The newsletter of the
PATAPSCO RIVER POWER SQUADRON
Come For the Boating Education...Stay For the Friends!℠
A unit of District 5, United
States Power Squadrons
May 2017 – Volume 1 No 4
Editor
Beth Thompson, JN
The Bridge
COMMANDER
John Linsenmeyer, AP
We are looking for members to join
the bridge and join committees.
Please contact a bridge member or
the nominating committee if you
would like to volunteer.
[email protected]
410-761-1625
EDUCATION OFFICER
J. Brian Becker, AP
[email protected]
410-442-1230
SECRETARY/TREASURER
If you take pictures at any squadron
events please send to the editor to
be included in issues.
Joe Deady, SN
[email protected]
410-667-0312
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Commander’s Comments – John Linsenmeyer
In the last Bilgewater edition as Admin Officer, I talked about getting out on the water aboard the
skipjack “Nathan” as a group. I’m still open to that idea if we get any takers! Another opportunity to get
out on the water that I like to promote every chance I get is aboard the SS John Brown Liberty Ship. Pam
and I have been out twice and will happily go back out with anyone interested in the Sept 9th Living
History Cruise.
From their website:
September Living History Cruise
"Celebrating 75 Years"
Saturday September 9, 2017
Cruise Maryland Terminal: 2001 E McComas St; Baltimore MD
Sail back into World War II aboard a national treasure. The SS JOHN W BROWN carries you back
into wartime. You experience life aboard the last remaining troop ship from WWII. The historic
original triple expansion steam engine powers us in convoy through the da y. Meeting soldiers,
marines, sailors and civilian re-enactors help pull you back into wartime. The entertainment
gives the feel of a USO Show aboard ship. Throughout the day, some air cover will be provided
to see us safely on our journey. The troop mess provides sea rations (deli lunch), coffee, water
and sodas.
For more information, see their website at http://www.ssjohnwbrown.org/.
It is still a ways off, so we have plenty of time to plan! Please let me know if you might be interested in
going as a group on either the Nathan or John Brown!
John Linsenmeyer
410 761 1625
[email protected]
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Educational Officer – Brian Becker
The DML has grown, and continues to announce new titles…
The USPS Digital Media Library has been launched and the beginning subjects are starting to flow
online at United States Power Squadrons (USPS) Digital Media Library (DML) . In addition to the
Departing video with the Four Grands previously reported, there are many, many more subjects. You
are encouraged to sign on to the site.
Thursday the 20th of April saw the opening bell of a Seamanship class. Two cyber-squadron students and
a non-member who recently completed ABC at Kent Narrows Sail & Power registered and the class
began. PC Lou Kates, AP volunteered to man the podium. Anyone who would like to “catch up” and
earn the first of the Advanced Grades should let me know immediately. Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30
pm. I will have to locate any texts required from our fellow squadrons in the District 5. THANK YOU
LOU.
D/Lt Tom Schatz, P, is coordinating an ABC class at BassPro the beginning of June – immediately
following the opening of Safe Boating Week.
I will teach/take the USPS Cruise Planning Course sometime June/July. We have several of the old texts
in the closet – I would like to use them and advise the class of “major changes” to the current volume. I
have two persons expressing interest … anyone else? Again, I may have to scrounge texts if needed.
One last adventure – I will offer Instructional Development to anyone interested in becoming a United
States Power Squadrons Certified Instructor. This offer requires at least two [2] students. They will
prepare and present a series of subjects to each other. Extensive work in preparing lesson plans is
required. So, anyone interested?
IF there are any of the United States Power Squadrons® courses you would like to take, let me know and
I will try to 1] schedule the course or, 2] find a nearby squadron planning to present it.
And, we have to find a Public Relations member – advertise our schedule in local publications, begin to
plan, schedule, deliver selected Seminars… never know what will happen.
Have a Safe beginning to the boating season. Stop by and see us sometime at the Squadron home.
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Secretary/Treasurer – Joe Deady
As we look forward to warmer weather and spending time on the water we also recognize that it is time
to renew our membership with our annual dues. National has sent notices to the email of record for all
members. If you have not received your renewal notice please let me know.
There has also been a couple of hiccups with paying online. If you experience any problems paying
online the simplest solution is to mail your renewal in to National.
Please make sure your address and email address is up to date and correct. This can be done by going to
http://usps.org/index.php/memb-home.
If you experience any other issues please let me know.
Housing – Brian Becker
AN UPDATE ON THE SQUADRON HOME
The marketing of the Building has had little action. We have coordinated with the Agent and reduced
the asking price.
The offering of squadron assets to District 5 squadrons has had no effect. We still must find a good
home for lots of “stuff”. Squadron members are encouraged to visit, look around, take whatever is
appealing. The upright freezer is “on the market”. I purchased it at the Auction, only to find that it will
not fit where I was going to use it. Interested? Contact your SEO.
The use of the building has been minimal.
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Safety Officer –
DID YOU KNOW?



A typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict up to 160 cuts in one second.
A typical propeller can travel from head to toe in less than one tenth of a second.
Most propeller strikes are preventable.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. NEVER allow passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, or other spots where
they might fall overboard.
2. Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at ALL times. If the lanyard is
removed from the switch, the engine will not shut off.
3. Assign a passenger to keep watch around the propeller area of your boat when people are in the
water.
4. Consider purchasing propeller safety devices for your boat.
As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause and
consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day
represents one day of national awareness and reverence,
honoring those Americans who died while defending our
Nation and its values
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Repeating a NOTICE filed in the last issue of our Bilgewater …..Are you interested in the manuscript
prepared by PC Guy Thompson? It is a collection of pictures from the Ships Log, information from the
historical Yearbooks on file, and other nautical resources. The book is 95 pages in length and is
formatted for separate pages for each Commander. Cost is $30 – mailing will be covered by the
squadron (about $4) unless you want to help in the fund-raising effort. Check payable to PRPS, mail to
me. Response will take less than a week depending on how many copies I still have at home. We only
have around 30 copies left – first come, first served.
ADVERTISEMENT
553 pages, easy to read, short words, large print
Available from www.amazon.com
Paperback - $14.00 plus shipping
Digital copy $9.99
You might want to check out some of Guy’s other titles as well
HBT
Crawdads 101
Frog hair
River Rats
Order your copy today
Available on-line only
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Tour the Digital Media Library
The United States Power Squadrons (USPS) Digital Media Library (DML) serves the needs of the
recreational boater market, boating safety groups, educators, trainers, and managers in accessing
relevant digital media for their use.
DML aggregates, integrates, and curates streaming, static, and interactive media focused on educating
boaters to be safer and more confident.
DML serves as both a showcase for anyone with a device connected to the Internet and as a searchable
repository for specific material by topic, theme, or type of digital media content.
Here you’ll find original videos, slideshows, images, and more to help you learn how to become a more
skilled and confident boater…
The website is http://uspsdml.org/videos/
Here is the direct website for the video featuring P/D/C Brian Becker, Lt/C Tom Schatz, and Brian’s
Grandson Cameron https://youtu.be/Cd7YTxz-1Ko
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MEMBERS BENIFITS
As a United States Power Squadron member, you can save on many products and
services. Due to our exclusive relationship with these terrific organizations, you can received
huge discounts on boating products, insurance, travel and lodging, and many more
items. Scroll down to view all of our member benefits.
®
Your USPS certificate number is your ticket to real savings!
Insurance Benefits
• BoatUS
USPS members enjoy premium discounts on BoatU.S. marine insurance policies, are eligible for
a 50% discount on your BoatU.S. membership and a 10% discount on all water towing service
levels
• LTCR Long Term Care Insurance Program
Long Term Care Resources has partnered with the USPS to offer a comprehensive Long Term
Care Program. USPS members are entitled to a special discount on certain LTC plans available
through this program.
• USPS Boat Insurance Program
The USPS Boat Insurance Program - created to meet the unique needs of USPS members
with discounts up to 38% and was created exclusively for members of the USPS. It
is
administered by McGriff, Seibels, & Williams, Inc. and underwritten by the Travelers Companies,
Inc.
• Travelers Auto and Home Ins. Program
The United States Power Squadrons® has chosen Travelers to offer USPS members access
to exclusive savings on auto, home and renters insurance. Plus, competitive rates and great
coverage are available for boat and yacht insurance.
• VPI Pet Insurance
USPS members receive a 5% group discount on a VPI pet insurance policy. Plus, owners of multiple
pets are entitled to receive additional discounts!
• VSP Individual Vision Insurance
USPS members will get a basic pair of glasses to suit their prescription needs while saving over
$200. Plus they’ll save an additional 20% on lens enhancements such as anti-glare coating and on
additional pairs of glasses or sunglasses. Members who choose the Premium Plan* receive an
additional allowance on progressive lenses and typically save more than $300.
For more information go to http://usps.org/index.php/departments/14000/14900
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PATAPSCO RIVER CHANGE OF WATCH
Patapsco River held its 101st Change of Watch on March 18th 2017. It was catered by Angels
who always does an excellent job. Fuzzy Jones came as my guest and generously offered to
officiate the Change of Water.
In a surprising turn of events John Linsenmeyer, AP was talked into becoming the
Commander. He will need all our help as he learns his new office. Brian Becker, JN is now the
Educational Officer and Joe Deady, SN is the Secretary/Treasurer.
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DISTRICT 5 CHANGE OF WATCH
District 5 change of watch was held March 31 – April 2nd in Ocean City, MD. The festivities
started Thursday with a bridge meeting, Chili Dinner by P/D/C Fuzzy Jones, and then a thank
you dessert get together by the outgoing Commander Randy Stow, AP.
Friday started out with Bridge Officer training. My Secretary’s department had 7 people and
it with very well with a slide show presentation and lots of questions. Like always there was
the hospitality suites Friday night. Saturday was the Council and Conference meetings
followed by the Commanders Reception and then dinner and the change of Watch. Lastly was
the Sunday get together to meet the new bridge.
New D5 bridge: Asst Treasury Nick Montalto, SN; Asst Secretary Mel Shralow, JN; Asst Admin Officer Rich Norris, JN; Asst Educational Officer
Frank Brown, AP-IN; Treasurer Rick Marinelli, JN; Secretary Beth Thompson, JN; Admin Officer Walter Neese, SN-IN; Educational Officer Charles
Wells, SN; Executaive Officer Brad Humphrey, JN; Commander CM Kohlenberg, P
Secretary table Beth Thompson, JN; Mel Shralow, JN
P/D/C Brian Becker, AP; P/D/C Randy Stowe AP
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