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South Florida Divers, Inc. 


September 2007 Newsletter

CONTENTS
President's Message Come Join The Fun !

 MEETING LOCATION
Calendar for September and Beyond September Meeting Program
A Safety Minute September Dinner at Large
America's Boating Course Trivia Question
Where's Kansman Happy September Birthday
Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom Summer 2008 Overseas Trips
FAQ'S   John Beal's Palau Video
Pete Stephinsons Turks Pics Joanie Tomlins Galapagos Trip
John Beals Dry Tortugas Pics  

 

 

                                        

                                                                    

President's Message

Having a great time..........

 

 

~ By Pete Stephinson

During July saw me with 19 of your fellow SFDI members enjoying the diving off Provo in the Turks & Caicos Islands. We all had a great time. The wall diving was superb and we saw a ton of interesting sea critturs. We had two members take their Advanced Certification, congratulations Steve and Pat, and 4 of us took a course on underwater digital photography. Thanks Matt, we all learned a lot and our photographic skills are much improved as a result. We also had a record number of SFDI members fly the trapeze -- you can see photos of some of them in action elsewhere on this site.

On our return, it was straight into lobster mini season. A number of our members were out and from all accounts most did very well. We were fortunate to have excellent weather. Of course mini season was the start of the "Lobster King" competition being run by the ladies. May the best man win.

We had an excellent turnout for our second annual Members Appreciation day beach party. I believe about 80 of you attended and a good time was had by all. Thank you to Steve and Rita for their excellent organization.

At our August meeting we announced our 2008 summer trips. Destinations were selected by a survey of members at the July meeting - democracy in action!!! The results are we are having three Caribbean trips during the summer of 2008. to Cozumel, Roatan and Dominica - details elsewhere in this newsletter. The trips are starting to fill up, so if you are intending to go on one (or two) of them, I suggest you get a deposit down ASAP as space is limited and they are all .

We have a very full calendar over the next several months. There are a number of dives and social events organized including our annual Sea Food Fest. Check out this months calendar and make sure you get yourself signed up for the ones you want before they fill up

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

Have fun and enjoy the summer diving

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 Steve Rosner, Guido Marti

Ann Neal Telfer and Pedro Borges !!

Also...Welcome Back Seth Shealer and Howard Cohen  !!

   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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August 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.

 

September 1 - 8:  Exumas Liveaboard   Fred Miller is leading a group to the Exumas in the Bahamas on this last of our currently scheduled overseas week-long trips. This promises to be a great event aboard an excellent Liveaboard, so contact Fred for more details  and to check availability.`

September 2:  Wine Tasting  Susan Judah and Ray Gonzalez have offered to hold a wine tasting at their home.  This was a Calendar highlight that disappeared but is back for all to enjoy.  All you need bring is a bottle of wine and an appetizer for all to share.  Non-winos are invited to bring the beverage of their choice. The festivities will run from 5 PM to 9:00 PM.... or later?  Call Ray or Susan for more details, address and directions.

September 5:   General Meeting  7:30 PM (Sharp!) Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron, 2029 SW 20th. Street, Ft. Lauderdale 33315.   [driving directions here]  www.flpowersquadron.org/

September 9:   8:00 AM Show  8:30 AM Go (Sunday) Pete Stephinson plans to have the perfect Sunday dive lined up for us... the Biscayne Wall in Biscayne National Park!  And after a couple of great dives we'll go to a local Homestead restaurant for some Mexican food.  We need 20 divers for this one so the cost of $50.00 tanks, tax and tip included can be held.  You must confirm and pay at the August meeting latest  to be a part of the group. Because of the required number of people there will be no refunds.  Call Pete for more information.

September 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.

September 14 - 16:  Bahamas Weekend  Jeff and Ginny are back again to encore their successful Keys Weekend outing with a short trip to the Bahamas.  This was a great time last year and promises to be even better this year, so mark your calendars and send your money in to reserve a spot. Space will be limited.  More details as available.

September 20:  Dinner-at-Large (Thursday) The setting moves north to Delray Beach as Frau Elaine hopes to entice our membership to a hearty meal at the Vienna Bierhaus, 660 Linton Boulevard.  The food is good, the beer and wine plentiful so be on hand when Elaine rings the dinner bell at 7:30. For details call Elaine Schneider or go to www.OldViennaMenu.com 

September 22: 1:00 PM Show  1:30 Go (Saturday)  We're planning a wreck (Sea Emperor"?) and a reef for a super Saturday of diving off Boca Raton.  Who knows, maybe a whale shark will show-up?? The cost for the afternoon aboard the Lady-Go-Diver will be $50.00.  Call Dave Schneider for details or for directions go to www.dixiedivers.com 

September 29:  8:30 AM Show  9:00 AM Go (Saturday)  Gerry Cowen steps up once again and beckons us aboard the Blue Runner out of Dania SeaFare.  This is your perfect chance to do some top notch diving and catch your dinner for Seafood Fest.  Call Gerry for details or go to www.coastalmarine.com . 

September 29:  Seafood Fest!   A little later than usual due to our crowded calendar, but sure to be a great time regardless.  Be sure to be on hand to see the crowning of SFDI's first ever "Lobster King".  Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, 2637 Whale Harbor Lane, Ft. Lauderdale [Map here]  More details later on. 

October 27:  Fantasy Fest  Pete Stephinson is planning to get a whole bunch of us onto a chartered bus and speed on down to Key West for the annual Fantasy Fest gala.  No need to worry about the long drive, high priced hotel rooms or keeping tabs on how much you drink. Should be one heck of a party! More details when they become available.

AND ONE LAST IMPORTANT NOTE;  The newly revised and approved SFDI Policies and Procedures are available for everyone to read and fully understand. The 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.

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Cayman Brac

June 17-21st 2007

 

                               We're Back !!  

 

Click Here for Bruce Wills Cayman Brac Pics      

 

Click Here for Capt. Chris Cayman Brac Photos

 

        

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September Meeting Program

 

 

At our gathering on September 5th, there will be no formal presentation after the club business meeting.  It’s what we call a “social night” when we’ll have a chance to catch up with our friends in the club.  We will provide pizza, and, as always, Len, Sid and Jack of the Power Squadron will man the cash bar.  Please bring your photos from club trips, dives and events to share with your fellow club members.  We look forward to seeing you for an evening of good friends and conversation on September 5th!

 

  

 

 

Can You Guess Which SFDI Member This Is ??

 

 

Click Here for More of Dave Schneiders'

Keys Weekend 2007 Pics

 

 

 

A SAFETY MINUTE

                                                               

 

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.

 

            September 2007 Safety Minute 

                         by Linda Sandel

 

Living in South FL we often enjoy visits from family and friends that are occasional divers and don’t have the mental preparation checklist that those of us who dive often come by through habit.  To be a good “buddy” out of the water as well as in the depths, take a minute to check these commonly overlooked preparations:

 

·           BC Safety Strap hooked on tank

·           Regulator air hose connected to the BC

·           Air On

·           Weight belt

 

Also deciding who will lead/navigate and how much air you would like to have when beginning your ascent for a safety stop will add to a well planned, relaxing dive.

 

 

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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   September Dinner-at Large

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The setting moves north to Delray Beach as Frau Elaine hopes to entice our membership to a hearty meal at the Vienna Bierhaus, 660 Linton Boulevard.  The food is good, the beer and wine plentiful so be on hand when Elaine rings the dinner bell at 7:30. For details call Elaine Schneider or go to www.OldViennaMenu.com 

 

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Turks and Caicos 2007

 

Photo by Pete Stephinson

 

 

Click Here for More Pete Stephinson Photos

 

And Here are Three Sandra Hoffer Turks Pics

 

 

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Click Here for John Beal's Palau Video

 

Also Please Visit Sanda Hoffer's Website at

 

 Trivia Question             

 

 
Air in a scuba tank can be contaminated with gases like carbon monoxide. Can it also contain pollen?

 

TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWER

 

No. Biological material is completely incinerated because of the enormous partial pressure of oxygen.

 

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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Click Here for More of John Beals 2007 Dry Tortugas Gallery

 

 

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Happy September Birthday!

 

 

 

  

Stan Pierce

  

Jon Black

  

Kit Ferrer

  

Barbara RudziK

  

Cathy Olsen

  

David Reiter

  

Branson Rector

  

 

  

 

  

Where's Kansman ??

 

 

GO Johnny GO  !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Laughs and other WISDOM

 

I asked a ref if he could give me a technical foul for thinking bad things about him. He said, of course not. I said, well, I think you stink. And he gave me a technical. You can't trust em.

 

Jim Valvano
 

 

 

Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence !

 

Vince Lombardi

 

 

 

 

The Wet Zone

South Florida Divers, Inc.,
Copyright 2007

 

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