Auxiliary

Power

I find it fascinating how a group can contribute so much to the health and strength of USPS and still continue to decline in numbers.

Auxiliary members run social events, raise funds for squadrons, proctor in our classes, recruit new members, participate in community activities and, probably most importantly, support the efforts and objectives of USPS.

Our Editor, Lois Neef, in recent issues of our newsletter, has reproduced items from squadron publications reflecting upon Auxiliary activities, and I think that's great. Also, we've had articles in THE ENSIGN, the most recent describing a special community project in which Miles River auxiliary (D/5) was involved. This is the kind of information we need to make public. I ask each of you to send us articles that we can use to acknowledge your fine work. This is what we need.

Recently, I represented my District Commander at a Change of Watch for Delhigh Power Squadron, D/5. I was thrilled that special certificates were presented to 25 Family members. What a great group for a potential Auxiliary. One of the recipients, Muriel Komoski, proudly displayed her Delphinus pin. Wouldn't it be great to see that auxiliary and many others re-activated. We've simplified the by-laws to make it easier to accomplish this.
 

I hope to see many of you in Grand Rapids. Stf/C Franklin P. Wright, N Auxiliary Advisory Committee

R/C Armstrong called the meeting to order at 1530.  The minutes from the open Fall Governing Board were approved as issued.  Committee members present were Stf/C Frank Wright, P/R/C Priscilla Clarke, D/Lt Rosemary Bialecke, Joyce Bruner, D/Lt Ellen Carr, D/Lt Reyna Henry, D/Lt Lois Neef and D/Lt Martha Walker.

Auxiliary Advisory Committee members and guests were then introduced.

D/Lt Ellen Carr gave a report on the Youth Poster Contest for 2000.  She explained the theme for 2001 will be “THINK Family Safety – Boat Smart from the Start” and that the breakdown of age groups will be 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 14.

P/R/C Clarke gave an update on the status of the Auxiliaries – there are 47 Auxiliaries with 1,775 members.

D/Lt Neef thanked all for getting the word out to have their newsletters sent to her.  This gives her a greater area to gather information for our newsletter.

EXPO – D/Lt Walker gave a special thank you to Joyce and her son-in-law for the 180 candy bars they donated.  D/Lt Carr thanked those that sent in the 17 pictures and one poster that were displayed at our booth.

P/R/C Clarke gave an update on our web site and the information that is available to all members of USPS.  She is doing a fabulous job maintaining this site.

Our guest speaker was P/D/C Bruce Troth from the Membership Committee.  His presentation was on Team USPS x 2.  He gave the group a lot of ideas to take back to their respective Squadron/District on keeping members involved.  Involved members make happy members and that will keep the organization alive and growing.  Thank you Bruce for a very informative session.

R/C Armstrong ended the meeting by reminding everyone to watch for the next issue of Ensign, as it will contain various articles about what Auxiliaries are doing for their squadrons.  She thanked everyone for coming and she looks forward to seeing them in Grand Rapids in June.

The meeting adjourned at 1630.

Respectfully submitted,
D/Lt Ellen V. Carr, AP

* The Greenwich Bay Change of Watch held on March 16, 2000 had a ladies program on Saturday afternoon.  The ladies went on a Wine Tasting Tour of the Newport Vineyards.  I am sure the Squadron was wishing they had their Auxiliary back to do the arranging of the activities for the ladies not interested in attending the Squadron meetings on Saturday.

* The SEA BELLES of Bellevue, D/16 made a big contribution to the Squadron’s Auction.  First the members contributed goodies for a Bake Sale.  They even had some “yummy” pies baked by SeaBelle member, Stf/C L.D. Brown.  Over $300 was contributed to the Squadron.  In addition the ladies present bid on P/R/C Gaston Decock.  The lucky winners will get a boat ride and munchies on board the Nifty Fifty.  Everyone really enjoyed their evening at the Auction. * At the Change of Watch of the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron, CAPS gave two checks:  $500 for the Skipper’s Log and $700 for the Memorial Building Fund.  One of their means of raising money was a Garage Sale.  Over $500 was made, with the possibility of more to come. * How do you say “Thank You!” to your outgoing president or Commanderette?  SEA BELLES, the auxiliary of the Bellevue Sail and Power Squadron D/16 presents a signal flag bracelet which spells Sea Belles.  It is a treasure to keep!

The District Auxiliary Liaison Officer is appointed by the District Administrative Officer or the District Commander to become a member of the District Administrative Department to serve as a direct link in communications between the National Auxiliary Advisory Committee and individual Auxiliaries within the District.  In order to be effective, all correspondence concerning Auxiliaries within that District should be channeled through the District Auxiliary Liaison Officer.

Duties of the District Auxiliary Liaison Officer are, but not limited to:

* give verbal and written auxiliary report at District Council and Conferences.
* hold round table discussions with Auxiliary members at District Conferences.
* encourage squadrons in district to sponsor an auxiliary stating benefits to squadron.
* attend the open Auxiliary Advisory Meeting at USPS Annual and Governing Board meetings.
* provide articles of interesting auxiliary activities with district to Chair of Auxiliary Advisory Committee for possible inclusion in Auxiliary     Newsletter and/or ENSIGN
* encourage Auxiliaries immediately following election of bridge officers to submit Auxiliary Annual Report to current R/C of Auxiliary Advisory Committee (address in each ENSIGN).
* know contents of Auxiliary Directory, i.e., names and addresses of Auxiliary Advisory Committee members, model pledge for Auxiliary officers, two copies of Auxiliary Annual report form.
* copy Auxiliary Advisory Committee Regional Representative with correspondence.
* turn over all records to successor.

Remember your National Auxiliary Advisory Committee members are available to answer questions you might have—just give us a call.

Credit Arthur Godfrey:  I’m proud to be paying taxes in the United States.  The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money. Mr. And Mrs. Paul Revere were having an argument, during which Mrs. Revere was heard to yell, “Paul, I don’t care who is coming tonight, it’s my turn to use the horse.” “Thought I’d let my doctor check me cause I didn’t feel quite right… All those aches and pains annoyed me and I couldn’t sleep at night.  He could find no real disorder but I wouldn’t let it rest, what with Medicare and Blue Cross we would do a couple tests.  To the hospital he sent me, though I didn’t feel that bad.  He arranged for them to give me every test that could be had.  I was fluoroscoped and cystoscoped; my aging frame displayed, stripped on an ice cold table while my gizzards were x-rayed.  I was checked for worms and parasites, for fungus and the crud, while they pierced me with long needles taking samples of my blood.  Doctors came to check me over, probed and pushed and poked around, and to make sure I was living they then wired me for sound.  They have finally concluded (their results have filled a page), what I have will someday kill me—My affliction is OLD AGE. Here’s a suggestion for those who want to lose weight--Put the bathroom scale in front of the refrigerator.

 D/Lt Lois Ann Neef, P
 502 S Florida Avenue #135
 Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
Wind16@aol.com (after 15 May)