United States Power Squadrons Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the Friends SM Banana River Sail & Power Squadron East Central Florida D23 DRAGON TALES Volume 61; Number 11 www.bananariversps.org November 2017 P/C Roger Hill turns over the gavel to new Cdr Shari Marshall See Page 12-13 for more detail IN THIS ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS.. 2 UPCOMING COURSES... 3 BRIDGE REPORTS... 4-7 OKTOBERFEST INVITE. 8 NOV GENERAL MEETING NOTICE... 9 COCOA BEACH MARKER 21 CRUISE... 10 BREAKING NEWS.... 11 CHANGE OF WATCH.... 12-13 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE. 14 HOLIDAY PARTY INVITE 15 CHAPLAIN S REPORT/NOV B-DAY. 16 D23 FALL CONFERENCE CRUISE... 17-18 SIGN UP FOR OPERATIONS TRAINING.. 20 BRIDGE AND CONTACT INFO....... 21 NEWSLETTER SUPPORTERS..... 22-23 CALENDAR... 24
Page 2 DRAGON TALES November 2017 BANANA RIVER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON ACTIVITIES YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OKTOBERFEST REUNION Sunday, November 5, 2017 Ballard Park, Pavilion 8 1100 to 1500 See Pg 8 for more info RSVP NOW!!! THANKSGIVING BUFFET DINNER Monday Nov 20, 2017 Social 1830 (6:30 pm) Dinner 1915 (7:15 pm) Doubles Beachside Restaurant See pg 9 for more info 2017 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Saturday, Dec 16 Assemble north end of Grand Canal at 5:30 CASH PRIZES $$$$$$$ See pg 14 for more info and sign up
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Page 4 DRAGON TALES November 2017 FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMANDER: Cdr Shari Marshall, AP THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP First, I would like to say that I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as your Commander for the coming year. You have elected a great group of officers and committee chairs who are dedicated to making BRSPS the finest Squadron in the District. We have some new members ready to serve on the Bridge and seasoned members who bring their expertise to the table. Together they are ready to make 2018 a truly exceptional year for the Squadron. I recently represented the Squadron at the District 23 Fall Conference and reported on the social and educational activities which BRSPS achieved in the past 6-7 months. There were 12 social events including monthly general membership meeting presentations, joint ventures with neighboring squadrons (Blessing of the Fleet and D23 Picnic), and fun activities including the Flare-Up and Corn Roast. There are still four great events coming up: Oktoberfest Reunion, Thanksgiving Dinner Meeting, Christmas Boat Parade, and our annual Holiday Party. Our Education Dept taught over 140 students in courses varying from ABC3 and Jr. Basic Boating to Piloting and Engine Maintenance. We have been VERY BUSY!! It was also with a great deal of pride that I reported on our intention to present Jr. Basic Boating graduates with either a Type IV PDF with squadron logo affixed or a waterproof pouch with the same logo. Hopefully, these successful students will value their education and enjoy these safe boating awards. In 2018 the Squadron will also present its first Banana River SPS Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to a worthy second-year student at Keiser University. Squadron membership currently stands at 68 active members with 2 associate members. We have lost a few members, mainly due to relocation out of the area, but we also gained 10 new members. At the D23 Fall Conference, there was an exchange of ideas with regard to growing membership but more importantly sustaining membership. These ideas will come in handy during the next few months, and your Bridge intends on pursuing every possibility. I look forward to working with every one of you this year - come join the FUN!
Page 5 DRAGON TALES November 2017 FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY ASEO P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN Engine Maintenance, delayed by hurricane Irma, was finally completed on Oct 4. All ten students who sat for the exam passed. Great job of instructing, Jim Merker. The last Basic Boating ABC3 course for this year will be on Saturday, November 4. It runs all day from 9 AM to approximately 4:30 PM. The fee is $20.00 and the registration deadline is October 30. Do you know of any friends, boaters and otherwise who would be (or should) interested in taking it? Take advantage of our COURSES ON DEMAND option let us know which course you want to take and we will schedule it. We are preparing the list of 2018 courses so far we have three ABC3 and three JrBB others will be determined by your desire. A minimum of five students will get a class started. LIST of COURSES BASIC BOATING: America's Boating Course ABC3 Junior Basic Boating (11 to 17 years old) Boating On Rivers, Locks And Lakes Crossing Borders Emergencies On Board Fuel And Boating How To Use A Chart Hurricane Preparation For Boaters Knots, Bends, And Hitches Man Overboard Marine Radar Mariner's Compass Mastering The Rules Of The Road Paddle Smart Partner In Command Safe Boating for the 60+ Check our website www.bananariversps.org for more information. Remember, we do not just offer boating education we provide superior boating education. ADVANCED: Seamanship (S) Piloting (P) Advanced Piloting (AP) Junior Navigation (JN) Navigation (N) ELECTIVE: Cruising and Cruise Planning (C and CP) Engine Maintenance (EM) Marine Electrical Systems (MES) Marine Communication Systems (MCS) Sail (Sa) Weather (Wx) LIST of SEMINARS Advanced Powerboat Handling Ernst Hofmann P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN
Page 6 DRAGON TALES November 2017 FROM THE SQUADRON SECRETARY: Lt/C Stephanie Murphy, P BANANA RIVER SAIL AND POWER SQUAD- RON Meeting Minutes DATE: October 16, 2017 LOCATION: Double s Beachside, IHB Attending Cdr Roger Hill, P; Lt/C Shari Marshall, AP; Lt/C David Hixenbaugh, SN; Lt Harvey Inventasch, SN; P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN, Lt Gail Wall, P; P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN; P/C Edmund LeCun, JN; Lt/C Stephanie Murphy, P Absent P/C Jim Merker, AP Guests District 23 D/C Ronald A. Gagen Sr., SN and Judy Coffman CBSPS Cdr Tom Courtney, AP-CN and wife, Robin Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order at 1835 by Cdr Roger Hill. A quorum was present. P/D/C George Ammon, SN gave the invocation and blessing. P/D/Lt/C David Hixenbaugh, SN led the Pledge of Allegiance. P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN handled the election process. He verified that an email notification went out to all members with a list of nominations and a request for any further nominations. Nancy Adams read the list of nominees. Motion made by P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN that the nominations be accepted. This motion was seconded by P/D/C John Carbee, SN. Motion carried by acclamation. Distinguished Guests were introduced by Cdr Roger Hill, P: District 23 Commander D/C Ron Gagen, SN and Judy Coffman and Cocoa Beach Sail and Power Squadron Cdr Tom Courtney, AP-CN and wife, Robin. Recognition was made of previous squadron and district commanders. Dinner was served. Cdr Hill called the meeting back to order after dinner and introduced D/C Gagen. D/C Gagen spoke about various topics, including the following. The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron newsletter is excellent! (Kudos to Sharilyn Marshall for her work on this) It is one of 5 newsletters (out of 8 squadrons) which he receives monthly. When he read about the Junior Safe Boating class planned for Spring Break 2017, he visited the class. He was amazed that our squadron initiated the class using the USPS material and that 45 students attended the Spring Break class! He said the future of the USPS was the growth generated via new members. Across the country, 300 new members had been signed up; however, there were 1,200 members who became life members and no longer pay dues. Even though the USPS has a large membership, a significant percentage consists of life members. USPS National is raising dues by $2.00 per person, effective December 1. This additional money will be used to pay for a marketing group to help increase membership via publicity about the purpose of the US Power Squadrons, including becoming known as America s Boating Club. There is also a new classification of squadron as Inactive. An Inactive Squadron can continue to meet for social purposes, but will not need to meet the USPS requirements for Bridge officers and Educational activities. He stressed that new members are key and that our educational activities are a great step towards this achievement. He is looking forward to the District 23 conference held on a Port Canaveral cruise in October. There was a show of hands of members who were attending (approximately 10 BRSPS members). D/C Gagen presided over this 62 nd Change of Watch for Banana River Sail and Power Squadron starting with inducting the new BRSPS Commander Sharilyn Marshall, AP who was sworn in as Commander. Then the entire new Bridge and Executive Committee were called up and sworn in, including the following officers: Admin Officer: Lt/C Gail Wall, P Secretary: Lt/C Stephanie Murphy, P Treasurer: P/D/Lt/C J. David Hixenbuagh, SN Asst Ed Officer: P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN Asst Ed Officer: Lt/C John Pechar, P
Page 7 DRAGON TALES November 2017 Minutes Continued Member at Large: P/D/C Robert Becker, SN Member at Large: Lt Harvey Inventasch, SN Member at Large: P/C Edmund LeCun, JN Member at Large: James Merker, AP (absent) Personal flags were provided to new Bridge Officers after induction. Photographs were taken. Outgoing Commander Hill stated that Shari and his Bridge really made sure activities happened during the year. He reviewed the achievements made, such as the new scholarship for Keiser University and providing PFDs for students scoring 90% on the Jr Safe Boating exam. He reviewed the activities that BRSPS participated in this year: the Cocoa Beach Blessing of the Fleet, the Marker 36 corn roast, Samson Island, on board instruction. He provided gifts to his outgoing Bridge and thanked them for their help during his tenure in office: Shari Marshall, Gail Wall, Bob Becker, Ed LeCun, Harvey Inventasch, Dave Hixenbaugh, Dick Peoples (for keeping us straight on all the rules), and Ernst Hofmannn. New Cdr Sharilyn Marshall spoke about BRSPS and all the activities that have occurred throughout the 2017 year (a total of 12 social occasions where members could meet) and that the year was not over. We still have to look forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas meetings, the Oktoberfest planned for November 5, and the Christmas Boat Parade on December 16. P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN stated that the Education Department held 7 courses and 141 students with 25 members working on these activities. He presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following members for their assistance with the education activities during 2017: Anthony Adams Nancy Adams George Ammon Marion Ammon Brian Dutra Marisela Dutra Ken Emandes John Fritz Earl Gillespie (absent) Roger Hill Dave Hixenbaugh Lucy Hixenbaugh Harvey Inventasch Ed LeCun Sharilyn Marshall James Merker (absent) Stephanie Murphy Dick Peoples John Pechar Ken Peters Adam Smith (absent) Bill Veit (absent) Gail Wall Ed Wrasmann (absent) Valerie Dietrich New Cdr Marshall introduced John and Carol Carbee, who presented Part 3 of their presentation Cruising the Caribbean covering the countries of Grenada, Trinidad, and Tobago. Gail Wall passed around a sign-up sheet for the Oktoberfest being held in November. The meeting was adjourned at 2057. Next meeting will be held on November 20, 2017 where we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional turkey buffet. Submitted by Stephanie Murphy, BRSPS Secretary October 17, 2017 John and Carol Carbee
Page 8 DRAGON TALES November 2017 PAST MEMBERS and CURRENT MEMBERS BRSPS invites you to a party in YOUR honor. We have missed seeing you at our activities. When: Sunday, November 5, 2017 Where: Ballard Park, #8 Pavilion Time: 1100 to 1500 Squadron will provide grilled brats, foot-long hot dogs, buns, utensils, plates, napkins, and cold water. Please bring a dish to pass (suggest potato salad, red cabbage, saurkraut, apple struedel). BYOB (German beer comes to mind!) RSVP to Lt/C Gail Wall, P at gail.brsps@gmail.com or 772-418-4507 by NOV 4
Page 9 DRAGON TALES November 2017 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Monday Nov 20, 2017 Social 1830 Dinner 1915 (6:30 p.m.) (7:15 p.m.) Doubles Beachside Restaurant 1896 S. Patrick Drive Indian Harbor Beach, FL DETAILS: Please join us for a fun and filling meeting. This annual Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner is a festive way to celebrate all that we are thankful for this year! The buffet will include all the traditional turkey and trimmings. Please bring a dessert to add to the buffet! $25/person paid at the door. Cash bar available. RSVP to Gail Wall at gail.brsps@gmail.com or call 772 418-4507 MEETING TRANSPORTATION SERVICE If you are a member and need transportation to and from the Squadron General Meetings you are invited to call Shari Marshall, 734-347-2992 who will gladly make the arrangements for you. There is no charge and no reason needed other than the desire to have a great evening with fellow Squadron members. Call now and don t miss out!
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Page 12 November 2017 D R A GON TA LE S The Banana River Sail & Power Squadron 62nd Annual CHANGE OF WATCH doubles beachside 1896 s. patrick drive, indian harbor beach CBSPS Cdr Tom Courtney and wife, Robin, and Judy Coffman Lt/C Gail Wall welcomes Cdr Marshall and P/C Hill Marisela and Brian Dutra Cdr Hill called the meeting to order, the blessing was given, and dinner was served.
Page 13 November 2017 D R A GON TA LE S COW Continued D/C Ron Gagen presided Swearing in of Cdr over the Change of Marshall Watch Swearing in of the 2018 BRSPS Bridg
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Page 15 DRAGON TALES November 2017 Monday, December 18, 2017 WHEN: Social 1830 (6:30 pm) Buffet 1915 (7:15 pm) WHERE: Doubles Beachside 1896 S Patrick Dr, Indian Harbour Beach WHAT: Holiday Buffet and Party $20/person at the door DETAILS: Join us for a Holiday Celebration complete with food and fun!! First, please bring an unwrapped toy for underprivileged children, and then bring something that you have around the house that you don t want! (even if it has no value to you, try to keep the perceived value less than $20.) Wrap it in anything and put it in the re-gifting basket!! Everyone will get a number and we will quickly draw for the order of picking a gift. You can open the gift or swap it for an already opened gift you like better. MOST of all, LAUGH and have FUN!! RSVP to Gail Wall (gail.brsps@gmail.com or 772 418-4507 by Dec 12
Page 16 DRAGON TALES November 2017 THE CHAPLAIN S REPORT: P/D/C George Ammon, SN We all know life is fragile and uncertain. Please feel free to make me aware of any special needs any of our squadron members may have. I depend on your input. You may contact me at (321) 773-2426. I want to thank all those people who keep in touch with their friends and fellow members. We look forward to seeing all of you at future meetings. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO OUR MEMBERS CELEBRATING IN NOVEMBER! Sam Ashdown Anita Carbone Michael Duitch Terri Friedlander Bette George Dan Harper Marcie Harper Yvonne McGuire Clara Ross Julie Story
Page 17 November 2017 D R A GON TA LE S D23 Fall Conference Cruise Majesty of the Seas Oct 23-27, 2017 D23 Cdr Gagen, AO Mikat, and Secretary Poland 10 members of BRSPS at D23 Fall Conference Cdr Marshall reports on BRSPS Attendees at the 2017 D23 Fall Conference Cruise
Page 18 DRAGON TALES November 2017 D23 Fall Conf Continued Cathy and John Pechar Gail Wall and Stephanie Murphy Wally Jones and Shari Marshall Joy and Harvey Inventasch John and Carol Carbee Happy Birthday to Harvey from our BRSPS crew
Page 19 DRAGON TALES November 2017 NEWS FROM NATIONAL The United States Power Squadrons public site URL has changed from usps.org to beyondboating.org. Please let your members know in an upcoming edition of your newsletter. This is an exciting new site with great graphics, videos, and easy to access information. R/C Kathleen Lambert, AP, Chair Communications Committee THE CLEAN BOATER PLEDGE: Keep Florida s waters free of trash and recycle Practice proper fueling techniques Use pump-out facilities Help prevent the spread of exotics Be a Clean Boater example Encourage fellow boaters to Take the Pledge Remember that a clean environment starts with ME
Page 20 DRAGON TALES November 2017 USPS OPERATION TRAINING Have you wondered why squadron meetings appear so formal? What do all the flags signify? What is a P/D/C or Lt/C? These and many more questions about how USPS and its Squadrons are structured and operate will be answered during the Operation Training Course. Sign up NOW. Contact: Lt/C Shari Marshall, AP 734-347-2992 Course will be taught in January! ********************************************************** BANANA RIVER BOOSTER CLUB We are reviving our Booster Club. A $10 contribution is all it takes to support your Squadron for a year. We wish to thank our first supporters : P/C Earl Gillespie, P (10 15) P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN (07 16) P/D/C George Ammon, SN (01 17) P/C Ken Peters, SN (02 17) YOU TOO CAN BE A BRSPS BOOSTER MEMBER1
Page 21 DRAGON TALES October 2017 BRIDGE OFFICERS Commander Cdr Shari Marshall, AP 734-347-2992 Executive Officer OPEN Administrative Officer Lt/C Gail Wall, P 321-327-2785 Squadron Educational Officer OPEN Secretary Lt/C Stephanie Murphy 321-723-1817 Treasurer P/D/Lt/C Dave Hixenbaugh,SN 321-795-1588 Asst. Educational Officers P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN 321-777-9462 Lt/C John Pechar 724-263-0273 MEMBERS AT LARGE P/D/C Robert Becker, SN P/D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN Lt Harvey Inventasch, SN P/C Edmund LeCun, JN EX-OFFICIO P/C James Merker, AP FINANCIAL REVIEW COMM P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN Lt Dan Friedlander P/C Carol Carbee, SN RULES COMM P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN NOMINATING COMM Lt Nancy Adams, S MERIT MARK CHAIR Lt Gail Wall, S Editor Cdr Shari Marshall, AP 734-347-2992 sd44marsh@yahoo.com Web Site: www.bananariversps.org Banana River Sail and Power Squadron Voice Mailbox 321-220-7775 General Membership Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month. Dragon Tales, published monthly, is the official publication of the Banana River Sail and Power Squadron. It is mailed to members, district, and national officers and our supporters. Opinions are those expressed by the writer and do not necessarily reflect the policy of nor imply agreement with the Dragon Tales staff, Banana River Sail and Power Squadron, D23, or USPS. At the discretion of the Dragon Tales staff, articles submitted may be printed in all, or in part, or may be rewritten. Advertisements appearing in the Dragon Tales are supplied by our supporters and no endorsement is expressed or implied.
Page 22 DRAGON TALES November 2017 Contact us to schedule your next event! 321-773-5341 1896 South Patrick Drive Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937
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Page 24 DRAGON TALES November 2017 Banana River Sail & Power Squadron 2732 Carlson Cir #104 Melbourne, FL 32901 Banana River Sail & Power Squadron web site - bananariversps.org Banana River Sail & Power Squadron Voice Mailbox - 321-220-7775 Membership meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cut here to Clip Upcoming Events - - - - - - - - - - - - - UP-COMING SQUADRON & DISTRICT EVENTS 2017 NOVEMBER 4 ABC3 900 Ascension Lutheran Church 5 OKTOBERFEST REUNION 1100 Ballard Park, #8 Pavilion 14 EXECUTIVE MEETING 1900 BAAB, 674 S. Patrick Dr, Satellite Beach 18 COCOA BEACH MARKER 21 CRUISE 20 THANKSGIVING DINNER 1830 Doubles Beachside 1896 S Patrick Dr, Indian Harbour Bch 21 DRAGON TALES DEADLINE Email to sd44marsh@yahoo.com DECEMBER 12 EXECUTIVE MEETING 1900 BAAB, 674 S. Patrick Dr, Satellite Beach 16 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE 1750 North end of Grand Canal 18 HOLIDAY BUFFET/PARTY 1830 Doubles Beachside 1896 S Patrick Dr, Indian Harbour Bch 21 DRAGON TALES DEADLINE Email to sd44marsh@yahoo.com