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May 2008
Home CONTENTS View From The Bridge: Commander's Report Exec's Desk Secretary's Report Plotting the Course From the Admin Desk The Skipper's Minute Well Done! Pipe Them Aboard! Birthdays Miscellaneous Patrons of OL Save The Dates Masthead |
View From The Bridge  Commander's
Quarters
Cdr Robert L. Chase, AP Squadron Commander First, the disclaimer and an apology. This is my opening column since my installation as your Commander. So, please forgive any rambling, omission, inconsistency, inaccuracy or general incompetence. I will continue to endeavor to hold your interest. Next the kudos. I want to thank those members who attended the change of watch event at the Penny Lane. All present seemed to enjoy the fellowship and the meal. The mission was accomplished and the transition of command is complete. Thanks to our outgoing officers and executive committee members for the steadfast manner in which they performed their duties, with special thanks again to our past Commander, Lynn, for her devoted service. And now, thanks to those who were installed for stepping forward and committing to continued service in the future. Our first executive committee was held last evening at the home of Bob and Polly Woods, and speaking of thanks, let’s give them a “standing o” any chance we get, and we are off and running into a new term, so to speak. We addressed some fundamental issues and challenges, among them the location of a “headquarters” and prominent and convenient site to conduct future classes, timely and relevant programs, and the identification of eager people to provide continuity to the leadership of this organization. I am thoroughly impressed with the new faces in our leadership, and especially our enthusiastic education officer, and I think you will share my enthusiasm when you get wind (no pun intended) of his projected format for educational events. We have our first membership meeting on 22 April (see separate notice herein for details) and I encourage all members to attend. It will be coupled with a simple meal and program, with the main event being a move to slightly change our name. Sentiments run high on this issue, so you should be treated to some lively discussion to be offered by both sides. I, of course, as your reliable Commander, will remain above it all as the only sane voice of our organization, in order that the “union” be preserved! We will have our next executive committee meeting in early May to continue our discussions, and decide on our participation in the Memorial Day parade. Our safety officer, Pat Fitzgerald, is looking for volunteers for that event, so if you are so inclined, please contact him. And, of course, if you wish to make some contribution in any other way, you are always welcome to get involved. Please get active, and if you see a good prospective member, feel free to recruit.
National SAFE KIDS WEEK 30 April –7 May “National SAFE KIDS WEEK is a perfect time to remember the importance of life jackets,” said the Coast Guard’s Director of Operations Policy, Rear Admiral J.W. Underwood. “It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe when on the water. Insisting on their wearing life jackets is one of the best ways to do that. “Just like you make your kids wear bike helmets, make them wear life jackets.” Many adults believe that they are capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard. This is a dangerous misconception. Adults may not notice a child falling overboard right away. Children who fall in may not surface immediately. It can be difficult to locate a child in the water—especially when the vessel is in motion. Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings of children ages 14 and under. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets---it’s the law. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14. Furthermore, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they experience similar behavior by parents and caregivers. “We have done research that indicates children whose parents wear life jackets around water are more likely to wear one themselves,” says Jen Medearis Costello, program manager at the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “Therefore we recommend that parents not only actively supervise their children around water, but also demonstrate safe behavior—including wearing life jackets.” The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children. National SAFE KIDS Week starts on April 30 and runs through May 7.
SPS Website Awarded Excellence Award The USPS Information Technology Committee presented the 2007 SPS Website Award to the SPS Website at the Annual meeting in Dallas on 23 February. The award recognizes that our site has met a threshold of excellence in design and execution. Congratulations to Lt. Keith Doucette, P, webmaster for the Saybrook Squadron site.
Important Vote on Squadron Name Change 22 AprilThe bylaws of Saybrook Power Squadron currently read as follows relative to the name of the squadron: ARTICLE 1 - Section 1.1 The name of this organization shall be Saybrook Power Squadron, Inc. constituting a squadron and unit of United States Power Squadrons. It is proposed that the name of the squadron be Saybrook Sail and Power Squadron , which would alter this Article 1 - Section 1.1 of the bylaws to read: ARTICLE 1 Section 1.1 The name of this organization shall be Saybrook Sail and Power Squadron constituting a squadron and unit of United States Power Squadrons. Our members are divided in support for this change. Many feel that this new name identifies us more easily to those who are not familiar with our organization. Other members feel that it’s best not to make the change; the change requires a certain amount of effort and expense, and it is not necessary because the words "Sail and Power Boating" always accompany our logo, (see the first page masthead of this Outer Light). It is mandatory that we have a quorum present in order to vote on this name change. A quorum is 10% of the number of active members. Please save this date: Tuesday 22 April 08. This will be an 1830 evening meeting. In addition, there will be a resolution, in addition to the one on the name change, authorizing the Executive Committee to spend the funds necessary to accomplish the change, as this expenditure is not a budgeted item.
Spring Boating Course Location Changed With the cancellation of our boating course by the Old Saybrook Adult Education director, it has been necessary to find an alternate location. Rives Potts, manager of Pilot's Point Marina, has graciously invited us to use the former Boater's World storefront located adjacent to the marina at 629 Boston Post Road.. The course will start as planned on Thursday 10 April at 1830. John McCarthy (860.399.2439) and Jim Hunicke (860.510.3519) are co-chairmen of the course.
USPS University Seminar Series Going Strong It was reported at the Annual Meeting that since their introduction in 2006, as many copies of our USPS seminars have been delivered to squadrons as the total of member courses, essentially doubling the output of the Educational Department. USPS University targets a large range of boaters and types of boating with programs such as these. These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour format and valuable take-away guides. Each seminar provides credits toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification program, and credit toward elective courses. Ten of these seminars are available now: Anchoring Knots, Bends, and Hitches Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio Marine Radar How to Read a Chart Several more seminars are nearing completion and will be available soon: Onboard Emergencies, Using Digital Charts, Hurricanes and Boats, Security, Heavy Weather Sailing, Partner in Command (formerly Skipper Saver), Crew Overboard, Boating Safety for Kids DVD, Diesel Engine Maintenance and Repair, and Depth Sounders. Return to Top of Page
District 1 Essex Island RendezvousFriday 20 June – Sunday 22 June 2008Mark Your Calendar!Have fun and "get to know your neighbors" who are members of the other twelve D1 squadrons! Traditionally this is a great event with wonderful attendance. You may come by boat for the weekend, or by car just for Saturday. You may set your own pace. Please bring your own lawn chairs. Contacts: D/1 Administrative Officer Bud Greenbacker, SN 203.238.4520 hgreenbacker@cox.net Docking arrangements: Make directly with Essex Island Marina 860.767.1267. State that you are a member of District 1 USPS. Events:Friday, 22 June1700 (5:00 P.M.) - Pot Luck Supper on the clubhouse deck. Bring your favorite dish. Saturday, 23 June 0800 - Continental breakfast on the deck. There will be many activities all day Saturday. 1300 - D/1 Council Meeting on the deck. Springfield Squadron host. 1500 - Cookout on the lawn: hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, salad, desserts, and more. - Tickets available from your squadron commander. Adults $7.00, Youth $3.50 - There will be a limited supply of cookout tickets available on Saturday at the door. NOTE: - Special steak tickets will be available until Wednesday 18 June at $12.00. - No tickets available on the day of the rendezvous. Advance Sale Only. (In the event of rain, the cookout will be in the boat shed behind the EIM restaurant.) Sunday, 24 June 0800 - Breakfast on the clubhouse deck available.
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* "The Skipper's Minute" is the term used for a short period at the end of an activity when the Sea Scout Skipper reviews with the scouts a particular opportunity that offers a teachable moment.
On Saturday Feb 9, Sea Scout Ship 48 enjoyed another swim session at the Westbrook YMCA courtesy of our good friend and long time Squadron member, P/D/Lt/C Polly Woods. Polly put the scouts through their paces, observing and instructing them on the proper technique and form for: front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, survival floating, platform diving, breath control and back float. Proficiency in multiple swimming strokes and floats is not only vitally important for anyone spending time on the water, but it is also a requirement for all levels of Sea Scout advancement. If you know of any young person, aged 14-21 who may be interested in joining our Ship - please contact us at: Essexseascouts@gmail.com. Yours in Scouting Skipper Dick Baylis
The Sea
Scout Promise Well Done!
Return to Top of Page Pipe Them Aboard!
P/D/Lt/C Polly Woods, AP Membership Chairman
Happy
Birthday
Return to Top of Page Miscellaneous
The Skipper is in Charge! The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons® vessel examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters, "You're in Command. Boat Responsibly!” For more information on boating responsibly, go to www.USCGboating.org or the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline – 1-800-368-5647.
The Sound is Cleaner; Fisheries Struggle (Excerpted from The Hartford Courant 9 March 2008 by David Funkhouser)) This is the message from experts who addressed a sizeable gathering at the 18th annual Long Island Sound Citizen's Summit held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Hartford recently. The conference was sponsored by the Long Island Sound Study and Save the Sound. Changes in the water have already taken a toll on some species of fish and shellfish that are popular on Connecticut menus. Winter flounder numbers are reduced as are those of several other less popular species. Lobstermen reported evidence of a lobster die-off approaching that of the devastating die-off in 1999. Oysters started to make a comeback in the 1990s but parasites devastated their population. Some progress is starting to show, however. Improvements in sewage treatment have helped. Rebuilding fisheries will take a concerted effort in restoring watersheds and spawning grounds, controlling storm runoff, protecting habitats, and integrating programs and regulations of several state and federal agencies. Striped bass have come back strong after years of over fishing, but it is suspected that these voracious fish are decimating other species. Caution is advised in eating striped bass because they contain potentially dangerous contaminants. Two key ingredients to watch for are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. Both tend to accumulate in certain fishes. Bluefish should be eaten infrequently depending on the size of the fish and the risk factors of individuals. A study has found questionable levels of mercury in bluefish. (For state Department of Public Health guidelines on what seafood to eat, go to www.dph.state.ct.us/fish.htm, or call 860-509-7740.)
Directions to Hamburg Cove Yacht Club: Driving North on I-95: Bear left at the end of the Exit 70 ramp
onto Rte 156 North. Approximately 5 miles north, note Tiffany Farm on the
right, (with the big silos), and the Lyme Firehouse just a short distance
farther. Just after crossing the small
concrete bridge, turn left onto a short cross street. When you come to the stop
sign at the end, you will see the HCYC, a white building just to the right on
the west side of Cove Road. Parking lot is opposite the clubhouse on the east
side of the road. Driving South on I-95: At the end of the Exit 70 ramp, drive straight ahead
for the length of Halls Road, past the A&P on the left, to the traffic
light. Turn right on 156 North and
follow instructions above. Return to Top of Page Patrons of the Outer Light
"Patrons of the Outer Light" Subscription Time The
cost of printing and mailing the The Outer Light amounts to about $1500
per year, a large budget item for a small squadron, but a very necessary
program in keeping our members informed. About a year ago, the Executive
Committee invited the members to voluntarily contribute the modest sum of
$10.00 per subscription year, (1 July through 30 June), to this budget item.
Several members contributed, and their names appear on this page in each issue. In
addition, when members of other squadrons apply for "Associate
Member" status in Saybrook Power Squadron, they are accepted with the
understanding that they will make this annual contribution to the cost of the
newsletter and other squadron mailings. New
members, who make a contribution to the "Patrons" list as they join
the squadron, are not expected to renew their subscription until the first
annual "Patrons" drive that occurs at least twelve months after their
initial contribution. So,
following the example of other non-profit organizations such as public radio
and public TV, the time has come for our 2006 SPS "Patrons of the Outer
Light" annual appeal. If you feel that our monthly newsletter is a benefit
to you, please send your $10.00 tax-deductible contribution, for the period Please
make your check payable to Saybrook Power Squadron, and mail to our treasurer,
Lt/C Joan Jones Patrons of The Outer Light ( Thank you for helping to defray our costs of publication! Robert and Barbara Bair Pat Coley Jim Coley Lynn Billings-Thomas Ralph & Joan Borriello Paul & Adrienne Forrest Seymore Hays Bob Cat Jim Hunicke Joan Jones Hayden & Marjorie Loveland John and Linda Robinson David Rood Arthur Sibley Please send your $10.00
tax-deductible donations to SPS c/o Lt/C Joan Jones, Treasurer, Return to Top of Page 
The Outer Light Published monthly (June and July combined). Copy deadline: Wednesday after the first Tuesday of every month. All members welcome to submit articles. Articles may be edited for clarity and space availability. Editor: P/R/C Hayden Loveland, SN
E-Mail
Articles and opinions are those expressed by the authors and do not imply agreement or endorsement by the Saybrook Power Squadron, District 1 or the United States Power Squadrons. Articles will be edited for clarity and as space allows. Material in this publication may be reprinted in whole or in part by any other Squadron of USPS, with proper credit to THE OUTER LIGHT and Saybrook Power Squadron. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
