Jan - USA Dive Club

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January 2010 Newsletter Volume 38, Number 1
In this Issue:
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This Month’s Program
President's Waves
Local Diving
Overseas Diving
Social Activities
Hospitality Hut
Membership
Upcoming Events Calendar
Contact Info
Picture of the month.
USAers and guests enjoying Bike or Hike at
Riverbend Park in Jupiter.
Submit your photos for the Page One Shot to
[email protected]
Program for January 7th
Let’s go to the Solomon Islands!
Rich Ladisky
These islands have had a place in our history as the WWII Pacific campaign
unfolded on Guadalcanal and the PT-109 saga played out with JFK. This
presentation, however, will focus on the teaming life underwater, off some of
the islands. Diverse and prolific are understatements! We will also go to the
U.S. war memorial that overlooks Iron Bottom Sound. Just go to Papua New
Guinea, make a right, and I’ll see you there.
USA’s own Richard “Rich” Ladisky began diving for lobsters and wrecks in New
England in 1981 and, shortly after, decided to join his passion for photography
with his love of diving. Eventually, he started visiting exotic places 4 to 6
weeks at a time, for both land and underwater photography. He was in the illfated ‘Teacher in Space’ program, used his radio license to communicate with
the cosmonauts on Mir, and still talks by radio to the astronauts on the Shuttle
and International Space Station.
His work and adventures have appeared in many periodicals, the latest being Scuba Diving Magazine,
Parade Magazine, and the Hartford Courant Travel Section.
Rich is retired from teaching and supervision in high school, and is into his 30th year as Director of
Emergency Management and Homeland Security for a city of 60,000 people up north. He teaches
photography, instructs and practices ballroom dancing around the world with his wife, Lynn, and enjoys
traveling as a photojournalist in the Indo-Pacific Rim.
For the last half-dozen years, Rich has been a featured speaker at Beneath the Sea, the largest consumer
diving convention in North America. He has also presented seminars for the USA Dive Club, the South Florida
Underwater Photography Society, and the South Florida Dive Show.
Fear not, fellow USAers. Glada Blench has not grown a moustache. It’s me,
Russ Manhold, USA’s President for 2010.
2010 marks my 25th year as a USA Dive Club member. While enjoying USA’s
many local and overseas diving opportunities, I set aside special time to serve
on USA’s Board of Directors, in many different capacities for several years.
Last year, serving as VP of Social Events and USA’s Membership Coordinator,
my goal was to increase membership numbers by 7% from July through
December. By year’s end, our membership increased from 108 to 117.
I plan to work with USA’s new Membership Coordinator, and others, to
continue that growth in 2010 and beyond. Members can help by inviting
friends, family and business associates to join us at monthly meetings and
other dive club events.
At present, USA’s VP of Programs position remains vacant however, USA’s Past President Glada Blench has
volunteered to assume USA’s programs responsibilities in 2010. From 2007 through 2009, Larry LePage
occupied this critical board position, introducing USAers and guests each month to interesting and
provocative speakers. Larry assures us he has several speakers scheduled for 2010, thus offering a jump
start for Glada, or any other dive club member considering this position, on USA’s Board of Directors.
Contact Larry directly to learn more about the VP of Programs position.
Nils Jacobsen returns again in 2010 as USA’s VP of Overseas Diving. Thank you Nils. It’s a tough job, made
tougher by the declining world economy. Dive resorts and live-aboard dive concessions are going out of
business faster than you can say “I like ichthyology”. USAers were fortunate last year to complete the
Curacao overseas dive trip, led by Clare Anthon. Curacao’s Sunset Waters Dive Resort went out of business
within hours of our last day on the island. Nils and his Overseas Diving Committee members are working
diligently to research and plan affordable and enticing trips for 2010 and beyond. Contact Nils Jacobsen
directly if you have creative ideas regarding overseas diving resorts and locations.
Although USA’s VP of Social Activities position is vacant at present, Julie Manhold and Clare Anthon have
volunteered to assume USA’s social responsibilities in 2010. If you enjoyed the wide and varied spectrum of
non-diving activities USA offered members and guests over the last several years, why not help Julie and Clare plan a few
social events for 2010? Start with something uncomplicated like lunch and a movie, a bike ride in Davie, an evening of
bowling, a nature walk, or anything else that strikes your fancy. If you are interested in helping Julie and Clare plan social
events, contact USA’s Social Butterflies at [email protected].
Last year was a banner year for local diving under the leadership of John and Kathy Ficarra. Both John and
Kathy continue in 2010 as VP’s of Local Diving. Did I mention Kathy’s most excellent brownies? Bet you
can’t eat just one during dive intervals. The Ficarra’s have another exciting local diving schedule for 2010.
If you like drift diving, sign up with John and Kathy at the next meeting. If wreck diving is your thing, sign
up at the next meeting. They offer both, plus a wide variety of diving locations and dive concessions.
Hall of Fame member and former USA Dive Club President Robert Shearer continues as Secretary in 2010.
Robert’s 23 years as a USAer makes him the undisputed “go to” person when the rest of us have questions
about club history, policy, procedures or past events. Thank you Robert for serving yet another year on
USA’s Board of Directors.
Steve McCutcheon, a 24-year USA Dive Club veteran, assumes Treasurer responsibilities in 2010. Steve
has served the USA Dive Club in many capacities through the years. He was USA’s Safety Coordinator from
2003 through 2005. One thing for sure, if you need a job done, and done right, Steve McCutcheon is the
man for the job.
January is the month for USAers to pay annual membership dues. Dues are due January 1st. A new rate
goes into effect this year. Individuals pay $40 membership renewal; married couples pay $35 each, totaling
$70 per couple. Don’t let your USA membership expire. Rejoining the USA dive club requires a $10
initiation fee plus regular membership fees.
In closing, I would ask that USAers become more active in club events during 2010. Come out and meet
fellow USAers for Adopt-A-Street cleanups, local dives, social events, and consider supporting the club’s
management team by serving on USA’s board of directors. Try it. You’ll like it.
Russ Manhold
President
[email protected]
Local Diving
With Kathy & John Ficarra
Sunday, December 6th, USAers enjoyed a local dive on the Rodeo
25 wreck. Winds picked up on our afternoon dive making the
currents very strong however, we were still able to explore the
wreck.
Glada Blench, Luis Monroy and John Ficarra enjoyed the wreck
while Bob Lucas had to abort the dive after losing a swim fin 10
feet down the mooring line.
Our second dive was the Razzle Dazzle reef where we spotted a
nurse shark.
USA’s final local dive for 2009 was on Captain Craig’s ‘Starfish
Enterprise’ for two reef dives on December 19th.
This was the day after heavy rains and flooding inundated most of South Florida. That morning, seas were predicted to be
3 to 5 feet. We went out regardless and were amazed that seas were only choppy (less than 2 feet) and visibility was in
excess of 60 feet. There were loads of fish and we found a ‘hotel’ of lobsters on our first dive at Delray Ledge.
The second dive at Briney Breezes was just as nice with
massive amounts of fish.
Water temperatures are starting to cool down, only 75 degrees
on this final USA local dive in December. It’s time to consider
getting out the 5 mil dive suits.
Two great dives to end the year. Santa even handed out gifts
on the ‘Starfish Enterprise’ along with the usual brownies and
fruit.
Kathy & John Ficarra
VP(s) of Local Diving
[email protected]
Social Activities
From 2007 through 2009, USA’s social events were planned and coordinated by Russ Manhold, Julie Manhold
and Clare Anthon. Look for Julie and Clare to continue in 2010 with USA’s non-diving activities.
On December 3rd, USAers and guests enjoyed a Pot Luck Holiday Party at the Best Western Deerfield Beach
Hotel & Suites. Food items were presented ‘buffet style’ in the Cypress Room, located across from the
Sawgrass Room where six round tables seated over fifty hungry members and guests.
USA’s Promotions Coordinator, Larry Townsend, dressed like one of Santa’s Elves, had a plethora of Lobster
Pot gifts to give away.
It was a fun-filled evening for everyone, a fitting end to another year of USA Dive Club social events.
Sunday morning, December 13th, eighteen USAers and guests gathered at Riverbend Park in Jupiter for
Bike or Hike, a fun day of outdoor activities in northern Palm Beach County.
The weather was perfect, clear skies, mild temperatures, not a drop of rain. The group bicycled on shell
rock paths, taking time to watch canoes drifting slowly on the Loxahatchee River, natural wildlife including
tropical birds and peacocks, and families of raccoons, looking for handouts from everyone.
Shortly before noon, everyone met at a pre-designated picnic pavilion and unpacked food and beverages for
a delightful snack on a peninsula surrounded by wildlife.
Bike or Hike participants included Clare Anthon, Glada Blench, Clara and Jorge Carvajal with guest Marvi
Cilli, Kay Chung, Kathy and John Ficarra, Margie and Mike Hanratty, Julie and Russ Manhold, Kathi and Steve
McCutcheon, Gary Sharp, Larry Townsend, Marie York and guest Don Chalaire.
Sunday afternoon, January 24th, join fellow USAers and guests for the first-run
movie Extraordinary Measures, followed by a group dinner in Pompano Beach.
Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser are starring in a new film based on the
inspirational true story about a determined father and an unconventional scientist
who teamed up to develop a life-saving biotech treatment.
After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which
conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen Crowley (Keri
Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill
(Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan's heartfelt drama is based on the true story of
the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure.
Extraordinary Measures will be showing at the Muvico Pompano 18. More info
regarding afternoon movie time before the event.
Group dinner to follow at Bobby Rubino’s Place for Ribs, located just north of the theater.
Sign up for the movie and dinner at USA’s January 7th general membership meeting.
Future social events include:
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January 24 (Sunday) - Movie “Extraordinary Measures” followed by group dinner at Bobby Rubino’s,
Pompano Beach
February 21 (Sunday) Adopt-A-Street cleanup, Deerfield Beach
DINNER BEFORE THE MEETING:
Newport Cafe @ Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites
1050 E. Newport Center Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
@ 6:00 PM
Hospitality Hut
Happy New Year
from the
Hospitality Hut!
We hope everyone had wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah holidays, shared with family and friends. Now that all the celebrating is
over, it's time to begin a happy and healthy 2010. We're looking forward to meeting new friends and continuing relationships with old
ones.
At the December 2009 Holiday Pot Luck Dinner,
we were very happy that President Glada Blench
introduced her son-in-law, Roger Bennett, to the
USA Dive Club.
Roger is a certified diver and has recently
relocated to south Florida.
Ed Angelil, husband of Hall of
Famer MaryMay Angelil, stopped
by for a visit.
Ed and MaryMay are spending
the winter in Florida. Hopefully
we’ll see more of them both.
Joel Harris attended the Pot Luck Dinner
with USA member Paula Wall.
Joel, a certified diver, is also a paramedic,
firefighter and instructor.
Some of you may remember Joel from our
March bowling social, ‘Going Green in the
Gutter.’
Former USA members Linda Bannister, Mike Hanratty and Rob Myers joined in the fun and fellowship of December’s get-together. It
is always a treat to see former members and catch up with their news.
Thanks to all our guests for spending the evening with us. We hope to see you all again at future meetings. Please consider joining the
USA Dive Club and be a part of all the fun-filled events scheduled throughout the year.
We encourage you to visit our newsletter's home page, www.usadiveclub.com and click on the calendar button for details regarding USA
Dive Club's very active diving and non-diving schedule. Also from the home page, click on the photo gallery button for a glimpse of our
past outings. The calendar and photo gallery are updated on a regular basis so take a peek. You wouldn't want to miss a thing.
We wish you all a "Happy New Year" filled with "Happy Diving".
Julie Manhold & Clare Anthon
2009 Hospitality Coordinators
[email protected]
Membership
Greetings from USA's outgoing 2009 Membership Coordinator, Russ Manhold.
At present, USA’s Membership Coordinator position is vacant however, new USA
member Jorge Carvajal has volunteered to assume membership responsibilities in
2010.
USA’s Membership Coordinator acts as the focal point for all inquiries regarding new
member applications and membership renewals. A club directory is updated and
published quarterly for all USA Dive Club members. The Membership Coordinator
should attend all general membership meetings and coordinate greeting guests with
USA’s Hospitality Coordinators.
At the December 3rd general meeting, two new member applicants were introduced
as USA's newest members.
Left to right, Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman with Russ Manhold. Roger and Amy are USA’s newest
married member couple. They reside in Boca Raton; both are certified PADI Advanced Open Water divers;
each have about 250 dives. Roger enjoys bicycling and kayaking. Amy likes bicycling, kayaking, triathlons
and cooking. Welcome aboard Roger and Amy.
Presently, we have 117 USA Dive Club members. USA has a new look since relocating to the Best Western
Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites in 2009. The location is excellent; the food tasty; drinks are a bargain;
and the meeting room is warm and friendly. More guests are attending. Our goal is to make every guest
feel comfortable and welcome.
Since the December USA Dive Club meeting, two more guests have applied for membership:
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Bob and Phebe Young
Deerfield Beach, FL
Come to the January 7th USA Dive Club general membership meeting and welcome our newest member
applicants aboard.
USA Dive Club membership renewal dues are due January 1, 2010.
Dues are $40 per person. Dues for married couples are $70 per couple.
Please make checks payable to Under Sea Adventurers.
People interested in joining the USA Dive Club will find membership applications available by clicking on the
link appearing below:
MEMBERSHIP PACKET
Russ Manhold
2009 Membership Coordinator
[email protected]
USA’s Overseas Diving
Planning for future overseas diving is presently underway. Watch for announcements.
Nils Jacobsen
VP Overseas Diving
[email protected]
USA Calendar
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January 7th - Regular Monthly Meeting @ 7:30 PM
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January 14th - Board Meeting
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Best Western Deerfield Hotel & Suites
1050 E Newport Center Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Ray McAllister’s home, Lighthouse Point
January 24th - Movie “Extraordinary Measures” followed by group dinner
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Muvico Pompano 18, Pompano Beach
Birthday greetings in January to the following USA Dive Club club members:
Jan 02
John Warren
Jan 03
Paula Wall
Jan 08
Deborah Kaddah
Jan 10
Mark Glazer
Jan 25
Danny Michels
Jan 27
Margie Hanratty
Jan 28
Larry LePage
Jan 29
Hana Ghosn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY from your friends in diving!
Contact Info:
Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club web site: www.usadiveclub.com
Meetings: First Thursday of each month at:
Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites
1050 E. Newport Center Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Social: 7:00 PM, Meeting: 7:30 PM
Board of Directors
Elected Officers - Title
Name
E-Mail Address
President
Russ Manhold
[email protected]
VP of Programs
VP of OS Diving
[email protected]
Nils Jacobsen
VP of Social Events
[email protected]
[email protected]
VP of Local Diving
John Ficarra
Kathy Ficarra
[email protected]
Secretary
Robert Shearer
[email protected]
Treasurer
Steve McCutcheon
[email protected]
Appointees - Title
Name
E-Mail Address
Audio/Video Coordinator
pending
[email protected]
OS Dive Accountant
pending
[email protected]
Membership Coordinator
pending
[email protected]
Hospitality Coordinator
pending
[email protected]
Photographer/Scrapbook
pending
[email protected]
Promotions
pending
[email protected]
Safety Coordinator
pending
[email protected]
Mini Trip Coordinator
pending
[email protected]
Newsletter/Webmaster
pending
[email protected]
Membership Dues - - - $40 yearly; $70 for married couples
Download the Membership Packet from our website.
All information and images are property of ©2010 Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club