summer 2010 color

District 6 of United States Power Squadrons Summer 2010

®

Summer 2010 Boating is fun -- we’ll show you how

C O M M A N D E R ’ S O R N E R

D/C Paul B. Flagg, SN I want first to express my thanks to the entire Membership for selecting me as your District Commander for 2010-2011. It is a privilege and I look forward to working closely and intently with the PDCs, your new District 6 Bridge, Squadron Com-manders and the Membership in achieving new heights of perform-ance in all aspects of our organiza-tion.

We are off to a great start, having completed a very successful Spring Conference and Change of Watch in Ithaca which contained a healthy mix of business, education, entertainment and fun. Certainly a highlight was the participation and Chief’s Mes-sage of our Chief Commander, Frank Dvorak, and his wife, Vivien all the way from Bellevue, Washington! The Town Hall Meeting conducted by now P/D/C Isabel Warren set a new standard for membership par-ticipation and getting critical issues on the table for future consideration. The business meeting was profes-sional and addressed current events and surfaced some concerns to be addressed in the near future, referred to our Rules Committee for follow-

Let the fun begin!! As we are all tired of cold morn-ings with frost, (unless you are still in Florida or other parts south) low lake levels, date of latest snow still ahead, and leafless trees, the date we can take our boats off the hard can’t come fast enough. As well as making sure our boats are well equipped to meet safety requirements (are your flares outdated?), thoughts will turn to summer vaca-tions. Make sure the above dates are on your calendar.

The Rendezvous committee had a blast with our little skit “One Particular Har-bor” at Spring Conference held in Ithaca. Judging from the audience response (much laughter) and the smiles on C/C Frank Dvorak and then D/C Isabel Warren, the “Parrothead Squadron” with their “Margaritaville” rendition had a great time making fools of themselves. It was a cooperative effort from Ithaca, Susquenango, Red Jacket, Syracuse and Seneca squadrons. I doubt the Chief will forget us anytime soon!!

Back to the subject at hand, we’ve had at least 11 boats signed up for slips; we’ve re-

ceived our first room reservation (no, not the D/C and me) and are ready for lots more. The reservation form can be found in this publication, on Sail An-

(“One Particular Harbor” Continued on page 2)

up action. The brief and fun presen-tation by our “Parrot Head Squadron” in anticipation of our D/6 Rendezvous provided a wel-come respite to the formalities of our session! Vice Admiral (Ret.) Rob-bins has offered to me since then that his luncheon audience was one of the

most interested and interesting one he has ever had for his presentation on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Inves-tigation. The Boat Operator certifica-tion lead-in seminar was well at-tended and has set the stage for this years related educational and other

(Continued on page 4)

The Deep Summer 2010

The Deep 6 Published three times a year by Syracuse Sail

and Power Squadron, Inc., for District 6 of United States Power Squadrons.®

District Commander D/C Paul B. Flagg, SN 8139 Interlaken Beach Road Interlaken, NY 14847-9616 607-532-4915 (land); 607-592-0707 (cell) [email protected] Executive Officer D/Lt/C Russell C. Dibble, JN RR 2 Box 26 Columbia Cross Roads, PA 16914-9708 570-297-4199 [email protected] Educational Officer D/Lt/C William A. Herrick, JN 74 Conklin Forks Road Binghamton, NY 13903-6811 607-723-4818 [email protected] Administrative Officer D/Lt/C Charles Gray, AP 6224 County Rt. 27 Canton, NY 13617-3800 315-386-5216 [email protected] Secretary D/Lt/C David W. Schulz, AP 241 Higby Road Utica, NY 13501-0511 315-266-0511 [email protected] Treasurer D/Lt/C Maxine Flagg, SN 8139 Interlaken Beach Road Interlaken, NY 14847 607-532-4915 (land); 607-227-1836 (cell) [email protected] Assistant DEO D/Lt/C David Schul1st/Lt John Vinquist, JN 8715 Radburn Drive Baldwinsville, NY 13027-1501 315-635-4768 [email protected] The Deep 6 Staff Editor P/R/C Richard E. Ashley, SN 2641 Brynwood Drive Trinity, FL 34655 315-440-2729 (Cell) [email protected] Editorial Assistants P/R/C Frank E. Penny, SN D/Lt Grace E. Penny, AP P/C Ann V. Ashley, AP The opinions expressed in The Deep 6 are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of United States Power Squadrons or Dis-trict 6.

gle, as well as the District website.

The schedule:

• Wednesday 21 July – “One Particular Har-bor” - Registration begins at Bonnie Castle.

• Thursday 22 July – “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Atti-tudes” - Commander’s reception aboard the Bonnie Belle with a 2 hour boat ride on the St. Lawrence.

• Friday – 23 July – “Cheeseburger in Paradise” dinner poolside (a prize for the best rendition of the song??).

• Saturday – 25 July – “Still in Paradise” Awards banquet and danc-ing.

Boat Operator Certification activities will take place throughout the rendezvous. with more details from DEO Bill Herrick in this publica-tion. This activity will be the bulk of the on the water activity, along with a Fleet Review on Saturday. If you are bringing your boat and plan to participate in any on-the-water activity, please consider taking some passengers that do not have a boat any longer, or left it home. A prize will be given for the most non-boaters taken. By the way, if you are planning on the Fleet Review, Jim Herz just might be checking on whether you have a current VSC sticker….. With all the boats docked at Bonnie Castle, there should be a good chance for VSC examiners to increase their totals. Do I see a prize here??

Many activities have been planned by the committee with more details in this publication. Briefly, there will be a golf tournament at the Thousand Island Club Friday, trips to Boateak on Bluff Island for a unique shopping esperi-ence, a bocce ball tournament, a Poker Run (boat or by car), tours to Boldt Castle – all determined by attendees wishes. If you would like a “Domino Col-lege” Mexican Domino tournament, tell us and bring your dominoes. Activi-ties for the kids and grandkids will be determined as we get their reservations. We have many ideas – we just need the kids!

Speaking of prizes, many will be awarded, i.e. For the best dressed boat in the Fleet Review, the best poker hand of the Poker Run and for other various tour-nament winners, the best Parrothead costume, and especially, the best “attitude” prize! Bring along flip flops but don’t step on pop tops!!! Can you name that tune?

On the same subject, on the registration form is a list of articles to be pur-chased. The profit from these orders is what helps pay for the prizes and ex-penses. Consider making an order – there is a new line on it – long sleeve denim shirts, back by popular demand.

Please consider joining us as well as many of our Canadian friends. We will be fulfilling our USPS triangle, service, education and fellowship in grand style!

Please see the reservation form in this issue, (or on SailAngle or the District website.) Please, fill it out and send to Linda and Dave Daniels at 14 London Lane, Endicott, NY 13760. The sooner the better!!!

See you all in Alex Bay in July!!!

(“One Particular Harbor” Continued from page 1)


While here in Margaritaville, aka Alexandria Bay, you will have a number of activities to choose from. There will be a Wine Tour, a Golf Tournament, a Poker Run, Boat Operator Cer-tification, and a Fleet Review. On your own you can visit the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton where you can check out their many boats or even take a ride in an antique wooden boat. You might want to visit Boldt Castle right across from Bonnie Castle, or browse through the eclectic shops in town. Several games will be available throughout Rendezvous, such as Bocce Ball, Lad-der Golf, and Mexican Train Dominoes, as well as children’s games. Best of all, be sure to take a boat ride up and down the magnificent St. Lawrence River. There are sights in the Thousand Islands that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The current edition of National Geo-graphic Traveler features a special article A Thousand Islands of Summer. Check it out at http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2010/05/feature/thousand-islands-text/1).

It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere, and on Thursday, July 22, 2010 Rendezvous attendees can follow the newly created Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail. We will meander through historic and sce-nic Jefferson County to the Thousand Islands Winery along the St Lawrence River near Alexan-dria Bay. It is located on a 38 acre farm that was built in 1836. The winery was named New York’s 2009 Winery of the Year. Coyote Moon Vineyards is situated in Clayton on land first settled by the Mohawk Indians where the warm days and cool nights are conducive to a growing season that creates the complex flavors of their wine. Otter Creek Winery in Philadelphia (NY that is) opened in 2007 by N.Y.’s youngest winery owner and offers great tasting wine and sce-nic views. We will also stop at a rustic Amish farm stand on our way back. If you have traveled to the Rendezvous by boat, land transportation will be available for you. We will start at 1 PM and be back in time for the dinner cruise. For just $5.00 (payable at the rendezvous) you will receive all your tastings (including wine slushies), a wine glass, and a wine charm. Sign up on the registration form and enjoy this tour.

Have you ever wanted to participate in a Poker Run like the Off Shore race boats do? Well, now’s your chance. The District 6 Rendezvous is sponsoring a Poker Run with a twist. The event will take place on Saturday, July 24, 2010 immedi-ately following the Fleet Review. We will leave Alex Bay at about 10 AM. Don’t have a boat? That’s OK. Card pickup locations will be accessible by auto and/or by boat. The fun starts when you receive your first card at Bonnie Castle harbor prior to the Fleet Review. Then you will travel to The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton where you can tour the La Duchesse, a 1903 Gilded Age house boat pre-viously owned and donated by the George Boldt family. There is a special re-duced fee of $5.00 per person to tour the La Duchesse (payable at The Museum). Additional cards will be picked up at either the Boateak on Bluff Island or Captain Spicer’s Gift Shop on land. Both are unique gift shops with fine items for any occasion. Time will be available for some shopping. Another card will be at Grasse Point State Park and we will end in Fishers’ Landing at Foxy’s Restaurant for margaritas. You can stay for lunch at Foxy’s or have lunch on your own. The team with the best poker hand at the end of the run will be awarded a cash prize, based on the number of entries. There is a $10 registration fee per team payable on arrival at the rendezvous. Just indicate your interest on the registration form and let us know how many will be touring the La Duchesse.

La Duchesse


required activities leading to the po-tential for many certified boat opera-tors following on water events to be conducted at the Rendezvous. The Saturday evening banquet continued to be a highlight including our Change of Watch, some significant awards, and a fine evening of fellow-ship. Our follow-up meetings on Sunday morning with the PDCs, Squadron Commanders and the new Bridge were extremely constructive and got all of us off to a great start on the year.

On this subject, the D/6 Bridge is anxious to have your reflections on past conferences and desires for fu-ture Councils and Conferences in order to achieve our objective of planning events that will have the best mix of business, education, en-tertainment, fellowship and fun for you! Much of our effort this year will be focused on coming up with the right content for members in or-der to attract their participation, and make events a meaningful and re-warding experience worthy of their investment in time and expense.

(D/C’s Message Continued from page 1) For this year, the significant aspects of our objectives continue to be a focus on member retention and gain-ing new members for our organiza-tion….the National Organization has an objective of 4.7% growth which recognizes a potential retention rate of 88%. I’ll be challenging your Squadrons to achieve the 4.7% in whatever combination of retention and new members they may be com-fortable with. Related to that will be our new opportunity to take our full course complement, as well as our many seminars, to the public. This will require an extensive effort in PUBLIC Relations, and new think-ing in how to capitalize on this sig-nificant dimension change in USPS. Our share as a District is a 56 mem-ber growth to our approximately 1200 base…I’ll be looking for your Squadron Commanders to tell me how they plan to achieve their part of the challenge….retention beyond 88% seems to be the easiest to do with extra effort; attracting new members through our Education and VSC Programs are next, and none of us should overlook the potential member source within our own con-

tacts of family and friends.

Maxine and I are really enthused and gratified by the response to this year’s Rendezvous at Alexandria Bay with participation promised, so far, by many of our members and those of our Canadian neighbors and friends in CPS. Detailed plans are fully underway as separately re-ported in this The Deep 6 by our host Squadron, Susquenango, and by our District Education Officer, all of whom have been going full steam in the planning activity since last Octo-ber…again, the focus is fun, enter-tainment, and educational op-portunities for you! Please consider putting this unique event in your va-cation and summer plans.

In closing let me state how excited I am about the opportunity to serve you as District Commander and give you my commitment for an exciting year of constructive USPS activity in our duties of Boating Education and Boater Safety and in the opportuni-ties for fellowship our “America’s Boating Club” offers to all. I wish you all the best for a safe and fun boating season!

We are beginning to have a good response from squad-rons interested in learning how to use the CC WEB to develop their Coop Charting groups. I came on board late last summer so only one correction was completed and submitted. That correction was submitted by Cdr. Marshall Shear, SN, for which he was awarded this year's trophy. I was able to attend the national meeting in Orlando and attended two sessions on Coop Charting. These were largely question and answer sessions with USPS committee members and representatives from NOAA and the Army Corp of Engineers. It was helpful to actu-ally make contact with these fellows and understand better what they expect of us. I had had many questions on how to document changes especially when they no longer existed! This led to a discussion about contact-ing town officials for records of removal or construc-tion. In some cases this might have to be a pile of rub-ble. A GPS reading on the spot is also helpful A GPS reading with known landmarks that formerly sur-

rounded the missing navigation aid is also useful.

I hope by now all ExOs or coop committee chairpersons have gotten a password from Del Miller, at pickpock@ charter.net, our regional repre-sentative from national and downloaded the manual. Your next job is to assign areas for mem-bers to investigate. Next, I suggest you contact Del Miller and order each committee member an up to date full size chart which will be sent from NOAA. Then the fun can begin by organizing parties and a rendezvous to work on this together. When you have filled out the forms send them to me JudySwanson, e mail at [email protected] We are hoping to set up a training session in the Buffalo area this July with Del Miller so we are hoping for many submit-ted reports by fall!

CO-OP CHARTING by Cdr Judy Swanson, JN, D/6 Chair


Greetings All,

By this time all D/6 squadrons have had their Change of Watches. In this article I decided to review who the DXO’s committee chairs are, and what they provide to our squadrons. Note that our district committee members are the liaisons between the national staff and the squadron com-mittee members.

Our PR person or DPRO is John Stiles from Red Jacket. Most people know John as the man who assists the squadrons with their Co-op Ad-vertising reimbursements.

John can also assist squadron PRO’s with understanding PRO-Log which contains tools, ideas and procedures that squadron PRO’s can use in their jobs.

Our Marine Safety Officer is Ron Beebe from Syracuse and Elaine McMahon from Rochester is the committee member. Ron and Elaine work very hard encouraging squad-rons to be involved in Safe Boating Week. Safe Boating week is a great time to promote your squadrons and make the public aware of our civic service by the promotion of safe boating practices.

The DSO also has contacts with the USCG, USCGA, Red Cross and Safe Boating Council to name a few. If you require boating safety informa-tion from these organizations Ron and Elaine should be able to assist you.

Remember, teaming up your PRO’s and VE’s will help complement your

Boating Safety activities.

Marshall Shear from Iroquois is our VSC committee chair. If clarification of a national directive is required, Marshall can clarify it for you. Ad-vising on how to promote a VSC program, as well as assisting in preparation of new VEs, Marshall is there to help.

Please keep in mind with this com-mittee, especially at the squadron level, minor issues can occur. Trust me on this one; I’ve been there and Marshall was able to take care of it. Again, push your VSC’s during Safe Boating Week.

Judy Swanson from Syracuse is our Coop Charting chair or CoChCom. Judy can assist squadrons in devel-oping their own Cooperative Chart-ing Committee. She also has the duty of processing reports from the squadron chairs to the national com-mittee or National Ocean Service.

The intent of this program is to pro-vide NOAA the data obtained by trained volunteer observers for the use in the production of accurate, up-to-date nautical and aeronautical charts and the preservation of geo-detic benchmarks in the National Reference System.

A new program in cooperative chart-ing is the Adopt-a-Chart program. Check it out; it could be another member involvement opportunity.

Our district legislative officer is Ralph Jones from Ithaca. His duties include gathering information on laws, proposals and regulations af-fecting boats, boaters and water sports, and then reports on the sub-ject to the D/C. The DLegO moni-tors all legislative activity in D/6.

Ralph can assist squadrons with questions concerning laws and regu-lations throughout D/6.

John Lango is our district radio tech-nical officer, also hailing from Ithaca Squadron. John has an excellent un-derstanding of marine electronic sys-

tems.

The DRTO committee could be eas-ily tied in with your VSC and Safety activities, seminars and Marine Elec-tronic classes.

The liaison committee or DLCom is charged with several functions such as promoting and maintaining good relations with public officials and outside organizations concerned with recreational boating safety. Such organizations include those responsi-ble for promotion, enforcement and teachin0g rules and regulation relat-ing to recreational boating.

The liaison may also be of some help in recommending guests and speak-ers to squadron events.

To answer your questions regarding the above please contact a member of the D/6 Bridge.

Our Liaison for USPS Ladies Auxil-iary is Priscilla Clarke from Swift-water. Priscilla is there for all your Auxiliary questions.

Priscilla is a fountain of information regarding membership involvement and membership retention. I would suggest tapping into her knowledge.

Our Liaison for our friends to the north or CPS is John Burns from Iroquois. John is in constant contact with our CPS neighbors exchanging information important to USPS, CPS and D/6. All D/6 events that CPS representatives attend is because of John’s efforts.

For those needing help with informa-tion about boating in Canadian wa-ters John should be able to point you in the right direction.

I hope this brief overview of what the XO’s committees do and how they may be of some help to our squadrons.

I hope this will spur you to incorpo-rate these squadron level committees into tools for membership involve-ment and member retention.

Thanks, Russ

District Executive Officer D/Lt/C Russ Dibble, JN


Vessel Safety Check Program D/Lt Marshall Shear, SN

Visit Distrit 6 on the web at: http://www.usps.org/localusps/D/6

to keep up with the latest news.

Coming Events for District 6

District Rendezvous 21–29 July 2010

Bonnie Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY Host – Susquenango Squadron

The Deep 6 Fall Issue Deadline 5 September 2010

Fall 2010 Council 17-18 September 2010

Ramada Geneva Lakefront Geneva, NY

Fall Conference 12-14 November 201 The Inn on the Lake

Canandaigua, NY Host – Red Jacket Squadron

2009 Wrap Up District 6 VEs had a record year in 2009 completing 1157 VSCs, more than any previous year. Six Squad-rons qualified for the VSC Squad-ron Honor Roll including Ham-burg, Iroquois, Ithaca, Red Jacket, Southern Tier and Syracuse. Two Examiners qualified for Century Club- Clark Godshall from Lock-port and Marshall Shear from Iro-quois. And Marshall Shear quali-fied for Millennium Club with 1054 VSC to-date. We were de-lighted to have Chief Commander Frank Dvorak present these well earned recognitions at the Spring Conference.

In total, 2297 USPS VEs com-pleted 33,472 VSCs in 2009 while 6509 USCGAUX VEs completed 125,000 VSCs. This total of 158,000 VSCs suggests there are millions of registered recreational vessels and unregistered paddle boats yet to receive a VSC. We have a lot of upside opportunity.

2010 VSCs The D/6 VSC examiners are now

actively completing vessel examinations as part of the 2010 program. West Marine is again offering discount coupons to boaters who get a vessel check (coupons can be printed from the national VSC web page). Now is also the time to recer-tify previously certified VEs, recruit and certify new examiners and estab-lish squadron recognition incentives. Again in 2010, the primary focus of the National Safe Boating Campaign is the wearing of life jackets. VEs should wear the inflatable life jack-

ets provided by the USCG when conducting VSCs.

A VSC Tip-Ventilation Systems When checking the power ventilation system verify that:

• The intake and exhaust cowlings are facing in the correct direction

• That the exhaust hose is posi-tioned correctly in the bilge

• That the exhaust blower is run-ning in the correct direction. A piece of string or paper can indi-cate that the air flow Is correct.

I’m baack! Have you missed me? It has only been a year and here I am back on the District 6 Bridge. Did I miss it? Well - - - no, not really. But I did miss the excitement of being in the middle of District and Squadron stuff. I did miss the Commanders and the Bridge officers. But I am on the nominating committee. So, did I nominate myself for District Secre-tary or ask to be nominated? No! No! No!

I am District Secretary because it is the only District 6 Bridge position I did not have during my 5 year ten-ure, but most importantly because I failed to find anyone to commit to do the job – this year. I volunteered to serve until a person can be found to accept the position and allow their name to be placed in nomination.

From the Secretary P/D/C David W. Schulz, AP

There are several that have indicated a desire but not this year mostly be-cause of Squadron commitments.

Being elected to the Bridge, serving on the Bridge in two Squadrons and the District was among the most gratifying positions I have held. The folks I met at Squadron, District and National meetings are folks that I now call friends.

The United States Power Squadrons is among the most important com-munity service organizations in our beloved Country. We are dedicated to a very important mission: To keep ourselves safe and to educate the community in how to be safe in boating, how to be safe in and around water, how to be safe in our homes and how to be safe in our rec-reation.

Remember the slogan used a few years ago in military recruiting – “The Army is Looking For a Few Good Men”?

The United States Power Squadrons is looking for a few folks, men and women, willing to train for and serve as leaders in our Squadron’s and District’s Bridges. The pay is sub-stantial and elevating in spirit. Co- workers are of common interest and are always willing to help each other succeed.



just reported a person in the water near Cardinal, Ont. A kayak tipped over. We know from experience that the water is very cold and hypother-mia sets in rapidly. Fortunately the kyaker has been rescued.

Here are some ideas I found on the web concerning membership:

• Why not invite a friend to a din-ner meeting. They would be able to see how we operate, the cama-raderie we have at our meetings, and you might even get them interested in a course.

• If new members are given a job, and then mentored in that job, they are more likely to remain members than those that are not given a job.

• It is a great idea to have a mem-ber of the power squadron act as a liaison with local boating and yacht clubs.

• Make sure that you get pictures and information on activities to local newspapers; it is free pub-licity.

• At all your courses have mem-

D/Lt/C Maxine Flagg, SN District Treasurer

Greetings! By the time you read this spring must really have sprung, the yard will have been mowed, flowers and trees in bloom, and thoughts turned to the upcoming boating sea-son. The only way I can think of making a Treasurer’s Report inter-

esting is to make it short so here goes! To go against Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics in “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” about not looking backwards, I will for a mo-ment. In a nutshell, as reported at Conference, the District did come out financially slightly ahead for the year (which is good…), the audit for last year was completed, and ac-cepted by Conference, and the budget has been approved for next year. If anyone would like me to email a copy of any one of these re-ports, please let me know. They will also be available on SailAngle soon.

Lastly, just a brief reminder to squadron Treasurers to send in the dues for new members. Have a safe and fun boating season, and put the Rendezvous at Bonnie Castle on your calendar!!!

As I sit here the outside temperature is near 80 degrees and my mind is on getting our boat ready and into the water. I am sure you all share this feeling as our season here in north-ern NY is so short.

When people ask me what the Power Squadron is, my answer is "a na-tional organization that promotes safe boating through education.” I believe all our courses stress safety. That brings to mind that this time of year the waters we boat on are very cold. Please wear your life jackets; we don't want to lose anyone. The scanner on the Prescott Coast Guard

Musings from the District Administrative Officer

D/Lt/C Charles Gray, AP

bers of the Bridge attend and talk one on one to students to encour-age them to join.

• Precede your ABC3 class with a 1/2 hour knot of the week op-tional session.

To have a vibrant squadron you should encourage Education, Com-munity Service and Fellowship.

Have a great and safe boating season and be sure to attend the rendezvous at Bonnie Castle in Alexandria Bay. It should be a great time.

Editor’s Note: First, I want to wel-come Charlie Gray to the District Bridge, and thank him for an on-time first submission. I also want to thank him, though, for a great lead-in to the following excerpts from the Onondaga Yacht Club minutes of meetings in the 1938 to 1947 time-frame. They represent a true part-nership between OYC and Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron, and it con-tinues today with joint events and programs, as well as shared officers. The OYC is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year (note that Ann and I are Past Commodores).

Historical Notes From Onondaga Yacht Club

• September 27, 1936 It was decided not to join the American Power Association for this year. Instead we would work with the U.S. Power Squadron in connection with instruction for cruiser owners. A committee was appointed headed by Mr. Roland Searles. (190)

• November 9, 1938 Mr. Denmore, who had worked on the promotion of the U.S. Power Squadron, had left town. D.K. Post was asked to serve on a committee headed by Mr. Searles to take his place. (194)

• December 3, 1938 Mr. Searles told of plans to organize a course for



study under United States Power Squadron and said that D. K. Post was working with him in the mat-ter. That this course would be open to any member of the club who wished to make some study of navigation and other problems in connection with the proper piloting of water craft. (202)

• April 20, 1939 H. C. Whitney moved that the Secretary direct a communication with the members of the U.S. Power Squadron, ex-pressing for the officers and Board of Trustees of our club the appre-

(OYC/SSPS Activities Continued from page 7) ciation of each members coopera-tion in making the Syracuse Unit of the U.S. Power Squadron a suc-cess this first year.(222)

• March 17, 1941 Sponsored the Syracuse unit of the U.S. Power Squadron. (17)

• May 26, 1941 A number of cruis-ers from the Utica Power Squad-ron, some of whom were OYC members arrived at the Onondaga Lake Yacht basin. Greeted by OYC members. (31)

• January 25, 1943 Letter to Syra-cuse Squadron inviting them to use OYC privileges and facilities. (89)

• March 2, 1943 Dan Hickey sug-gested that the Club’s Sailing School included with one being contemplated by the Power Squad-ron. (92)

• June 1, 1946 The Past Chief Com-mander of the U.S. Power Squad-ron (Ed. Note: Probably F. Ritter Shumway) visits the marina and was entertained by wife of Dexter Edgarton as no other proper club representative was available. (185)

• October 1, 1947 Privileges of the club given the Syracuse Power Squadron for use of the club for their annual meeting.

Five WNY Squadrons gathered at the Swiftwater Squadron (Elks Club, North Tonanwanda, NY) on Wednesday, 21 April 2010. Repre-sentatives of Buffalo, Hamburg, Lockport, Niagara, and Swiftwater Squadrons attended.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the 2010 program of Inter-Squadron events. The first Inter-Squadron meeting occurred on 10 February 2010, also at the Elks Club. The next Inter-Squadron is sched-uled for Monday, 14 June, at the Elks Club. All participating Squadrons recog-nize the need to develop closer coor-dination and interaction. Working together, we can maintain a viable and effective Power Squadron pres-ence in Western New York. Princi-

pal areas of focus included USPS, Squadron Communications, Educa-tion (Boater Safety Training, Ad-vanced USPS Courses), Social Func-tions, Out Reach (kayakers, PWC, canoeists, etc), Getting our people on the water, and, in general, messing around with people of similar nauti-cal interests and community spirit (ie Making Boating Fun!). We hope to

INTER-SQUADRON MEETING REPORT & PLANNING Buffalo — Hamburg — Lockport — Niagara — Swiftwater

From Meeting Minutes provided by Lt/C Ron Guido, Executive Officer, Hamburg Squadron

Date Activity Responsible Squadron

11 July Cooperative Charting Briefing; Speaker USFWLS Swiftwater

31 July On-Water Picnic; Buffalo Breakwater Area (rafting) Hamburg

28-29 August

Erie Canal Cruise; Middleport Buffalo

23 Oct Dinner Meeting; Speaker - Tom Johnston, President Buffalo Lighthouse Association speaking on the Buf-falo Lighthouse

Hamburg

schedule enough events to add inter-est, freshness, and excitement for our members: new friends are silver, old friends are gold!

For information contact Ron at:

E-mail [email protected] or by Phone at 716-662-7211 or any of the five squadron Exec Officers or Com-manders - they are all involved.

Don’t be shy. You will be surprised at how happy an organization we are and how happy you will become while serving.

OK – Now then, we hope to see eve-ryone at Rendezvous 2010. It will be fun. After an absence of 2 years Ren-dezvous is back with many opportu-nities to further your education, be in

(Secretary’s Report Continued from page 6) one of the most beautiful places in NY State, and to meet and make new friends. It is also an opportunity to reacquaint the public with The United States Power Squadrons. Don’t miss it! BE THERE

Squadrons – please don’t forget to get your last year’s histories into the District Historian. I know it’s a slight chore, but honestly it is a

smaller task for the individual Squadron than it is for District or National Historian to research each Squadron. We are all volunteers.

I promise to serve you as District Secretary with my best effort but I will return to my PDC status happily ASAP or ASASEVTS.


I wanted to share with you a little bit about how I came to be standing in front of you this evening. I extended my boating experiences when I be-gan sailing on Lake Ontario and found out that there was life beyond inland lakes. I discovered that there was a whole world out there that in-volved pointy topped red things and green cans floating in the water and that you could see these things on a map, chart not yet being in my vo-cabulary.

Me being me, I had to know immedi-ately what this was all about so I spent my first trip to Kingston glued to the chart. After that weekend I asked everyone where I could track down the information to teach me how to use this new awareness. As I continued to sail every weekend for the next ten years an incredible thirst for navigation knowledge was born. I worked my way through eight courses during the next six years in-cluding JN. What a thrill to know that I actually would know where I was if the inevitable rogue wave should take our electronics down.

As many of you know, I spent the next two years cruising throughout the Eastern Caribbean acting as the navigator, SSB radio communicator, and weather forecaster. I was amazed to find that my cruising bud-dies had not had any of the USPS courses and that included their cap-tain. I just couldn’t leave land unless I had the knowledge to get myself home if something happened to the captain. I had no problem with him making most of the decisions as long as I knew in my own head that they were safe decisions.

When I returned home my mission was to share the information that I had worked so hard to learn. So I returned to SSPS as my first stop. I

had not been socially involved. I, like so many new members, hung around long enough to get what I needed and didn’t enter into the ac-tivities of the squadron. Now you have to realize to take on a room of crusty older men as a woman alone was no easy thing. But the more I became involved the more I could appreciate the mission of SSPS. And here I stand today.

My goal as Commander is to find all those new and older potential mem-bers who are hanging around the fringe of the organization as I did and demonstrate how rewarding and essential involvement in our organi-zation can be.

Now I have come to be aware that USPS is at an interesting crossroad. Like every service organization, our membership is aging and therefore dropping. This is happening at a time when baby boomers are retiring and boating is becoming ever popular. This is a huge frustration1 How many boaters are in your marina with out even a basic boating course? I want to thank the SSPS for having the foresight to urge the com-mander to attend the national meet-ing on Orlando. Here is where you can appreciate the level of compe-tence we have in the higher echelons of the USPS. These people have taken the old USPS and really shaken it by its roots. We are looking at a changed organization and the faster the squadrons can keep up, the faster we are going to expand and realize the goals of education and safety that we have set out for our-selves.

You have heard bits and pieces of this during the past year and our squadron leaders are doing their best to catch up with what is happening. It is going to be an interesting time.

First, we are going in a whole new direction by getting out of the class-room and out on the water. The ren-dezvous this July will certify a whole group of certifiers and advanced cer-tifiers who will go out on the water and certify members as qualified inland navigators. This is only the first level of certification followed by coastal navigation and offshore navigation. Students will be required to demonstrate several maneuvers to assure adequate seamanship in fair weather and quiet waters. This will require our first courses and semi-nars. The Coast Guard has been working with us on this. I think this will in turn increase membership and interest.

Second, we are developing an online site, SailAngle that will increase in-tra and inter squadron communica-tion. This has huge possibilities and has already greatly increased mem-bership where it has been trial run.

Third, online courses are available. Currently, you a can take the basic course and seamanship on line. Un-fortunately, NYS has not seen fit to approve this method for the basic course requirement. USPS is ex-panding this to include other ad-vanced courses. There is talk about opening these courses up to non members. This allows people to be-come cyber members. Cybermem-bers have been joining squadrons at record numbers.

Fourth, We are teaming up with ma-rina dealers who want to include our


Commanders Message at the Change of Watch Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron – By Cdr Judy Swanson, JN


Watertown Power Squadron Relinquishes Charter Joins Forces With St. Lawrence Power Squadron

District 6 at the USPS Annual Meeting

Photo to Right – Left to Right (then current Ranks)

1st/Lt Tom Schuell, JN (Swiftwater) ;

D/Lt/C Maxine Flagg, SN, D/Lt/C Paul Flagg, SN,

P/D/C William Warren, P, D/C Isabel Warren, P

boating courses as part of the package included in buying a new boat

I believe these new efforts will appeal to the younger and busier generation. I believe these efforts will assure that the USPS will be around for a long, long time. I feel that my small part is a very exciting start to a great USPS future.

(SSPS Commander Continued from page 9)

At the Spring Conference the mem-bers of Watertown Power Squadron relinquished their Charter, and joined forces with St. Lawrence Power Squadron. I received information from Will

Hunt that the combined membership stands at 31, and they now hoping to offer classes again. Regular Meeting attendance is 10-12, with interesting programs. The name will, for now, be St. Law-

rence Power Squadron. Former members of Watertown Squadron are encouraged to fly both burgees. There is a committee working on possible name and burgee change. We all wish the “new” squadron the very best as they work to grow, and to carry on the traditions and spirit of both squadrons!

COOPERATIVE CHARTING Swiftwater Squaadron’s

Fore ‘N Aft By Lt/C Cindy Oppenheimer, AP

Mark your calendars for the Inter-Squadron Cooperative Program on 11 July at the Advent Building, Buf-falo, NY. The USPS Coop Charting Program is conducted in close coop-eration with the Marine Chart Divi-sion, National Ocean Service, Na-tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce. This program is a major of USPS. Under it members supply information to the Marine Chart Di-vision leading to corrections in nau-tical charts, small craft charts and Coast Pilot publications. Informa-tion is also supplied on depth sur-veys and range status.

This Inter-Squadron activity is part of the efforts of Buffalo - Hamburg - Lockport - Niagara - Swiftwater ef-fort described on page 8.

Left – Spring Conference 2010 Photo Montage by Rick Gassner

From Swiftwater’s Fore ‘N Aft By P/C Mark Medakovich, AP

As we have seen, USP is working to adapt our organization and its offer-ings to a newer boating public. As these changes take place there will be positive and negative responses from our members. It is our respon-sibility, as members, to steer this organization in a direction that fits well to both our current members as

well as potential members. Without these changes the organization will not be able to survive into the com-ing years. The only way to ensure we move in the proper direction is for each of us to be active in the deci-sions being made regarding these changes. Make sure that you get out and attend meetings, as well as classes and events, and have your voice heard.


The Reservation Form for the “One Particular Harbor” District 6 Rendezvous 2010 is included as a slip sheet in this issue of The Deep 6. This is for your convenience in pulling it out, completing it as part of your summer plans, and mailing it to:

Lt Linda Daniels 14 London Lane

Endicott, NY 13760

Do it Today!

the summer off, but those classes might be some of the most stimulat-ing ones taught. Students, and teach-ers, will have new anecdotes about their experiences on the water each week, and the opportunity for on-the-water classes is ripe. Do you think a student will remember relative bear-ings better after learning about them on a boat or in a classroom?

I encourage squadrons to offer and promote courses and seminars to the public this summer. I’d be surprised to hear that it wasn’t a positive ex-perience.

Our Boat Operator Certification Inland Navigator Advanced Certifier program is coming along well. We have 21 candidates in the program and we’re progressing toward a con-clusion at the district rendezvous in Alexandria Bay this coming July. Candidates are committed and en-thusiastic and District 6 will be well represented by them. Come to the rendezvous this summer, a reserva-tion form is in this Deep 6, and share in our celebration of a job well done.

(Educational Corner Continued from page 12)

Ye Olde Editor’s Corner by P/R/C Dick Ashley, SN

It’s me again. Some might ask whether Dick ever gets tired of writ-ing Ye Olde Editor’s Column. The answer is NO! Is it ego — do I just like to see my name in print? I hope not. I do know that it is because I have enjoyed USPS for a about 45 years, and have had many good ex-periences (and I try to forget the not so good ones). I like to talk about squadron!

Lots new is happening all across our organization, and I sense excitement in our D/6 Bridge, and in many members, old and new, young and old. Yes, there is concern as there always is with change (especially after this many years, for me, as a member). Sometimes it seems like “here we go again.” However, I sense the excitement, and really hope that the changes that are being made work for the good of our organiza-tion at all of its layers, and that, most importantly, they work for the mem-bers.

DEO Bill Herrick’s article highlights what is probably the most visible — and perhaps perceived by some as radical — item of change. This is the opportunity for our squadrons to of-fer the full array of courses and seminars to the public. I know, be-cause I’ve said it, that some of us are asking why someone would join if

they can take our excellent courses without joining.

I’ve come to the conclusion most of them aren’t joining now!

So why not teach the public, get more educated boaters on the water, and, by teaching them, get to know them, and them us. Then maybe they will join. Perhaps it is a WIN-WIN opportunity for the boating public AND United States Power Squad-rons!

The (BOC) is another opportunity for members to extend their knowledge base, and demon-strate their capability to handle a boat in the various areas of boating — from Inland Waters to Offshore. See the Spring issue of The Deep 6 for details, either the copy I know you kept, or on our D/6 website. Per-sonally, I am phasing out of active boating — preferring to let the Cap-tain of the cruise ship take on the responsibility. However, it is tempt-ing, so who knows. But, if you are, or plan to be, actively boating it seems a good opportunity to practice and demonstrate your skills in han-dling your boat (or someone else’s). So, come to One Particular Har-bor, our Rendezvous 2010 at Alex-andria Bay, and give BOC a try.

My last comments are about the ren-dezvous. The excitement generated by the “Parrot Head Squad-

Don’t Delay!

ron” at conference is catching. Ann and I will be there to enjoy the cama-raderie, the activities, the Fun of Rendezvous 2010.

See you there?

Note D/C Paul & D/Lt/C Maxine Flagg’s AVATAR at right.

The Deep Summer 2010 THE DEEP 6 — Summer 2010 Official Publication of District 6 of United States Power Squadrons®

P/R/C Richard E. Ashley, SN, Editor 2641 Brynwood Drive Trinity, FL 34655-2204 [email protected] If undeliverable, do not return.

Educational Corner D/Lt/C William A. Herrick, JN

The Doors Are Open

When last we shared this space there was a rumor that big changes were coming and I can tell you they’re here. At the Annual Meeting earlier this year the National By-Laws were changed to allow squadrons to teach all our courses and seminars to the public. Note the word “allow”. The by-laws don’t say a squadron must teach all courses to the public but

that they can.

There was a lot of discussion about this at Spring Conference and I apologize if this is redundant to those who were there, but much bears repeating. Many questions follow this policy change. How much can/should a squadron charge non-members? How do we attract students? What if a neighboring squadron is offering the same course for less? How do we handle snow birds that might be able to get a course cheaper somewhere else?

The simple answers to these are: get enough, advertise, cooperate, good for them. The bigger issue is how can a squadron capitalize on the opportunities that public sales of-fer? We have to remember what we’re selling when we offer a class. USPS has the best recreational boater education program in the country. It’s the most complete, most informative, and most afford-able. If each course and seminar were sold for 4 times squadron cost

to non-members they’d still be under what commercial schools charge. So it’s conceivable that squadrons can make money selling the courses.

Selling courses to the public removes a perceived obstacle from experi-enced boaters. There are many non-member boaters who recognize the value of our courses but simply don’t want to join. Now they can enjoy the benefit of our courses and realize that we’re not stuffed shirts and might even be fun to associate with. We have another potential source of members; not PWC ticket seekers, but members.

So now we can offer this wealth of knowledge to the public, but when are we going to do it? The classic answer is “next fall”. I submit to you that this is the wrong answer. The products we sell are way more attrac-tive while prospective students are at their weakest, while they’re actively boating and realize they need/want to know more. Everyone wants to take


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www.usps.org/localusps/D/6 Check out The Deep 6 in full color!

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