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South Florida Divers, Inc.
December 2007 Newsletter
President's Message Get out those dancing shoes(again)......
~ By Pete Stephinson
It seems like no time at all since I wrote last December's President's letter. For me, the year has really flown. We have had an action packed year with lots of fun dives, activities and social events. I for one had a great year - Swimming with the Manatees at Crystal River, camping and canoeing at Jonathan Dickenson State Park, Diving at the Turks & Caicos Islands, diving locally and socializing with all of you. It seems such a short time ago that we had our last holiday party -- and, here we go again. December the 8th is the night and I look forward to seeing you at the event which highlights our social calendar. You'll be surprised at how well some of your dive buddies clean up when not wearing their wet suits. So get out those dancing shoes. I hope to see you at the party. The water is still warm. I was out diving on a club charter this last weekend, (Nov 16th) off Fort Lauderdale and it was a beautiful sunny day, with the water still about 79 degrees, and good viz. There was lots to see and plenty of bugs about. So don't write 2007 off yet -- there's still some good diving to go. We still have dives on the calendar, including of course the traditional tree trimming dive on Dec 15th. In addition to the holiday party we also have two intracoastal cruises to view the holiday lights and decorations.. We opened nominations for the 2008 eboard at the November meeting. If you have enjoyed club activities in 2007 and prior years and haven't been a part of the team that "makes things happen" - now's your chance. There are several vacancies and regardless of whether there is a vacancy or not, every position is up for re-election. Yes, you too could stand for President !! The Executive Board (eboard) benefits from continuity, having members who have contributed over a long period, and the fresh new ideas that come from more recent members. I encourage newer members to get involved. You only get out of the club what you put in, and joining the eboard is a great way to get involved with the club. If you're thinking of joining the eboard for 2008, have a chat with me or one of the other eboard members to learn what's involved. We'll be pleased to have somebody nominate you. With the New Year, it's also time to renew your annual membership. At $55, membership of South Florida Divers is a helluva deal. And what's more, additional family members can join at only $15 each. Dives, trips and events organized by the club are at group rates giving you significant savings. We have a number of great social events throughout the year and how can you put a value on the friendship and camaraderie among SFDI members ? I suggest you renew soon as we charge a $5 late fee for those members not renewed by the end of The February General Meeting. Looking forward to 2008, Dave Schneider is filling out our calendar for the early part of the year and needs people to help organize dives/activities etc. If you'd like to help by organizing something -- have a chat with Dave, he'll be able to help you get started. Our 2008 summer trips to Roatan, Dominica and Cozumel are either full or very close to being full so I suggest if you aren't signed up for a trip yet, you better act fast to reserve your space or get on the wait list. Wishing you and yours all the best for a very happy Thanksgiving and the rest of the Holiday Season Pete email: President@SFDI.com |
MEETING LOCATION
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How to find the Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron |
The Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron is located in the Lauderdale Marine Center at:
2029 SW 20th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!
We are delighted to welcome new members Zoe Wentland !! We look forward to diving with you. As a Reminder to Everyone, We are a NO-DECO Dive Club. Always adhere to Safe Recreational Dive Depths and Limits.
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December 2007 Calendar.. and Beyond
- By Dave Schneider, Vice President, Calendar
Phone numbers of event coordinators are not posted to ensure privacy. If you are a Club member please consult your Buddy List for the number you need. If you do not have a copy of the Buddy List one will be available for you at the next General Meeting. Just a quick reminder.. The Calendar exists for the information of all our members. Should you see an event that is of interest to you please contact the Coordinator directly. You can sign-up for the event(s) of your choice at any time of the month. The Coordinator will be more than pleased to place your name on the list and tell you where to mail payment. HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB BETTER ! .... We need more people to step up and run events. If you are interested in coordinating a dive.. a trip.. a dinner or any other type of event please contact an E-Board member. Any member of the Board will be more than happy to advise and assist your efforts.
December 1 - 2: Florida Dive Show The show is sponsored by Dive Chronicles magazine and will be held at the Broward Convention Center. Go to www.divechronicles.com for more information and free tickets. Date Change! December 3: SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30. We encourage any and all members to attend and assist in making your Club even better than it is. December 5: General Meeting 7:30 PM (Sharp!) Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33315. [driving directions here] www.flpowersquadron.org/ December 8: Annual Holiday Party (Saturday) It's that time of the year again and SFDI jump starts the holiday season with our gala holiday bash! Same time, same place! You know you don't want to miss this one, so put on your Holiday finest and get ready to party the night away. There will be plenty of food, good beverage and spirits and a DJ Frankie! Everyone is requested to bring a covered dish. The party starts at 7:30 PM but volunteers for set-up are always welcome. Entry fee of $10.00 for all members and guests. I. T. Parker Center, Dania Beach A map with directions will be available at the December meeting. December 11: 1:00 PM Show 1:30 Go (Tuesday) "Over-the-Hill & Off-the-Stern" It's time to jump into the chilly waters off Deerfield Beach and have a relaxing afternoon amid the reefs and little fishies. We will be sailing on the Lady-Go-Diver out of Deerfield. $50.00 pays for everything. Go to www.dixiedivers.com or call Dave Schneider for details. December 15: 8:00 AM Show 8:30 AM Go (Saturday) Annual "Trim-the-Tree Dive" (Saturday) Always a fun time for those who brave the frosty waters off Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be aboard the American Dream II until Joe Smariga sinks the tree, then it's into the water with biodegradable goodies as we decorate this years tree. This will be a two tank dive and will cost $53.00. Call Bill Dietz for more information. For directions go to www.scubafortlauderdale.com December 15: Boat Parade December 21: 7:30 PM Show & Go (Friday) Annual Lights Cruise One of our signature holiday events, the night cruise down the Intracoastal is always a hit. We'll be boarding the Lady-Go-Diver for several hours of holiday cheer. Cost is $20.00 per person and some selection of appetizer is always appreciated. Some bottled water and soft drinks will be provided, but it is always wise to bring some of your own beverages. For more information call Bob Horin or Dave Schneider. For directions go to www.dixiedivers.com. December 23: 6:30 PM Show & Go (Sunday) Annual Lights Cruise Another of our signature holiday season events! A night cruise up the Intracoastal aboard the American Dream II. The cost this year will be $20.00 per person, plus a covered dish. Beverage is up to you to bring. Captain Todd has asked that we refrain from smoking on his boat. Go to www.scubafortlauderdale.com for directions. Give Bill Dietz a call for more details. December 25: Christmas Day January 1, 2008..... Happy New Year! January 1: Second Annual "Hair-of-the-Dog Party" Joanie and Andy Tomlin invite one and all to their second annual New Year's Day Party. Last year's was sensational and this year promises to be even better. Details, directions and other good stuff to follow! February 9: Sharkwater Joanie Tomlin strongly recommends that we all join her to go see this critically acclaimed film that will be playing at the International Fishing Hall of Fame. An exhibition on shark conservation is also at the museum and there will be a lecture by Dr. Samuel H. Gruber, renowned shark authority at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami. Tentative schedule is to attend the lecture at 2:00 PM and then see the film at 3:30. Dinner afterward is always a probability. All this for only $5.00 is a great deal what promises to be a memorable afternoon. For more info call Joanie or go to www.igfa.org/sharkwater.asp April 4 - 6: 3rd. Annual Camp & Canoe Weekend Well attended for the past two years and back by popular acclaim, Craig and Linda Sandel beckon all into the uncharted wilderness at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound. Ok, so there are electrical hook-ups, running water, clean restrooms and canoe rentals, it still is a weekend in the woods amid the splendor of Mother Nature. More specifics to follow. INTERNATIONAL TRIPS FOR 2008 May 31 - June 7: Cozumel - Iberostar Resort Jeff Raffa, Coordinator June 15 - June 21: Roatan - Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dave Schneider, Coordinator July 12 - July 19: Dominica - Castle Comfort Lodge Pete Stephinson, Coordinator September/October: No solid plans yet as to where they are going or exactly when, but John Beals and Fred Miller will be planning a trip to the South Pacific. Details as they become available. AND SOME LAST IMPORTANT NOTES... Club Policies on Dives and trips: Dives, Trips, Activities and events are run according to the SFDI Policies and Procedures, which are available to everyone. If you don’t have a copy, please ask the Membership VP, or other E-Board member at the next General Meeting. Here is a summary of some of the important ones: 1. Payment for Dives, Events and trips: A member is confirmed on a dive, trip or event only after they have paid. Payments for dives should be made when signing up. Payments for trips should be made according to the schedule as outlined by the trip coordinator. In the event that a dive/trip/activity is oversubscribed, then those confirmed will be determined by the order of payment. 2. Cancellation: Once a member signs on for a dive/event he or she is obligated to pay for that dive/event unless they contact the coordinator for that dive/event and cancel by the specified cancellation time. Not paying immediately does not eliminate the requirement to make full payment if you do not cancel within the designated cancellation period or simply fail to show up for that dive/event. 3. Certification Requirements: Some dives will be restricted to divers with certain minimum certification levels. For example Advanced Open Water. In some cases, these requirements will be set by the dive operator. In others they may be set by the dive organizer in conjunction with the E-Board based on the profile and characteristics of the planned dive. In these cases the minimum certifications required for the dive will be clearly identified on the sign up sheet and in the published calendar. No exceptions will be made for any reason. 4. Special Needs: Some of our members have “special needs” when participating on a dive or trip. These can be cases where the diver needs extra assistance on a dive boat or a member has particular requirements regarding accommodations. Dive organizers will check for the common ones, such as the requirement for extra assistance getting into or out of the water. However, it is the responsibility of the member to make sure that his/her needs are known to the organizer and if there is any doubt the member should contact the operator in advance. It is the responsibility of the club member to verify that their needs can be accommodated prior to the event/trip/activity.
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HOLIDAY PARTY 2007
Our Holiday party is on Saturday, December 8, at the I.T. Parker Center in Dania Beach (click here for map and interactive directions). The party starts at 7 PM and ends at 1 AM. For those of you who have never been to this party, it is the best of the year. The club provides a buffet style dinner, where we provide 3 turkeys, 2 spiral hams, and all the beverages, which include a full bar with mixers, beer, wine, sodas, water, and the frozen drink of the night, made by John Kansman and his magical blender. We have a special DJ for dancing, and a raffle with a lot of door prizes. All you have to do is dress up, wear your dancing shoes, and bring $10, a covered dish, and your appetite. A toy for tot is optional. If you are at a loss for what to bring for a covered dish, you can see Mike Rand at the sign up table; he has a covered dish sign up list with a lot of suggestions. If you would like to help set up, we are starting at 6 PM.
Florida
Dive Show
December 1-2, 2007
Click on Logo for More Info
December
5 meeting program:
E-Board Elections and Social Night
The December 5 meeting will be our annual
E-Board election and social time. Here are the nominations for officers
that were made at the November 7 meeting. We actively seek more
nominations for EVERY position. That could be YOU and new members are
welcome to run for E-Board. Call any current
E-Board member to see what is involved, our phone numbers are on your buddy
list. See you there!
Position
Nominated
President
Peter Stephinson
VP
of Membership
Joe Smariga
Membership
Assistant
Melissa Ames
VP
of Calendar
Dave Schneider
VP of Calendar
Calendar
Assistant
Mike Rand
VP
of Programs
Adelle
Nicholson
Secretary
Donna
Eades
Treasurer
Kim
Hunziker
Treasurer
Assistant
Newsletter
Editor
Open..You?
Web
Divemaster
Chris
Hinckley
Sargeant-At-Arms
Steve Oller
Greeter
Julie
Taylor
Member-At-Large
Fred Miller
Member-At-Large
Joe Giandinoto
Member-At-Large
Jeff Raffa
Member-At-Large
Bruce Wills
Member-At-Large
Dave Wills
Member-At-Large
Pat Kahl
Member-At-Large
Barbara
Sabatelli
Member-At-Large
Lynne Schreiber
LOBSTER LAW CHANGES
The Florida State FWC is about to adversely change the Lobster catch laws to
favor the Trap Fisherman and reduce the sport diver's opportunity to enjoy
their sport.
Last night Chris and I attended the Spiny Lobster Ad Hoc Advisory Board
meeting at the Fishing Hall of Fame
Many points were raised but the absolute consensus was the FWCC Ad Hoc
Lobster committee is under represented by recreational interests and as
such, the commercial harvesters (trappers) currently have free reign to
change the rules to ensuring themselves of a stable catch level taken from a
dwindling resource.
A few numbers to think about:
- less than 500 trappers make a living from trapping lobsters yet they take
70+% of the resource
- over 130,000 recreational lobster stamps were sold to FL residents last
year yet they only account for 20% of the catch
- commercial lobster divers account for 7% and bully netting accounts for
the remaining 2-3%
We feel the Spiny Lobster Advisory Board was stacked in favor of the
commercial trappers. The board is comprised of 4 commercial trappers, 3
wholesalers, 3 recreational fishers (divers) and 3 NGOs. No dive industry
representative was appointed.
The meetings were held State areas, which were not populated with sport
divers or dive industry businesses.
As Divers we are not against a shorter season for all parties. We are not
against a larger license fee FOR ALL PARTIES (slotted for enforcement). We
welcome any suggestions leading to a sustainable lobster fishery resource.
It is proposed to:
• Lengthen the season for Commercial Trappers.
• Require State issue catch tags for Sport Divers
• Reduce the limit for Sport Divers
• Put an end to mandatory trap reductions
SAVE YOUR SPORT
Send in your comments or need additional information go to:
http://myfwc.com/marine/workgroups/index.html#Spiny_Lobster
America's Boating Course
Hey, we all spend a lot of time on boats. Why not take advantage of the Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron's "America's Boating Course" (ABC) to improve your knowledge of boating skills and safe boating practices. The course is run monthly at no charge. Details can be found at http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/ABC.html. The course is held on the first Monday of every month from 7-9PM and concludes the following Saturday from 9 til 2PM.(lunch provided). Each person who completes the course receives an ABC text book, an informative CD and a certificate of completion which may help in reducing insurance rates for boat owners. If you are interested in signing up, or finding out more, email the Power Squadron at ABCCourse@aol.com including your name and contact information.
A SAFETY MINUTE
This Months Feature by Brian Hufford
Diving is all about safety. After all, the equipment we wear is designed to let us humans go safely into an environment that we otherwise could only stay in for maybe a minute (or seven minutes if you’re a trained free diver). Following good, safe diving practices and having the right safety gear makes our diving experiences that much more enjoyable.
December 2007 Safety Minute
Keeping those ears clear above water can be just as tricky as clearing them on descent. Swimmers ear, ear infections, “thick” ears . . . all problems that can keep us from diving. Here's a few tips on keeping the ears working correctly and hopefully, infection free. Before getting in the water, put some baby oil or other petroleum based product in your ears to help keep the water out. As soon as practical once you're out of the water, get your ears dry on the inside. I use a combination of tissue and swimmers ear drops to get mine dry. A 50/50 blend of white vinegar and water makes a good drop. When I'm doing a lot of diving, such as on a liveaboard, (you know, five dives a day) I also use a topical antibiotic, just as a preventative measure and also to keep the ears from drying out. Healthy ears makes for good diving.
Please Visit Sanda Hoffer's Website at
Trivia Question
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How deep can fish live?
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TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER
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Summer 2008 - Overseas Trips.
We have three great trips planned for the summer of 2008. They were selected based on input from the membership. The dates have been set so that you can plan to go on more than one trip. The price estimates below are based on the best information we have at the current time and may change. In particular airline prices are not published yet. The prices estimated for the trips include air, lodging, diving and travel insurance. Additionally, the price may cover food, drinks tours etc depending on the specific trip. We need deposits to lock in the reservations we are currently holding at the current prices. To reserve a space on a trip, you must make a deposit. There are still a openings on each trip. If you are signed up for a trip
Roatan...June 15-22nd 2008 ....Fantasy Island Beach Resort...Visit www.fantasyislandresort.com
Dominica... July 12th- July 19th, 2008 Pete Stephinson will be leading this trip to the Island of Dominica. The estimated cost of $1550 includes air, accommodation, diving, travel insurance, a whale watching trip and an Island tour. We will be staying at the Castle Comfort, You can check it out - and see some photos, both above and below water at http://www.divedominica.com/
Cozumel...May 31-June 7,2008 Staying at Iberostar, an ALL Inclusive similar to a Club Med. See http://www.iberostar.com/.
South Florida Divers Club
By Brian Hufford
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Where's Kansman ??
The Amazing J !!
Lots of Laughs and other WISDOM
You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
Zig Ziglar
The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
