February 2004

Edition of the Milford Power Squadron

Charles Island Bell Newsletter

Commanders Report

Cell Phone vs. VHF

Education Report

Education Calendar - February thru April

Commanders Report-February 2004


After receiving the Bowsprit Award in District for Education and an Educational Achievement Award I find the District 1 is next to last out of 33 Districts in percent of membership completing courses. This is for educational courses completed during the Educational Year from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003. This statistic is surprising based on the number of courses we in Milford have offered to both the Public and to Squadron Members. But it shows the problem we are faced with which is the apparent reluctance of the public to get out and partake in some social activity in their local area. As can be seen by out records of attendance, the number of attendees to our Public Boating Course has been decreasing since Year 2000 and today we consider ourselves fortunate if we get 10 students to attend.

The Sound School program is still trying to "get off the ground". The Adult Education people have had poor success in getting the public aware that they are offering courses for the public. Newspaper announcements seem to go unnoticed and possible only a large advertisement would be the only solution. However they will keep trying and we will continue to assist.

Don't forget our Dinner Get-together on Thursday Feb. 19th at the Olive Garden in Orange. Invitations were sent to everyone in the squadron and we would like you to complete the form and mail it off to Hank Chmielewski 67 Beaverbrook Rd Milford, 06460. Just $15 per person.

We'll soon be out of the doldrums and Spring will begin with our next issue. So don't despair we will soon be complaining about the aches and pain of cleaning up the boat for launching. Keep well till then and

Happy Sailing!

Bob Reeves, Cdr.

Education Report- February 2004


The extreme winter weather has caused many casualties to our Education undertakings. I wrote to you how we were entering into a relationship with the Sound School in presenting both the Boat Smart Course and the Chart Smart Course. Well, we have had to cancel 3 courses so far this winter due to lack of attendance. I guess this must be expected when a comparatively new school enters into an Adult Education Program. But it is upsetting. However we shall continue as planned a hope for better attendance in the upcoming courses

Engine Maintenance course started on Jan 15th in the Fowler Memorial Building ( next to Milford Public Library) George Buffinton is the instructor and he had 8 students brushing up on the mechanics of gas and diesel engines.

Feb 11th is the 6 lesson Boating Course at Foran High School. Bob Post is the instructor and has 9 students signed up at this time. Its being held in Room 309.

March 4th is the next Boat Smart & PWC Course to be held at the Sound School. I hope the advertising catches on and we have a good turnout for this one. Bill Carotenuto has volunteered his services for this effort. This course will be followed by a Chart Smart Course at the same place.

March 6th and 13th is the next Boat Smart & PWC Course at the Milford Public Library. It's the usual one course, 2 lessons, 2 Saturdays and I hope will be well attended. Tony Barbieri will be the instructor.

We are still preparing to have a Boat Smart Course in the Milford Yacht Club during April or May.

Seamanship is scheduled to begin on Wednesday nights, Feb. 25th, for all those members who require the additional course before Piloting which is Basic Navigation. Instructing is Hank Chmielewski.

We also plan to have a Piloting Course this Spring and we'll let you know of the date as soon as it becomes firm.


Education Calendar - February thru April 2004

January 15th-- Start Engine Maintenance Course at Fowler Building -1st Module 6 weeks, from 7:00PM to 9:00PM

February 5th-- Start Chart Smart Course at Sound School-4 Thursdays from 7:00PM to 9:00PM (Feb. 5,12,26,Mar. 4.)

February 11th-- Start 6 lesson Boating Course at Foran High School, 7 Wednesdays from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

March 4th-- Start Boat Smart & PWC Course at Sound School -4 Thursdays from 7:00PM to 9:00PM (Mar.4,11,18,25. )

March 6th and 13th-- Start Boat Smart and PWC Course at Milford Public Library,Two Saturdays from 10:30 to 2:30 PM each Saturday.

April 1st-- Start Chart Smart Course at Sound School, 4 Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00PM (Apr. 1,8,15, 22)

Seamanship Course

 (FOR USPS MEMBERS ONLY)

Content:
Seamanship is the first step in your complete boating education. This is a two Module Course and will take about 4 weeks per module. After Seamanship the next step will be the Piloting Course.

Module I


Module II


When: Starting Wednesday Feb. 25th 2004 & every Wednesday once a week for about 8 weeks from 7-9:00PM

Where: Poontatuck Yacht Club in Stratford

Cost: $35 for the text

To Register: Please call Bob Reeves ASAP. If you can't make the first class, join us in the second class. For additional info call Bob at 876-8261 or Email at bobr876@aol.com.