March 2017 Volume 13 Issue 1

D I S T R I C T 1 0 , A U N I T O F U N I T E D S T A T E S P O W E R S Q U A D R O N S ®

D-10 Communicator

Sail and Power Boating

COMMENTS from the COMMANDER

Over time, many of you had heard me talking about the Vital Few. I’ve always had more ideas and intentions than I could ever hope to accomplish. Admitting there are only a Vital Few that I can handle – and then trying to practice the concept/philosophy – has been one of my life’s greatest lessons. I must continually remind myself not to focus on all I thought I could do but never did and feel regret, but rather to identify a Vital Few and focus my efforts on them to feel some sense of accomplishment and pride. I’ve found this to be particularly valuable in my activities with the United States Power Squadrons. So many great ideas! So many opportunities! So little time. Such limited resources.

My first task in this article is to thank all of you for everything you have done during this last watch year – for your Squadrons, for District 10, and for USPS. It’s been my pleasure and privilege to have served as your Commander. Every effort matters, and yours are appreciated.

My next – and more difficult – task is to try to limit the rest of my comments to a Vital Few.

Membership

District 10 finished 2016 with a retention rate of 98.2%, or fourth in the nation. (No Districts grew; only one had 100% retention. So even though we didn’t increase our membership for a third year in a row, we’re going to call this GOOD NEWS! Four of our squadrons showed growth: Duluth led the way with a whopping increase of 28 members, or 15%! For large squadrons, this achievement was third in the nation. Congratulations to P/C Len Robinson and all of Duluth! (Is there something in the Superior waters?

In our last newsletter (September 2016 , I set a challenge for all Squadrons to increase their membership by 2 people between then and the end of the year. I’d like to thank and congratulate Madison Sail & Power Squadron for meeting the challenge and adding 3 members during that timeframe. Good going! (Don’t stop!

District Conferences

First: Appreciation and commendations go to the Oshkosh Power Squadron for hosting a fabulous Fall Conference this past No-vember. The Winnebago Weekend was full of interesting and educational information, and feedback indicated we should stay

D/C Kristine L. Harmon, AP

Continued on page 2

It’s Not Too Late to Register for the Spring Conference! see pages 15—17 for details.

Contact Cdr Maury Rice 715-340-9660

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with the morning conference format. Many thanks to Cdr Geoff Carman and the entire Oshkosh crew!

For the last 18 months, your D10 Bridge has worked diligently to respond to your feedback and plan Conferences that contain informative and useful information, plus the opportunity to meet and renew acquaintances with other members of District. Ide-ally, the ideas and experiences exchanged at our conferences should make everything run more smoothly at the squadron level. Unfortunately – for reasons known, assumed and only guessed at – participation at these conferences continues to decrease. We will continue doing our best to make them attractive for you to attend, and to welcome your feedback at any time. Meanwhile, here’s the scoop on the next two conferences:

2017 Spring Conference: March 24-26 in Wausau

Change of Watch installing Bill Dohr as District Commander; workshops for new and continuing officers; activities and semi-nars to advance your boating and organizational skills; lots of information and details elsewhere in this newsletter and on the D10 website

2017 Fall Conference: October 13-15 in Duluth

Duluth has always hosted a lively and entertaining conference. Who knows what will be in store (in addition to the depart-mental workshops and skill-building seminars ? Please mark your calendars now, and watch for additional information as the date draws nearer.

Comments on Nominations

This is hard for me to write. My passion and my good judgment are in conflict.

A key element of any spring conference is the election of officers and Change of Watch. When you take a look at the Slate of Officers for Election on pages 10—11, you will notice two things: 1 There are many empty slots; 2 There really isn’t much change taking place. This is not for lack of trying on the part of the Nominating Committee. It seems no one interested in or will-ing to serve at the District level. I have to admit I’m not sure why not, and I have to say it causes me no little concern regarding the health of District 10. It’s true that we are one of the last Districts in the nation to experience this issue – a state of disinterest, malaise, lack of commitment, etc., but it is nonetheless disconcerting and troublesome. What will happen next year, when our Educational Officer, Secretary and Treasurer all complete their terms – and we have no assistants ready to assume these roles? And did you notice who stepped up – or should I say “back” – for Executive Officer?

We are hoping there will be additional nominations from the floor at the Spring Conference – for all positions noted “No Nomi-nee” – and even for Executive Officer. I sincerely hope that between now and the election, you will take some time to reflect on what you might be able to do for District 10. Please don’t hesitate to talk to any current or past officer about what is required – and about what can be gained personally. If you think others in your squadron can make a contribution, urge them to do so. And then contact Nominations Committee chair Cindy Parisi. (609-335-6529, cindyparisi@centurylink.net Please.

Star Squadron Program

The 2016-2019 Star Squadron Program was introduced at our previous Spring Conference and documented later last year. Its objective is to provide a simple, specific (i.e. measurable way to recognize each Squadron’s progress toward accomplishing its identified Vital Few. Stars are awarded for achievement in Membership Growth, Civic (outbound Service, Education and Mem-ber Involvement. The District Commander may also choose to award a fifth star to recognize specific achievement above and beyond expectations or current norms.

While originally intended to be presented at Squadron Changes of Watch, this year’s Star Squadron plaques will be distributed at the Spring Conference. The three squadrons receiving the Commander’s Star for 2017-2017 will be announced during the confer-ence.

Continued on page 3

Bits and Pieces

I’m really excited about this summer’s Rendezvous! If you were at the Fall Conference, you probably heard P/D/C Bob Stark’s presentation on the recently re-opened Fox River Locks system. It got a lot of people talking about what a great boating adventure it would be to see it first hand, and the idea for an on-the-water Rendezvous was born. The date is set: July 14-16. See page 19 in this newsletter for additional information and keep your antenna up for details at the Spring Conference over the next few weeks.

The USPS National Meetings Committee has determined that the 2018 Fall Governing Board will take place in Minneapolis, mean-ing District 10 will serve as host and play a big part in determining what activity and entertainment options will be available for meeting attendees. We’re going to need assistance from all over the District to meet this opportunity. Although planning is at the early stages, please be open to answering the call when it comes.

Coming About . . . to Closing Thoughts

Please take time to peruse all the articles in this newsletter; the members of your District 10 Bridge have taken seriously the prom-ises they made at last spring’s Change of Watch, and their comments here are represent only one of the labors of love they’ve performed for you in the last year. I hope you’ll take some time to read them, digest them and perhaps be inspired by them. You won’t find anything revolutionary, just an opportunity to make a few tweaks to what you’re already doing or find the inspiration to do a little bit more. And that’s what this year’s theme, “Coming About,” was all about: Stay the course; Adjust when needed; Con-sciously do right things.

I hope to see you at the Spring Conference in Wausau.

With Warm Regards,

D/C Kris Harmon, AP

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As you’re planning your spring classes, VSC events and National Safe Boating Week activities (May 21-27 , please remember to take advantage of all the marketing and public relations materials that have been developed by National.

For brochures, presentations and Marketing 1010 basics, check out the Marketing website: USPS.org > Member Site > Site Index > Marketing

To download the image at left as ad-ready copy, go to: https://uspowersquadrons.sharefile.com/share?#/getinfo/s1e9645c62014afdb

To download the image as an 11x17 poster, go to: https://uspowersquadrons.sharefile.com/share?#/view/b79333f9293441ed

District Educational Department

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Once again, I am honored to serve as your DEO. As a recently retired person, I embark on anoth-er watch year in the educational department. I hope to be able to have more time to serve all of D-10. I look forward to being able to see all of you at our 2017 Spring Conference in Wausau. We will have many workshops along with the opportunity to communicate the many things present-ed to us at the 2017 Annual Meeting held recently in Orlando, Florida. In this article, I will briefly summarize a few highlights of Orlando. I also want to extend an invitation to everyone to attend my educational workshop Saturday morning at the conference. This session is open to anyone involved or with an interest in our organization’s educational program.

ABC3 Must Be Offered Annually By Each Squadron

All squadrons are required via Article 27 of our USPS bylaws to offer the ABC3 course to the pub-lic annually. We have had squadrons failing to offer ABC3 during recent watch years. Failure to have a public boating educational program indicates an unhealthy environment contrary to our primary mission of assisting the public. It also limits our ability to grow membership. While we have ABC3 available online, it is the social interaction of a classroom situation that leads to membership growth.

Develop Improved Instruction with Blended Learning

We have many new tools available via the educational website. All instructors should become innovative in their presentations with the supplemental use of the USPS digital media library, teaching aids, and OTW training with their Power Point presentations.

USPS Seminars

Our squadrons must become familiar with the new directives from national in Seminar presentations. EDN-Seminar Policy: We must protect our intellectual property and price our product at the value which our Seminar deserves. Volunteers spend a great amount of donated time in creating our seminars. EDN-92 was created to provide guidance on the expectations of the Educational Department. Our offerings are unique and a lot of effort goes into preparation. Prices are set by the squadron but USPS wants compensation per student ($13 materials and $10 registration to offset efforts in creating curriculum for seminars. DEOs may grant an exception to the policy. The squadron should submit a report after the event. It may be as simple as “recruited new members via the seminar”.

D-10 Prince Henry & SEA Awards Process

We have had an ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing the current process used in determining how the fall awards of Prince Henry & SEA (Squadron Educational Achievement . Recommended revisions will be in effect for the next watch year (01 July 2017 – 30 June 2018 . I will present the D-10 Bridge the approved changes with explanations during the SEO workshop.

SEO Spring Conference Workshop

Again, I want to encourage you to participate in the Educational workshop Saturday morning. Please come and share your ideas or successes with your peers. I will be able to provide more detail about current happenings in the educational environment on the national level. The national department exists to serve us with many pathways for success. (There is a new “Teaser” seminar due

D/Lt/C Wesley D. Koplitz, AP-CN

Continued on page 5

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out this fall to aid in recruitment . I also will be able to share many of the presentations from our national educational workshop. As my personal tease, please review the outline of the many presentations in Orlando that I have on the D-10 website.

Finally

I Hope to see you in Wausau.

District Education Officer

D/Lt/C Wesley D. Koplitz, AP-C

01 March 2017

Brunswick Dealer Advantage Opportunities

The Brunswick Dealer Advantage program has been expanded.

Squadrons may now have additional locations available for use in

providing public education. Any venue which markets Brunswick

products can be a potential sight for our educational involvement. Places

such as Gander Mountain, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops immediately

come to mind. Also any place selling or marketing Atwood Marine prod-

ucts will satisfy the requirement. Dealers selling Brunswick boat brands

(Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Lowe, Sea Ray, and Lund) continue to be

included in this program. Brunswick is also available to assist any

squadron with making initial contacts in an effort to “break the ice” within

their vast network. Squadrons only need to make a request through the

USPS headquarters to start the partnership program.

D-10 Communicator Page 6

Thank you for allowing me to be your District 10 Executive Officer this past year. It has been a rewarding year and a pleasure to serve you.

Vessel Safety Checks

The district had an outstanding year in this activity. We did 171 more vessel safety checks than last year. It is one of my favorite activities in the organization. It is a service to the boating community and it covers all types of vessels including cruisers, runabouts, utility boats, pon-toon boats, sailboats, PWC’s, row boats, canoes and kayaks. The boats are used on all types of water including the Great Lakes, rivers and small lakes. And best of all, the program saves lives.

Here are the 2016 final results by squadron:

Squadron VE’s VSC’s Decals Awarded

Central Wisconsin 9 218 209

Door County 5 219 194

Duluth 8 108 107

Green Bay 3 33 31

Hiawatha Valley 8 75 57

Marinette/Menominee 8 88 80

Milwaukee 8 53 47

Minnetonka 16 270 226

Oshkosh 8 129 110

St. Paul 9 109 102

Totals YTD 82 1302 1163

2015 78 1131 1005

Come to the spring conference to find out which squadron wins the VSC Pelican Award for 2016.

Cooperative Charting

Adopt-a-Chart program: Milwaukee Sail and Power Squadron have adopted the Milwaukee Harbor chart.

Geodetic Survey: Central Wisconsin Sail and Power Squadron conducted a geodetic survey mark hunt last fall. They were the 13th squadron in the nation for their effort. District 10 placed 8th.

District Executive Department

Continued on page 7

D/Lt/C William Dohr, SN-CN

Marketing and Public Relations

Squadrons can now order the new 7-foot pop-up banner complete with stand for $81 includ-ing shipping. Call Tammy Brown at HQ to or-der.

Orlando National Meeting Highlights

Virtual Trainer: Can be reserved for boat shows or similar events by calling the trainer scheduler Rachel Jones at HQ to reserve. It is recommended that you get it several days before your event to familiarize yourself with the operation.

Educational Course Completion Certificates: You can now print out a personalized comple-tion certificate for all of the courses and semi-nars that you have taken. Come to the spring conference to find out how.

Chief Commander Comments: The nation-al leadership is considering changing our tag line, simplifying paperwork, relaxing uniform wear, reducing the number of re-quired squadron officers, less usage of mili-tary time and the elimination of district council meetings. Some of this would take bylaw changes. Stay tuned.

District 10 Certificates and Awards: Minnetonka Power Squadron won the Boat US Foundation Award first place. Congratulations to them. The district and our eleven squadrons did very well on other awards and certificates. They were in membership, vessel safety check, poster contest, educational fund, website, newsletter, and emeritus and life member certificates. See the District Commander’s article to find out who won these awards and certificates and come to the spring confer-ence to offer congratulations to the recipients.

Upcoming Summer Rendezvous

The rendezvous this year will be a district cruise of the historic Fox Riv-er Lock system on July 14 to 16 at the Appleton Yacht Club. See more details on page 17 in this newsletter.

Spring Conference

Please consider attending the spring conference and voting as a squad-ron delegate. It will be hosted by the Central Wisconsin Sail and Power Squadron at the Jefferson Street Inn on March 24-26 in

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Boat US Foundation USPS Civic Service Award to Minnetonka Power Squad-ron at the 2017 USPS meeting in Orlando. Pictured l. to r. are Chief Com-

mander Louis Ojeda, SN, Ted Sensenbrenner - Asst. Director Boating Safety, BoatU.S. Foundation, Cdr Dave Fine, AP and R/C Jim Pahl-Washa, JN.

(Photo by Bill Dohr, SN

USPS 2017 Civic Service Award that was presented to Minnetonka Power Squadron at the national meeting in Orlando. (Photo by Steve

D Erickson, JN, USPS Photographer Continued on page 8

downtown Wausau. In addition to the officer workshops and the conference meeting, there will be seminars on DB-2000, an easy way to build and maintain squadron websites, operations training, a marine knot seminar and a geodetic survey mark seminar. This may include a retrieval of an actual nearby geodetic mark. There will also be fun activities including an improv comedy show, a stretch exercise session and a tour of both the well-known Lee-Yawkey Art Museum and the Center for the Visual Arts. Please see the registration and agenda on pages 15—16 in this publication for more information.

District Executive Officer

D/Lt/C William V. Dohr, SN-CN

2 March 2017

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District 10 Executive Officer, William Dohr, SN accepting the Member Emeritus Award on behalf of Gerald R. Brings, SN from Chief Com-mander Louis Ojeda, SN at the 2017 national meeting in Orlando.

(Photo by Steve D Erickson, JN, USPS Photographer

The Duluth Sail and Power Squadron

Invites you to

Save the Date

For the D10 Fall Conference

13—15 October, 2017

At the Inn on Lake Superior

Canal Park, Duluth Minnesota

Plan now for a memorable and exciting trip to Duluth!

More information, including hotel reservation info to follow.

Conference Chairs: Lt/C’s Jason and Lori Yecoshenko,

P/C Len and Lisa Robinson, and P/C Bob and Valerie Ouellette

Jerry and Audrey Brings

Page 9 D-10 Communicator District Administrative Department

This is my final article for the Communicator as I officially say good bye to the D10 Bridge .

I have other obligations in my life right now that require my attention and will not be able

to move up on the Bridge. The highlight of my year was being able to get out in the

Squadrons and meet the people behind the scenes.

My first opportunity was to work with the Green Bay Squadron at their Tall Ships Event in

the tent. I was able to meet a number of the Green Bay people and work with them at the

event over the weekend.

Performing the Change of Watch for the Stevens Point Squadron and the Duluth Squadron

was an experience as I had never done a COW before. Our Commander Kris was in Hawaii

and the rest of the Bridge in Orlando at the National Meeting. It gave me the opportunity

to be out in the field and meet and greet all the members from these two squadrons. Dave

and I had a great time at each event and we would like to thank both squadrons for their

hospitality.

It has been an interesting year as l increased my knowledge about the D10 Bridge and oth-

er aspects of the United States Power Squadrons that you don’t learn by just being on a local squadron bridge.

I wish much success to our new Commander Bill Dohr as he takes over for the coming year. It was great working with everyone

on the D10 Bridge and wish them success as they begin a new year in a just a few weeks. I will see everyone at the Conference in

Wausau for my last time as D10 Administrative Officer.

Respectively Submitted,

D/Lt/C Administrative Officer Caroline Fritsch, AP

D/Lt/C Caroline Fritsch, AP

Sophia’s Law

Sophia's Law is named for seven-year-old Sophia Baechler, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while boating on Lake Minnetonka. Quoting the 2017 Minnesota Boating Guide:

A new carbon monoxide (CO) law, Sophia’s Law, requires that all motorboats with an enclosed accommo-dation compartment be equipped with a functioning marine CO detector system and display three CO poi-soning warning stickers by May 1, 2017. Sophia's Law is named for seven-year-old Sophia Baechler, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while boating on Lake Minnetonka.

Because this law will affect much of the USPS District 10 membership AND impact Vessel Safety Checks, we will take time to discuss it at the Spring Conference. For more details, please refer to this website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/sophias-law.html

By D/C Kristine L. Harmon, AP

D-10 Communicator Page 10

District 10

Slate of Officers for Election, 2017-1018

In accordance with the Bylaws of District 10 of the United States Power Squadrons, the District 10 Nominating

Committee is submitting this report of nominees for the 2017-2018 watch year. The slate of nominees provided

below are members who have agreed to serve for the positions indicated and have been vetted and nominated

by the Nominating Committee.

Commander D/Lt/C Bill Dohr, SN

Executive Officer D/C Kris Harmon, AP

Education Officer D/Lt/C Wes Koplitz, AP

Assistant Education Officer No Nominee

Administrative Officer No Nominee

Assistant Admin Officer No Nominee

Secretary D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP

Assistant Secretary No Nominee

Treasurer D/Lt/C Tracy Gustafson, AP

Assistant Treasurer No Nominee

Immediate Past Commander P/D/C Ted Smyczek, SN

Nominees for election are those with terms expiring in 2020. Committee members with terms expiring in 2018 and 2019 are listed for your information.

Rules Committee (3-year term D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP 2018

P/D/C Al Harmon, AP 2019

R/C Jim Pahl-Washa, JN 2020

Planning Committee (3-year term P/D/C Dale Perry, N 2018

Cdr Bob DeNoto, JN 2018

P/C Bob Satterfield, AP 2019

P/D/C Ted Smyczek, SN 2019

D/C Kris Harmon, AP 2020

P/C Rob Gaddes, P 2020

Continued on page 11

Audit Committee (3-year term Lt Sandra Broekema, S 2018

P/C Len Robinson, S 2019

`Lt/C Onis Budde, AP 2020

Nominating Committee P/C Paul Roberts, AP Central Wisc 2018

(3-year term P/R/C Alan Wentworth, SN Door County 2019

P/D/Lt/C David Carlson, SN Duluth 2020

Cdr Wayne Dunbar, AP Green Bay 2019

Cdr Stuart Ohr, S Hiawatha Valley 2018

No Nominee Madison 2018

No Nominee Marq-Men 2020

Stf/C Greg Korstad, AP Minnetonka 2018

P/C Check Kersey, AP Milwaukee 2019

No Nominee Oshkosh 2020

P/C John Gagich, S St. Paul 2019

Nominating Committee Central Wisconsin No Nominee

Alternates (1-year term Door County No Nominee

Duluth No Nominee

Green Bay No Nominee

Hiawatha Valley P/D/C Marie Coons, AP

Madison No Nominee

Mar-Men No Nominee

Milwaukee No Nominee

Minnetonka No Nominee

Oshkosh No Nominee

St. Paul No Nominee

Please note the numerous positions that remain vacant. The Nominating Committee and the D10 Bridge re-

spectfully request any district member reading this report to please consider standing for one of these posi-

tions. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Conference Meeting.

D-10 Communicator Page 11

D-10 Communicator Page 12

The Year in Review

Members of District 10 are used to experiencing excellence in our endeavors, and this publica-tion is no exception. The D10 Communicator won the Distinctive Communicator Award in 2016, and our editor, D/Lt Karen Bray, S is the person responsible for that success.

Our district website also continued its run of Distinctive Communicator Awards for Websites in 2016, and the person to thank for that great effort is D/Lt Leo Loeb, SN.

At the 2016 Fall Conference we received authorization from the D10 Council to re-design the D10 website. We have entered into an agreement with Mike Allen, a website developer who has done several websites for squadrons in our district. That work is underway, and we will let you know when it is operational.

USPS Annual Meeting

Things have changed a bit since I last went to a National meeting. First, there was a modest registration fee. Considering the cost to USPS of these meetings, I didn’t mind. I routinely get invitations to conferences that cost hundreds of dollars, so the $35 fee for this was reasonable. Secondly, Friday was Seminar day. The offerings covered almost every department, and were designed to give info on new or revamped programs. The main prob-lem was, as always, that you tend not to have enough time to go into great depth. Also, there is no way to attend all of the ses-sions you would like to get to. Some highlights:

Co-op Charting

Perhaps the best kept secret in USPS, the Geodetic program is back. Actually, it may never have left, but the program is finding its sea legs again, Co-op Charting has great potential to be a fun and rewarding activity for your squadron. For info, go to the Co-op Charting Committee on the National website, then to Geodetic Program.

Sail Angle

This long time communication platform within USPS has many new features and its communication potential is greater than ever. Now, a group message goes to everyone in the group whether they have signed up for Sail Angle or not. If USPS has your email address, you can get Sail Angle messages from your group. For some reason, the D10 membership list has not updated; I’m work-ing on getting us operational again.

DB2000

No new features per se, but I learned how to build a district roster from the database, and how to get it out and publish it. Stay tuned.

Standard Squadron Website

This is a new offering from the IT folks at National. Meant for squadrons that are having trouble creating or maintaining their web-sites, this program can be a viable alternative. I will be hosting a seminar at the upcoming conference highlighting how to get up and running with this new tool.

D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP

District Secretary

Continued on page 13

Call to the Meeting

District 10 2017 Spring Conference

24-26 March 2017

Jefferson Street Inn

Wausau WI

In accordance with the bylaws of District 10, Section 5.6 and 5.6.1, the District 10 2017 Spring Conference Meeting (to which all members are cordially invited) has been called.

The Council Meeting will be held on 22 March 2017 via webinar, and will convene at 1900. An invitation to the webinar will be emailed to each attendee prior to the meet-ing.

The Conference Meeting will be held on 25 March 2017 at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau, and will convene at 1000 for the purpose of acting on matters set forth below:

1. To receive and act upon reports of officers and committees.

2. To elect officers and members of committees.

3. To act upon proposed revisions to the District 10 bylaws.

4. To consider and act upon any other business that may properly come before this meeting.

D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP

District 10 Secretary

Digital Media Library

We heard about it at our fall conference, and now it’s operational. The Digital Media Library is an exciting tool that adds another dimension to our classes and seminars. It’s a way to enhance the classroom experience and attract new members.

I hope to see everyone at the 2017 Spring Conference in Wausau on March 24-26. As always, it will be educational and fun. See the info on pages 15—17 in this issue.

D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP

D10 Secretary

D-10 Communicator Page 13

D-10 Communicator Page 14

District Treasurer

Ahoy from the D10 Treasurer’s Department !

Our financial position is shipshape ! As of the February bank statements we have $ 37,593 in checking, savings, reserve, and enrichment accounts. We are staying within our budget, thanks to the due diligence for budgeting and spending of the bridge team. I really appreciate how the bridge works together to keep an eye on the budget and the district finances. We can keep our squadrons strong by renewing our own memberships and bringing in new people who share our enjoyment of boating and community service.

I want to again take this opportunity to mention to the squadrons that now is a good time to submit an Enrichment Application to D10 for up to $750 to help launch a squadron member-ship, education, civic, fraternal, or administrative initiative. Please find this form on the dis-trict website under Treasurer.

It has been a very enjoyable voyage sailing through as District Treasurer for the past two years! I am looking forward to cruising into the next watch year ahead as I continue onboard as the District Treasurer.

There are positions available for interested members to come onboard and serve in a district capacity. Contact anyone on the bridge for more information.

I am looking forward to seeing the squadrons come together at the District Spring Conference in Wausau on March 24-26. I hope to see all of the Squadron Treasurers at the Treasurer workshop on Saturday morning. We can share and discuss the Treasurer’s duties and responsibilities. Please let me know any other items you would like to cover or discuss at the workshop.

I appreciate the opportunity to have served as your Treasurer this past watch year !

Have a Safe and Enjoyable 2017 Boating Season!

Fraternally ,

D/Lt/C Tracy Gustafson, AP

D10 Treasurer

2 March 2017

D/Lt/C Tracy Anne Gustafson, AP

Suggested Attire

Friday Afternoon: USPS Casual

Friday Evening: Casual

Saturday: USPS/Squadron Team Shirts; D10 Bridge Team Shirt

Saturday Evening: Men: Uniform A or Business Attire Ladies: Dressy

Sunday: USPS Casual

Hotel Information: Group Rate Reservation Deadline has passed.

But ask if they will still honor the Power Squadron rate of $125.10

Jefferson Street Inn 203 Jefferson Street

Wausau, WI 54403

(715) 845-6500

http://www.jeffersonstreetinn.com

Includes continental breakfast

Downtown Wausau

Indoor swimming pool

In-room refrigerator, microwave & coffee-maker

D10 Spring Conference

2017 Spring Conference Highlights The 2017 Spring Conference is just around the corner – March 24 to 26 at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau. Your Bridge has worked hard to make sure the Conference has something of interest and val-ue for everyone. Here are a few of the highlights. There will be two workshops late Friday afternoon: a repeat of well-received DB2000 Knowledge Share (including how to make mailing labels , and Tips and Tools for facilitating successful meetings. Saturday will begin with an All-Hands joint session to share the latest news from the recently concluded USPS Annual Meeting and to pre-sent items of general interest, like the new requirements in Minneso-ta for boats to have carbon monoxide sensors (Sophia’s Law . The departmental workshops are open to everyone. If you don’t cur-rently have a position with a specific department, we encourage you to choose the one that interests you the most. We will continue holding the Spring Conference session in the morning, as your feedback indicates this is a good idea. In addition to squadron and bridge reports and the election of officers for coming watch year, we will vote on changes to our Bylaws and hear the recommendations from the ad hoc committees on revising our educational awards criteria and replenishing the enrichment fund resources. Saturday afternoon offers workshops and activities for a variety of interests, including a complete Operations Training session. New to the mix: a late afternoon exercise/stretch session guided by Patty, Bernie Dohr’s workout instructor. On Sunday morning we’ll continue the informal Breakfast with Bridge and Chief’s Rep, followed by two seminar options – the hands-on USPS seminar on Knots and Hitches, and a workshop focusing on member retention and involvement facilitated by Min-netonka Commander Kevin Wehrmann. Look for the complete agenda and a registration form on pages 15—16 in this newsletter. More detailed descriptions of all events and activities will be posted on the District 10 website. See you at the Conference!

By D/C Kristine L. Harmon, AP

District Commander D/C Kris Harmon, AP klharmon@comcast.net

District Educational Officer D/Lt/C Wesley D. Koplitz, AP-CN wkoplitz@aol.com

District Executive Officer D/Lt/C William Dohr, SN-CN billdohr@charter.net

District Administrative Officer D/Lt/C Caroline Fritsch, AP cefritsc@wisc.edu

District Secretary D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP richard@tds.net District Treasurer D/Lt/C Tracy Anne Gustafson, AP gustag13@live.com

Immediate Past District Commander P/D/C Thad. Smyczek, SN tmsmyczek@netzero.net

District Webmaster D/Lt Leo Loeb, SN leo@leoloeb.com

Communicator Editor D/Lt Karen Bray, S kobray@charter.net

D-10 Staff

D-10 Communicator Page 18

Meet the Chief Commander’s Representative

2017 District 10 Spring Conference

R/C Ralph A. Bernard, AP

Born in New Jersey

Air Force veteran

Retired New Jersey State Trooper—27 years

Married Nance for 40 years with two children, Jacki and

Kristin

Both daughters are members of USPS

Sister, Apryl and brother, Dave are members of USPS

Four grandchildren, two boys and two girls

Father was a USPS member…joined in 1963

Joined USPS in 1979

38 merit marks

Squadron commander, District 5 Commander, Rear Com-

mander of Rules

Life long boater---currently have 40’ Silverton docked in

Baltimore, MD

D-10 Communicator Page 19

By D/Lt/C William Dohr, SN-CN

District 10 Summer Rendezvous

District Cruise

Fox River Locks System

The summer rendezvous this year will be a district cruise on the historic Fox River Locks System on July 14-16 in Appleton, Wiscon-

sin. Since we are a recreational boating organization, we decided to have an event which will involve our boats. This is one week-

end earlier than originally announced because of lack of hotel space in the Appleton area due to the nearby EAA convention.

The gathering facility for the cruise will be at the Appleton Yacht

Club, 1200 S Lutz Drive, Appleton, Wisconsin 54914. The telephone

number is (920 733-9848. The cruise will be a day trip on Saturday.

We will launch our trailer-able power boats early Saturday morning

and depart downriver through the locks at approximately 9 am.

P/D/C Bob Stark, President of the Friends of the Fox River Locks, will

join our cruise. We will turn around before the unfinished De Pere lift

station in the early afternoon and return for an evening social and

meal Saturday evening at the Appleton Yacht Club.

For those that want to attend but can’t bring a boat, we will try to find space on other member boats with extra room. Squadrons

can also coordinate boats and passengers among their own members. The registration form will indicate if you are bringing a boat

and can take extra passengers, if you have prearranged a ride on another boat or if you need to ride on another boat.

For those who want to launch their boats early and/or retrieve them later, there are slips available at the yacht club. Call them to

make reservations. The restaurant will be available to us both Friday and Saturday evening ordering by separate checks. We just

need to give them a count.

Attendees are asked to make their own hotel arrangements. Among the many hotels in Appleton are the Resident Inn, Grand Stay

Hotel, Comfort Suites, Motel 6, Microtel Inn and Suites, Red Roof Inn, Howard Johnson, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Quality Inn,

Super 8 and La Quinta Inn & Suites.

Watch the District 10 website for more information and a registration form.

D/Lt/C Richard Baker, AP

D10 Secretary

W9432 Columbia Court

Poynette WI 53955

Non Profit Org

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit #86

Poynette WI