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South Florida Divers, Inc. 


November 2007 Newsletter

CONTENTS
President's Message Come Join The Fun !

 MEETING LOCATION
Calendar for November and Beyond November Meeting Program
A Safety Minute FAQ'S  
America's Boating Course Trivia Question
Where's Kansman Happy November Birthday
Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom Summer 2008 Overseas Trips
Joanie Tomlins Galapagos Trip SeafoodFest 2007 Pics

 

 

                                        

                                                                    

President's Message

Getting in a holiday mood..........

 

 

~ By Pete Stephinson

With the winds and seas we've had recently I haven't had as many dives as I would like, however I don't think any of us can complain. We have had a great year so far and still have dives on the calendar for the remainder of the year. With the end of year approaching, we have our usual events coming up for this time of year : The Holiday party, Tree dive, Harbor Lights Cruise and our election of eboard members for 2008. 

Speaking of which, 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. While many of the existing eboard members will be willing to serve again, there will be vacancies. 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 of long serving members, and also from the fresh new ideas that often 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 2007, 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.

Since we announced our 2008 summer trips, they have been filling up fast. We are having three Caribbean trips during the summer of 2008, to Cozumel, Roatan and Dominica. If you want to go, on one (or two) of them, I suggest you get a deposit down ASAP as space is limited. Also, Fred Miller and John Beals are considering a trip to the Pacific, details TBD - have a chat with either of them if you are interested.

We have a full calendar of dives and social events however still need more members to help out and offer to run dives. If you have enjoyed diving with our club, and haven't done so before, it's time to put something back into the club and help organize one. Pick your favorite dive, or one you think will be of interest to the members and have a chat with Dave Schneider, myself, or one of the other E-board members about it. If you haven't organized a dive before you will find plenty of help and advice available.

Ok -- we still have lots happening for the remainder of 2007 with events both above and below the water. I hope to see you at one or more of them  sometime soon.

Have fun and enjoy the rest of the 2007 dives

Pete

email: President@SFDI.com

 

 MEETING LOCATION

 

 

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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SFDI meetings are the first Wednesday of each month 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.

 

 

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         WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!

 

We are delighted to welcome new members

George Wentland and Heather Sherman !!

   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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        November 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.

 

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November 7:   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!) Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33315.   [driving directions here]  www.flpowersquadron.org/  

November 12:  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.

November 10:  1:00 PM Show 1:30 Go (Saturday)  Time to get back into the water as the year winds down and the chill waters lurk in the near future.  Dave Schneider would like for a group of hardy souls to join him on the Starfish Enterprise for a great day of diving, sightseeing and lobstering  off the coast of palm beach county.  Total cost is $48.00, tax and tip included.  Call Dave or go to www.idivestarfish.com for more information.

November 15:  Beer 101  It may not be "Oktober" but Gerry Cowen promises a festive evening as he welcomes a lucky "limited few" who can make it to the Brewmaster's Beer Company for an evening of creative endeavor.  Cough up some cash and brew your own or just enjoy the company of your fellow members.  Gerry plans to get there at about 5:30 so come when you can.  Bar food should be available and if we get done early enough we can go out for dinner. Brewmaster's is located at 8289 SR 84, between University and Pine Island.  Be sure to check with Gerry if you plan to come to be sure space is still available.

November 17:  8:30 AM Show  9:00 AM Go (Saturday)   Gerry Cowen is back and has  presumed (correctly?) that everyone has recovered from their night at Brewmaster's and is ready for some R&R on the Blue Runner out of Dania Beach.  Price is $48.00, tax and tip included.  Give Gerry a call for more details or go to www.coastalmarine.com.  

November 20:  1:00 PM Show 1:30 PM Go (Tuesday) Over-the-Hill & Off-the-Stern Ahoy those of you fortunate enough to get some mid-week time off and feel the compunction to get wet.  We're going to be giant striding off the stern of the Lady-Go-Diver in hopes of seeing some good stuff and/or snagging bugs.  Total cost is $48.00.  Call Dave or go to www.dixiedivers.com. 

November 22:  Thanksgiving Day

November 24:  8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go (Saturday)  "Private" Boat Dive  John K. and his buddies are going back out to sea in a quest for the elusive crustacean.. or just for the fun of getting wet.  Give him a call to sign on.  As always, the flotilla will be leaving sharp at 8:30 so be on time or be left behind.

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.

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 10:  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 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.  Go to www.dixiedivers.com or call Dave Schneider for details.

December 15:  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 biodegradeable goodies as we decorate this years tree.  Details to follow.

December 15:  Boat Parade

December 22:  Annual Lights Cruise  Another of our signature holiday season events!  A night cruise up the Intracoastal aboard the American Dream, or for our more northern members, down the Intracoastal on the deck of the Lady-Go-Diver.  Either one offers a memorable time so be sure to sign-up quickly since space will be limited.  More details to follow.

December 25:  Christmas Day

January 1, 2008.....  Happy New Year!

 

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.

 

SNEAK PREVIEW!!  Craig and Linda Sandel will be hosting the 3rd. Annual Camp & Canoe Weekend at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound, the weekend of April 4-6, 2008.  Mark your calendars now (if you have one for next year).

 

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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November Meeting Program

 

 

 

THE WORLD IS MY LOBSTER
 

They can smell blood in the water!   They're swimming roughshod over each other!  They're going for the jugular!  It's been all Gonzalez to this point, but Genovese can't afford to rest on his tails!  No lead is safe when the antennae spike out, and this one's not yet in the bag!  While we wait breathless for the coveted Lobster King crown to be claimed by its rightful owner in just a few weeks, let’s take a time out to join Jason Schratwieser, the Conservation Director of the International Game Fish Association right here in Dania Beach, who’ll fill us in on all the arthropodal details of the panulirus argus – AKA the spiny Caribbean lobster.  So migrate your exoskeletons over to SFDI on November 7th, and rub against these seafaring scorpions, up close and personal!
ABOUT JASON SCHRATWIESER
 

As Conservation Director for the International Game Fish Association, Jason Schratwieser’s primary duties include directing IGFA’s conservation efforts including participation in national and international fisheries management panels, collaborative game fish research, and liaison between anglers and fisheries management.  He also directs IGFA’s World Record and Certified Observer Programs.  Jason holds a Masters Degree in Biology from Old Dominion University and previously worked in fisheries management with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  He is an avid angler that enjoys all types of fishing, especially sight fishing with light tackle and fly rod

 

 

                                        

 

 

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.

 

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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.

 

            November 2007 Safety Minute 

 

The ears have it . . . getting ears to equalize on the descent can be tricky, even for experienced divers.  I've always had problems getting my ears to equalize, even after 500 dives.  Here's a few tricks I've learned over the years.  First, I made sure my ears clear BEFORE I get in the water. I hold my nose and blow, not too hard, making sure my ears are clear to start with.  If your ears don't clear readily, think about whether you want to get in the water with your ears in that condition.  Once I'm in the water, I clear continuously, all the way to the bottom.  Try these tips if you're having problems equalizing you ears.

 

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Seafood Fest 2007

 

    

 

 

 More Pics From Seafoodfest 2007

Comming Soon !!

 

 

 

 

 Please Visit Sanda Hoffer's Website at

 

 Trivia Question             

 

 
Why do diver's knives rust although they are made of "stainless steel" ?

 

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER

 

This is not a particular property of diver's knives. The stainless steel used for making knives is less corrosion-resistant than the stainless steel used for making dishes, plates etc. The composition of stainless steel involves a tradeoff between its resistance to corrosion and its ability to hold a sharp edge.

 

 

Now You Know...

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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/.

 

 

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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 Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron.  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 November Birthday!

 


Elaine Schneider Brian Hufford  
Marvin Meyers Wayne Pantke  
Randy Holmes Barbara Sabatelli  
Julie Taylor Jo Ann Adams  
Joe Smariga  

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Where's Kansman ??

 

 

 Johnny needs a Kiss !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Laughs and other WISDOM

 

I'm 65 and I guess that puts me in with the geriatrics. But if there were fifteen months in every year, I'd only be 48. That's the trouble with us. We number everything. Take women, for example. I think they deserve to have more than twelve years between the ages of 28 and 40.
 

 

James Thurber
 

 

 

I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known.
 

Walt Disney

 

 

 

 

The Wet Zone

South Florida Divers, Inc.,
Copyright 2007

 

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