Julia Leitao, our newest member was sworn in at our last meeting.  Another possible candidate is planning to attend our next meeting in October.  I will follow up from there.

John Kandes
FSO-HR

In reference to VE Qualification or Requalification:  We have been informed by the DIR-V that any member who is training another member in their Initial Qualification or Requalification as a Vessel Examiner, must complete all supervised VSC's on Form 7012 and not Form 7012a. Once completed, the VSC's should be reported to their FSO-IS on ANSC 7038 per policy.   (Source [Paul J Mayer Jr, DVC-VC]

 Regarding the Qualification Ribbons which were removed from the Awards listing. The four ribbons which designate the Auxiliary Vessel Examiner Programs, Instructor Program, Operations Programs, and the Auxiliary Specialty Training Ribbon will be removed from the Award listing because they are ribbons denoting certification of a competency. Not all Directors’ offices were processing these items in the same way; therefore, these items will be removed as Awards from all Auxiliarists award listings.

          This does not affect the member, but it changes the AUXDATA process. The members will still receive their ribbons, may still wear their ribbons, and find their information in AUXINFO. The difference is that in AUXINFO you will find your certification shown as a Competency in the Competency Cube and not in the Awards Cube.   (Source [Marilyn McBain, DVC-UI]

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

 

 

Well, Judi and I are back after our stay at Ocean City.  We had a great summer, but we had a few surprises that we didn’t expect.  The first was an extremely rare earthquake which shook the ground in Ocean City and frightened vacationers.  Fortunately, we were on the water when it struck, so we were oblivious to the tremors.  Not too long after, Hurricane Irene came up the coast and forced a total evacuation of the city.  Before leaving, we put plywood over all our windows and doors, and left feeling pretty secure that our townhouse would be there when we returned.  On Friday, the eve of the storm, we traveled 150 miles to the Washington suburbs and spent two nights with our daughter-in-law.  We still felt the effects of the Hurricane there and we did lose electrical power on Saturday.  On Sunday we returned to Ocean City to find everything as we left it.  We had power.  Ironically our daughter-in-law waited a week before she had power restored.  The final surprise occurred just days before we left when a tornado tore through a few blocks north of us tearing off a roof and causing other damage.  Mother Nature was really busy this summer!

 

Now that we are back in Florida, we are ready to get back to performing our auxiliary jobs.  I shouldn’t say we, because Judi never stopped while she was away.  Of course, she did the Fore and Aft Newsletter and planned the Public Education Program, but she also did vessel exams in her spare time.  She ended up with a total of 99 VEs this summer, 72 boats and 27 kayaks!  For the most part, I was really on vacation which was only interrupted on occasion by Division correspondence and Monthly Reports.  Now, however, public affairs activities are picking up, and I know it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

 

This past Saturday, Roman Gzyl and I attended a Safety Day at Lowes which featured various community support organizations.  The fire department and police were out in force with a helicopter and crew, a canine unit which demonstrated attack procedures, a mounted police unit, and a bomb squad that demonstrated their bomb support robot.  Most of our contact was with kids and their parents who attended.  The kids especially enjoyed climbing aboard Roman’s boat and being photographed by me or their parents. 

 

On Saturday, October 1, our flotilla is scheduled to attend a similar event at Home Depot.  If any member would like to come out to help, I’d be happy to have you work with us.

 

Our next major event, the Sun Fiesta Parade, is scheduled for October 15.  Participating is always a lot of fun and it gives community members an opportunity to see us representing the Coast Guard.  I’ll send out more information in the coming days and talk about the event at the October meeting.  As usual, we will need volunteers to support this activity.

 

I want to thank all the members who turned out at Wal-Mart for two days to support their Safety Days event.  Jim told me that nine members worked at various times over the two days that we participated.   

 

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA

Public Education
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PE

 

   

The Public Education Program has begun for the fall with the Boating Skills and Seamanship course.  Twenty registered for the first class and instruction is going well.  Lou Magyar and Walter Jennings were instructors for the first week of classes.

Assistants are an important part of our education program and a great way to ease into volunteering your time, whether you’re a veteran member or a newcomer to our flotilla.  Joe Floyd, Jim Sleichert, Ruth and Harry Bruno, and Richard Markwitz assisted in the classes during our first week.  All flotilla members are invited to come to our classes to observe or participate.  The camaraderie that is evident as we work with each other and engage the class members gives them the opportunity to see us in action.  We all have fun while sharing the mission of teaching boating safety.

We are continuing to teach knots and bends during the first half hour of class, from 1830 to 1900 and that is when we can use classroom aides the most.  Please drop by and review your own skills while helping us.

Judi Bidwick,
FSO-PE

There are videos available for vessel inspectors to review and share with the public regarding the necessary equipment for their boats.  The first three that are available are:

Am I Legal?  Episode 1:  Your  Registration  Numbers  http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=9wD_2hhya3w

Am I Legal?  Episode 2:  Visual Distress Signals http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=Q9mmAq7aurc

Am I Legal?  Episode 3:  Sound Producing Devices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alzIo3AwUug&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

They are excellent and give information visually that may not be apparent to the average inspector.  Please take a few minutes to view these U-Tube videos.

You can also take a virtual Vessel Safety Check (VSC) at the following site: http://www.safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp   This is helpful to refresh the inspector and give some hints on things to mention when giving an inspection.

In addition, there are VSC newsletters available: http://www.safetyseal.net/Newsletters/

The results of examinations to date for our Flotilla are:

 Submitted by the editor for Patrick Wheeler, acting FSO-VE

Meeting Minutes

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 86, September 6, 2011

Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 21 members, and 1 retired member.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

Flotilla Commander Jim Sleichert’s report:

*Introduced new member (AP) Julie Leitao.

*Announced recent sympathy cards mailed to three members families.

*Thanked those assisting at the Wal-Mart safety booth in Osprey 8/25 and 26.

*Thanked coxswains, crew and watch standers for helping out during the summer.

*Notices sent to members that require hours or re-qualification before year end.

*Change of Watch at Pelican Point, Friday 11/11/11.  Reservation forms available tonight and in Newsletter.  Be sure to mark your meal choice and return with check.

Minutes (August):  A motion was made by Lou Magyar, seconded by Harry Bruno to accept August Minutes.    Minutes accepted by favorable vote.

Staff Officer Reports:   (All other Staff reports appear in the Fore and Aft):

FSO-CM:  Ruth Bruno discussed a “Maintenance Red Tag Procedure” which is being instituted  for those using the radio room.   Information will be posted in the radio room and circulated to watch standers.

Finance:     Janet Heijens presented the Financial Report for August.  A motion was made to accept the report subject to audit, by Lou Magyar, seconded by Denis Keyes and approved with a favorable vote.

               Janet presented her thoughts and recommendations regarding setting aside a sum of money in a fund for emergency repair/replacement of the lawn mower and/or air conditioner which would be available to the Flotilla Commander for expenditure.  Discussion was held.

1.  A motion was made by Denis Keyes that “$5,000 be appropriated for an emergency reserve fund available to the FC for repair/replacement of the lawn mower/air conditioner.”  Motion was seconded by Harry Bruno.  A discussion was held.

After discussion of motion 1 Denis Keyes rescinded his motion and Harry Bruno rescinded his seconding of the motion.  Motion was withdrawn.

2. A  motion was made by Lou Magyar that “a onetime $5,000 allocation be made to a reserve fund for the repair/replacement of the lawn mower or air conditioner.  Expenditure must be approved by the FC and Treasurer. “  Harry Bruno seconded.

After discussion this motion was rescinded by Denis Keyes and Harry Bruno.  Motion was withdrawn.

3.  A motion was made by John Kandes that we table any further motions until suitable verbiage can be drafted to satisfy all requirements.  Patrick Wheeler seconded and after discussion this motion was carried with a favorable vote.

4. FC requested Campbell Reynolds review the previous verbiage of the rescinded motions and draft an appropriate motion to be presented at the next Flotilla meeting in October.

 Janet also informed members that she notified Sun Trust she will no longer require printed copies of cancelled checks (as she can print from online), therefore we no longer will be charged bank fees for those checks. 

FSO-IS:   Harry Bruno informed members of difficulties the “Forms Warehouse” has been experiencing on the National website.  National is working on correcting the problems.  Harry also informed members that Diraux is now sending notifications to individual members regarding any certification that is in danger of going REYR before the end of the year.  Anyone needing information contact Harry.

FSO-MA:  Richard Markwitz told members they can order supplies from him by completing the form available online at the Venice website.

FSO-OP:  Jim Sleichert stated that most patrols have been filled for September.

FSO-HR:  John Kandes announced our new member, Julie Leitao, is present.

Mentor:  Richard Markwitz asked that members inform him as to whom they are mentoring.

Swearing In of New Member:  FC Jim Sleichert swore in new member, Carol Borg.

Awards:

Auxop2:  Janet Heijens

CG Meritorious Team Commendation for Gasparilla Task Force: 

Roman Gzyl, John Harrison, John Kandes, Richard Markwitz, Myers Russell, Doug Simpson, Patrick Wheeler, Joseph Floyd, Walt Jennings.

Division 2010 Member Achievement Awards: 

Doug Simpson-Operational support 1^st pl; Marine Safety and Environmental Protection-1^st place.

Harry Bruno, Admin. Support-1^st pl; Operations-3^rd pl.      Ruthanne Bruno-Ops-3^rd place.

Patrick Wheeler-Vessel Examinations-1^st pl.; RBS program visitor-1^st place.

Lou Magyar-Members training 3^rd pl.        Henry Reynolds-Marine Safety and Envirnomental-2^nd pl.

               2010 Division 8 Awards to Flotilla 86:   

Most Reported Hours for 2010; Outstanding Flotilla Award;  Recreational Boating -3^rd Place;

Operations-1^st place; Marine Safety and Environmental Portection—1^st place;

Members Training-1^st place;  Coast Guard Administrative Support-1^st place; and

Vessel Examinations-1^st place

 Awards of Merit:  Fl 86 Public Education-3^rd place;  Flotilla 86 Aids to Navigation-3^rd pl;

Flotilla 86 Public Affairs-2^nd pl; and Flotilla 86 Operational Support-2^nd place.

Old Business:  Henry Reynolds discussed the information he gathered regarding recertification of CPR and 1^st aid.  He suggested members access “The Emergency University” website which is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.  Members could recertificy on this site for both CPR and 1^st aid for $39.95.  Discussion was held and Walt Jennings mentioned that the Nokomis Fire Department used to offer recertification to our members.  Henry will check with them and report back at the next meeting.

New Business:   Patrick Wheeler told members that Roman Gzyl, who is presently out-of-town, needs crew for September 17^th and 18^th.    Patrick also told members that Carol Borg has created a PowerPoint presentation for a 1 hour personal watercraft course.  He will now be able to present this course.

FC reminded members that the BS&S course will register this Wednesday, 9/15 and classes begin 9/19.

Secretary read the Election Requirements for FC and VFC for the second time.  There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2030.  Our next regular Flotilla Meeting will be held 10/4/2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Bruno, FSO-SR 86

                     Monthly Calendar

                                           MONTHLY CALENDAR-- OCTOBER 2011

Home Depot Safety Day, 10—2pm                                     October 1

8-Hour TCT, Flotilla 84, 0800                                               October 1

BSS, Chapters 9, 1830                                                              October 3

Flotilla Meeting, 1930, Elections                                         October 4

BSS, Chapters 12, 13, 1830                                                    October 6

Division 8 Meeting, Flotilla 84, 0900                                October 8

BSS Exam                                                                                      October 10

BSS Registration, 1800-1900                                               October 13

Instructor’ Course, Division 8, Flotilla 86                        October 15, 22

Venice Sun Fiesta Parade, 0900                                          October 15