SKOKIE VALLEY SAIL AND POWERskokievalleypowersquadron.org/images/Running_Lights... · 2016. 8. 9. · Running Lights Page 2 May 2016 A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMANDER Skokie Valley Sail

Running Lights Page 1 May 2016

Membership Newsletter - Volume 16 Issue 5

SKOKIE VALLEY

SAIL AND POWER

Come for the Boating Education…Stay for the Friends

National Safe Boating Week—May 21-27 2016

Take the Pledge Make this summer safe I pledge to boat safely each and every time I go out on the water, keeping myself, my family, my friends and fellow boaters from harm’s way. I will always boat responsibly by: Wearing my life jacket and ensuring that everyone on board wears their

life jacket when in a small boat or operating in rough water or threatening weather conditions.

Remaining sober and alert—remembering that the use of alcohol contrib-utes to accidents on the water

Staying in control of my craft and respecting the right of others enjoying the waterways

Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed, and maintaining a proper lookout

www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com


A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMANDER

Skokie Valley Sail & Power Squadron 2016-2017 Bridge

COMMANDER Cdr Gary Vinzant, JN 847-827-7179

EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lt/C Tony Palazzo, AP 847-956-6173

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Lt/C Ron Zingler, AP 847-634-3806

SECRETARY P/C Don Sidman, JN 847-726-7309

TREASURER Lt/C Sue Anthony, P 224-402-3107

EDUCATION OFFICER Lt/C Richard Davidson, SN 847-295-8845

ASST. EDUCATION OFFICER Lt/C James E. Soyka, SN 847-635-6239

IMMEDIATE PAST COMMANDER I/P/C Ron Zingler, AP 847-634-3806

ELECTED MEMBERS AT LARGE Lt Dave Anthony, P 224-402-3107 Lt Paul Sparkes, SN 847-202-4342 Lt Jim Geske, AP 847-703-0885

—Cdr. Gary Vinzant, JN

want to thank our Immediate Past Commander

Don Sidman for his hard work on the prepara-

tions for the Change of Watch, and my transi-

tion into the Commander position. He has (thrice)

done a wonderful job, while making it look easy.

Don also served as our Spring Conference Treasur-

er. Thanks Don.

And, I thank everyone who attended the Change of

Watch. Many thanks to Kim Ambrose and Gail Sid-

man for handling the reservations, and Karen

D’Amico for being our photographer for the evening.

You’ll find pictures from the event on pages 14-15.

Attention former Evanston North Shore members:

we want you to join us at one or more events this

spring or summer! How about driving up to the May

dinner on the 21st? There will be appetizers and so-

cializing at the marina starting at 2pm. Then we’ll

meet at the Boat House restaurant at 4pm for cock-

tails, with dinner at 5pm. We’re also going to have

an inflatable life jacket demonstration. Plus, we’ll

participate in the Ready, Set Wear It challenge. See

page 4 for details.

We look forward to having an exceptional summer

on and off the water. Our Cruise Chairman, P/C

Ron Zingler and several other members have put

together a great cruise schedule for this season –

see page 6 for the event & cruise schedule.

If you have new ideas about events, dinners, plac-

es, or activities that we could enjoy together, let us

know about it.

All good things come to an end. Our last executive

meeting at the Alcott Center is this month. Thanks

to Vince Rychlewski who initially arranged for Skok-

ie Valley to use this Buffalo Grove Park District facil-

ity for meetings and classes. It was centrally located

for most of our members. And, the rooms were al-

ways clean, comfortable and spacious.

Our June 1st executive meeting will be at Ela Area

Public Library located at 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake

Zurich, IL 60047. Hope to see you there!

I


Mark Your Calendar

1

Wed June 2016

Executive Board/Bridge Meeting, 1900

Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich

4 Sat Racine Sundowner Reefpoint Marina (page 8)

8 Wed Skokie Valley Breakfast Club, 0900-1000 Market Square, Wheeling

15 Wed Publication Deadline—Running Lights Karen D’Amico (630-483-9741)


4

Wed May 2016

Executive Board/Bridge Meeting, 1900

Alcott Center, Buffalo Grove

7 Sat Crystal Lake Rowing Regatta Crystal Lake (page 9)


14 Sat Seminar: Mastering the Rules of the Road Northpoint Marina (below)

15 Sun Publication Deadline—Running Lights Karen D’Amico (630-483-9741)

21 Sat Member Dinner Meeting Southport Kenosha/Boat House (page 4)

21-27 Sat-Fri Safe Boating Week SafeBoatingCampaign.com (page 5)


Most of you have taken a variety of seminars since they were introduced several years ago. Skokie Valley is pleased to offer a new seminar which none of our members have taken yet.

Mastering the Rules of the Road

This 2 hour seminar provides an explanation of the rules for both inland and international waters. It simplifies the sometimes complex law relating to boat operation for the recreational boater. Anyone operating a boat should have a thorough understanding of these rules.

Safe Boating Week is celebrated in the month of May. What a great way to kick

off the 2016 season and Safe Boating Week by taking this seminar. It could be

the best thing you do for yourself and your family.

Avoiding Collisions Meeting head on

Overtaking Sailing vessels

Vessel responsibilities Fishing vessels

Lights and shapes on vessels Sound signals

Distress signals Restricted visibility

In less than 2 hours, you will learn why and how:

What: Mastering the Rules of the Road Seminar

When: Saturday May 14, 2016 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Where: Nor thpoint Mar ina Administration Bldg. 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor, IL

Cost: A fee of $10 per member will be collected at the door.

Registration: Registration required

Contact: J im Soyka @ 847-635-6239 or Bud Lemke @ 847-577-9522

Please call and register today.


SVPS May 21th 2016 Dinner Meeting

The boats are launched and it is time to set sail for our May dinner meeting on the water.

Come on out, join your friends and see the boats in Kenosha. We will start with appetizers

and refreshments at Southport Harbor on the Zingler’s boat “Gotta Love It” Saturday

afternoon and dinner meeting to follow at the Boat House in Kenosha.

Where: Southport Marina Where: Boat House

21 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140 4917 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140

262.657.5565 262.654.5401

Time: 1400 to 1545 Time: 1600 Cocktails and Dinner 1700

Dock: H 419

Parking: Marina Parking area

Appetizers Dinner

Pick One: ½ Broasted Chicken $17.00

Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Butter $19.00

12oz Prime Rib $23.00

Includes: Baked Potato, Vegetable, Tossed Salad, Coffee, Tea and Carrot Cake

Please register on SailAngle or contact me directly

Contact: Ron Zingler 847.634.3806 H

847.946.2516C or [email protected]

………………………Last day for Registration is May 11th………………………

Bring your life jacket to participate in setting a new world record!


“Ready, Set, Wear It!” is a one-day event that is part of a year long effort to promote safe and

responsible boating

Last year, 10,917 participants set a world record for the most life jackets worn in a day!

Join Skokie Valley to help set the next world record and kick-off Safe Boating Week on May 21, 2016

Bring your life jacket to the May Member Meeting

Would you like to organize your own event?

Find a location, like your marina, launch ramp, yacht club, retail store, library, etc. Anywhere that will hold the expected number of participants

Consider coordinating with a retailer to sell life jackets and other safety equip-ment in support of National Safe Boating Week (May 21-27)

Register your event on www.ReadySetWearIt.com

Promote your event. Find resources and tips at www.ReadySetWearIt.com Official hashtag: #readysetwearit

Remember to bring your camera or take a video

Print the official sign-up sheets

On the day of the event Make sure everyone signs the sign-up sheet Setup for a picture or video Countdown: “Ready, Set, Wear It!”

Afterwards email [email protected] Send your photos or videos Label photos with the event location and number of participants Submit official sign in sheets Must be submitted by 31 May 2016

For More Information www.ReadySetWearIt.com


2016 Event & Cruising Schedule

Month Event Date Location Host May Fishing Trip Sorry this was

cancelled

Waukegan Harbor

Don Sidman

May Crystal Lake Rowing Regatta

May 7 (Saturday)

Crystal Lake, IL Gary Vinzant

May Dinner Meeting May 21

(Saturday)

Kenosha, WI Ron Zingler

June Racine Sundowner June 3-5 Reefpoint Marina Paul & Lisa Sparkes

June TBD Impromptu Trip June 24-26 TBD Dave & Sue Anthony

July Milwaukee Summerfest July 8-10 McKinley Marina Ron Zingler

July Michigan Cruise

July 15 (Friday) -July 24 (Sunday)

Saugatuck, MI Ron Zingler

July District 20 Cruise & Rendezvous

July 30 Peoria, IL Illinois Valley Squadron

July Tall Ships July 31 Navy Pier, Chicago Rich Davidson & Bonnie Breen

August Rock’n the Chain Aug 20 (Saturday)

Chain of Lakes Kim Ambrose

August Chicago Air & Water Show

Aug 20-21 Chicago Lakefront

August USPS Governing Board Meeting

Aug 24-28 Pittsburg, PA USPS.org

September North Point Sundowner Sept 10 (Saturday)

North Point Marina Dave & Sue Anthony

October

Richardson Farm Oct 8 or 15 Spring Grove Al & Pat Antoni

USPS Governing Board Meeting Details about the hotel, tours, and agenda are now available on the USPS National Meetings site. The conference will be held at the Sheraton at Station Square, adjacent to over 30 shops and restaurants. It is also just a few minute walk from the Station Square Dock of the Gateway Clipper Fleet, if you want to take in a Pirates game.

Available tours include the Flight 93 National Memorial, Frank Lloyd Wright “Fallingwater” house, Sports History Tour of the North Shore and Heinz Field, Official Pittsburgh Film Office Tour. Lastly, the Pittsburg Treasures Tour which explores University of Pittsburg, Heinz Chapel, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens with lunch, and then an afternoon at the Frick Art & Historical Center.


CAPTAIN AHAB’S QUIZ

OUR GREAT LAKES, OUR GREATEST RESOURCE

About Lake Superior…

Lake Superior contains 3 quadrillion gal-

lons of water (3,000,000,000,000,000).

That is half the water of all the Great Lakes

combined, and enough water to submerge

all of North and South America in 1 foot of water. It also

represents 10% of the world’s fresh surface water.

It’s estimated there are about 100 million lake trout in Lake

Superior. That’s nearly one-fifth of the human population

of North America!

Isle Royale is a massive island surrounded by Lake Superi-

or. Within this island there are several smaller lakes.

There are small outlets through which water leaves Lake

Superior, and it takes two centuries for all the water in the

lake to replace itself. Lt Tom Clark, AP, Contributing Editor

Courtesy of Perchant Publishing

(see answer on back page)

When the safety of a vessel or person is in jeopardy, but the danger is not life threatening, the emergency call “___, ___, ___” on VHF channel 16 should be used.

2016 Weather Prediction

According to the National Weather Service, the strong El Nino we have been experi-encing will slowly diminish during the latter part of 2016. This will allow more normal weather patterns to resume in late summer and early fall. What this means (if they are correct), is that our spring and early summer could pro-vide us with some abnormal weather. The El Nino that we are experiencing now pro-vided us with an unusual warm winter and some strange spring weather. While our summer is expected to be close to normal, with such a strong El Nino, we can expect some occasional surprises.

If the Climatologists are correct about Global Warming, we can ex-pect strong El Nino’s in the future. As you are probably all aware, I am not a fan of long range forecasting. I do believe the Earth is getting warmer and we should expect weather events that are not normal for the season they occur.


Weekend in Racine June 3-5 2016

Racine Sundowner Saturday 4 June

Hosted by Lisa & Paul Sparkes

Come by boat or car. Slips are available for this event. Call Reefpoint Marina at (262) 633-7171 to reserve your slip. Mention the Skokie Valley Sundowner event—

depending on boat size and slip availability they will group us all together.

FRIDAY We are scheduled on the same weekend as First Friday in Racine!

This is a lot of family fun and is kid and pet-friendly! For more information about vendors and special offers for First Friday,

visit this link: http://www.firstfridaysracine.com/index.htm

SATURDAY—SUNDOWNER Saturday at 1700 meet at the Boater’s Lounge in the Admin building

on the ground floor. Please bring a dish to share. We will provide the main course of barbeque, buns and potato salad.

Plates, plastic ware, soda pop, and water will also be provided.

Plus a wide variety of free beer for the event! Wine or other spirits are available upstairs at Reefpoint Brewhouse–or bring your own.

SUNDAY If you are interested, there are Church services in the Boater’s Lounge.

Weather permitting, we will be sharing kringles on the dock. Location to be determined.

Reefpoint Marina has a heated pool, two hot tubs, and grills for picnics.

It’s a great place to visit!

Please RSVP to Lisa (224) 345-8392 by Saturday 28 May 2016


Safety and chase boats needed again to help out with the eleventh annual Greater Chicago Junior Rowing Championships in Crystal Lake, IL. Last year Skokie

Valley members Gary Vinzant and Stuart Zwang volunteered for the event, where they escorted timers, referees and signalmen on board their boats.

Race officials were so grateful they have contacted us again for our assistance.

Volunteers are needed for 2 shifts in the morning and afternoon. If you are willing to help with this civic service, please contact Gary Vinzant at 847-827-7179.

Do you have changes for the roster?

We are preparing to print our annual roster for members of Skokie

Valley Sail & Power Squadron. The roster includes information like

your name, email, street address, home/mobile phone numbers,

boat information and harbor.

If any of your personal information has changed in the past year

and you have not informed USPS, please contact Pat Antoni.

[email protected] or 815-675-6449


Kick off the Summer at Milwaukee Summerfest

July 8, 9 & 10 2016

Come by boat or car to Summerfest 2016!

We will have slips at McKinley Marina and take in the sounds of Summerfest on Saturday, July 9.

Summerfest provides the backdrop for the music industry's hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites to create unforgettable live music ex-periences in a world-class festival setting. Entertainers are not the only attraction. Local food and refreshments, shopping booths, 4 market places, and family-fun activities will make for a great day.

11 Days 11 Stages Over 800 Acts Over 1,000 Performances Nearly 900,000 of your closest friends

Time: Noon to midnight Tickets: $20 available online or at box office

Come join in the fun as we kick off the summer Contact Ron Zingler @ 847.946.2516 or [email protected]

Saturday, our day will begin at McKinley

Marina for breakfast on “Gotta Love It”

We will leave for the

fest at noon by cab or Uber


A project to refurbish the light

in 2011 was begun by AHC at

a cost of over $270,000. As you

can see by the photo below it

looks a lot better. But even

more important is that the

lighthouse is now used as a re-

al-time weather station, giving

precipitation, solar radiation,

air temperature, humidity,

wind speed & direction, water

temperature, salinity, water

depth and dissolved oxygen.

Visited by the Doerners in 20ll, it was in need

of repairs that were just starting.

In 1880, a channel was dredged allowing large

vessels to safely reach Mobile, AL. This improve-

ment made it possible to put a lighthouse at the

bend in the dogleg channel. This location was

midway along the route across the bay. The

screw pile lighthouse with a 4th order seven lens

had legs - one in the middle, and a single leg ex-

tending from each corner of the superstructure

that supported the lens. The light was activated

in 1885.

In 1935 the light was automated. The light was

deactivated in 1967 and placed on the National

Registrar of Historic Places. In 1985 the light-

house was repainted for the Centennial Celebra-

tion. It was in pretty good shape till Katrina

came 2005.

Submitted by: Bridget Doerner, N

Photo by: George Doerner, SN


Summer Cruise to Saugatuck, MI

July 15th—July 31st 2016

Come for the fun by boat or car and join us for a good time in the

Art Coast of Michigan…Saugatuck!

Our cruise schedule begins in Kenosha, WI traveling to Saugatuck, South

Haven, St. Joseph, Michigan City, Burnham Harbor Tall Ship Festival and

back home to Kenosha on July 31. We are also planning a Tall Ship event on

July 30 which includes a replica of a Viking ship. More details to follow.

You can join us for all or any part of the cruise by boat or car as we tour the

southern coast of Michigan and Chicago. Our cruise plan is as follows:

Please contact Ron Zingler for additional information and to register

for a good time. 847.634.3806 or at [email protected]

Date Day Leave Arrive Harbor Miles Activities

15-Jul Friday Kenosha Saugatuck Coral Gables & Singapore 85 Shop & Cruise

19-Jul Tuesday Saugatuck South Haven Municipal Marina 20 Shop & Party

22-Jul Friday South Haven St. Joseph Harbor Shores or Pier 33 22

25-Jul Monday St. Joseph Michigan City Municipal Marina 34 Casino

27-Jul Wednesday Michigan City Chicago Burnham Harbor 30 Tall Ship Fest

31-Jul Monday Chicago Kenosha Southport 55 Home

mailto:[email protected]


1/13

13/13

13/13

13/13

1102 N. Main Street Algonquin, IL 60102

Get ready for the 2016 Boating Season

The United States Power Squadrons will present ABC

“America’s Boating Course” from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Saturday June 04 & 11, 2016 at SkipperBud’s Sequoit

Harbor Marina, 1000 W. Route 173, Antioch, Illinois 60002.

ABC is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State

Boating Law Administrators. It is rated as one of the best courses available for

new boaters and a great refresher for experienced boaters. It is taught by certi-

fied instructors from the Skokie Valley Sail & Power Squadron. The course is

designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of safe boating and

qualify for certification in most states that require boating education before op-

erating a watercraft.

The topics covered over 2 sessions include: boating operation, seamanship, navi-

gation aids, government regulations, personal watercraft, trailering and much

more. Attendees will receive a 244 page manual and after passing an exam, a

completion certificate and wallet card. Most insurance companies offer a dis-

count to boaters who earn their completion certificate.

Cost: $50 (checks made payable to SVPS)

Registration by June 1st: Call 847-635-6239


Change of Watch Dinner Lorraine & Gary Vinzant Lisa Sparkes, Ron Zingler, Paul Sparkes & Gail Sidman Clark & Jean Sanford

Susan & Tony Palazzo

Kim & Steve Chmela

Carol & Bob Fey

Cindy & Jim Geske

Mary & Jim Soyka

Joanne Zingler, Pat Antoni, Ron Zingler with Joanne’s sister Paulette and Ron Evans

Bill & Natalie Witty

Judy & Hugh Sommerfeld

Vince Rychlewski, Frank D’Amico, & Joe Paldo


Congratulations on reaching another milestone with the squadron. We appreciate your support!

Cdr Gary Vinzant, JN

May Anniversaries

Sue Anthony 2011 5 yrs Steve Sider 1998 14 yrs Jim & Pam Beck 2000 16 yrs Stu Zwang 2000 16 yrs Gloria Omohundro 1999 17 yrs Rich Davidson 1998 18 yrs Leo Cannon 1993 23 yrs Jim Walkowiak 1994 23 yrs Robert & Charles Schult 1991 26 yrs Bob Fey 1989 28 yrs Frank Zimmerman 1979 38 yrs T. Cepuritis 1967 50 yrs

Change of Watch Dinner

Congratulations to our new Commander

Gary Vinzant!

Jim Soyka is honored with the Nigel White Educational Award for making significant contribu-tion to our educational efforts

Skip Ambrose receives the Joseph Mack Award for improving our

educational methods

Sue Gottschak earns the Eugene Nadeau Award for significant contributions by a relatively new member

Kim Ambrose is awarded the Past Commander’s Award for out-

standing service to Skokie Valley

Thank you to P/C Don Sidman for your leadership and dedication to SVPS!

Stu Zwang receives the coveted “Boner” Award, teaching us what not to do on the water


Editor and Publisher P/D/C Karen D’Amico, AP [email protected]

Contributing Editors Lt Tom Clark, AP Lt Bridget Doerner, N 1st/Lt Mike Hennessy, AP P/C Ron Zingler, AP Lt Joanne Zingler, AP

Photographers

P/C George Doerner, SN P/C Richard Calfa, N Lt/C Ron Zingler, AP

Production Staff P/C Frank D’Amico, AP

FROM: P/D/C Karen D’Amico, AP 318 Somerset Dr Streamwood, IL 60107

Be sure to visit our internet sites:

Skokie Valley: http:// www.skokievalleypowersquadron.org

District 20: www.uspsd20Boating.org USPS: www.usps.org

Safety: www.safeboatingcampaign.com

TO:

FIRST CLASS MAIL

Captain Ahab answer:

Pan, pan, pan

Documents

SKOKIE VALLEY SAIL AND POWERskokievalleypowersquadron.org/images/Running_Lights... · 2016. 8. 9. · Running Lights Page 2 May 2016 A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMANDER Skokie Valley Sail