volume 60, issue 03 cape fear foghorn march 2011 …the presentation of educational officer lt/c...

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VOLUME 60, ISSUE 03 CAPE FEAR FOGHORN MARCH 2011

Cape Fear Foghorn pg 1

CAPE FEAR FOGHORNCAPE FEAR FOGHORNCAPE FEAR FOGHORN Official Publication of the Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron®

60th Year of the Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron A Unit of District 27, United States Power Squadrons®, Sail & Power Boating

VOLUME 60, ISSUE 03 MARCH 2011

Squadron Kicks Off New Season

The Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron kicked off the season with an enlightening cruise presentation, induction of new members and presentation of a series of awards. Approximately 80 members and guests attended the first membership meeting held at Blue Water American Grill at Wrightsville Beach. Cdr Roger Simmons, SN inducted four new members into the Squad-ron. Picture left to right are new members Lee and Dottie Ewing and Ed and Susan LaBalbo. Also during the meeting, a few awards were presented to members not pre-sent to receive them at our recent Change of Watch. The “Old Salt Award” was presented to Lt George Ball, P (shown at the right) for his lengthy service to our Squadron. This award recog-nizes a senior member with eight or more merit marks who has demonstrated through long ser-vice, a dedication to the Squadron and promotion of the ideals for which it stands.

Senior member plaques were presented to several mem-bers for their length of service and receipt of five merit marks. Picture left to right: Sara Raleigh, Jerry Bickwid, S and 1Lt Boyd Miller, S; not pictured were recipients Audrey Bickwid, and Susan Miller. Maureen Oeters, P (shown at right) was presented a plaque recognizing her achievement of earning ten merit marks.

The program for the evening was a presentation on “Operation Deep Ditch”, a two week cruise in the Pacific Northwest waters off the coast of Washington, presented by participating Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron members. In the picture below left to right are: P/C Alan Smith, AP, Beverly Smith, Lee Baker, Lt Linda Van Etten, Lt/C Ben Van Etten, S and cruise captain, Lt Nick Baker, AP. Not pictured were Ray Bramhall, S and his wife, Pam. The participants noted that the waters of the Pacific Northwest differ greatly from the inland intracoastal waterways to which we are accustomed. The average water depth is over 600 feet with eighteen foot tides. Snow capped mountains, green vegetation, waterfalls and clear blue water were the normal setting, along with abundant wild life. Nick and Ben both grew up in the Seattle area. Actually, Nick recently cruised the British Columbia coast and routed the cruise course along waterfalls, unique marinas, hidden secure anchorages, and restaurants that would make the “Galloping Gourmet” proud. The Power Squadron tradition of safe boating, accurate cruise planning, exploring pristine, remote areas, and cruise-mate fellowship all contributed to a very successful, memo-rable experience. #




Cape Fear Sail and Power

Squadron 2011

Commander Cdr. Roger G. Simmons, SN

3103 Joy Pl Wilmington, NC 28409-2071

(910) 799-3598 [email protected]

Educational Officer Lt/C Peter Dahl, JN 1116 Tennwood Dr.

Wilmington, NC 28411-8306 (910) 681-1106

[email protected]

Executive Officer Lt/C Ronald I. Tilmon, JN 406 Painted Spindle Ct.

Wilmington, NC 28405-8366 (910) 313-1907 Cell 520-8807

[email protected]

Administrative Officer Lt/C David Echevarria, S

207 Club Ct Wilmington, NC 28412-3303


Secretary Lt/C Ben Van Etten, S

8908 W Telfair Cir Wilmington, NC 28412-3540


Treasurer

Lt/C Ted Poucher, JN 8936 Shipwatch Dr

Wilmington, NC 28412-3536 (910) 796-1267

[email protected]

————————————- Newsletter Editor Lt Robert Raleigh, S

1804 Elease Ln. Wilmington, NC 28403-3734


Newsletter Publisher Lt George L. Ball, P 6036 Chester Street

Wilmington, NC 28405-3896 (910) 791-7752

[email protected]

Commander’s Report Cdr. Roger Simmons, SN

Greetings all:

What better way to begin our new squadron year than with a membership meeting filled with members and guests; the induction of four new members; and a fantastic program. It has to be every incoming commander’s dream to have such, and it was a reality for me

at our very first membership meeting for 2011. The presentation of Operation Deep Ditch by squad-ron members the Bakers, Smiths, and Van Ettens was truly entertaining and informative. Can you imagine cruising in waters one thousand feet deep and beyond? Or how about searching for water shallow enough for anchorage? The picture slides were beautiful and the narratives were very amus-ing as well. Thanks for sharing your experience with our membership. I think we all can agree that the winter thus far has been a frigid affair with the snow and cold tem-peratures. Seeing the temperatures rise into the 60’s and 70’s recently has been a welcomed change and one that gets us to thinking about springtime. For those of you that are Junior and Senior navi-gators, you know that the astronomical definition of Spring has to do with the vernal equinox when the tilt of the earth’s axis is at a certain angle to the sun, but to most of us, springtime is a time of year when we start thinking about working in our yards and gardens and thinking about boating ac-tivities. Check out your squadron calendar, and pick out a few boating cruises to participate in this Spring. This spring, Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron is offering week-end cruises to Wilmington and Southport, long range cruises to Beaufort, SC and Ocracoke, and raft ups in Banks Channel and Myrtle Grove Sound. Lt Mark Stacy, AP* has done his usual excellent job of planning and organizing a great selection of cruises. So sign up early, or better yet, sign up and offer to serve as cruise cap-tain on some of the trips. As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, we are really off to a great year from a recruiting stand-point. Just a few days ago, Lt John Kelly, JN informed me of a participant in the Seamanship class that expressed interest in joining our Squadron and, Mary Ellen and I have two and possibly four prospects expressing interest in joining also. I am certain that many of you out there know of potential members as well. At our recent Change of Watch Ceremony, I threw out a challenge to Lt Ken Newland, JN, our membership chairperson, to add twenty new members this year. He rose to the challenge, and we are well on our way to fulfilling the task. It certainly is refreshing seeing our mem-bership numbers rising again. I am going to close for now. It certainly was great seeing many of you at our recent membership meeting at Blue Water Grill. I look forward to seeing you again on 28 March. #

Executive Officer’s Report Lt/C Ronald I. Tilmon, JN Ok, now that we’re getting closer to getting into the BOATING season (Hot Dog), I’ve got a couple of other public exposure/service squadron functions that I want to make you aware of and hopefully, get you to check out and participate in them. The first one is our Boat Show efforts. Here we try to set up a tent/booth at boat shows or other public

gatherings to advertise our existence, promote our educational opportunities, promote our Vessel Safety program and promote potential memberships. Since we now permit non-members to take our courses, we have been picking up several non-members who are signing up for the courses and then deciding to join—especially when they realize that half of the fee (double the member’s fee) they pay will be credited to their first year’s membership. Lt Tom Bello, AP has agreed to head up our Boat Show Program for 2011. Once he gets a schedule set up, he will be requesting volunteers to man the booth—usually for two-hour shifts. None of our staff can do everything on their own, so when you receive a notice, PLEASE consider volunteering for the efforts. Another element is our Safety Officer--Lt Doug Murray; Doug’s job is to monitor items reflecting on safe boating and to make sure that all of us are aware of what is going on in the world of safe boating. While Doug is a good guy, he is not an all-knowing soothsayer! Therefore, if you run across an item relating to boating safety, be sure and let Doug know so he can check it out and then get it into the Foghorn so everybody will become aware of the issue. The boating season is near and our Spring shakedown cruise to Wilmington City Docks will be March 18-20. I can’t wait! If you can’t make the cruise, at least come to the docks and see those of us hardy souls who did. #




Administrative Officer’s Report Lt/C David Echevarria, S The February meeting was a really nice experi-ence. The presentation by the Pacific North-west boating group was very interesting as well as informative. Several years ago Voncile and I

rented a small boat while staying at NAS Whidbey Island. I was amazed that just a few hundred yards out of the marina the depth gauge registered over 300 feet. The gauge would later flash when it got deeper than 600 feet about a mile from shore. The March meeting will feature another presentation. The topic is Fire Safety Equipment-- its Maintenance and Use. We don’t think about ship-board fires very often until we see a picture of a boat that has caught fire . The Squadron Commander has requested we run the operations training class this spring (which is just a few days away). I plan to run these classes at my home over two Saturdays: April 23 and May 7. The tentative sched-ule is a 2-hour morning session beginning at 10 AM. We’ll break for lunch at 12 and then resume at 1 PM for the second session. For newer members, the ops training sessions are especially informative, particularly for those members that may be interested in serving in some ca-pacity in the squadron. I am limited to a maximum of 20. More than that and we’ll have to move outside. In the past, attendees have brought a covered dish to an eve-ning session. In this format, I’ll have some sandwich meats, lettuce, tomatoes, soft drinks and coffee, etc. I think a potato salad and maybe some coleslaw will should be sufficient to keep us going. Please email me at [email protected], if interested. #

Educational Officer’s Report Lt/C Peter Dahl, JN

Congratulations to Lt Ed Oeters who just re-ceived word that he has now achieved the status of Navigator.

The Seamanship students finished up with their exam and are awaiting the results of their efforts. Membership applications have been approved or are pending for sev-eral of the non-member students. The Piloting class started March 9th under the leadership of Tom Barber, N. There are eight students ready to learn how to read a chart and plot a course. The new Marine Electrical Systems Class with thirteen students is at the halfway point of their studies. Lt/C Ron Tilmon, JN is the course leader and is ably assisted by Lt John Kelly, JN. A big thanks goes out to P/C Alan Smith, AP and his crew of dedicated instructors who finished up a great winter class of the ABC Course. See Alan’s article for the details and don’t forget to tell your boating friends about the great classes we are offering. #

Picture of the Piloting Class

Asst. Admin Officer’s Notes 1/LT, Jonnie' Chardonn, S The upcoming meeting on Monday, March 28th will held at Bluewater American Grill in Wrightsville Beach. (7:00 Social, & 7:30 meeting) Our speaker is the Operations Manager of BFPE, David McLynn. David will be speaking about marine fires and preventions, safety issues and what to do if that emergency were to arise. You will find out the Coast Guard requirements for fire extinguishers, types of systems, recharging, permanent systems and BFPE services. This informa-tion is extremely important to our captains, the mate and their crew. Ladies, please remember you may be the crew, so this is something you may be dealing with while your captain is still behind the wheel.

mailto:[email protected]




Public Boating Students Score Big on Final Test P/C Alan Smith, AP* The squadron can celebrate another banner class of graduates from America’s Boating Course. Our most recent classes, which ran on February 12, 26, and March 4th, included 13 stu-dents. The class average on the final test was the best yet--55 out of 60 questions correct on a very tricky test. More important, this diverse group of students left packed full of solid boating knowledge, enthusiastic about delving further into boating as a sustaining hobby, and full of praise for the quality of the course and those who taught it. They had reason to be impressed by the professional quality and compelling competence of the course’s instructors because they included, in order of appearance, Lt Nick Baker, AP, Lt Tom Barber, JN, P/Lt/C Al Nigro, AP, Lt/C RonTilmon, JN, Lt/C Ted Poucher, JN Lt/C Peter Dahl, JN, P/C Alan Smith, AP, P/D/C Jerry Hall, SN, and Mike Nevin, JN. Membership Chair Lt Ken Newland, JN, gave an eloquent overview of the squadron’s di-verse makeup and activities that should entice several students to affiliate with us. The busywork surrounding test grading and graduation was made easy by the many who came in to help with it--Ken Badoian, Myra Sieve, AP, 1/Lt Tim Jenkins, Mike Nevin, JN, and Lt Ed Cathey, AP. As in previous classes, Al Nigro (at far right in the photo) gets the overachiever prize for teaching four sections of the course on two different days and run-ning the third Saturday session virtually on his own. The next ABC courses will begin on May 14th and November 5th. Tell your friends and boating neighbors about them we’ll look forward to more successful classes. #

February Wine Tasting Sara Raleigh

On February 12, 2011, the Bickwids hosted yet another wine tasting event for the members of CFS&PS, their fourth event in as many years. This time they chose a heavy hors d’oeuvres format that was very well received.

Lucky were the 34 guests who enjoyed the delicious and var-ied menu of wonderful hors d’oeuvres, and the delicious wines they selected from House of Wine and Cheese in Waterford. Chef Jeremy prepared most of the dishes himself, with help from Audry, his Sous Chef, and our Hostess Extraordinaire (both shown at the right). Between the tasting of six different wines, their guests were treated to several batches of warm home-made potato latkes with apple-sauce, both oriental and buffalo chicken wings, meatballs, pot- stickers, shrimp toast, miniature crab cakes, assorted cru-dités’ with spinach dip, and spanakopita. We were also served coffee with cookies for dessert. The Bickwids offered a special champagne toast to the mem-bers of CFS&PS, and the guests (some shown at the right with Jeremy) in turn toasted the Bick-wids for a wonderful evening of great food, great wine, and good fellowship, and for their warm and generous hospitality. Cheers to Audry and Jeremy for another wonderful event. #

Bowling Groups to Form Sue VanNote

Would you like an opportunity to get to know some other members

outside of meetings?

Sign up for BOWLING GROUPS If you are interested in spending a Sunday afternoon bowling with

some friends sign up and we’ll see if we can get enough to get some teams started. Time and frequency could be determined by the mem-bers who are interested.

If you are interested in this activity please email me at [email protected]. Thanks.#






Wilmington Pub Crawl Cruise Lt Mark Stacy, AP* Prepare yeself for a great time downtown on 13 May! We will go to some of the oldest pubs in Wilmington and ye'll be beg-gin' to be keelhauled before it's all over. Aargh! The Captain will trim ye sheets and voyage to up to four or five pubs, depending on the strength of ye sea-legs. Watch for bouts of jolly roger laughter. The joints that will be on the map could include, Front Street Brewery, Fortu-nate Glass, the Cellar, Caprice Bis-tro, Pink Pig Cafe, Lulas, Mugsy's Pub, Hell's Kitchen, the Reel Cafe, and the Copper Penny. And, ye bet-ter be up for any awards at the last haunt! This cruise will stay at Wilmington City Docks and will be 13-15 May. This boating activity will foster fun and friendship for all who attend by land or sea. So please let Lt. Mark Stacy, AP*, Cruise Captain for this activity, know if you will be joining in the fun. Also let Mark know if you would like to volunteer to participate on a Meal or Program Committee on Saturday night. Lt Mark Stacy AP* [email protected] (910) 616-4183

#

4th July Southport Cruise Lt Mark Stacy, AP* Nothing better than seeing the Fourth of July fireworks from the cockpit of your boat! Will you be going on the Southport Marina 4th July Cruise for the 38th annual North Carolina Fourth of July Festival always held in Southport? This cruise will be held 2-5 July at the Southport Marina. The first Independence Day cele-bration in Southport, called the "Festival of Free Men," occurred 214 years ago. In 1792, men of the Town of Smithville (Southport’s founding name) commemorated our nation’s independence from Great Britain with a toast, as ships anchored in her harbor fired their cannons in celebration. The 20-minute fire-works show will begin at 2100 (9 PM) on 4 July. There will be something for everyone. This exciting and patriotic festival will include the signature Fourth of July parade honoring our veterans during a Veterans' Recog-nition Ceremony. The National 9/11 Flag that was se-verely damaged in the collapse of the World Trade Center is currently on a journey across America. The Flag will be making its only stop in NC in Southport on 3- 4 July. It will be featured at some of the festival events during these dates, and the public will be able to participate in a stitch-ing ceremony on 4 July from 1300-1800(1-6PM). There will also be a Flag Retirement Ceremony--a cere-mony that allows residents and visitors an opportunity to properly dispose of their USA flags. The U.S. Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." It is a somber and respectful event. The festival will also include an arts and crafts show as well as great entertainment on the water-front stage. You'll even be able to take the Jail Tour - hopefully not permanently! Reservations will be on a first come, first served ba-sis directly to the Southport Marina Dockmaster made on 1 March (910) 457-9900. Please also let Lt Mark Stacy, AP* know if you will be par-ticipating (910) 616-4183 [[email protected]]. #

7th Annual South Harbor Cruise & Golf Tournament Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

We need a Cruise Captain and Golf Program Director for the 7th Annual South Harbor Village Cruise & Golf Tournament. This cruise is scheduled on 29-30 April - 1 May. Please consider stepping up to be our Captain. This cruise has always been a lot of fun! You would coordinate the reservations for the slips with the Dockmaster and Cruisers, docktails, and the meals. We also need a Golf Program Director for the golf tournament. This person or team would coordinate the tee times with the Pro Shop and create the golf tournament rules and prizes. Dockage fee is $1.35 per foot with Boat US discounts on both dockage and fuel. 30 amp service is $4.00, and 50 amp service is $6.00. There will be free bike use! If you are interested in participating on this cruise and/or Golf Tournament, please contact Lt Mark Stacy, AP* at (910) 616-4183 or [[email protected]]. We are currently holding some slips at the South Harbour Village Marina that will be filled on a first come, first served basis. #





Sunshine Report Lt. Jan Hilbert

Other than a get well card sent to Betty Wessell

who is recuperating from a fall, it has been quiet

in our group. That is always the best news.

If you know of anyone in need of a card, please call me at

910-350-0902 or E-mail [email protected]. #

DATE PORT/ACTIVITY MARINA CRUISE

CAPTAIN

18-20 March Wilmington

Shakedown Cruise Wilmington City Docks

Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

16 April Blessing of the Fleet

& Raft-up Sea Path Gazebo

Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

29-30 April - 1 May

South Harbour Golf Tournament

South Harbour Village/Oak Is-

land Par 3

13-15 May Wilmington Pub Crawl

Cruise Wilmington City

Docks Lt Mark

Stacy, AP*

24 May - 2 June

Beaufort, SC Cruise See anticipated

log

13-20 June Oriental D-27 Rendez-

vous'/Ocracoke

River Dunes/Anchorage Ma-

rina

Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

25 June Myrtle Grove Sound

Raft-up Meet @ N34 02.9

W77 53.3 Lt/C Ron

Tilmon, JN*

2-5 July Southport Cruise &

Rendezvous'/Fireworks Southport

Marina

Lt Mark

Stacy, AP*

23-31 July Manteo See anticipated

log

6 August Banks Channel Raft-up Meet @ N34 12.3

W77 47.9

8-11 Sep-tember

Myrtle Beach Cruise & Rendezvous'

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club

23-25 Sep-tember

Bald Head Island Cruise

Bald Head Island Marina

7-9 October Riverfest &

Pirates Flotilla Hilton Docks

P/C Alan Smith, AP*

15 October Black River Raft-up Meet at

Wilmington City Docks

Bill Holub, AP

12 November Veterans Day Cruise TBD

[email protected] 910-616-4183

CFS&PS BOATING ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE - 2011 Lt Mark Stacy, AP*, Chair Boating Activities

Pot Luck Groups to Form Sue VanNote Do you feel like you only know a small number of CFS&PS members?

Would you like an opportunity to get to know some other members outside of meetings? Are there new members whom you haven’t met but live nearby? Here is a fun way to socialize and get acquainted

with Squadron members and make new friends. Sign up for the “POT LUCK CLUB”.

We are thinking of starting some “informal” dinner clubs that would meet once or twice a month. Each group would be comprised of 6

couples or 12 members so that they could meet in members homes or go out to a restaurant and get seated together. We would like to give this a try until this summer and then mix up the groups and start

again. That way you could meet some new folks every 5-6 months.

If you are interested or have questions about this activity please email me at [email protected]. Thanks.#

Blessing of the Fleet 16 April 2011

Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

The annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place on 16 April. The

Blessing will be from the Gazebo at Sea Path Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach, at 1100. The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice is a blessing to ensure a safe season. Clergy will bless the Captain's, their Crew, their vessels. and the wa-ter they sail on. The Blessing is open to any and all who wish to ask blessings on their pleasure craft, fishing ves-sel, sailing vessel, or kayak. Participating boats should assemble in Banks Channel in front of the Blockade Runner Hotel between 1015 and 1030. At 1050 Windansea will call to order the line of boats proceeding west through Motts Channel towards the ICW. After completion of the Blessing, an afternoon raft-up will be held in Banks Channel. The configuration of the order of the raft-up is important on either side of the first anchored boat to balance the raft. There will be a diagram published showing your location in the raft-up. Please consider inviting crew since some of our members do not own boats. If you are participating and have not signed up please email Lt Mark Stacy, AP* to provide your vessel's name and length, and if you will be participating in the raft-up. Also, please review our Rafting Guidelines on our website in the left column. #

Contact: Lt Mark Stacy, AP* (910) 616-4183 [email protected] #





Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron 227 The Cape Blvd, Wilmington, NC

Foghorn Published by Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron, a unit of United States Power Squadrons®, District 27. Foghorn is the official publication of Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron. Published monthly except for a combined July/August issue. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect USPS policy or endorsement unless so designated. Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron, 227 The Cape Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412

Date Event Location Captain

15 March Book Club I Marilyn Freeman’s home

18-20 Mar Wilmington Shakedown Cruise Wilmington City Docks Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

22 Mar Book Club II Halligans Restaurant

25-26 Mar D27 Spring Conference Marriott at Carolina Beach Cdr Roger Simmons, SN

28 Mar March membership meeting Wrightsville Beach

Blue Water American Grill Lt/C Dave Echevarria, S

4 Apr Executive Committee Meeting 3103 Joy Place Cdr Roger Simmons, SN

7 Apr Foghorn submissions Required E-mail to Editor Lt Robert Raleigh, S

16 Apr Blessing of the Fleet and raft up Banks Channel

Wrightsville, Beach Lt Mark Stacy, AP*

19 Apr Book Club I Sara Raleigh’s Home

25 Apr April membership meeting Wrightsville Beach

Blue Water American Grill P/C Hubert Bordeaux, SN

26 Apr Book Club II Halligans Restaurant

29-30 Apr - 1

May South Harbour Cruise

South Harbour Village

Southport TBD

2 May Executive Committee Meeting 3103 Joy Place Cdr Roger Simmons, SN

13-15 May Downtown Wilmington Cruise Wilmington City Docks TBD

17 May Book Club I

23 May May Membership Meeting Wrightsville Beach

Blue Water American Grill Lt/C Dave Echevarria, S

24 May Book Club II Halligans Restaurant

24 May-2 Jun Beaufort SC Cruise Beaufort, SC TBD

6 Jun Executive Committee Meeting 3103 Joy Place Cdr Roger Simmons, SN

13-20 Jun Ocracoke cruise Ocracoke Island, NC TBD

17-19 Jun D27 Rendezvous Oriental, NC Cdr Roger Simmons, SN

21 Jun Book Club I

25 Jun Myrtle Grove Sound Raft Up Myrtle Grove Sound Lt/C Ron Tilmon, JN

28 Jun Book Club II Halligans Restaurant

volume 60, issue 03 cape fear foghorn march 2011 …the presentation of educational officer lt/c...

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