united states power squadrons® · urday, may 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. i will be there along...
TRANSCRIPT
United States Power Squadrons®
Ventura Sail and Power Squadron
Volume 63 May 2019 Number 5
Cdr Vincent Gerretz, JN
Commander’s Corner
A Merry May To You All!
As the flowers bloom and the sweet fruit from
our glorious farms here in Ventura are be-
coming available, it is a reminder that boating
is starting for all of us. I have enjoyed a great
outing last month with P/C Janet Lawson and
our SEO, Lt/C Debbie Braun-Lawson as we
participated in the Predicted Log Race at VYC.
We did a good job coming in third out of four
boats. It was a sunny and warm cruise en-
joyed by all of us.
“The sea does not reward those who are too
anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One
should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach -
waiting for a gift from the sea.”
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I hope as you all go out and enjoy our water-
ways here in Ventura that you remember to
keep safety on your mind. It only takes a mo-
ment when a beautiful trip can turn hazard-
ous. Prepare yourself for the uncertainty by
being prepared with a Vessel Safety Check by
one of our Vessel Safety Inspectors.
This year’s Boating Safety Expo will be on Sat-
urday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I
will be there along with Dan Coverdale pre-
senting to many of the visitors the proper
wearing of PFDs, other safety gear and
equipment and sharing what Ventura Sail and
Power Squadron offers to help make their
boating experience safe and fun. Come join us
and enjoy. For more info on the Safe Boating
Expo, please check out their website found
here: http://safeboatingexpo.com
The Commander’s Cup Picnic will be held on
Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
at Peninsula Park at the Northwest Area near
the boat ramp. Come and enjoy a day of fes-
tivities including our Bristol Boat Competition,
the Blessing of the Fleet and a superb BBQ.
Hope to see you all there.
The Executive Committee will be meeting on
Monday, May 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at
Ventura Yacht Club. Come on down; let us
hear from you. Your thoughts and ideas are
what we need to keep Ventura Sail and Power
Squadron responsive to your needs. So, come
on down to see your Executive Committee
working to keep your Power Squadron strong.
Our members are the heart of Ventura Sail
and Power Squadron. We cannot do the many
things we offer to you and the public without
your support. Your squadron needs your sup-
port in rebuilding our beloved Squadron. We
need some of your time in managing a por-
tion of what makes Ventura Sail and Power
Squadron one of the largest squadrons in our
district. One member, 1st
/Lt Debbi Torbet, has
stepped up to be the Assistant Educational
Officer. She will help our SEO, Lt/C Debbie
Braun-Lawson with the many demanding as-
pects of our Education Program. Welcome
aboard and thank you Debbi for taking on this
responsibility.
We still have other offices where we need your
help. Some of the posts we are looking for are:
Administrative Officer
Assistant Administrative Officer
Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Secretary
Public Relations Officer
For a few hours a month, you will be helping
us achieve the goals we try to meet. Be a part
of your Squadron family and learn just how
important your time will be in helping us.
There are many opportunities in working with
your friends and fellow squadron members.
The rewards will be many.
Finally, Monday, May 27 marks Memorial Day.
It is a time where we all take the time to stop
and give thanks to the men and women of our
Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect
our country. Their sacrifice cannot, and
should not, be forgotten. Please take a mo-
ment this Memorial Day to remember them
all.
Have a safe and enjoyable May
Looking forward to seeing you all out there.
Please help me in congratu-
lating Sheri Green and Don
Shultz for winning the 2018
Distinctive Communication
Awards for
Publication and Website
respectively.
Your efforts are a great re-
flection on your dedication
and service to the jobs you
do, Ventura Sail and Power
Squadron, District 13 and
the United States Power
Squadrons.
Great Job!!!
Cdr Vincent Gerretz, JN
Lt/C Debbie Braun-Lawson
Squadron Education Officer
Classes continue…
Advanced Piloting started on April 16
with
four students in the class taught by Vince
Gerretz.
Monday, April 22 saw the start of the new
Seamanship class taught by Jan Lawson.
There are 10 people signed up but only
three showed up to take the class the first
night. If you signed up for the Seaman-
ship class it is not too late to jump in!
On May 7 we will start the first time ever
Radar for Boaters course. We have ten
people signed up to take the class under
the leadership of Gary Wolfe. I am look-
ing forward to the beginning of this class.
When these classes finish we will take an
education break so we all can go boating
and apply the knowledge we have ac-
quired. Classes begin again in Septem-
ber.
MMMaaayyy BBBiiirrrttthhhdddaaayyysss
Joanne Beatty 1-May
Phil Reid 2-May
Kathryn Elroy 3-May
Shawn M. Hoff 6-May
Sheilla Leiman 7-May
Darrell O'Connell 9-May
Dennis A. Doman 9-May
Steven Nagelberg 14-May
Ronald Broschart 14-May
Catie Calderwood 16-May
Laurice J. West 22-May
Judy A. Wang 26-May
Lori Volk 27-May
Lt/C Dan Coverdale
Executive Officer
This issue I’m going to make it short and
to the point: The Channel Islands Safe
Boating Expo is coming on Saturday, May
11, 2019, and we still are in need of volun-
teers to staff our table at the Expo.
A lot happens at the Expo, including
search and rescue demonstrations by the
USCG and Ventura County Fire Depart-
ment.
The VSPS booth is staffed in 2-hour shifts
by VSPS volunteers. Heartfelt thanks to
those who have helped in previous years –
this is a key event for our organization.
So volunteer! (please) Shifts are 0800-
1000, 1000-1200, 1200-1400 and 1400-
1600. Contact me at 323-810-8887 or cov-
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Where: Peninsula Park 3333 S. Peninsula, Oxnard
Who: All Members
What: Socializing, BBQ lunch in the park, Vessel Inspections, Com-
mander’s Cup, Blessing of the Fleet and Nautical Games!
When:
0930 Boats arrive and vessel inspections
1100 Commander’s Cup judging begins
1200 Lunch
1300 General meeting and awards
1330 Blessing of the fleet
1400 Cleanup and head back to home slips
The Power Squadron will provide BBQ, potato salad, baked beans,
dessert and drinks. We will accept any and all side dishes.
Please bring your own chair.
Lunch is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for 12 years and under.
RSVP by May 14
I need to know how many will be joining us for lunch so I can pur-
chase food. Also I need a count of participating vessels in the Boat
Judging to secure space assignments.
Contact: Bill York
[email protected] 805-628-2553
Lt/C Chris Stine
Secretary
Ventura Sail and Power Squadron
Executive Committee Meeting
Ventura, CA
04 March 2019 Minutes
(Corrected and approved 01 April 2019)
Called to order at 1859.
Attendees:
1. Cdr Vince Gerretz,
2. Executive Officer Lt/C Dan Coverdale
3. Admin Officer Lt/C _____vacant_____
4. Secretary Lt/C Chris Stine, S
5. SEO Lt/C Debbie Braun-Lawson
6. Treasurer Lt/C Dan Cahn
7. P/C Robyn Miller
8. Member guest: P/D/C Don Shultz
9. Member guest: Janet Shultz
Pledge of Allegiance was led by SEO L/C
Debbie Braun-Lawson.
A quorum was present. .
Reports of Officers:
SEO Lt/C Debbie Braun-Lawson
Two classes are currently underway: ABC
and Sailing. Three more classes will start
in April: Marine Communications, Sea-
manship and Advanced Piloting.
Admin Officer Lt/C__vacant
The upcoming event will be the Shakedown
Cruise to Anacapa Island with the Ventura
Yacht Club, on Saturday, March 9, 2019,
coordinated by Jan Lawson.
The Santa Barbara Cruise & Dinner Party
is scheduled for June 14-16, 2019. Details
will be published as soon as planning is
completed.
Treasurer Lt/C Dan Cahn
Treasurer’s Report was circulated (via
email) to the Executive Board for review
prior to the meeting. The squadron’s
bank balance is $17,002.00.
Questions about the annual audit were
discussed. Two questions asked were:
when was the last one done, and when is
the next one due? Dan will review and re-
port at the next board meeting. Vince
asked that a budget be developed for this
fiscal year 2019/2020. He also suggested
that last year’s budget be made available
for review, if it’s available.
Secretary Lt/C Chris Stine
Chris did not have the minutes for the An-
nual Meeting in January, but will provide
them at the April Executive Board meet-
ing. Since the January meeting was can-
celled, there are no minutes for the meet-
ing.
Executive Officer Lt/C Dan Coverdale
Dan brought up the topic of the upcoming
Boating Expo which will be held on May
11. Various aspects of the Expo were dis-
cussed, including an appeal to the mem-
bership to volunteer to help at the Power
Squadron booth. Volunteering at the
VSPS Boating Safety Booth is what the
power squadron is all about, and is always
fun. The shifts are only two hours long,
and it provides an opportunity to meet
new and prospective members for the
squadron. More information will be avail-
able soon.
Commander Vince Gerretz
Vince reported that P/C Robin Miller will
continue to do Safety Inspections, as will
Jim and Mary Baldwin. He is now in pos-
session of the keys to the storage locker,
so He and Dan Coverdale can inventory
the resources for the Expo
Ongoing Business/Activities/Classes
None reported.
Completed Business/Activities/Classes
None reported.
Future Business/Activities/Classes
1. The Executive Committee discussed
various incentive ideas for increasing
enrollment in VSPS. One specific idea
was that students in the ABC class who
join VSPS would get 50% off the mem-
ber’s price of the next Seamanship
class. Joining VSPS must occur before
the start of the next Seamanship class.
This offer would be good for a one year
period from the completion date of the
ABC class. This was moved/seconded
and approved by the board.
2. It was mentioned that National is offer-
ing a radar class, called “Radar for
Boaters.” This is a class that VSPS
might want to consider offering.
3. At previous meetings, the possibility of
meeting at various different locations
was discussed. The purpose would be
to get the squadron out more in the
community. Vince suggested Mimi’s
Restaurant in Ventura, which has a
side room that would be suitable for
this purpose. The suggestion was
made that the meetings could be a
dinner meeting. Toward this end it was
suggested that VSPS could cover 20%
of the meal cost for the Executive
Committee. This was moved and se-
conded, and discussion followed.
DISCUSSION: P/C Robyn Miller asked if the
Executive Committee would be required to
dress in uniform at these dinner meet-
ings. Vince suggested that board mem-
bers could wear Polo shirts with the VSPS
logo, which are available in the VSPS Ship’s
Store. Visiting members would not be re-
quired to wear the Polo shirt. Dan Cover-
dale added that visiting members could
wear their name badge with the squadron
insignia. A suggestion was made that, due
to the significant amount of work required
from the board to keep the squadron run-
ning smoothly and with oversight, the Ex-
ecutive Board be afforded a meal stipend
of not to exceed (NTE) $40.00 per dinner
for five dinner meetings per year for each
Executive Board member.
Accordingly, the motion was amended to
read:
VSPS pay for NTE $40.00 per dinner
for five dinner meetings per year
for each Executive Board member;
Board members should wear their
VSPS name badges;
Visiting member-guests at the
meeting should wear their VSPS
name badges
Visiting member-guests’ meals will
be paid for by VSPS (NTE $40.00)
Amended motion was seconded and ap-
proved.
4. P/D/C Don Shultz said he has been co-
ordinating the Merit Marks program
since 1999, and thinks perhaps it is
time for someone else to take over. He
will continue until another volunteer
comes along to take over that duty.
Don is also on the Rules Committee
and recently reviewed the By-laws. He
doesn’t see a need to revise the By-
laws at this time. With regard to the
Google Calendar, Don stated he had
removed it from the VSPS website be-
cause nobody was updating it.
Adjourned at 2010.
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May
6
Executive Committee
Ventura Yacht Club
May
11
Channel Islands
Safe Boating Expo
USCG Station
Victoria Avenue
Channel Islands
May
18
VSPS Picnic
Peninsula Park
3333 Peninsula Rd.
Oxnard
June
3
Executive Committee
Ventura Yacht Club
June
14-16
The Santa Barbara
Cruise and Dinner Party
Administrative Department Membership Committee Youth Poster Contest
2019 Contest Theme
"America's Boating Club Saves Lives" Judging will be at the 2019 Fall Governing Board Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky
The Youth Poster Contest is open to all children, ages 6-14. The contest is designed as a teaching aid to create an appreciation and respect for recreational boating by promoting safe boating as fun boating.
First, second and third place medals will be awarded in each of three age categories:
1) Ages 6 – 8 2) Ages 9 – 11 3) Ages 12 – 14
The National Membership Committee recommends that Squadrons conduct local contests, taking local squadron winners to a district event for judging. District Winners are the only posters eligible for judging at the National Conference.
The 2019 posters must be delivered for judging at the National Governing Board Meeting in Louisville
September 8-15, 2019.
All submitted posters must adhere to contest rules and guidelines..
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invites
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to attend
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday May 5, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.
You already know many yacht club members as instructors in VSPS courses
and as fellow members and officers in the Squadron. You’ve likely attended
dinners, BBQs and classes at the VYC clubhouse. Open House is an opportunity
to learn more about the club’s history, sailing and boating activities, social
events, projects and community services. It is also a great time to consider be-
coming a member.
2:30 p.m. – Welcome and Orientation
Meet VYC representatives of various activities such as Racing, Cruising,
Social, Juniors’ Sailing, Predicted Log Race, Community Service, Film
Night and Book Club.
3:00 p.m. – Tour of VYC Facilities
Walk our grounds, docks and shore facilities with our VYC guides to learn
about what VYC offers members.
3:30 p.m. – Happy Hour
Enjoy a complimentary beverage and join our members for Sunday
munchies. Come socialize or sit by the fireplace and watch the view from
our ocean-front balcony.
Ventura Yacht Club
1755 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 642-0426 Call above for more information – RSVPs Appreciated
2019 Bridge
Commander
Cdr Vincent Gerretz, JN
(917)716-3128
Executive Officer
Lt/C Daniel Coverdale
(323) 810-8887
Administrative Officer
Vacant
SEO
Lt/C Deborah Braun-Lawson, AP
(805) 407-4777
Treasurer
Lt/C Dan Cahn, JN
(805) 482-9420
Secretary
Lt/C Christine Stine, S
(805) 498-4018
The Helm Editor
Lt. Sheridan Green, JN
(661) 414-6915
Contacts for Local Mariners
24-Hour Emergency Telephone Numbers
US Coast Guard Search & Rescue(805)985-9822
Channel Islands Harbor Patrol (805)382-3000
Ventura Harbor Patrol. (805)642-8618
Port Hueneme…………………… (805)982-4571
Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol (805)564-5530
Harbormasters – Administrative
Channel Islands (805)382-6864
Channel Islands Harbor Patrol (805)382-3007
Ventura Port District (805)642-8538
Port Hueneme Public Affairs (805)982-4493
Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol (805)564-5520
National Weather Service
Oxnard .............................. (805)988-6610
Web site: http://www.nwsla.noaa.gov
Ventura Sail & Power Squadron
Lt. Sheridan Green, JN, Editor
1755 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Address Correction Requested
May 2019