BIRMINGHAM POWER SQUADRON
A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons®
Sail and Power Boating
BirminghamPowerSquadron.org
March 2015
December 2016
The Index is on page 2
Commander’s Report
Cdr. Althea Doolittle, SN
It’s hard to believe, but my year as your Commander is
almost over! It has truly been an honor to serve as
Birmingham Power Squadron’s Commander. As I reflect
on the past year, I am reminded not only of the
rendezvous events, conferences, awards, meetings and
other activities, but also of the many members who
have contributed to making this year memorable for
me.
how time consuming these jobs can be. Thank you,
Tom!
First and foremost, I want to thank the BPS 2016 Bridge
and Executive Committee members. My year got off to
a rough start with a bad case of pneumonia with the
result that I missed the January Membership Meeting
and the next Executive Committee meeting. I was out
of commission for almost a month, including a week in
the hospital, but fortunately, I had Executive Officer
Doug Mitchell who stepped in to cover for me. As a
Past Commander, I knew that we were in good hands
during that time and that I could focus on getting well.
That meant a lot to me. So, thank you, Doug!
Many thanks to Pat Jarmon as our Administrative
Officer. It was a challenging season for rendezvous
events weather-wise, but we also had two new events
at The Old Club on Harsen’s Island and the North
Channel Yacht Club that were very well received and
promise to be annual events. A special thanks to
Charles Godfrey, Greg Allen and Tony Simion for making
these two events such a success. Of course, our
Hospitality Room ice cream sundaes and theme
decorations by Pat are renown at D/9 Conferences. We
are lucky that Pat loves to create our decorations and is
still willing to haul a freezer and ice cream to each
conference! Thank you, Pat!
Of course, thank you doesn’t begin to express my
gratitude for the countless hours of work that Secretary
Tom Geggie contributed this year. Tom updated the
introductory pages of our new membership directory,
was our Bilge Chatter editor including writing several
articles himself. As secretary, Tom also did the minutes
for all our meetings. As a past secretary myself, I know
I also want to thank Bonnie George for her efforts to
keep our website up and running. We have suffered
numerous hacks to our website recently, so her job has
been more challenging than usual in the last six months.
Thanks, Bonnie!
Judy Delargy assumed the position of Squadron
Education Officer for 2016 and has worked tirelessly to
schedule and teach classes, book facilities, order
materials, send emails, make phone calls and intervene
with National when there were issues of concern. And,
in addition, she was a student herself, completing
Navigation and earning her SN or full certificate this
year. Our education efforts are the heart and soul of
USPS. Thank you, Judy, for leading us this year. I was
proud to stand beside you at the recent D/9 Fall
Conference and accept five education awards for
Birmingham Power Squadron (four 1st place and one 3rd
place). Thank you also to Paul Loock our Assistant
Education Officer. Paul intervened with National when
a number of problems with the new Navigation 2015
course and software came up. I think he must know the
phone number to National by heart by now!!
As Birmingham Power Squadron’s Treasurer, Jerry
Major’s work is mostly done behind-the-scenes. We are
fortunate that Jerry has been willing to hold this
position for several years. Through his fundraising
efforts, judicious budgets, and attention to financial
details, we are once again in a solid financial position.
Jerry made my job easier because I knew that all the
right forms would be filed with the State and Federal
Governments and that the little financial details would
be handled. Jerry, you are indeed a treasure to
Birmingham Power Squadron. Thank you so much for
another year on the job!
New to the Executive Committee this year were Greg
Allen and Rick Sheeran. I have enjoyed having you both
on the Executive Committee and very much appreciate
the input you have given me this year. Thank you!!
While these members may have contributed enormous
amounts of time and energy to help our squadron be
successful, numerous others made equally important
contributions. We had 44 members earn merit marks
this year, a 31% increase from 2015. When many
contribute a little, a lot gets accomplished!
So, lastly, thank you to everyone that took a class,
helped with a rendezvous, planned an event, attended
meetings, made decorations, scooped ice cream, taught
a class, worked the fundraiser, completed a Vessel
Safety Exam or contributed to Birmingham Power
Squadron in any way. Not only do you have the benefit
of being a part of a great organization and squadron,
but you also have the opportunity to make friendships
with those who share a common interest in boating. I
am grateful for the friendships that I have developed
during my years on the Bridge and Executive Committee
and as an instructor for Birmingham Power Squadron.
As the USPS motto says, “Come for the Boating
Education, Stay for the Friends!”
Thank you to all you helped make my year as
Commander one that I will always cherish. I hope to
see you at our upcoming Change of Watch at the
Bloomfield Open Hunt Club on 13 December 2016 when
Commander-Elect Doug Mitchell, SN, the 2017 Bridge
and the Executive Committee members will be sworn
in.
Although we have a short business meeting each month
at our Membership Meeting, most of us come for the
monthly presentations. Thank you to Charles Godfrey,
our Presentation Chair, for arranging a year full of
interesting and entertaining presentations.
Althea
Page | 2
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
The award-winning publication of Birmingham Power Squadron
Index
Subject
Page Number
Commander’s Report
Index
Change of Watch
January Program
Executive Officer’s Report
National Meeting Information
Treasurer’s Report
Education Officer’s Report
Secretary’s Report
New Bridge, EXCOM and Committees Elected
A Few Good Men and Women Needed
Administrative Officer’s Report
Birmingham Retains Prince Henry and Beran Awards; Wins Others
Award Presentation Photos
ROSTER, ROSTER, ROSTER
December Birthdays
Try Out the New USPS® Digital Library
What is an MMSI?
November Meeting Photos
Photos from D9 Conference
2016 Elected Officers and Committees
Meeting Notice and Schedule
Notice of Location of December Meeting
Birmingham Squadron Calendar
Happy Holidays
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15-17
18
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20
21
The Bilge Chatter is published 10 times per year by the Birmingham Power Squadron. Articles may be reprinted
without permission if credit is given to the Bilge Chatter, the author and Birmingham Power Squadron. Articles for
th
publication and photographs must be received no later than the 20 of the month. Please submit in Word format
to [email protected].
Page | 3
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham Power Squadron
Change of Watch
You are most cordially invited to attend Birmingham Power Squadron’s Change of
Watch ceremony, which will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the Bloomfield
Open Hunt Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Festivities will begin at 1800 with
cocktails followed by dinner beginning at 1900.
Chicken Marsala
BOH Salad
Roasted Potatoes
Fresh Vegetable
Coffee and Tea
Sundae bar
Roasted Pork loin
with cherry demi-glace
BOH Salad
Roasted Potatoes
Fresh Vegetable
Coffee and Tea
Sundae bar
Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Selection Available
The Change of Watch ceremony honoring our new Commander, Douglas Mitchell, SN,
and the 2017 Bridge will begin immediately after dinner. The remainder of the
evening will be spent enjoying the companionship of our friends.
The Bloomfield Open Hunt Club is located at 405 E Long Lake Rd,
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.
Uniform A with Bowtie or other appropriate attire.
Please return RSVP below by December 5, 2015
Please enclose your check payable to Birmingham Power Squadron.
Return to:
Lt Shirley Geggie, AP
104 Gordon Drive
Troy, MI 48098-4660
248-524-9093
Name____________________________________________________ Squadron___________________
Rank
Grade
Circle Selection: * Chicken Marsala*
*Pork Loin* *Vegetarian*
*Gluten-Free*
$59.00
Name____________________________________________________ Squadron___________________
Rank
Grade
Circle Selection: * Chicken Marsala*
*Pork Loin*
*Vegetarian* *Gluten-Free*
$59.00
Page | 4
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
January Meeting
Rejoin your Squadron friends by attending the
January members’ meeting on 10 January beginning
at 1930; Dinner off the menu begins at about
1800.
Members and guests are welcome.
The meeting will be held at Shield’s on Maple Road just west of Crooks
Road in Troy, MI.
January Meeting Program
Those Pesky Water Levels
and
A look to the future
Cynthia Jarema, of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers is the U.S. Lead Engineer for the
International Lake Superior Board of Control
and deals with the regulation of outflows of
Lake Superior.
She will speak on the topic of regulation as
well as water levels and water budget
components, more pointed to Lake Superior
and Lakes Michigan & Huron, as well as
explaining how it all affects Lake St. Clair.
This will be an excellent presentation to
warm us as we kick off the upcoming meeting
season.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!
Come for dinner off the menu at about 1800 and our meeting and presentation
beginning at 1930.
See you there!
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Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Executive Officer’s Report
Lt/C Doug Mitchell, SN
I’m writing this Nov. 18th, and it’s been 72 degrees and
sunny this afternoon – let’s get the boats back out!
Change of Watch (COW) is coming up very, very soon.
It’s close to the only thing I’ve been working on the past
month or so and I’m thankful for all the help I’m getting
from other BPS members. I want to especially thank
Tom and Shirley Geggie and Betty Torres who have put
a lot of work into Change of Watch and continue to.
If you do not already have your reservation in to attend
COW then STOP what you are doing and get it in now.
I’m sure you’ll find a form in this Bilge. Additionally, a
mailing went out to the entire BPS membership in the
mail so you should have a Flyer from that to use to send
in your reservation.
We are going back to the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club
this year and it’s not only a great facility, it’s a special
place for a lot of folks in our squadron. Some do not
know that the Sea Horse that appears on our squadron
burgee is used as it’s a nautical version of a horse.
That’s because the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club was the
location that the original organizers of the Birmingham
Power Squadron met at to organize the squadron back
in 1963. So having COW there is essentially a return to
our birthplace. Come join us and have some fun.
In the rest of the Executive Officers department, the
winter slows down a bit. There will be a boat show at
Cobo in several months and we’ll be looking for some
volunteers to work the Power Squadron booth, but we
won’t be starting that till after the 1st of January.
I’m sure most are already working on Thanksgiving and
their Holiday plans. But do think about coming out to
Change of Watch Tuesday December 13th and do a bit of
celebration with some of your BPS friends.
USPS Annual Meeting Information
The United States Power Squadrons® 2017 Annual
Meeting will be held 22-26 February at the Rosen
Centre in Orlando Florida. Grab your friends and family
and indulge in the sun and fun of central Florida in the
dead of winter! To get you in the mood and to answer
many of your questions, the National Meetings
Committee has put together the first of three premeeting newsletters. Check it out, print it, and share
with your friends, family and fellow USPS members.
Everyone is invited. The newsletter is located on the
Meetings & Events website along with the agenda and
hotel reservation links. The newsletter and agenda are
both downloadable onto your PC or mobile device.
http://www.usps.org/php/reservations_new/meetings.
php?mtg_id=20
Treasurer’s Report
Lt/C Gerald Major, JN
Congratulations to those who have stepped forward to
lead our Squadron for the coming year. I want to
especially thank P/C Betty Torres and Bonnie George for
serving as Ships Store Officer and Property Officer,
respectively. For the coming 2017 year, Betty has
agreed to continue her fine service and Dick Wagner
will assume the Property Officer responsibilities.
Thanks folks.
A rough draft of the proposed 2017 Budget was
completed at the November Excom meeting and will be
fine-tuned in December before presentation to the
Membership for action at our January meeting. Burrrr!
Our next Fund Raising event is January 22-25 (Sunday
through Wednesday), 3:45pm to 2:00am.
Please volunteer to work one or more shifts. Shifts are
4:00pm to 8:00pm and 8:00pm to 12:00am Sunday; and
4:00pm to 8:45pm and 8:45pm to 1:30am, Monday
through Wednesday.
Remember, no poker expertise is required; only
counting skills are required.
You can reserve the shift(s) of your choice by contacting
me at [email protected], 248 478 0471(H), or 248 672
3034(C).
Doug
Jerry
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Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Education Report
Lt/C Judy Delargy, SN
Hello, Everyone! Our Education department was
honored to receive most of the District 9 Education
awards at the District 9 Fall Conference at the end of
October. The awards are:
 Prince Henry the Navigator trophy for having
the best percentage improvement in the
number of students achieving the grade of
Navigator in the preceding educational year
who were taught by the squadron. First Place
second year in a row!
 R/C Donald C. Beran SN Squadron Educational
Achievement Award for achieving the highest
percent of squadron members earning the
Educational Achievement Award as opposed to
the number of members not holding the
Educational Achievement Award. First Place
 P/R/C George H. Richardson SN Educational
Performance Award for achieving the highest
percent of total number of advanced grades
earned and elective courses completed as
opposed to the number of members not
holding the Educational Achievement Award at
beginning of year. First Place
 R/C Glen H. Howell SN Elective Courses Award
for achieving the highest percent of squadron
members completing electives as opposed to
the number of members to number of
members
not
holding
Educational
Achievement Award at the beginning of the
year. First Place
 R/C James E. Ryan Advanced Grades Trophy
for achieving the highest percent of squadron
members earning advanced grades as opposed
to the number of members not already holding
N grade at beginning of year. Third Place
Complete details on these awards are found elsewhere
in this newsletter.
Our fall classes are finishing, so we
congratulations to this month’s graduates:
extend





Tim Brisbois and Sherri & John Kalvelage for
successful completion of the 16 hour America’s
Boating Course; they are also new USPS
members.
Rick Chappus, N; Gloria Crawford, N; Jim
Crawford, N; Larry Mintz, N; Bill Sutherland, N;
Mike Thornton, P; for successful completion of
the Engine Maintenance Course.
Rick Chappus, N also attained the Educational
Proficiency achievement.
Lt Greg Allen, AP for successful completion of
the Marine Electronics Course (Self-study).
In addition, Paula Meredith, AP; Mike Downie,
N; and Joseph Lucas are just completing Sail.
P/C Bob Blau, SN’s new “Practical Navigation” course
will be held in the spring.
We will be setting up the spring classes soon, so let me
know if there are classes or seminars you would be
interested in.
Birmingham Power Squadron offers monthly seminars
on the second Saturdays of each month at West Marine
in Troy. They offer a broad range of boating and
boating safety subjects. They all begin at 0930 and
typically last for two hours. Due to West Marine’s
seasonal closing, there will not be a seminar offered
there in January.
Date
Topic
10-Dec
Tides & Currents
See the website for details.
This month, several people took advantage of the
evening seminars offered by P/R/C Don Fiander, SN in
order to satisfy their BOC IN and CN requirements.
Our seminar for Ladies Only: “Partner in Command” will
be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Bloomfield Hills.
I’ll keep you posted as the details become available.
I hope to see you soon,
Judy
Page | 7
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Secretary’s Report
L/C Thomas Geggie, SN
Shirley and I are busy working with our Commanderelect Doug Mitchell and his wife Carolyn to make sure
we have a wonderful Change of Watch on December
13. We will be enjoying the evening at the Bloomfield
Open Hunt Club, the original home of Birmingham
Power Squadron in 1963. We hope to see you there.
Loock was reelected as ASEO; Dave Bartilson was
reelected as Assistant Secretary.
In addition to the Bridge members, our 2017 EXCOM
will consist of P/C Althea Doolittle, plus members at
large Pat Jarmon, Dave Kowalski and Paul Loock.
Committee members also were elected.
If you have not returned your reservation, you still have
a few days to do so. If you have questions, please email
me at [email protected]; otherwise, please get your
reservation into the mail to Shirley.
After the election, Commander Doolittle congratulated
each of the newly-elected individuals and thanked them
for their agreement to serve Birmingham Power
Squadron in 2017.
If you cannot make the dinner, you will be welcome at
the meeting, which will begin at about 2000 (8 PM).
Your attendance will show your thanks and support for
our new officers and those members who will be
presented one of our annual Squadron awards.
She also reminded all members that the new officers
and committee members will be sworn in at our Change
of Watch on December 13. The Commander stated
that, “The Change of Watch, which will be held at the
Bloomfield Open Hunt Club, gives all members an
opportunity to personally thank in-coming and outgoing personnel for their service. I hope to see you
there.”
For those of you who have agreed to serve in a position
in the Secretary’s Department – thanks. You will be
recognized and sworn in at COW.
Finally, whatever holiday you might be celebrating in
December, here are my best wishes to you and your
family.
Tom
New Bridge, EXCOM and Committees Elected
New Bridge members, Executive Committee and
members of elected committees for the 2017 watch
were elected at the November Member meeting.
Our new Bridge will be led by new Commander-elect
Doug Mitchell, and will include new Executive and
Administrative Officers Greg Allen and Gary Jialanella.
Returning to the Bridge will be Judy Delargy, SEO, Jerry
Major, Treasurer and Tom Geggie, Secretary. Paul
A Few Good Men and Women Needed
Birmingham members will be receiving calls from our
2017 Bridge Officers as they fill out the positions in their
department. Most of the positions involve fairly simple
assignments; a few are more involved.
Commander Doolittle stated that, “Our Squadron
functions because many members volunteer for those
little jobs that make us go. In addition, signing up will
help us meet the United States Power Squadrons® goal
to have at least 35% of our Squadron’s members earn a
merit mark in 2017.
“When you receive your call, please say “Yes” to
Birmingham.”
Page | 8
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Administrative Officer
Lt/C Patricia Jarmon, SN
This will be my last chance to address you the members
as BPS Administrative Officer since this term in this
position ends with Change of Watch next week. I can
say sincerely that it has been fun to serve once again on
the Bridge but it is probably time to let someone else
‘man’ the wheel for a while. I know that Gary Jialanella
is ready to step in and take over the Squadron’s social
side. I know that he will enjoy his term of office if you
keep supporting him as you have me this year.
Many of the officers who have headed my departments
will provide continuity by re-upping for another year –
they deserve your thanks for their tireless efforts this
year as well as your support as they carry on, whether
in the same slots or in new areas. I credit & thank P/C
Dave Kowalski as Membership Chair, Charles Godfrey as
Program Chair, P/C Bob Blau as Radio Tech Officer, and
John Hurtubise as Sail Chair, as well as Port Captain
P/R/C Dick Jarmon for keeping their respective
departments running & keeping me somewhere near on
track. We are fortunate in BPS to have so many of our
P/Cs still in place (not retired to Florida) as well as being
willing to pitch in and continue to serve BPS. We can
only hope that their dedication will make some of our
newer recruits see that being part of the working crew
must be both fun & rewarding.
As a final reminder of the importance of the ‘social’
aspects of the Squadron, I can only repeat the current
motto “come for the education – stay for the friends”.
Nothing could better explain the Jarmon’s continuing
involvement with BPS. We joined to take classes to
learn about safe boating, got caught up in more
advanced courses and stuck around because the then
involved members made a point of sharing Squadron
fun, as well as knowledge with two relatively new
boaters. Our travels to the North Channel with
knowledgeable boaters like Pears & Ericksons, bonded
us as lifetime friends. The inspiration of District Officers
like the Miners and Van Rhees and Smiths lead us on
into District & National involvement. Our participation
in activities with active and outgoing members led to
lasting friendships with members at all levels of USPS
and our Canadian Power Squadron counterparts. I
cannot any longer remember or imagine our lives
without the many acquaintances and close friends
we’ve made within the Squadron over the years. I can
only wish that many of you can still look forward to
experiences as satisfying as ours continue to be.
I’m not leaving, I’ll continue to work with the new
Bridge and Executive Committee in the hope that we
will be able to provide education, fun & lasting
friendships for years of new recruits who will carry on
the Squadron traditions.
Pat
Lumberjack Pat Jarmon and the BPS's ghost ship,
the Rouse Simmons, also known as The Christmas
Tree Ship – all a special creation by Pat
Page | 9
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham Retains Prince Henry and
Beran Awards; Wins Others
Prince Henry the Navigator
Award (Trophy) This award
is one of the oldest and
most prestigious in the
District. The inscription on
this reads “Prince Henry the
Navigator
Trophy
the
Republic of Portugal - 5
March 1966”.
This award is presented to
the Squadron with the best
percentage improvement in the number of students
achieving the grade of Navigator in the preceding
educational year who were taught by the squadron.
Birmingham Power Squadron has won the award
several times in the past, but now has received the
award in both 2015 and 2016. First Place
not holding an Educational Achievement Award at the
beginning of year. First Place
R/C Glen H. Howell SN Elective Courses Award
(Trophy) for achieving the highest percent of squadron
members completing electives to the number of
members not holding an Educational Achievement
Award at the beginning of year. First Place
R/C James E. Ryan Advanced Grades Award (Trophy)
for achieving the highest percent of squadron members
earning Advanced Grades in the educational year. Third
Place
At the November Member Meeting, Commander
Doolittle expressed her thanks and congratulations to
all Birmingham instructors and students for a job well
done.
A hearty thanks to our successful students and to our
intrepid Navigation instructors, Althea and Phil
Doolittle. Congratulations all!
Birmingham also was recognized as the winner of
the following D9 Educational Awards:
R/C Donald C. Beran SN Squadron Educational
Achievement Award (Trophy) for achieving the highest
percent of squadron members earning their Educational
Achievement Award (or full certificate) to the number
of members not holding an Educational Achievement
Award. This is the second year in a row that
Birmingham Power Squadron has received this award.
First Place
P/R/C George H. Richardson SN Educational
Performance Award (Trophy) for achieving the highest
percent of total number of advanced grades earned and
elective courses completed to the number of members
Page | 10
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham
members
District
Commander
Tony
Lewandowski and District DEO Tom Smith made numerous
education award presentations to Birmingham Commander
Althea Doolittle and Birmingham SEO Judy Delargy. The
R/C Glenn H. Howell, SN Elective Course Award
presented to the squadron with the highest percent of
Elective Courses earned in the educational year is not
pictured. The R/C James E. Ryan Award was for third
place.
All other Awards were for First Place.
Congratulations all!
R/C James E. Ryan, SN Advanced Grades Award
presented to the squadron with the highest percent of
Advanced Grades earned in the educational year.
Commander Doolittle accepts the plaque recognizing
Birmingham member Gordon C. Lyon, SN for 50 years of
membership in USPS®.
Prince Henry Navigator Award in recognition of the
squadron with the highest percent of members achieving
the grade of Navigator during the educational year. This
was the second year in a row that Birmingham received this
award.
Birmingham members Larry Delargy, Judy Delargy, Doug
Mitchell and Althea Doolittle
P/R/C George Richardson, SN Educational Award
presented to squadron with the highest percent of total
number of Advanced Grades earned and Elective Courses
completed to the number of members eligible.
R/C Donald C. Beran, N Squadron Educational
Achievement Award for the highest percentage
improvement in the number of Full Certificate Holders.
R/C James E. Ryan, SN Advanced Grades Award which is
presented to the squadron with the highest percent of
Advanced Grades earned in the educational year.
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Page | 11
ROSTER, ROSTER, ROSTER
We will be updating all Squadron records in late
December and early January to reflect, among other
things, our newly elected officers and committee
members, and our 2016 Squadron Award winners.
This information will be added to the Squadron Roster
that will be available to members in early February.
An important step in this project is making sure we have
up-to-date information – especially contact information
– on all Birmingham members.
In early January, each Birmingham member will receive
a letter from our Commander requesting that he or she
provide us with current information. As an incentive,
instead of simply offering to hand them out at
meetings, we will mail a new Roster to each member
who responds with updated information.
Keeping current with your Squadron is an important
part of your membership, whether it is to let you know
about upcoming events or new United States Power
Squadrons® benefits available to you.
We do not make our Roster available to non-United
States Power Squadrons® members, and we do not
make the personal information available to anyone for
commercial purposes.
Please respond quickly when you receive your letter
from the Commander.
December Birthdays
Regina Brim
Robert V. Brim
Judith Delargy
Lawrence Delargy
Linda Downie
Julian S. Fiander
John Hicks
Timothy J. Horan
Kristin S. Kowalski
Anthony C. Lewandowski
Kenneth John Richter
William T. Rose
Thomas J. Smith
Brenda M. Sumey
William M. Sutherland
Roland R. Tindle
Page | 12
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Try out the new United States Power
Squadrons® Digital Library
The Digital Media Library is the newest educational
offering by the United States Power Squadron. Located
at www.uspsdml.org and available as a free mobile app,
it is open to the public on a check-out basis. It features
a number of free seminar-like boating topics online.
Take a look and send the link to your non-USPS boating
friends!
Here is the info on the latest topic:
The new “Getting on Plane and Operating on Plane”
video shows viewers how to trim their boats while
underway by adjusting the position of passengers or
gear and using their engines’ drive trim or trim tabs.
Viewers will also learn how to throttle up to high speed
and back down to slow speed smoothly and with
consideration of their passengers or crew and gear.
Also featured are special tips such as adjusting engine
trim or trim tabs to help get up on plane and, once on
plane, readjusting the trim or trim tabs to optimize
efficiency.
Along with the new video, the USPS DML is adding a
related boater education slideshow on Boat Handling
Under Power as well as several new safe boating
images.
The USPS DML is also distributing its “Getting on Plane
and Operating on Plane” video through popular social
media including Facebook and YouTube. All digital
media in the library is offered at no charge.
WHAT IS AN MMSI?
Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSIs) are
nine digit numbers used by maritime digital
selective calling (DSC), automatic identification
systems (AIS) and certain other equipment to
uniquely identify a ship or a coast radio station.
MMSIs are regulated and managed internationally
by the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland, just as radio call
signs are regulated. The MMSI format and use is
documented in Article 19 of the ITU Radio
Regulations and ITU-R Recommendation
M.585-6, available from the ITU.
To obtain an MMSI, mariners required by
regulation to carry a marine radio and those who
travel outside the US or Canada to foreign ports
must apply to the Federal Communications
Commission for a ship station license or an
amendment to a ship station license. State and
local governments can generally obtain an FCC
ship station license at no charge. Mariners not
required to carry a marine radio (e.g. recreational
boaters) and who remain in U.S. waters can obtain
an MMSI through approved organizations such as
the United States Power Squadrons®.
Ed Note: Even if you do not wish to utilize all
aspects of your MMSI capable radio, you will want
to tie it into a GPS so that your position will be
broadcast if you send a distress signal. If you
travel in Canada, you may be asked to show both a
Station License and an Operator’s License.
Page | 13
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
November Meeting Happenings (photos, clockwise
from right): In addition to elections for 2017
positions, at the November meeting, Commander
Doolittle presented Greg Allen with his
Certificate of Educational Proficiency, recognizing
successful completion of the grade of Advanced
Piloting and three elective courses; Commander
Doolittle presented John Lynch with his 25-year
member award; We swore Kris Kowalski in as a new
member (Kris is the wife of P/C Dave Kowalski);
members enjoyed the meeting presentation; and
Speaker Dennis P. Biel, A.M.S. spoke on "Marine
Surveys: Learn the "Ins and Outs" of Marine
Surveys."
It was an interesting and productive meeting!
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Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
We had a blast at the D9 Conference in
October. The theme for our hospitality room
was centered on the “Christmas Ship” A special
THANKS to Pat Jarmon for her creativity.
The Schooner Rouse Simpson, the “Christmas
Ship,” was lost carrying Christmas trees to
Chicago on November 12, 1912.
Lumberjacks Al and Peggy Schwaller dishing up the
treats
Denise Samu at the D9 Hospitality Room
with Chet Dunbar (Grosse Pointe)
Dick Jarmon is
pictured with
Shirley Van Rhee
(Grand Traverse
Bay)
Jerry & Joan Stoll, Joyce Strey (Detroit), all
bellying up to the Birmingham ice cream bar
Carolyn & P/D/C Jack Knaggs (Flint)
and Georgia McFarland (South Bend)
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Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
More photos from the October D9 Conference. Of
course, we like to remember the fun stuff at our
conferences, but we also work hard to stay up-todate with the latest teaching tools and United
States Power Squadrons® news.
Thanks to Peggy Schwaller, LeRoy Strey, and Althea
and Phil Doolittle for the photos from the
conference.
Don Fiander hosting an
information Kiosk on
Saturday morning
Gary Jianella and Jane
DEO Tom Smith checking in
D/C Tony Lewandowski
with Detroit mermaids
Wendy Caldwell & Joan
Broadwell
Past and present D9 Commanders Dick
Jarmon and Tony Lewandowski
Page | 16
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
After dinner on Saturday, we were
entertained with "A Murder Mystery." The
Murder Mystery was lots of fun with some
great acting from Birmingham members!
The Victim!
The Suspects
Will any of these brave souls drink the poison wine?
Only the Shadow knows.
Is Birmingham’s Tom Smith the murderer?
Could P/C Schwaller be the murderer? OR, could it
be Birmingham member Gary Jialanella's fiancée,
Jane? IT WAS JANE – and the mystery is solved!
P/C Al Schwaller led us astray with a clue
Page | 17
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham Power Squadron
2016 Elected Officers and Committees
Bridge
Commander:
Executive Officer:
Administrative Officer:
Education Officer:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Asst. Education Officer:
Assistant Secretary:
Executive Committee
Bridge members, plus
P/C Betty Torres, JN
Greg Allen, AP
P/C David Kowalski, SN
Rick Sheeran, SN
Email
Althea Doolittle, SN
Douglas Mitchell, SN
Patricia Jarmon, SN
Judith Delargy, SN
Gerald Major, JN
Thomas Geggie, SN
Paul Loock, JN
David Bartilson, AP
Audit Committee
Richard Sheeran, SN
David Bartilson, AP
Gary Rellox, P
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nominating Committee
P/N/F/L Dick Jarmon, SN
P/C Betty Torres, JN
Other Contacts
BPS Webmaster
Lt Bonnie George, P
[email protected]
The Bilge Chatter Editor:
L/C Tom Geggie, SN
[email protected]
th
Newsletter articles/photos are due by the 20 of the month.
Vessel Safety Check Chair
Lt Lawrence Delargy SN
For membership information, contact P/C David Kowalski, SN
[email protected]
[email protected]
The award-winning Bilge Chatter is published 10 times a year by Birmingham Power Squadron. The deadline for submission of all
materials is the 20th of each month. Until further notice, all articles should be submitted to the editor, Lt/C Thomas Geggie, SN, at
[email protected]. Text should be submitted in Word format whenever possible. Please notify the editor of any change in
address. Articles may be reprinted without permission if credit is given to Birmingham Power Squadron and the Bilge Chatter.
Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect the opinion of USPS® or of Birmingham Power Squadron.
Trademark Statement:®The USPS Ensign (Flag Design), "Wheel-and-Flag Design", "Officer Trident Design", "United States Power
Squadrons", "USPS", "The Ensign", "the Squadron" with flag graphic, “Paddle Smart”, “USPS University”, "Boat Smart", "Jet Smart",
and "America's Boating Club" are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons. The Squadron Boating Course is a service
mark of United States Power Squadrons. The "USPS Trade Dress" is a trademark of United States Power Squadrons.
Page | 18
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Meeting Notice and Schedule:
For the balance of 2016 and early 2017, unless contrary
notice is given, Executive Board (EXCOM) and Member
meetings of Birmingham Power Squadron (the “Squadron”)
will be held as follows:
December EXCOM Meeting
December Member Meeting and COW
January EXCOM Meeting
January Member Meeting
February EXCOM Meeting
February Member Meeting
6 Dec
13 Dec
3 Jan
10 Jan
7 Feb
14 Feb
given, all Member Meetings will be held at Shields at 1476 W.
Maple Rd., Troy, MI beginning at 1930 with dinner off the
menu and camaraderie beginning at 1830.
Notice of Location of December Meeting
Pursuant to the By-Laws, please take notice that the
December Members’ Meeting will take place at the
Bloomfield Open Hunt Club, 405 E Long Lake Rd,
Bloomfield Twp., MI 48304, beginning at 2000. This
meeting will be the Squadron’s annual Change of Watch.
Invitations for cocktails and dinner beginning at 1800 were
sent to members following the November Meeting.
Members do not have to participate in the dinner in order to
attend the meeting.
The location of the EXCOM meetings will be announced on
the Website and in Constant Contact. The meeting begins at
1900 with dinner off the menu beginning at 1800. All
members are welcome to attend. Unless contrary notice is
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Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham Power Squadron Calendar
December, January and February
Date and Time
6 December
13 December
Date and Time
3 January
10 January
Event
Location
EXCOM Meeting
Location tbd. Watch the Website and
Constant Contact. All members are
welcome.
Change of Watch
Dinner and Meeting
Bloomfield Open Hunt Club.
Members do not
have to purchase dinner to
attend the meeting.
Event
Location
EXCOM Meeting
Location tbd. Watch the Website and
Constant Contact. All members are
welcome.
Membership Meeting
Shield’s on Maple Road just west of
Crooks Road in Troy, MI. Dinner from
the menu beforehand.
Those Pesky Water Levels
22 – 25 January
Texas Hold ‘Em
The fund raiser will take place at Mr.
B’s in Royal Oak each day from 3:45 PM
to 2:00 AM.
7 February
EXCOM Meeting
Location tbd. Watch the Website and
Constant Contact. All members are
welcome.
14 February 3
22 – 26 February
Membership Meeting
Program to be announced
Shield’s on Maple Road just west of
Crooks Road in Troy, MI. Dinner from
the menu beforehand.
United States Power Squadrons®
2017 Annual Meeting
Rosen Centre in Orlando Florida
Page | 20
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠
Birmingham Power
Squadron
Wishes you a joyous Holiday
Season!
Page | 21
Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends℠