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South Florida Divers, Inc. 


January 2007 Newsletter

CONTENTS
President's Message Come Join The Fun !

NEW MEETING LOCATION
Calendar for January and beyond January Meeting Program
FAQ'S   January Dinner at Large
Holiday Party Pics Trivia Question
Where's Kansman Happy January Birthday
Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom New 2007 E Board Members
Capt. Chris Pics Summer 2007 Overseas Trips

 

 

 

President's Message

Out with the old.......

~ By Pete Stephinson

 

I hope you all had a good time at our annual holiday party. I know I did along with the 95 or so other people who attended. If you couldn't make it, don't worry, we're going to do it again next year, only better. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Donna Eades as our Lobster Queen - congratulations Donna, 105 lobsters is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to the other contestants who also did exceptionally well.  Julie Taylor was only a few lobsters back and all the ladies did an outstanding job in making this a fiercely contested event.  Congratulations also to Gerry Cowen, John Kansman,  and the other committee members who conceived this competition and ran it so effectively. Everybody had a lot of fun.

Yesterday (Dec 16th) we sank and trimmed the tree from the party. It now sits on the deck of the Ebenezer, with a slight list to Starboard, decorated with fruit, marsh mellows, cheese and hot dogs, all designed to bring some holiday cheer to the local residents. When last seen, the tree was surrounded by fish all making sure they weren't going to miss out on the action.

And so to 2007. We already have a number of events, both above and below the water planned for the first three months of the year. One I'm particularly looking forward to is the trip to dive with Manatees in early February. There will also be a camping trip in March and of course dives organized every month.

Of course you can't participate in any of these events if you're not a member - and it's that time of year again. We have held our membership fee at  $55 (additional family members $15) for 2007 which is a great deal. We charge an additional $5 if you renew after the February meeting so I recommend you renew early. 

Also, we're going to move to a new venue for our General Meeting starting at our first meeting, on January 10th. Our contract with the Ramada was up and the Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron offered us the use of their club rooms. So we decided to make the move. The Power Squadron  is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable. You can read about them and what they do at http://www.flpowersquadron.org/. Their activities are very complementary to ours and in fact some of our members are also members of the Power Squadron. I believe there will be a good synergy between the two clubs and I expect a number of our members will find the activities and courses offered by the Power Squadron of interest. We will also enjoy conducting our meetings in a more "nautical" environment.

The are some great activities being planned for 2007, I know we're going to have another great year

See you in the water some time soon 

Pete

email: President@SFDI.com

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NEW MEETING LOCATION

 

 

How to find the Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron

 

  FLPS Map

The Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron is located in the Lauderdale Marine Center at:

2029 SW 20th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL

From I-95, exit to State Road 84 east.  Turn left (north) onto SW 15th avenue.  Turn left onto SW 20th Street to the Lauderdale Marine Center.

From Federal Highway (US 1), west on State Road 84 to SW 9th Ave.  Turn right (north) onto SW 9th Ave. to SW 20th Street.  Turn left onto SW 20th Street to the Lauderdale Marine Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SFDI meetings are the first Wednesday of each month (EXCEPT January 2007 which will be the SECOND WEDNESDAY ) at the Fort Lauderdale Power Boat Squadron. The meeting starts at 7:30   If you are not a member, and you are reading this on the Internet, please join us because visitors are ALWAYS WELCOME!

In an attempt to condense the length of the meetings, we are going to start the meeting PROMPTLY at 7:30. Please come earlier to socialize before the meeting starts.

 

 

 

 

         WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!

 

We are delighted to welcome new members

Dean and Karen Altman, Paul Ray,Ceasar Osorio

David Reiter, Allison and Al Scheflow  !!

   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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January 2007 Calendar.. and Beyond

               Happy New Year Edition !                    

                                                - By Dave Schneider, Vice President of 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 you in any way possible.

  • January 1 :  HAPPY NEW YEAR !

  • January 10 :   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!)  New Location!! Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Fort Lauderdale 33315 [Driving directions here]  Please note that this is the second Wednesday of the month, a change from our normal schedule.  The February meeting will switch back to the regular first Wednesday of the month. We're looking for a great turn-out for this meeting which will feature our Annual Gift Exchange.  Bring that "unwanted" gift and join the fun!   www.flpowersquadron.org/ 

  • January 13 :  1:00 Pm Show  1:30 PM Go  (Saturday)   Our first dive of the year will be aboard the Lady-Go-Diver out of Deerfield Beach.  The water may be a little chilly but the intrepid divers of SFDI are ready to brave the elements.  So squeeze into some extra neoprene and join us as we explore the waters of southern Palm Beach/northern Broward Counties.  Cost:  $45.00, tax and tip included.  Contact Dave Schneider for more details.  For directions,  www.dixiedivers.com

  • January 15 :  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  The meeting starts sharp at 7:30 PM and all members are encouraged to attend.  This is your chance to become a more integral part of your Club.

  • January 17 :   Dinner-at Large (Wednesday)  Chris Higgins and Stan Pierce are kicking off the dining year with a trip to Zucca Pasta & Grill, 401 E. Las Olas Avenue.  The ristorante features a fabulous pasta bar with a wide variety of pasta and sauces for you to mix and match.  For those less adventurous souls there is an extensive menu of traditional and specialty Italian dishes .  Come join the fun!  Chris and Stan are ringing the dinner bell at 7:30 PM.  For more information speak to Chris or Stan or call the restaurant directly at 954-334-2234.

  • January 20 :  12:30 PM Show  1:00 PM Go  Lemon Sharks ! (Saturday) Once again this year they will be swarming in the cooler waters off Riviera Beach/Jupiter.  An awesome sight and a fantastic dive.  We will be leaving from Riviera Beach in northern Palm Beach County aboard the Narcosis.  This will be a two tank dive.  Cost will be $58.50, tax and tip included.  If we get 20 divers, however, the price will come down by about $7.00.  For more information contact Dave Schneider or go to www.narcosisdivecharters.com 

  • January 24 :  The Bluewater Adventure Series (Wednesday)  Broward County Main Library, 100 Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.  The first of this years series will feature John Kretschmer, author of At the Mercy of the Sea.  Starting time is 7:00 PM.  Admission is free but reservations are requested and can be made at 954-357-7401.  Call Debby Bradford  for more details. 

  • January 25 :  1:30 PM Show  2:00 PM Go  Over-the-Hill and Off-the-Stern (Thursday)  The first chance in the new year for the old-timers and those who just want to take a day off and get wet to do some serious mid-week diving.  We plan to do the waters off Palm Beach County aboard the Starfish Enterprise. Cost will be $48.00, tax and tip included.  After the dives plan to get a brew and a meal at The Old Key Lime House right at the dock.  For more information call Dave Schneider or go to www.idivestarfish.com.

  • February 3 :  Bike Tour of Coral Gables (Saturday)  Dave Wills and Kit Ferrer will be leading a group of bicycle enthusiasts on a tour of scenic Coral Gables.  The jump off point will be Kit's house.  Dave has announced a civilized starting time of 10:00 AM.  For more information contact Dave directly.

  • February 4 :  Super Bowl Sunday

  • February 6 :  The Bluewater Adventure Series (Tuesday)  Broward County Main Library, 100 Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.  Second in the series will feature Bob Drury, author of Halsey's Typhoon. Starting time is 7:00PM.  Admission is free but reservations are requested and can be made at 954-357-7401.  Call Debby Bradford for more details.

  • February 7 :   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!) Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33315.  www.flpowersquadron.org/ 

  • February 9 - 11 :  Manatee Trip!  Join Stan and Chris for a winter weekend trip to Crystal and Homosassa Rivers. Snorkel and dive with the curious and playful manatees in the 72 degree river springs and scuba into a 50 foot cavern. Enjoy professionally guided tours in unmatched crystal clear springs. A must for camera buffs.  Cost is $180.00 based on 4 people in a two bedroom apartment. This includes 2 nights accommodation, 3 boat trips, admission to the park, 1 breakfast and tips.  A detailed flyer will be available at the next General Meeting.

  • February 12 :  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  The meeting starts sharp at 7:30 PM and all members are encouraged to attend.  This is your chance to become a more integral part of your Club.

  • February 19 :  President's Day

  • February 22 :  Dinner-at-Large (Thursday)  Barbara Sabatelli has offered to hostess our February Dinner-at-Large.  She wants us to join her at the Kyojin Japanese Restaurant located at 3485 N. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale.  Barbara assures us that this is one of South Florida's best Japanese restaurants.  For more info call Barbara or the restaurant at 954-568-2208.

  • March 7 :   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!) Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33315.  www.flpowersquadron.org/ 

  • March 12 :  SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road.  The meeting starts sharp at 7:30 PM and all members are encouraged to attend.  It would be great to see more members getting involved with the workings of our Club

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  • March 14 :  Dinner-at-Large (Wednesday)  The culinary wonders of the Asian subcontinent beckon as Joe Smariga and Julie Taylor lead us on an exotic trek to the Royal India Restaurant, 3801 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale.  The dinner bell will be rang at 7:30 PM. You can get more information from Joe or Julie, or call the restaurant directly at 954-964-0071.

  • March 15 :  Bluewater Adventure Series (Thursday)  Broward County Main Library, 100 Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale.  Last in the three part series, this presentation will feature David Vann, author of A Mile Down: The True Story of a Disastrous Career at Sea.  Starting time is 7:00Pm.  Admission is free but reservations are requested and can be made at 954-357-7401.  Call Debby Bradford for more details.

  • March 18 :  1:00 PM Show  1:30 PM Go (Sunday) Dave Schneider will be welcoming the group aboard the Starfish Enterprise out of Lantana.  We will be venturing onto flat seas with good vis, mild currents and perfect weather.  Who could ask for more, so sign on for a great afternoon of diving.  Cost will be $48.00, tax and tip included. Afterwards we will be stopping into the Old Key Lime House for grog and vittles.  Call Dave for information or go to www.idivestarfish.com.  

  • March 31 :  Pig Roast !  5:30 PM Start  The social calendar begins with the wildly popular (it ain't so popular with the pig) Pig Roast at the Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, 2637 Whale Harbor Lane, Ft. Lauderdale. [Map here]  For the bargain entrance fee of $5.00 per member and first guest, $10.00 for each additional guest, plus a covered dish to share you will be able to feast like a king (or queen) on chicken, pork and assorted side dishes and desserts, quaff beer and wine to your hearts content and revel the night away.  This is one of our most popular social events.

  • March 31 :  Lobster Season Ends.. a sad day for all.

  • March 29 - April 1:  Dania Beach Marine Flea Market  The place to go for that piece of dive gear or boat equipment you've been meaning to get.  Again this year the event will be held at Dolphin Stadium.  For full details go to www.thedaniamarinefleamarket.com.

  • April 6 - 8 :  Second Annual Camp & Canoe Weekend  Craig and Linda Sandel have volunteered to lead this years trek into the wilderness of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Everyone who went last year had a  great time and this year promises to be even better!  Mark your calendars and let Linda or Craig know early if you will be going since sites must be reserved and attendance will be limited.  More details as they become available.

     

    AND DON'T FORGET OUR 2007 LINE-UP OF OVERSEAS ADVENTURES...

         These trips have been scheduled so that you can participate in more than one if you so desire.  There are still openings on all three..

    June 16 - 23:     Cayman Brac            Dave Schneider, Coordinator 

    July 14-21 :      Turks & Caicos          Pete Stephinson, Coordinator

    September 1-8:   Exumas Liveaboard      Fred Miller, Coordinator

     

    AND ONE LAST NOTE;  Our published Club policy regarding members cancellation from dives/events they have signed on for and their rights to refunds is clear.  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.  Further, members are required to pay for the dive/event at the time they sign up or indicate their desire to participate in that dive/event. 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. If there are any questions please read your copy of "SFDI Policies and Procedures" or speak to any Executive Board member.your copy ibrary

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    Holiday Party 2006 Pics

       On December 9, SFDI Members and Guests

    Enjoyed  Great Food and Fun !!

     

     

     

    For More Holiday Party 2006 Pics Click Here

     

     

     

     

     

    Your E Board Members for 2007

    Position Nominated
    President Peter Stephinson
    VP of Membership Joe Smariga
    Membership Assistant Melissa Ames
    VP of Calendar Dave Schneider
    Calendar Assistant Mike Rand
    VP of Programs Adelle Nicholson
    Secretary Donna Eades
    Treasurer Bill Dietz
    Treasurer Assistant Kim Hunziker
     Editor Linda Sandel
    Web Divemaster Chris Hinckley
    Sargeant-At-Arms Steve Oller
    Greeter Julie Taylor
    Member-At-Large Fred Miller
    Member-At-Large Dave Wills
    Member-At-Large Rita Csernak
    Member-At-Large Patty Dollard
    Member-At-Large Jeff Raffa
    		 

     

     

     

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      Dinner-at Large

    January 17,(Wednesday)

     

     Chris Higgins and Stan Pierce are kicking off the dining year with a trip to Zucca Pasta & Grill, 401 E. Las Olas Avenue.  The ristorante features a fabulous pasta bar with a wide variety of pasta and sauces for you to mix and match.  For those less adventurous souls there is an extensive menu of traditional and specialty Italian dishes .  Come join the fun!  Chris and Stan are ringing the dinner bell at 7:30 PM.  For more information speak to Chris or Stan or call the restaurant directly at 954-334-2234.

     

     

     

     

    When Capt. Chris Isn't Diving

    Caught Dec. 15, 2006

     

     

       

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     Trivia Question             

     

    What does goats' fondness for corn have to do with diving?

     

     

    TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER

     

    1. Haldane's pioneering experiments on decompression were performed on goats. Goats are extremely fond of corn, so it was a sign of illness when they could not even be tempted with corn.
      2.

     

     

    Now You Know...

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    Christmas Tree Dive 2006 Pics

     

    photos by Eric Rohde

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Summer 2007 - Overseas Trips.

     

    The following trips were selected based on input by 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.  We need deposits to lock in the reservations we are currently holding  at the current prices. If you are planning to go on one of these trips please have a deposit of $200 at the September meeting.

     

    June 17-21st 2007 Cayman Brac.  Marine life of all shapes and sizes abound in the clear, warm waters off Cayman Brac. The recent sinking of a Russian Destroyer has only added to it's  attractiveness as a dive destination. We plan to stay at the Brac Reef Resort, www.bracreef.com. Estimated cost is $1950 including air, lodging, meals, transfers, travel insurance and diving. Trip Organizer Dave Schneider

     

    June 30-July 7th Exumas Liveaboard. A Bahamas dive trip aboard the luxurious AquaCat Catamaran         ( www.aquacatcruises.com ). We will cruise the Exumas for the best in pristine Bahamas diving.... reef, wall, wreck, drift and Blue Hole dives. In addition to diving, snorkeling, kayaking and island exploration are available. Estimated cost $2200 all inclusive includes air, and tips. Trip organizer Fred Miller.

     

    July 14-21st Turks & Caicos. Turks is known for it's spectacular wall diving. To satisfy recently acquired tastes for white chocolate bread we will be staying at the Club Med Turkoise   ( www.clubmed.com )  The estimated cost is $1900 including air, lodging, transfers, travel insurance, drinks and diving. Trip Organizer Pete Stephinson.

     

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    South Florida Divers Club

      Frequently Asked Questions  

    By Brian Hufford

      What kind of club is South Florida Divers?  We are a dive and social club.  We have diving and social events almost every week.  There’s more diving in the warmer months, but we have trips every month of the year.

      What about social events?  We enjoy get togethers such as beach picnics, dinner on the town, bike rides, Holiday boat cruises, things like that.  We also have three parties each year: a pig roast in the spring, a seafood party in September and a holiday party in early December.  We usually have 80+ people in attendance; they’re always a great time. 

      Where do you dive?  Most of our diving is in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach area, where we do boats and shore diving.  We get down to the Keys several times each year, and we also do two or three out of country trips.  This past year we had trips to Turks and Caicos, Bimini, and Papua New Guinea.

      What about club meetings?  We have a monthly meeting, the first Wednesday of the month, at the Ramada Inn on SR 84.  The meeting starts with a 30 minute social from 7:00 to 7:30 then the business section from 7:30 til 8:00, a short break, then the program or speaker.  We’ve had some very interesting speakers this past year, covering everything from the CSS Hunly to updates on important ocean environment issues.

      How does the club organize all these events?  South Florida Divers is a volunteer organization, so it’s a club member that does each event.  Each event, social or diving, has a trip leader and a sign-up sheet.  We go over the calendar at each club meeting, plus, it’s in another section of this website. The sign-up sheet has the details about the trip, location, time, cost {if any}, trip leader.  We have a table set up with the sign-up sheets and a table for the treasury if funds are required.

      What about membership?  Membership dues cover each calendar year and are $55 for individual and $65 for family.  There is a one time set-up fee of $5.  We ask that you be a member before participating in club events [other than the club meetings]. 

      What do I need to do to join?  We have three requirements: You are a certified diver, you have and maintain diver insurance, and you pay your dues.   You can join at any club meeting, the membership table is just inside the door, or you can mail in the application.    

      What’s the best way to get involved in the club?  Become a member and join in the fun and events.  Members are always welcome to help with club work, lead a trip, organize a beach picnic, or participate on the board.  

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    Happy January Birthday!

          Kim Hunziker     

    Stuart House

    Joanie Tomlin

     Dean Altman

    Emil Miller

     

     
       

     

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    Where's Kansman ??

     

     

    He Joined the What ??

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    LOTS OF LAUGHS and Other Wisdom

     

     

    Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is

    simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.

     

    Albert Einstein

     

     

     

    Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed

    to sell your parrot to the town gossip.

     

    Will Rodgers


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