUBLIC 1000—1400)

PATROLS CLASS BEGINS, TC, 0930 (AUXPAT)                           MAY 17

MEMBER TRAINING, TC, 0830                                                        MAY 20

DIVISION 8 PICNIC, STA CORTEZ, 1100--?                                  MAY 21

     NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK                                                 MAY 22

PATROLS CLASS, TC, 0930                                                                MAY 24

MEMBER TRAINING, MARINE MAX, 0830                                   MAY 27

PATROLS CLASS, TC, 0930                                                                MAY 31

MEMBER TRAINING, MARINE MAX, 0830                                   JUNE 3

Members, please consult the Flotilla 86 calendar online for changes/updates

www.cgauxvenice.org