rochester sail and power squadron the chart · 2018-02-15 · the chart #423 may/june 2017...
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ROCHESTER SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON
THE CHART #423 MAY/JUNE 2017
RPS Website: http://www.usps.org/rochester The Chart is the official publication of Rochester Sail and Power Squadron,Inc.It is published bi-monthly.Articles,opinions and advertisements obtained herein do not necessarily reflect the policy or endorsement of Rochester Sail and Power Squadron or of United States Power Squadron unless so stated. “The Squadron”,”United States Power Squadron”,”USPS”,the USPS Ensign,the Trident,and the Wheel and Ensign Design are Registered Trademarks of the United States Power Squadron,Inc.
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
1 Contact Information
2-3 Commander’s Report
4
5
Executive Officer’s Report
Upcoming Meetings
6 What is a VSE
7-11
12
Message from the Editor/Guest Essay/Pics
Activity Calendar
THE BRIDGE OFFICERS
2017
Commander: William A. Towner, AP
(585) 260-7981
Email [email protected]
Executive Officer: P/C Marti Tertinek, S
(585)233-9029
Email [email protected]
___________________________________________
Administrative Officer: Lt/C Bob Crossman, P
(585) 202-0453
Email: [email protected]
Squadron Education Officer: P/C Stephen D.
Heffron,SN
(585) 314-9813
Email: [email protected]
____________________________________________
Secretary: Lt/C Faye Towner,
H461-5447
C 260-7560
Treasurer: Lt/C Jack Baker, S
H 277-1061 C 739-1160
Email: [email protected]
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Commanders’ Report Cdr. William A. Towner, AP
Cell (585) 260-7981
Hello Squadron !
Here we are Spring has sprung and we
certainly have enough water, far too much
for many of us !!
Already it has been very busy lately, with
the excellent Commanders Brunch at RYC
and just having returned from the Spring
District 6 Conference held in lovely
Fayetteville NY.
We should all be proud of the many
achievements the Rochester Squadron has
amassed this past year. We are now the
largest Squadron in District 6 with over
110 members, plus we are the only
Squadron to have grown over the last
year. In addition to that we have been
honored again by the National
Membership Committee with the 2016
Growth Award!
Our Rochester Squadron and its members
also posted a number of awards I would
like to mention including our donation to
the USPS Educational Fund, we were
awarded for the 38th time, Red Jacket also
received this award for the 44th time and I
am honored to convey it to their former
members. Others included Kevin Parks
with the Century Club award, 6th year, for
his over 100 annual vessel safety
checks. Rita Parks for her Editing skills in
the production of the award winning Chart
publication you are now reading. Jerry
Lighthouse for his continuing work on our
Web Page! Congratulations and thank
you to all of you!
One of the very special awards was for one
of our own Past Commanders, Carol
Lamendola who received her 25th Merit
Mark award and is now a Life Member
with the US Power Squadron!
I am also very happy to convey Past
Commander Rick Hibbs flag of office for
his new elevation onto the bridge of
District 6 as their new Administration
Officer!
Hopefully I haven’t missed anyone, if so I
apologize and I’m confident our Secretary,
Faye Towner (who graciously celebrated
her birthday at the event) will no doubt
cover for my poor memory!
On the National news we now have a
Bridge that is very keen on cutting through
the red tape, they are continuing with
changes to our marketing strategies while
trying to take a more flexible
approach. One thing we will be seeing a lot
of going forward will be a move towards
the slogan of “America’s Boating Club” so
that more people outside the organization
will be able to readily identify what we are
about without extra clarifications. They
are also working on the latest redesign of
the National website to be especially useful
as marketing tool while eliminating a lot of
the extra accumulations of redundant
“stuff” that have been added year after
year. Some other good news is that for the
first time in a few years the National USPS
budget is in the black by a healthy margin,
much of that due to cost cutting measures
that were in the $250,000 range. So even
though membership dropped by
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approximately 1,000 to our current level of
28,300 nationally the organization is
financially sound going forward.
For our District 6 there are still a number
of Squadrons struggling including
Hamburg and Buffalo that are in the
process of dissolution but are also planned
to fold into the Swiftwater (N Tonawanda)
Squadron that is currently stable and will
itself transition into a newly named
Squadron more reflecting of the Buffalo
NY area. Aside from Buffalo and
Hamburg there are a few more Squadrons
that are struggling but are still hoping to
make comebacks. It looks like these
consolidations are going to continue and
National is working hard to make the
process more seamless so that we retain the
active members in those Squadrons and
they don’t in turn feel alienated in their
“new” Squadrons. One aside, the
Hamburg Squadron has presented us with
a Sextant we can use for our future classes,
so thank you to them for their generosity.
Fortunately we were able to take time
during the Conference and share the ideas
that have worked in Rochester and also
hear their more successful ideas too. R/C
Paul Mermelstein from the National
Marketing Committee was there and he
commended the Rochester Squadron on
the job we were doing and was very happy
to take some copies of the fliers we have
been using for our meetings and events to
show his committee back in Orlando. He
also conveyed some very exciting ideas we
can use in our programs that are simple
and take advantage of things we already do
and will talk about that as we progress.
I’m sure there is much more to tell you
and I will do my best to so as we go
forward.
Thank you so much for keeping up the
awesome work you have been doing to
make our Rochester Squadron the most
successful unit in Upstate NY !!!
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
P/C Marti Tertinek, S
My last report found me watching out my
front window to see the ice on the bay
disappearing. Now I am looking out my front
window to see bag after bag of sand. These
bags protect the shoreline from the wave
action. By the time you receive this
publication, Chris, my husband and Mayor of
Sodus Point, will have declared a “State of
Emergency”. The lake level keeps rising and
will probably not peak until June. We’ve got
a long way to go yet.
I write about the flooding and lake water
levels to remind those of you that especially
boat on Irondequoit Bay, to please be
courteous and watch your wake. The wave
action at the shore line can do considerable
damage to property. Also, be aware of
floating debris. With the elevated waters and
the springtime brings large logs, branches,
anything that floats, but if you hit them, you
can easily take out a prop or worse. This is
not a time to be a power boat “cowboy”!
Please note that for those of us that take part
in the VSC, with the elevated lake water
levels, there may not be as many boats to
examine. Either their docks cannot be put in
or the water is so high that it may be
dangerous to tie up a boat that’s floating so
high. However, keep in mind you can catch
those boats that are on cradles and/or trailers.
I received a good article from USPS Boat
Insurance on coming out of Winterization.
Although we all know our boats well,
sometimes reading through this type of
information can spur a memory of last year’s
boating season, to remind you to check out
something for this year’s season. In the
April/May 2017 Boat U.S. Magazine, on
Page 98 there is a Spring To-Do List. This
may be helpful to assist you in the spring
commissioning of your boat.. Overlooking
small things during spring commissioning can
translate into “big” problems.
Another idea that lends itself to safe boating
is to think about creating a Pre-departure
Checklist before taking off in your boat to
make sure that everything is “Shipshape” and
in “Bristol Fashion”. Taking that extra
amount of time, can avoid an “Oops” on route
or upon reaching your destination a “damn” ,
I forgot to pack the batteries for the GPS!!
That’s about it for now. When next we meet,
you’ll be able to recognize me by the swim
mask and flippers that I’m wearing!!!
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Upcoming General Meeting
By: Jim Haas, P
AT: The Jetty at the Port at the Port of Rochester 7 pm
RSPS PROGRAM FOR WED. MAY 3rd
Jim Howe will be coming to our meeting on
Wed. May 3rd to discuss factors contributing
to Lake Ontario’s water levels, corrosion of
the shore line and efforts and programs
available to help land owners and business’
deal with their problems.
Jim Howe is The Nature Conservancy’s
director in Central & Western New York,
including the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes,
Alleghenies and Tug Hill Plateau .
He leads the Chapter’s efforts to protect New
York’s forest, fresh waters and natural
communities and serves as an advisor to other
conservation groups and is co-author of “
Balancing Nature and Commerce in Gateway
Communities”.
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What is a Vessel Safety Check?
A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of a boat to verify the presence and operable condition of certain safety equipment
required by state and federal regulations. The inspection is quick and easy. Many trailerable boats can be inspected in ten minutes. All
boaters will receive a copy of the evaluation form at the end of the inspection. Boats that meet the safety requirements will receive a
Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decal to be displayed onboard. If your boat is displaying a current VSC decal, local marine patrols and the
Coast Guard will not stop you for a random check unless you are acting in an unsafe manner.
It is a free check of a vessel’s equipment for compliance with federal and state safety requirements. Some of the items checked are:
Proper display of numbers
Registration/Documentation
Personal Flotation Devices
Visual Distress Signals
Fire extinguishers
Ventilation
Backfire Flam Control
Sound Producing Devices
Navigational Lights
Federal, State and Local Requirements
Overall Vessel Condition
Benefits of a Vessel Safety Check:
Identify safety and money saving opportunities.
Prevent citations by meeting federal and state safety equipment requirements.
Identifying educational and equipment-related possible boating insurance discounts.
Increasing awareness of safety practices to avoid accidents and costly breakdowns
A Vessel Safety Check can reduce accidents and injuries by educating the boater as to the value and use of marine safety equipment, and
other safe practices on the water.
All Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by a Vessel Safety Examiner who is a trained specialist and either a member of the US Power
Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Examiners will also make recommendations and discuss safety related issues that will make
boat owners safer boaters. To schedule your annual vessel safety check, contact one of Rochester’s Vessel Safety Examiners:
Examiner Telephone Primary Location
Steve Heffron 370-8216 Pultneyville, Wayne County
Mike Kelly 747-8764 Braddocks Bay and other locations upon request
Kevin Parks 467-5740 Genesee River, Irondequoit Bay Fish & Game
Club, and Irondequoit Bay
Barb Nicholas 271-5095 Henderson Harbor area
Tom Nicholas 271-5095 Henderson Harbor area
Ron Premo 703-3176 Sodus Bay
Don Reaves 705-4711 Henderson and Sackets Harbor area
Marti Tertinek 233-9029 Sodus Bay and Sodus Point
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A message from The Editor
Rita A. Parks
I have had the great pleasure of staying in touch with George Hill, AP throughout the years. George joined the
Rochester Power Squadron in 1976 and attended many Squadron events. He sent me a story about a past
Rendezvous that I would like to share with all of you. I have to say it was one of the best Rendezvous ever and I
remember it well. I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did, and those of you (perpetrators) involved will
certainly remember this occasion.
This is a copy of the story reported in the Ensign in 1992.
Rochester Brought to Trial
In an obvious ploy, by those who did not attend the Rochester Power and Sail Squadron 1992 Rendezvous, The
Rochester (NY) Squadron was brought to trial by those detractors, in an unprecedented move to immediately re-
enact the event. Those who attended the event were too tired to attempt the defense themselves; so the result was a
HUNG JURY.
The charges were:
(1) Indecent exposure
(2) Having fun
(3) Environmental Issues involving
(a) Removing fish from Lake Ontario
(b) Immersing human bodies in a confined body of water
(c) Producing extreme wave action with dinghies propelled at excessive speeds
(d) Copiously consuming food and beverages
So many bridge members and squadron luminaries were involved, that hearing the case in a non-prejudicial
manner required “Special Remedial Attention” as follows:
Cmdr. Marty Michael. AP. passed the gavel to D/Lt/C Stan Chiras N Minutes were recorded by D/Lt
Gerry Zambroski P.
Co-defendants were divided into two groups:
Perpetrators who organized the event --
George Hill P (chair), P/C Ed Crego AP, Chet Jasak S, Bob Gears AP, Jane Gears AP, Lt/C Bill McCormick AP,
Don MacDonald AP, Judy MacDonald, Kevin Parks AP, Tony Appoloney P, Ralph Sylvester N, Lt/C Joe Griffo
N, Al Servati AP, George Novak AP, Mike Lemendola, Lt Ken Mart
Mart AP, Peter Partilo AP, Ellen Keenan S, and Charlie Feldschau AP.
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Participants -- consisting of 87 squadron members who arrived on 28 boats; and about 15 minors (who were
excluded from the trial).
The accused stood when their names were called and the aforementioned charges were read during the squadron’s
monthly meeting.
Defense counsel was the event chairman, who provided rebuttal to all charges, which were read during the monthly
RPS meeting. In pleading the case defense counsel requested leniency and, while admitting the charges had some
merit, insisted the facts had to be heard and then commented on each:
Indecent Exposure…The committee freely admits that prayers were said for good weather for this weekend; and it
didn't rain. The result was that the number of participants exceeded expectations, but being free spirits, they did
cavort without rain slickers and boots and kept the summer tradition of wet weekends by having several water fights
to dampen clothing and to cool themselves.
Having fun… So many activities were planned that it was impossible not to have fun. The day began with a boat trip
to Sodus Bay Yacht Club; followed by classes on using the Easy Nav Flux Gate Compass, predicted log contest,
land contest, fishing contest, swimming, hikes, sports activities, dinghy race, cocktail party, banquet, door prizes,
awards ceremony, hay ride and the party-after-the-party.
What could we do? What would you have done if you were there? This last question, asked over and over by defense
counsel, could well have been the deciding factor in HANGING THE JURY (from the yardarm).
The environmental issues were hard to refute, but defense counsel reviewed these point by point.
(a) The fishing contest was incentive enough for junior members and they did remove many fish from the lake. Their
efforts were reprimanded, and counsel feels losers (most fish caught and largest fish caught) were punished enough
by having to lug home the open boxes of fishing reels they were forced to accept during rendezvous ceremonies. In
addition, all participants were Iured with sharp hooks before they left the festivities.
(b) Yes, many human bodies and, inadvertently, one dog were immersed in a confined body of water. However, It
should be noted that the Marina proprietor asked to have his pool tested on his opening day. The squadron, without
complaint, complied thoroughly with his request.
(c) Shore erosion from extreme wave action caused by excessive dinghy speeds was grossly overstated. Many marine
racing events have caused larger wave action (i.e. speed boat racing). Dinghies had to move quickly to avoid water
bombs and compressed-gas squirting guns from each other and spectators on shore. The unmitigated gaul of racers
throwing unexpended water-filled balloons back onto shore will be investigated by the committee. By the way, no
protests were lodged about the race outcome. Prejudicial decisions were suppressed since only judges could have
water pistols at the protest hearings.
(d) The consumption of food was in keeping with the occasion, breakfast at the yacht club, snacks on boats and visits
to the food stand, commander's cocktail party and banquet. After all, we had to keep our spirits up. It wasn't the
committee's fault that the caterer brought roast chicken in greater quantities than was anticipated and that the other
goodies (corn-on-the-cob and salt potatoes, salads, etc.) were laid out in an overly appealing manner. If anyone, the
real culprits were the McCormicks and Griffos for bringing a large sheet-cake fully decorated boldly with the event's
title. With regard to beverage consumption, the only defense is that the spigot leaked; all in attendance witnessed
this.
District 6 plans to visit Rochester in 1993 for their rendezvous. With this in mind, it is inconceivable that detractors
could tarnish the Rochester Squadron reputation.
In summation, you can be the judge of this event, by attending the District 6 RENDEZVOUS 1993, at which time
this case (or keg of beer) will be re-opened. Watch for the TRIAL DATE and be a member of the JURY.
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GMH3
Below the article are a few pictures I located that I had from this
rendezvous, Recognize some of the people and boats?
Rita Parks
"RPS REMEMBERS by guest columnist Life Member and P/C George Hill AP
There was a picture with the story but I couldn’t
make a clear enough picture to print. It is of a
pennant pictured near Bob Gears and his wife Jane
inviting members and guests to the RPS Registration
table, I had made a new pennant each year, for many
years, with varying background colors and lettering
depicting RPS RENDEZVOUS AND A YEAR.
What looks like a Sunflower is an artistic rendition of
boats rafting in a rendezvous circle. The
pennants were flown on almost every squadron boat
and coveted, at the time, as a collection. I still have a
complete set…..someplace (?) in storage. I would be
happy to donate these to the squadron if someone
would provide the search.
I would like to suggest to the current Rendezvous
Chairman that it could be a respectful act of memory
of yesteryear to fly any that are left, this year during
RPS or DISTRICT 6 Rendezvous. Perhaps Kevin or
Rita Parks could lead a discussion with any that
attended the old event adding their comments.
Tina Tibbitts is currently Assistant Editor of the
Ensign whom I asked to search the files at
headquarters for historical RPS published documents
and she did and found an article from the Ensign that
I didn’t even remember writing. I was totally pleased
at getting it and told her I would be sure to announce
it to the current RPS membership. Her diligent
support at National contributed to our local
squadron’s interests. Since the national computer
database does not include material this far back in
history, she searched manually through every Ensign
issue taking about a month. She continues to search
for anything written by us during my term as
Squadron Commander. At first, my not remembering
dates as an aid to determine a starting point, she
started her search without an index.
I first asked everyone locally that I could contact but
got no replies to my quiery. P/D/C Joseph Arena N,
before his death, maintained a library of all Ensign
and Chart publications, now possibly stored but
maybe lost forever. It is a wake-up call for us to
record our Squadron's history on a reliable storage
device for the future. I’m out-of-touch with current
administration, but i do remember we had an
Historian back then."
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Administrative Officer’s Report
Robert Crossman
Brief report this month…
First, the May general meeting will be
held at the Jetty at the Port at the Port
of Rochester. No reservations are
required. When you get there, let
them know you are with the Rochester
Sail and Power Squadron and you’re in!
Following dinner, Jim Howe, Director of
the Nature Conservancy of Western
Central NY, will talk about the changing
water levels in Lake Ontario.
June 7th is the date for our annual June
picnic. It will be held at the new lodge
#1 at Braddock Bay Park. Details are
included in the flier in this newsletter.
Lastly, the annual Rendezvous is
scheduled for July 28th at the Oak Park
Yacht Club. Details will be forthcoming.
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Braddock Bay Park, Lodge 1
199 East Manitou Road
Rochester, New York 14612
The Lodge will be open at 5:00pm
Dinner to be served at 6:00pm
Meeting will commence at 7:00pm
Hotdogs, Burgers, Sausages and Softdrinks will be provided
Please bring a dish to pass
For Additional Information call or text Bill Towner at 585-260-7981
ROCHESTER SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON
JUNE PICNIC
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7TH, 2017
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day Date Time Activity Location
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
1900 AG/EC Classes Begin Penfield HS/GYC
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
National Annual Meeting TBA
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
Thursday 2nd Feb to Sunday 5th Greater Rochester Boat Show Riverside Convention Center
Saturday, February 11, 2017 TBD Partner in Command Seminar – Public
Encouraged to Attend Port of Rochester Terminal
TBD 1800 Mid-Winter Wine & Food Event and
Founder's Day Observance Rochester Yacht Club
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, March 1, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
TBD 1900 ABC3 Course Various, TBA
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
TBD 1145 Commander's Brunch Rochester Yacht Club
TBD 1900 Sail Class Begins Genesee Yacht Club
TBD 1900 D/6 Spring Council & Conference TBD
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Rochester Yacht Club
TBD National Safe Boating Week Port of Rochester Marina
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 1800 Squadron Public Meeting/Picnic TBA
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 1700 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
July-August Squadron Rendezvous TBD
July-August 1500 Executive Committee Meeting * (Same as Rendezvous!)
Wednesday, August 30, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
TBD 1900 AG/EC Classes Begin Penfield HS/GYC?
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
Wednesday, October 25, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 1900 Squadron Public Meeting ** Genesee Yacht Club
TBD D/6 Fall Council & Conference TBD
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 1900 Executive Committee Meeting * 813 Washington Ave14617
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 1800 Squadron Change of Watch Lodge on the Green
Friday, December 15, 2017 1830 Executive Committee Meeting * TBD
Notes
* Any member not already on the Executive Committee is welcome to attend; contact the Commander to
confirm the meeting location, as it may change after posting of this schedule.
** Consult "The Chart" or Website or Facebook Page for program details, as they may change.