friendships. Our members are also encouraged to invite guests especially those who may have an interest in boating. While it may be somewhat awkward at first for new members to meet other members, we promise it will not take long to make new friends. Over the next few months some of our scheduled events include a trip to Shaggy’s in Pass Christian on Saturday July 8, 2017 followed by desert and liquid refreshments at the home of SEO Tracy Hamlin and her spouse Dr. John Harrington. Our annual Lobster Fest is scheduled for July 22, 2017 at the home of P/C Cheryl Jarrell and our annual Crab Boil in Lafitte, La. at the home of P/C Eddie and Debbie Brazeal is scheduled for September 9, 2017. Thanks to all who open up their home to our NOPS membership and guests. If you cannot attend an upcoming social please consider attending one of our General Membership Meetings that are held on the third Thursday of each month. An email reminder is sent to our members whose email address is on file.

Although our annual fishing rodeo that started on April 8th 2017 does not end until October 15, 2017 please mark your calendar for this date, go fishing and send in some rodeo affidavits. Our rodeo awards for

Earlier this year, P/C Pete H Lang Jr., SN donated his personal collection of Topside Talk to our squadron. This collection includes the majority of issues that were published over the past forty years. On behalf of our squadron, thank you “Captain Pete” for preserving and sharing a large part of the rich history of the New Orleans Power Squadron. While reading some of these publications, I noticed that when Pete became an NOPS commander his first article was listed on the front page of Topside Talk under the title of COMMANDER'S LINE. Previous Commander’s articles had been listed under COMMANDER’s CORNER. While both are great titles, in Pete’s honor I have decided to use COMMANDER’S LINE as the title of this month’s article.

As I read some of these previous year’s issues of Top Side it became more and more apparent that one of the ways that helped our squadron to be successful over the years was by providing ongoing boating education to the boating community. Courses were progressive starting with Public Boating (ABC) with minimal breaks in between the advanced classes. As this method of providing boating education has not changed I am taking this opportunity to recognize all of our present and past instructors for donating their personal time and resources. Hopefully we can attract more of our members that are willing to assist in our educational courses and seminars. If you think that you may be interested in participating at any level please contact either our Senior Educational Officer; Tracy Hamlin, P/C Charlie Heintz Jr. or any of our instructors.

Equally important to any squadron’s success is to provide socials whereby our members can enjoy each other’s company hopefully resulting in lasting

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW ORLEANS POWER SQUADRON

vOLUmE LXXvIII NUmBER 4jULy/AUgUST 2017

Commander's Lineby Cdr Dan Ross, S

United States Power Squadrons®

Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the FriendsSM

Commander's Line on page 2

What's insideLife Jacket Tests - 2

Middendorf's - 3

Cheeseburger Pics - 4

Paddlesports, Crab Boil - 5

Flotsam & Jetsam - 6, 7

Bunco Pictures - 7

Education - 8

Activities - 9

Lobster Fest - 9

TOPSIDE TALK 2

Official publicatiOn Of thenew Orleans pOwer squadron

dISTrICT 15located at

7601 breakwater Drivenew Orleans, la 70124

published nine times a Year

The USPS Ensign (Flag Design), "Wheel-and-Flag Design", "United States Power Squadrons", "USPS", "The Ensign", are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons.

®

Commanderr's Line cont'd from page 1TOPSIDE TALKJuly/aug 2017 (nbr 2017-4)

MaSTHEad

Commander Daniel ross, s dross14@cox.netExecutive Officer william "Mike" turner, ap turnermb@cox.netEducational Officer tracy l. hamlin, n hamlinhs@bellsouth.net Administrative Officer charles chapman, sn sonights@bellsouth.netSecretary Kathryn l. house, ap house4@gmail.comTreasurer charles heintz, p charleyheintz@juno.comAssistant Educational Officer Chester Cooke, SN-CN cgcooke3@yahoo.comAssistant Secretary barry hays, p barryhays69@gmail.comEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Gregory J. Deis, sn-cn deisfamily@cox.net hubert "buddy" ward, sn bward@bestbusinessforms.com peter ingrassia, Jr petejaning@aol.com

tOpsiDe talK staffEditor cheryl D. Jarrell, ap 130 sherwood forest Dr nOla 70119 504-430-9743 cdjarrell@cox.net

Production Manager Photographers Cheryl, Charlie C, Chester http://www.nops.org

the largest fish entered along with our cash and other prizes will be given out on Satcost of food and maintaining our trailer. If you need any additional information concerning these events or wish to make or obtain a prize donation, just let me know.

Because safety is our priority, please remember and share the following with all especially this time of the year. Use ample sunscreen, stay hydrated, watch the weather when planning “on the water” activities, file a float plan and wear your life jacket. Also, please contact one of our Vessel Safety Check examiners to make sure that your boat has all of the required safety items on board. While on the subject of VSCs, it is the USPS goal to increase them by 15% this year. Don’t forget to offer VSC’s to other non-member boaters that you know. Besides introducing them to our program, you may find someone that would like to take a course, become a member and most importantly, help save a life!

Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future.

Test Your mustang Life Jacket stf/C allan B. Furtado, sn - national safety Committee

We are always told as a Vessel Examiner to wear our life jackets to project the idea of safety to the boating public. I am sure that most VEs have done so over the past 8 years that we have had them.

Now as we head into the boating season and all of the associated activities, I would suggest that the first thing a VE should do is examine and test his/her Mustang Inflatable life jacket. It is suggested that this operation be performed every 2 to 3 months. I bet you have not even done it once in the 8 years you have had the jackets. I am suggesting this exercise because we have found a few jackets that won't hold air. If one of these is found I suggest that it be destroyed and disposed of because the total life expectancy is only 10 years.

So how do we test our jacket? Open it up along the Velcro seams as shown in Figure 1 until it looks like figure 2. Then remove the cap on the oral inflation tube (shown in figure 2) and inflate the Life Jacket orally.

Figure 1 Figure 2Then keep the jacket inflated over night. If it fails to hold air all

night it is defective. If it holds air ok, then reverse the oral inflation cap and compress the jacket to remove all of the air. Once deflated, replace the cap to its original position and fold the sides back and press the Velcro seams to hold the jacket together.

Now if you happen to really need the jacket while doing a VSC (Heaven forbid you fall into the water) the life jacket would be known to be useable.

TOPSIDE TALK 3

So it rained a lot; and no one was able to come by boat; and our numbers were down a bit from past years! But those of us who made it to Middendorf's on 3 June enjoyed the excellent food and the great company.

Thanks to Bill and Carol Arcediano for making all of the arrangements, and inviting members of NOPS and other squadrons in D/15 to partticipate. Looking forward to next year.

7th annual middendorf’s rendezvousBaton rouge sail & Power squadron

judy, Shirley (rear), Debbie, Lila, P/C greg, Ern

P/D/C Bill, Cdr Dan,

D/C Barry,Dsec mady, Cary, P/C

Nolan

Sissy, P/C Charlie

j.C.,Cdr Dan,melanie, P/D/C Lenny

P/D/CsLenny,

Don, Bill; on right, mostly BR members and Pete

TOPSIDE TALK 4

Pictures from Cheeseburgers in Paradise

Cheeseburger Heads!Charlie, Cheryl, Chester

Chester, Charlie and Sissy - getting ready to

cook.

Come and get it!Burgers for lunch; meat sauce for dinner.

music by OverBoardChester, you really didn't need to dress that much

for breakfast!

Beautiful weekend at

moonraker Lake; thanks to Charlie

and Sissy for having us

again.

TOPSIDE TALK 5

Crab Boil on the BayouSaturday, 9 September 2017

Open 12:00 pmFood served at 1:00 pm

Boiled Crabs, Corn,Potatoes and

Sausage$20.00 per

person

Soft drinks & water provided.

ByOL is OK

Eddie and Debbie Brazeal's home on the Bayou

4891 Lisa Ann DriveBarataria, LA 70036

Sign up at the August general membership meeting

or call (504) 458-6557

Visit RentalBoatSafety.comThere are many safety topics important to

paddlesport enthusiasts. Depending upon where you plan to paddle, the required skill sets may be minimal or they can be highly technical in nature. Persons new to paddlesports will benefit from taking a paddlesports safety course and the knowledge gained will increase their enjoyment on the water. An example of a free online course is located at boaterexam.com. Training is also available from the American Canoe Association (ACA) and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all paddlesport enthusiasts participate in boating safety education as well as taking paddlecraft specific skills training. Additionally, the following best practices should be considered every time before going out on the water:

• Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket• Make yourself be seen (bright / contrasting

clothing)• Carry a sound producing device such as a whistle• Carry a DCS-VHF radio• Know your paddling limits• Know the area where you will be operating• Avoid paddling in main channels of busy

waterways when possible• Dress appropriately for the water temperature and

forecasted weather• Don’t paddle alone• Tell a friend where you are going and when you

will return - file a float plan.• If you plan to be out after dark, you will be

required to exhibit an all round light or have a flashlight readily available

• Don’t drink alcohol and operate a boat or paddlecraft

The free Coast Guard Mobile App includes many resources including a function to file a float plan.

Online information on Shared Waterways is available at TheSafeHarbors.us

This Safety Alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement. Developed by the Office of Boating Safety and distributed by the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis, Washington DC. Questions may be sent to

HQS-PF-fldr-CG-INV@uscg.mil

Paddlesports

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place,but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

- Ben Franklin

TOPSIDE TALK 6Flotsam and Jetsam

LPBF 2017 SPRING BEACH SWEEP - The LPBF Spring Beach Sweep was on May 20. We cleaned up the area along Breakwater Drive. It was a calm day, suitable for a Predicted Log Contest. The water was high, so that much of the trash was under water. Seven NOPS members participated, Pete Lang, Jr., Lila Beyer, Pete Lang III, Richard Mashburn, Katherine Pyatt, Greg Deis and Ern Beyer. We collected thirteen bags of trash before the rain came. Ern Beyer, Chairman

Extra copies of the Predicted Log Paperwork have been left at the trailer. Anyone interested, feel free to take one. I just discovered that I will be unable to attend the July and August General Membership Meetings. I will be attending the August Bridge Meeting, so that participants can return the PLC paperwork then. Ern Beyer, PLC Chairman

ebbeyer@cox.net

Pete Lang has arranged for Carlton Dufrechou, the Causeway General Manager, to speak at the NOPS September Geneneral Membership meeting.

Building a Floating dock - The Planning Committee has been researching ways to increase membership and membership participation. Pete Ingrassia and his committee have recommended the construction of a floating dock. The idea was recently reviewed by the Executive Committee. A new dock should allow for more events at the trailer. Anyone that wants to lease a slot would have to join NOPS. .

Pete added that the dock project had been researched since February of this year. After Katrina, few new amenities or incentives have been done to gain new members and maintain present members. The New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor Management Corporation has approved the dock. The dock fits all specifications of the marina and according to the contractor Leigh Bock similar docks have good resale value. Mr. Brock and his company “By Land or Sea Construction” have been building docks for many years and most of our Board members have seen his work. It has been confirmed that the Tulane Sailing School and some SYC members will need dock space while the

https://www.usps.org/php/reservations_new/meetings.php?mtg_id=32

2017 USPS Governing Board will be in Dallas, TX on 10-17 September 2017 at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center, 5410 LBJ Freeway, Dallas TX 75240, 972-934-8400, Room rate is $135.00; self parking is $6; valet parking is $28 per night. Details: member login, then

harbor is being improved over the next 12 to 18 months.

Pete stated that the new pilings will be higher than the old pilings that will be removed and will conform to the other new pilings being used in the Harbor renovation.

Dan Ross stated that the dock is being built for the existing members to use and enjoy along with attracting new members. (Our Planning Committee will discuss and come up with a monthly

lease payment for those members who may want permanent moorage.)

It is estimated that the mean depth is approx. 5 ft. on waterside.

Buddy Ward and Jan Ingrassia handed out voting cards for a ballot vote. Each member voted, folded their ballot and gave it to B. Ward and J. Ingrassia. The votes were counted by Greg Deis. There were 24 votes is support of the dock and 2 votes against the dock. There were 27 members present. The commander does not vote unless there is a tie.

Thanks to everyone who could attend and vote at our meeting. More follow up details will be sent to our membership when construction begins.

Operations Manual now up to date - The Operations Manual has been totally updated and includes changes made after the February meeting. Chapter 3 has been almost totally rewritten due to those changes. Log in as a member and visit https://www.usps.org/index.php/departments/15000/15100

Ern, Lila, Beach Sweep 2016

Pete Ingrassia answering questions on the dock

TOPSIDE TALK 7

Flotsam cont'd from page 6

Win a banner during the ‘Summer of Membership’ - Welcome to Membership and all the summer squadron activities that members enjoy. For many of us, the summer boating season is our favorite time of year and provides one of our best opportunities to recruit new members and keep members active. Share your 2017 “Summer of Membership” recruitment and retention stories with the national Membership Committee for a chance to win a new FedEx membership banner. Send your best of the summer recruitment and retention stories to membership@usps.org. Winning stories and photos will be featured on the new Membership Committee website listed in the PDF below. Winners will be selected by attendees of the Membership Committee workshops at the Dallas Governing Board in September. Read more: https://www.usps.org/images/departments/Summer_of_Membership.pdf

USPS needs you! - We need your help! You have lots of talents—will you share with USPS? Please update or fill out your resume (SIRS) online. Go to the Nominations website, scroll down and find “Enter/Update Resume.” Where is the Nominations website? After you log in to the USPS site, it is found under the top menu: Committees > General > Nominations. Questions? Please let me know. See you in Dallas! Email: Susan L. Darcy sldarcy@roadrunner.com

Charley Heintz and Charlie Chapman worked the Knights of Columbus Rodeo at City Park on Marconi near Robt E Lee, on 6 May. Looks like the weather was beautiful, but it was also Jazz Fest. Wonder how many people showed up to fish?

Charley H and Charlie C at the KofC Rodeo

LANOPS Bunco1st Charles Chapman $202nd Carol Arcediano $10

3rd j C Ciolino $5 Sock winner Chester Cooke $21

TOPSIDE TALK 8

educational department news

seO tracy hamlin, naseO chester cooke, sn-cn

The next ABC will be held at Munholland Methodist Church on Metairie Rd beginning 12 September. Registration is now open.

There were four students in the Seamanship class which started in April; they are currently awaiting test results. Advanced Piloting has seven students, and is expected to test shortly. The ABC one day course on 3 June 2017 had 8 students.

If you have any questions, or an interest in taking or teaching classes, please contact me, Tracy Hamlin, SEO, at hamlinhs@bellsouth.net or 504-430-7689.

ASEO Chester Cooke, SN-CN, can be reached at cgcooke3@yahoo.com

The following information was taken from the June and July 2017 issues of the USPS News Blasts.

add boating skills with interactive online seminars - USPS offers seven interactive seminars online that can provide useful information for your summer boating. The seminars include How to Use GPS; All About Marine Radio; Weather for Boaters; Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes; Planning Your Cruise; Partner in Command; and Hurricane Preparation for Boaters. Go to http://www.usps.org/edonline, choose the seminar(s) that interest you, and sign up today. Or email Eileen Rickard at daverick93@gmail.com

sight Calc for Jn and n - Good news! For Junior Navigation and Navigation students, Sight Calc is a must-have app for solving the law of cosines. Sight Calc version 1.2 works with iOS 10 and is available now in the Apple store! Just search for “sight calc.” Minor changes include replacing the AC key with CE for “clear entry,” C means “clear everything,” and Zn (azimuth) is now displayed in addition to Z (azimuth angle).

Jump start — Hands-on training for new boat owners - The Boat Operator Certification/On Water Training Committee has released Jump Start, a new program that shows you how to conduct a one-on-one training session customized to meet each boater’s needs. No certification or license is required. We’ll show you how to plan and conduct the training as well as qualify for insurance coverage. The program is free and can be a great member benefit and membership recruiting tool. You can download the program or informational presentation:.

https://www.usps.org/index.php/departments/13000/13700-on-the-water-training-certification/2017-05-08-01-34-35/13700-jump-start-program

advanced Piloting students, all in attendance, with Tropical storm Cindy

blowing in the tide, wind and ram.

TOPSIDE TALK 9

memBersHiP meeTinG20 July - 17 august - 21 sept

1800 Social, 1900 MeetingNew Orleans Yacht Club

september4 Labor Day9 Morning fishing / crab boil12 abc - Munholland, Metairie14 exec Meeting, 1800 at the trailer16 beach sweep21 General Membership Meeting?? D/15 fall council ?? eastward ho

august10 exec board Meeting, 1800 at the trailer17 General Membership ?? pontchartrain Yacht club ??

Lobster FestSaturday, 22 July

Rendezvous at Cheryl's house130 Sherwood Forest Dr NOLA 70119Open1400 (2pm), Serve1600 (4pm)

Keith and Charlie C. are Cooking!Lobster with potatoes, corn, sausage

Ice Cream for Dessert

$25.00 per personReservations Required

by 14 July email cdjarrell@cox.net

or call Cheryl 504-488-3853Bring your own chair!

october Changes20-22 Moonshine and Moonbeams27-29 D/15 fall conference, ft walton

How many power

squadron members

does it take to close down a

shade tent?

15 July 2017sHrimP in THe Pass

The Baton Rouge Sail and Power Squadron invites you to our 3rd Annual Shrimp Boil

1400 (2pm)$10 per person, cash or check

P/C/C Robert Baldridge's camp110 Youngswood Loop, Pass

Christian, MS Bring a chair, drink, and a dessert

RSVP to Taylor Baldridge TaylorB@wilsonwarehouse.com

or (225)939-6822.

July8 shaggy's 11:30, Pass Harbor 120 S. Hiern Av13 exec Meeting, 1800 at the trailer20 General Membership Meeting20 predicted log results Due in 22 lobster fest