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South Florida Divers, Inc.
CONTENTS |
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| President's Message | |
| Calendar for March and Beyond | March Meeting Program |
| A Safety Minute | Meeting Location |
| Get Smart With Joe | Happy March Birthday |
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2010
OverseasTrips
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President's Message Warm enough ?
~ By Pete Stephinson
While the our northern colleagues have been breaking records for snowfall, we have been basking in sunshine, cool though it has been. In fact we've had a very cool time of it this winter. But that hasn't stopped some of our more enthusiastic divers from getting wet. I was up in Crystal River last weekend (Feb 6-7)on our Club "Manatee" trip. The water at 72 degrees felt warm compared with the air temperature. Regardless, we had a great time swimming with the Manatees, diving King's Cavern and the Rainbow river. Thank you Drake and Bonnie for organizing a great trip.
Our calendar is filling up for March and beyond so there will be plenty to keep us busy. Most notably there is the SUDS Flea market on March 13-14. SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA) is a very worthy charity and I ask for your support. SUDS helps in the rehabilitation of disabled veterans by giving them the experience of SCUBA diving. You can donate something to sell, donate money, or donate your time. Any or all of the afore mentioned will be gratefully appreciated. The latest information will be available at our March General Meeting. there are also a number of other dives and activities planned including our annual camping and canoe weekend at Jonathan Dickinson State park.
Our speaker for the March General Meeting is Robert Myers who will tell us about the venomous creatures to watch out for while diving. Sounds like a useful and interesting presentation to me.
With Spring rapidly approaching we will soon be in peak diving season. This is the time of the year when we are trying to lay out a schedule of dives to cover the spring and early summer. If you have enjoyed attending club dives now is the time to start thinking about what contribution you can make to our calendar. If you have a favorite dive why not set it up as a club dive? I'm sure you'll find a number of other SFDI members keen to enjoy it with you. If you don't know how to get started then Bruce Wills, myself or one of the other eBoard members will be pleased to help you get started.
Of course you can't participate in any of our club events if you're not a member - and if you haven't renewed for 2010 you are now overdue. Those of you who were at the February General Meeting are aware that the motion to raise the annual membership dues was passed. The new rates will become effective after the March General Meeting. So those of you who are not current have a short window to rejoin and beat the price rise. For those of you who joined at the end of 2009, please note that your membership is good through 2010. Even with the price increase, membership of SFDI is a great deal when you consider all the activities, events, dives and overseas trips which you have the opportunity to enjoy
See you in the water some time soon
Pete
email: president@sfdi.com
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2010 Membership Renewal Reminder
With the beginning of 2010 it is time to renew your SFDI membership for 2010. At $55, membership of South Florida Divers is a helluva deal. If you need reminding of the benefits of membership, click here. Application forms should be completed when renewing. An additional $5 is charged for renewals after the March General Meeting. Remember dues will be raised after the March meeting to $70.00 for single membership and $100.00 for a family.
To renew your membership please do the following: 1) Print and fill out the New Member Application Form (Verify your address etc.) 2) Print and fill out the Yearly Renewal Application Form 3) Make a copy of your c-card 4) Please write a check for $55.00 made out to South Florida Divers Inc. for a single membership or $70.00 made out to South Florida Divers Inc. for a family membership. If the application is made after the March meeting, add $5 to the check amount. $75 for single and $105 for family. Remember dues will be raised after the March meeting to $70.00 for single membership and $100.00 for a family. 5) Bring along all four items to the monthly meeting (preferred) or mail it the following address: Joe Smariga |
MEETING LOCATION !!!
Location for General Meeting
Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, 2637 Whale Harbor Lane, Ft. Lauderdale
The Same Place We Have The Pig Roast and Seafood Fest !!
Directions:
1. Take I 95 to Davie Blvd. Head West.
2. Turn Left on 27th Ave, (Riverland Road ).
3. Follow around and Stay on Riverland Road
4. Turn left at Whale Harbor Lane.
5. Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club is on the Right
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PLEASE SEE NOTE ABOVE !!
SFDI meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club. The meeting starts at 7:30 If you are not a member, and you are reading this on the Internet, please join us because visitors are ALWAYS WELCOME! In an attempt to condense the length of the meetings, we are going to start the meeting PROMPTLY at 7:30. Please come earlier to socialize before the meeting starts. |
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WELCOME YOUR NEWEST DIVE BUDDIES!
We are delighted to welcome new members: Bill Schwabe and Doug Barkley
As a Reminder to Everyone, We are a NO-DECOMPRESSION Dive Club. Always adhere to Safe Recreational Dive Depths and Limits.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March... and beyond
Bruce Wills, Vice President for Calendar To ensure privacy please note that event Coordinators’ phone numbers are never posted. If you are a Club member please consult your Buddy List for the number you need. If you do not have a copy there will be one available at the next General Meeting, or contact Melissa Ames.
Just a quick reminder... The Calendar exists for the convenience of all our members. If you see a future event that is of interest please contact the Coordinator directly. You can sign on to an event at any time. The Coordinator will be more than happy to place your name on the list and tell you where to mail payment. Remember.. you are not confirmed on an event until you have made payment. A member who signs on later but makes payment first will receive preference.
February 13: 8:00 AM Show 8:30 AM Go – Private Boat Dive (Saturday) Whichever boat owners are in town will depart from the dock at John U. Lloyd State Park at 8:30am.
February 13: Happy New Year! (Chinese New Year, that is) Patrick wants everyone to join him for dinner at Bamboo Gardens (10041 Pines Blvd) in Pembroke Pines. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm. Contact Patrick for more info.
February 17: Dinner-at-Large (Wednesday) Join Pete Stephinson and Jim Ekholm for some Asian culinary delights at Kyojin Buffet, 21073 Powerline Road in Boca Raton. Sushi - Japanese treats - other oriental classics - who could ask for more! Dinner bell will ring at 7:30. Call Pete or Jim for more details or go to www.kyojinbuffet.com
February 27: Tri-Rail Pub Crawl (Saturday) Donna Eades hosts a new event for SFDI. It involves a short train ride north followed by bar-hopping, window shopping, more bar-hopping, and a short train ride back. Call Donna for more details.
March 1: Capt Chris Memorial Dinner. This will be at Flannigan’s, 1479 East Commercial Blvd. Time: Start gathering from 5:00pm on. Contact Pat Kahl for more info.For a menu preview - http://www.flanigans.net/full_menu.html March 3: General Meeting 7:30 PM Sharp! Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club Address and directions elsewhere on the website.
March 6: 8:00 AM Show 8:30 AM Go – Private Boat Dive (Saturday) Whichever boat owners are in town will depart from the dock at John U. Lloyd State Park at 8:30am.
March 8: SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road. Anyone who’d like to seehow the club operates behind the scenes is welcome to attend. Meeting starts at 7:30.
March 13: Set sail with SUDS. We’re leaving from Bahia Mar for a ride to the Downtowner Saloon for dinner with the warriors. Be ready to leave by 7:00pm or drive to the restaurant. It’s located at 408 S. Andrews in Ft Lauderdale.
March 13: Dine with the SUDS Warriors. We’re eating at the Downtowner Saloon. Sam Rich will ring the dinner bell at 8:00pm and plans to be there until 11:00pm. This is a freebie for anyone who volunteers to help at the flea market. Non-volunteers are welcome to join us for $30.00. Call Sam Rich to sign up.
March 14: Blue Runner – 8:30 show/9:00go. Gerry Cowan is chartering the Blue Runner to dive near the SUDS warriors. Cost is $50.00 including tax and tip.
March 12 - 14: SUDS Flea Market
March 18-21: Dania Marine Flea Market. Dania Jai Alai parking lot.
March 21: Sea Experience - 8:00 AM. Joe & Julie are taking the lead on this one. Meet at Bahia Mar on A1A. Julie LOVES this boat! Cost is $55.00
March 25: Dinner at Large – Jeff Raffa would love for us join him at 7:30pm for a great meal at Anglesea Pub, 200 East McNab Road Pompano Beach while enjoying the sounds of Karaoke.
March 31: END OF LOBSTER SEASON! If you get ‘em tomorrow, you’re wrong.
April 7: General Meeting 7:30 PM Sharp! Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club Address and directions elsewhere on the website.
April 9 - 11: Spring Camp & Dive Okay, it’s 2010, so get with it! Craig & Linda Sandel have reserved sites again at J.D. State Park in Jupiter. Plan to eat, drink, dive, canoe, kayak, bike, hike and revel to your hearts content. Space is limited so sign up early and be sure to pay the $25.00 per person to ensure your participation. Tents only due to space limitations.
April 12: SFDI Executive Board Meeting at Connections for Business, 2843 Pembroke Road, NE corner of I-95 and Pembroke Road. Anyone who’d like to see how the club operates behind the scenes is welcome to attend. Meeting starts at 7:30.
April 17: Pig Roast This is the big one! Details in later editions.
April 22: Dinner at Large. Gerry Cowan wants to meet you at Ichiban, 2411 S. University Dr. in Davie. He’ll chime us at 7:30pm. www.ichibanatdavie.com
May 8-15: Tobago. Pete is taking us to Tobago in the south Caribbean. Pete’s done his homework on this one and he says "the waters of Tobago teem with colorful reef fish and healthy corals, but it is the encounters with the "Giants of the Drift" that truly set this island apart from all other Caribbean dive destinations. $1500 includes airfare, diving, lodging with breakfasts, and trip insurance. $200 deposit required to hold your spot. Payment in full is due by March 2010. Manta Lodge
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"POLICIES & PROCEDURES" NOW PUBLISHED ON THE WEBSITE
The rules and regulations that we must all abide by are now printed in their entirety on the website. I cannot stress enough how important it is that all members, new and old, read and be thoroughly aware of how these rules apply to them. I have summarized below some of the more important points.
Payment: A member is confirmed only after they have paid. Payments for dives must be made when signing up. Payments for trips must be made according to the schedule as outlined by the Coordinator. In the event that a dive, trip, etc. is overbooked than those confirmed to go will be determined by the date order of payment.
Cancellation: Once a member signs on for a dive, event, etc. he/she is obligated to pay unless they contact the Coordinator by the specified cancellation time, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures.
Certification Requirements: Some dives will be restricted to divers with certain minimum requirements, generally as specified by the dive operator. In some cases these minimums may be set by the Coordinator in conjunction with the E-Board based on the profile and/or characteristics of the planned dive. No exceptions will be allowed for any reason.
Special Needs: Some of our members have "special needs" when participating on a dive or trip. These can be cases where the person needs extra assistance on a dive boat, special requirements regarding accommodations, etc. Coordinators are not psychic. It is the responsibility of the member to make sure the Coordinator knows of these needs well in advance of the event.
Please be sure that these rules are clear to you. If not, get clarification from any E-Board member.
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OVERSEAS TRIPS 2010
Tobago 2010
May 8th - May 15th
"The waters of Tobago teem with colorful reef fish and healthy corals, but it is the encounters with the "Giants of the Drift" that truly set this island apart from all other Caribbean dive destinations.
Accommodation: Manta Lodge
Estimated cost for the trip is $1500 and includes:
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Pete Stephinson's Crystal River
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Wacky Gift Exchange Photos by Lynne and Ray Schreiber
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Fiji Photos by Pete Stephinson
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March Meeting Program |
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VENOMOUS
FISHES OF TROPICAL MARINE WATERS
Join SFDI on March 3rd, when
biologist/underwater photographer
Robert Myers will present Part 1 of a book he has recently
written about dangerous marine animals. Rob will
mention examples of the marine wildlife that we in Florida are
likely to find in oceans close to home, and will also highlight that
which is found in the Indo Pacific Ocean (the tropical waters of the
Indian Ocean,
the western and central
Pacific Ocean, and the seas near Indonesia connecting the
two). Many of these creatures are found in the muck
diving areas, muddy environments sometimes containing dead
coral, discarded fishing equipment, tires and other trash.
From sting rays
to marine catfish, scorpion, stone and devil fishes, Rob has
photographed and classified them all. Come and
increase your fish knowledge so that you won’t become a moving
target!
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ABOUT
ROBERT MYERS
Rob’s passion for marine life led
him to take up diving when he was 15 and pursue a career as a
biologist. After earning a BA in zoology from the
University of Hawaii, he moved to Guam
where he earned an MS in Biology from the University
of Guam Marine Laboratory, worked as a fisheries biologist
for the Government of Guam and founded Coral Graphics.
He retired 1995 to pursue photography, writing, research and
consulting. Rob has written or co-authored
numerous scientific and popular papers on western Pacific fishes as
well as several books including Micronesian
Reef Fishes (available, exclusively through Rob at robmyers1423@bellsouth.net),
Coral
Reef Fishes (with E. Lieske) and Coral Reef Guide Red
Sea (with E. Lieske ) and Dangerous Marine Animals
(with M. Bergbauer and M. Kirschner). Now residing in South
Florida, he is working on a field guide to Florida and Caribbean
marine life and serves on the coral reef fishes Species
Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for the Conservation
of Nature (IUCN).
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The ABC’s of diving glossary:
March, 2010 notes brought to you
by the letter O:
Oblique - An indirect or evasive angle.
Occlude - To close off or stop up; obstruct.
Open
Water - The name given by various certification agencies to designate
the primary level of scuba training.
O-Ring - A small ring made of rubber or similar material. Used to seal
watertight fittings.
Oxygen - A gas known for its colorless, odorless properties and its crucial
role in the respiratory process of living
organisms. Used by divers in varying concentrations as part of the breathing
gas mixture. Occurs in air at approximately 21% by volume. Known to
affect divers in several applications, see oxygen
toxicity.
Oxygen Toxicity - A medical term used to describe the over-exposure of body
tissues to increased concentrations of oxygen. A characteristic risk of
breathing mixed gases under pressure. Can result in unconsciousness and death.
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A SAFETY MINUTE Joe G's March, 2010 Safety Minute
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Diver Computers Alert You to Problems
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The Wet Zone South
Florida Divers, Inc., |
