lunarscope september 2013 lunarfins of jsc houston … · 2013-09-17 · lunarscope lunarfins of...

Lunarscope Lunarfins of JSC Houston – www.lunarfins.com

Next meeting: Wed., September 12 Lunarfins, a non-profit club that promotes the sport of scuba diving.

Speaker: Greg Sims from the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab, has a video presentation to show us the unique diving work done there.

General Meeting Information Where: Clear Lake Park; 5001 NASA Road 1, on the South

(lake) side of NASA Road One.

When: Second Wednesday of each month except December

at 7 p.m. Come early for a social time at 6:30 p.m. Join us afterward at Mario's in Seabrook for food, drink and camaraderie.

September 2013

In This Issue Page

2 President’s Corner

Classes & NOAA Contest

3 Events Page

T-shirts

4 Opinion Page & VOTE!

5 Scary Page

6 Pending Member Trips

7 Pending Dive Shop Trips

8 Trash Fest 2013

9 Pending Surface Intervals

10 Recent Surface Intervals

Deadline for articles: First Wednesday

Elected Officers:

President Barbara Corbin [email protected]

Vice President Mike Peters [email protected]

Secretary Mary Smith [email protected]

Treasurer Gloria McGlothlin [email protected]

Social Director Louise Toole [email protected]

Equipment Mike Smith [email protected]

Appointed:

Training Information Bill Jones [email protected]

Trip Information OPEN

TGCC Representative Tom Burns [email protected]

Advisors Fred Toole & George Clark

Newsletter Polly Swerdlin [email protected]

& Website Editor 281-488-8193

Order Lunarfins 50th embroidered Tshirts!

** Page 3 **

September 2013 Lunarscope 2

PADI Scuba Classes for 2013 The next Open Water (Beginner & Refresher) SCUBA CLASSES will begin FRIDAY evening, September 27, 2013. Please eMail me now if you thinking about attending this class. The September class will be the last for 2013. The next class will be May 2014. Everyone is invited to join us at BLUE LAGOON on October 5, 2013 to check out your gear, BBQ, take a Specialty Class, or just hang out and socialize. We have a great time as a group. Advanced, Specialty, Enriched Air Nitrox, and Dive Master Classes at Blue Lagoon will be October 5 and 6, 2013.

[email protected]

President’s Corner Barbara Corbin

NOAA Research Photo Contest NOAA OAR’s Communications Team is sponsoring a photography contest for

the public, along with employees NOAA-wide, to explore their

scientific and natural world through their camera lens. Deadline Sept 13!!!

https://research.noaa.gov/photocontest2013/PhotoContest2013/ContentAdditions.aspx

Well, according to the news, Labor Day marks the end of summer. I don't know about you, but I'm

not quite ready to let it go. We have the Beach Party September 7 and hope to see many members

there. Don't forget we will meet at Millers Cafe after spending a little quality time on the beach. Our

next speaker will be Greg Sims from the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at JSC. He should have some

interesting video to show us about the work now being done there, post Shuttle. Louise is hard at

work coming up with social events and we have a few in October, one in November and the

Christmas party in December. Several of these events require member volunteers to be successful.

In October, Trash Fest is a team event to clean up the Comal river. We are looking to put together a

team of 8 divers and non-divers to represent the Lunarfins. Fred Toole has volunteered to help

organize a team of interested divers. The following week is the Bay Area Divers Scuba Market. this

is a good opportunity to pick up new or used equipment at reasonable prices. Barney and I are

considering purchasing a table to sell used equipment, so if you're interested in selling equipment,

let us know. We will also have a Lunarfins Breakfast immediately preceeding the event. In

November, Louise has made arrangements for a 50th Anniversary dinner at Villa Capri. This

catered event at beautiful Villa Capri will be a nice (more formal) setting to celebrate 50 years of

Lunarfins. As a catered Dinner in a nice venue, the tickets will be a bit more expensive than most of

our social events, but a club only turns 50 once, so it will be worth the splurge! Finally, December

will bring the year to an end with our Annual Christmas party. This is always lots of fun with plenty

of great food, company and interesting white elephant gifts! We are currently seeking a member

willing to host the Christmas party. As you can see, even though the summer has "officially" ended,

we still have plenty of Lunarfins activities left in the year. Please join us at any or all of these

upcoming events!




Deadline for Lunarscope articles: First Wednesday of each month except December

Events Calendar

2013

•Oct 5 Trash Fest

•Oct 12 Breakfast & Diver’s Market

•Nov 16 50th Anniversary Diner – Villa Capri

•Dec 14 Christmas Party – need host

2014

•Jan TGCC Awards Banquet

•Feb Hyperbaric Chamber Tour

•Mar BBQ Diner

•Apr JSC Health & Safety Day

•Apr 9 Lunarfins Open House @JSC

•May Blue Lagoon

•Jun Happy Hour

•Jul Pot Luck Picnic

•Aug Gear Checkout at 288 Lake

•Sep Beach Party

(The events without dates have been copied from

what we did previous years as examples)

Lunarfins Board Meetings are held the last Tuesday each month (except Dec.) at 7pm.

Tony’s BBQ 17052 Gemini

If you have an issue to bring before the board, contact any board member to get on the

agenda.

Order Lunarfins embroidered shirts

We've selected a few possibilities to choose from, but you can also purchase your own

shirt and have it embroidered with the logo.

A new order will be submitted when there are 12. The catalog and forms will also be available at the September meeting.

Payment is requested with the order. Price goes down if we get enough orders!

An additional sleeve patch can be added this year

either to a new one or one that already has the logo

1963 – 2013

50 Years

Events Page

Trash Fest 2013 See details on page 7

Date: October 5 2013

If members have pictures to contribute to the newsletter or our web page, you may send

to [email protected] or hand me photos, slides, negatives or digitals on a flash

drive at any local meeting of the minds. They will be returned when scanned or

downloaded. Photo credits can be added in the corner or mentioned in the description.


Opinion Page

From the Editor Every now and then we have letters regarding political issues about possible dangers to life as we know it in the

Gulf of Mexico. This editor is willing to publish this conversation, or other subjects that affect the diving

community. There will be a few rules. Length: 300 words or less. Frequency: One per writer, every other month

to allow an opposite opinion to be posted. Please use “Letter to Editor Regarding…” for your email subject line.

Thank You. [email protected]

Send your answers to the above 3 questions to Polly by September 30.

In other words, do you want to be on a Live aboard or a Resort?

Which month to travel: March, April or May?

Would you like some wreck diving, would you like a photo class?

Then we’ll start making plans for the best trip ever!


Scary Page Fred Toole

Lionfish Quick Facts

(excerpts from a presentation by REEF, Reef Environmental Education Foundation)

• Lionfish, native to Pacific waters, invaded range is North Carolina to South America including the

Gulf of Mexico

• Have established throughout most of the Caribbean in less than five years

• May live decades and reach sizes exceeding 19 inches

• Have venomous spines capable of deterring predators and inflicting mild to serious sting and

reactions in humans

• Become sexually mature in less than a year and spawn in pairs

• Reproduction occurs throughout the year about every four days

• In the Caribbean, a single female lionfish can spawn over 2 million eggs per year

• Eggs are held together in a gelatinous mass of 12,000 to 15,000 eggs and dispersed at the oceans

surface by currents

• Can reach densities of over 200 adults per acre

• They are carnivores that consume over 70 species of fish, capable of eating prey up to half their

body length

• Prey on commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important species

• On heavily invaded sites, lionfish have reduced their fish prey populations by 90%

• Native predators exhibit avoidance for lionfish

• Susceptible to very few parasites compared to native species

• Feed primarily during dawn and dusk

• Lionfish are edible and considered a delicacy

What’s also scary?

This is from “clip art”!

Did you know:

Captain Picard had a

lionfish in his ready

room all 7 years of the

Star Trek Next

Generation series


Pending Member Dive Trip

BILL JONES 13th ANNUAL COZUMEL VACATION 2014 2013 trip was underway while this newsletter was being drafted.

Expecting a report for September’s issue…stay tuned!

Staying at the fabulous Hotel Cozumel & Resort

Aug 4 for 5 Days, 4 Nights approx. $899

or

Aug 4 for 8 Days, 7 Nights approx $1099

Group Package Price Includes:

Air Fare, Ground Transportation, Hotel Accommodations

ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK Including Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Mixed Drinks, Specialty Drinks, Shots, and High Balls

All Taxes, Exit Fees, and Gratuities

DIVING AVAILABLE BUT NOT INCLUDED

Email [email protected] for details

2014 REEF Trip Details and Prices

(Editor’s note: This is not a “Member Trip”, nor is it a “Local Dive Shop Trip”

Just looked too good to pass up passing it on…

Showing first one only, to see others go to www.reef.org/trips)

** February 22 - March 1, 2014 -- Dive Dominica and Castle Comfort, Dominica -- Led by Ned and Anna

DeLoach, REEF Founders and World Renowned Marine Life Authors, Photographers, and Naturalists

$1,210, double occupancy in a standard room. Package includes daily breakfast, five days of 2-tank dives,

one night dive, unlimited shore diving 24/7, airport transfers, use of sea kayaks, service charges and

government taxes (VAT charges are subject to change). Single Occupancy $1,460; Non-Diver $850; Ocean-

view Room Upgrade +$210 pp double occ

+$300 REEF Program Fee per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader,

seminar and survey materials.

Ned and Anna will delight trip participants with amazing pictures, videos, and stories, covering fish ID and

behavior. The staff at Dive Dominica are long-time REEF supporters and this is sure to be a great week of

diving and camaraderie.

This trip is booked through our travel specialists at Caradonna. To reserve your space or to find out more,

contact [email protected] 877-295-REEF (7333).

Even if you do learn to speak correct English, whom are you going to speak it to? - Clarence Darrow

Why do you have to 'put your two cents in'... but it's only a 'penny for your thoughts'? Where's that extra penny going?

Bahamas September 13-18, 2013 $1000 pp based on double occupancy Offered by Maximum Scuba, staying at Northside Inn. Price includes: Hotel, Daily Breakfast, Lunch on boat or nearby beach, 4 days, 3 tank boat dives, Shared Rental Car. Airfare not included. 832-582-7280

Cozumel November 20-26, 2013 $870 pp based on double occupancy Offered by Maximum Scuba, staying at Hotel Cozumel. Price includes Hotel, all meals, diving, non-motorized water sports, hotel taxes and airport transfers. Airfare not included. 5

th day of

diving can be added for an additional $75. 832-582-7280 Dec 6-9, 2013 $1495 pp based on double occupancy Offered by Oceanic Ventures, staying at El Presidente Intercontinental Resort Hotel. Price includes round trip airfare from Houston to Cozumel via United Airlines, 4 days/ 3 nights/2.5 days of two tank boat diving, air taxes on base fare, full American breakfast buffet, transfers to the hotel, welcome boat dive day of arrival, beach cylinders, weights, water on board, hotel taxes/resort fee, trip brochure and packet, trip shirt, and travel leader. Not Included: Airport tax if increases before ticketing, tips for local dive staff, bar tab, lunch & dinner, additional land tours, other diving or activities, marine park fee, trip insurance and shopping. 713-523-3483

Flower Gardens - Texas Coral Reefs September 21-22, 2013 $570 pp - $65 additional for nitrox Offered by Gigglin Marlin and Island Divers 281-445-3483 October 26-27, 2013 Offered by Texas Dive Center 281-741-9949

Freeport to the Rigs

Weekends that weather allows $220 pp - $30 additional for tanks Rig diving day trips by Captain Beard Charters 832-603-1698


Upcoming Trips Offered by Local Dive Shops


TRASH FEST 2013 TGCC

The following is from TGCC’s web page:

We will have a maximum 64 teams. Team pre-registration and Individual pre-registration is now OPEN. The discounted pre-registration fee is only $80 per team or $12 per individual. Registration the day of the event will be $100 per team or $15 per individual. We regret having to limit the number of teams. While we want to include as many people as possible, we also need to remain within our capacities so that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. So pre-register ASAP to ensure a spot. This year you will be able to pre-order your official TrashFest t-shirt. Doing so offers several advantages. You will SAVE MONEY and you will be assured of getting your size. We will have a limited number of shirts available in the most common sizes (S, M, L) for same day sale at a higher price so pre-order your shirts today. If you need X or XX sizes you will definitely need to pre-order. Remember each team may have up to 8 members. Since 2 members have to be on the shore at all times, non-divers are welcome too! So get your friends, family, or coworkers together and sign up today! TrashFest is a great way to help the environment while having a lot of fun. Last year participants took home nearly $38,000 in door prizes at the BBQ. Plus winning teams took home the coveted “Super Scooper” t-shirts for the most trash collected, the most unusual item found, and more!

To learn more - http://www.tgccdiving.org/trashfest

Lunarfins teams have entered this one-day event for several years. Join us for a day of fun diving, competition, and a wrap-up BBQ and door prize giveaway on Saturday evening. Pre-registration will run through September 27th. The pre-registration fee is only $80 per team. Registration the day of the event will be $100 per team or $15 per individual and includes the BBQ dinner. To date the committee has collected many door prizes to be given away during the awards party that night. Last year participants took home nearly $42,000 in door prizes at the BBQ. Plus, winning teams took home the coveted “Super Scooper” t-shirts for the most trash collected, the most unusual item found, and more. Again, this year TGCC will be capping the number of teams at 64. In recent years the Council has been a victim of it’s own success, fielding an incredible 88 teams in 2011. While they want to include as many people as possible, it is also needed to remain within the capacities to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants If you are interested in joining a Lunarfins team, contact

Fred at [email protected].

October 5

Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas

http://www.tgccdiving.org/trashfest/registration_form_team.html



http://www.tgccdiving.org/trashfest/registration_form_member.html



http://www.tgccdiving.org/trashfest/shirt_order_form.html



mailto:[email protected]


Pending Surface Intervals Louise Toole

Lunarfins 50th Anniversary Banquet Saturday, 6pm, Nov 16th

Villa Capri Garden Restaurant on the Lake 3713 NASA Pkwy, Seabrook TX

Limited to first 40 reservations due to restaurant capacity RSVP to Louise: [email protected]

Payment required by October 31: $41 per person

(includes appetizer, dessert, choice of entry, taxes and gratuity)

October 12

Breakfast and BAD Divers Market

4449 NASA Pkwy More details next month… 5000 NASA Pkwy

9 am 10 am – 4 pm

Lunarfins Christmas Party is right around the corner.

Saturday December 14th

, 2013

Please consider volunteering your home to host the party.

You will have plenty of help.

The event is an annual tradition.

Turkey, ham, beverages are provided by the club.

Members provide side dishes.

Have you thought about your white elephant gift?

There is still time….


Recent Surface Intervals Find these and others on www.lunarfins.com!

Texas Dive Center and SeaLife Cameras hosted an evening at the YMCA in Webster for divers to experience underwater photography. Cameras, tanks and equipment were provided. Followed by a wrap-up party and picture review at the dive shop. Lunarfins in attendance were Fred Toole, Louise Toole, Wendy Weinberger (also with Texas Dive Center), and Bill Whitehouse. We picked up some tips on photography, met some really nice divers, and got wet! Editor’s Note: Guess who won the door prize camera: Fred!

Dusty Manning invited Lunarfins for Brunch at her home.

We had a great time and got thoroughly stuffed. Mimosas

and MexTex go so well together. Those who enjoyed the

day were Judy and Lamar Flanagan, Fred Toole, Bob and

Marilyn Puschinsky and Polly Swerdlin

August

Meeting

Kelly Drinnen

Flower Gardens

&

Coral Spawning

Lunarfins enjoyed the up-

front beach area at 288

Lake for gear check-out,

diving, snacking, and

socializing.

A decent rain the

previous evening cooled

the August day for a

while.

Visibility was maybe 5

feet, water temp was 95

above the thermocline.

Wendy, not pictured, joined

us later on, bearing soft

gooey donuts.

We really appreciate the

hospitality of Jimmy and the

staff.

Barney & Terry, Fred &

Louise, Fred & Polly, Jay &

Karen, Jacob & Elijah

lunarscope september 2013 lunarfins of jsc houston … · 2013-09-17 · lunarscope lunarfins of...

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