The

Great South

Spray

A Publication of the

Great South Bay Power Squadron

Come for the Boating Education… Stay for the Friends!℠

October 2014

―DAN’S NAVIGATORS‖

The Great South

Spray A Publication of

Great South Bay Power Squadron, Inc.

A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons

Chartered 16 May 1941

Commander Alicia Pilek, AP 631-289-5193 12 Virginia Dr., Medford NY 11763 Executive Officer Thomas Pilek, AP 631-289-5193 12 Virginia Dr., Medford NY 11763 Educational Officer Richard Fogel, JN 631-224-9025 389 Cedar Ave., Islip NY 11751 Assistant Educational Officer Charles LaCarrubba, JN 631-656-0043 3 Knolltop Dr., Nesconset, NY 11767 Administrative Officer Suzanne Mora, AP 631-312-2889 48 Twin River Dr., Oakdale NY 1769 Secretary Michael Becker, JN 631-472-7232 44 Burleigh Dr., Holbrook, NY 11741 Treasurer David Weisberg, JN 631-758-1885 25 Blueberry Ln., E. Patchogue NY 11772

Spray Staff Karen Becker, P: Editor becker44@optonline.net

Carolyn Postel, Assistant Editor

Gail J. Cino, Patti Morrissey

Articles, opinions and supporters do not necessarily reflect USPS policy or endorsement unless so designated.

October 2014

Great South Bay Power Squadron

A Message from Commander Alicia Pilek, AP

The Governing Board Meeting was held this past week in Arlington, Va. District 3 was very well represented. Approximately 10% of all the members that attended were from District 3. Great job! Since we just got back last night and our article was due today, I was unable to compile all of the information from the meeting. I will discuss at our next general meeting and next article. There were many interesting seminars offered throughout the week. Also, there was major emphasis placed on the marketing and branding efforts of the United States Power Squadrons, with many changes in the works for the coming year. Please check our website and emails for flyers and information on the following upcoming events: 26-27 September- Fall Picnic, Atlantique Marina. 1 October- Executive Committee Meeting, East Islip Library 1930 (7:30 pm) 4 October- East Islip Marina Clean-Up 17 October- D-3 Council Meeting, Melville Marriott 2000 (8:00 pm) 24 October- General Meeting, Rusy-Bohm 2000 (8:00 pm) 1 November- Fall Social Activity/”Speakeasy” (Location-Rusy-Bohm) 22 November- Fall Conference, Melville Marriott 20 December- General Meeting and Holiday Party, Land’s End, Sayville 31 December- New Year’s Eve Party, Rusy-Bohm 20-24 January- Annual Meeting, Jacksonville, Fl Also, our Administrative Officer will be sending out information on our food drive, where we will be collecting canned foods at our meetings, as well as our traditional collection of toys and books at our holiday party. Thanks again for your support!

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A Message from the Executive Officer

P/C Thomas Pilek, AP

Fall has finally arrived. The days are getting shorter and the nights have become somewhat chilly. To celebrate the arrival of Fall and to give back to the community, Great South Bay will be conducting a Fall Clean-Up on Saturday, 4 October 2014 (rain date Sunday, 5 October) at the East Islip Marina, Bayview Ave, East Islip. We have been given approval by the Town of Islip Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to conduct this clean-up from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All who are participating in this clean-up are required (by the Town) to wear some sort of Squadron identifying apparel- be it a shirt, hat, jacket, etc., depending on the weather/temperature. Additionally, appropriate footwear must be considered. We will supply trash bags, rubber gloves, “pickers”, etc. We will also supply refreshments once the clean-up has ended. Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. Upcoming Important Dates: 17 October- D3 Council Meeting 22 November- Fall Conference, Melville Marriott We look forward to seeing you at the Marina Clean-Up on 4 October. And remember to be GRATEFUL

A Message from the Educational Officer

Lt/C Richard Fogel, JN

An elective course, Sail, commenced on Thursday, 18 September 2014 at 7:30 in East Islip, taught by Lt. Lou DiGioia, SN. Twelve students were pre- registered. Cruise Planning is offered commencing on Thursday, 13 November 2014 taught by P/D/C Lawrence Postel, SN. This course was completely revised in 2013. It is intended to educate the student on the requirements of planning for either a short one or two day cruise or an extended yearlong cruise. The instructor anticipates that the class will not meet every week as much of the work is completed by the student working on his/her own time and then reviewed and critiqued in class. The cost for material is $70. We have not scheduled any Squadron classes for the Spring for two reasons: First, we are unsure where the classes will be held. The Town advised us last year that it now charges $5/hr. in advance for the use of the Fitzgerald Senior Center at 50 Irish Lane in East Islip. Obviously, it is not an unreasonable request from the town considering that taxpayer’s pay for the building, cleaning, lighting, heating and cooling. The Squadron had not paid any fee for use of any teaching facilities in the past and the projected $600 cost is not in the education budget. West Marine offered the use of its West Islip store but there isn’t any separate room so the classes would be on the sales floor. The Squadron intends to try a public boating class there but it probably isn’t a suitable location for a 3 month course on Piloting, etc. The Executive Committee and Budget Committee are addressing the issue and most likely the Squadron will have to pay this new expense.

I request that members advise me of any courses they would like me to schedule for the Spring. As always, we don’t want to run a class for three or four people so please ask your friends and acquaintances to join you in any proposed classes. You do not have to be a member of the Power Squadron to take a class.

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A Message from the Administrative Officer Lt/C Suzanne Mora, AP

Another I don’t know about everyone else, but I had so much fun at the Fall Picnic!! Hope everyone else did too. Fall is now in full swing with Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner. We are planning for more fun events to keep the momentum going. We had a great turn-out for the Fall Picnic at Atlantique. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped to make it the success it was. Without the support of everyone, these events would not be possible. Vivian’s Chili was once again gobbled up and the Clams shucked by our Squadron Pirates were sucked down in record time. The movies for the kids went over well too. I also want to give special thanks to those who contributed to the Raffle Baskets. At the General Meeting on 24 October, we will be collecting canned food items that we will be donating to Island Harvest Operation: HOPE – a program specifically designed to assist veterans and the families of active duty personnel deployed overseas. Please bring an item and/or /items and leave them at the table in the front of the room. Some ideas for donations are: Gift cards to local markets, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, ramen noodles, baby food, canned soups, Spaghettios, tuna fish, canned chicken…how about fixings’ for a Thanksgiving Dinner – FROZEN turkey, stuffing, canned onions, green beans, Durkee onions, mushroom soup, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn muffin mix, cake mix with frosting, pie crust mix…the list goes on. Help us help others. Here are the upcoming events.

Fall Social – Speakeasy —1 November – Rusy-Bohm. We will be transforming the Rusy-Bohm into a Speakeasy complete with flappers, music and food from the Roaring 20’s. Come dressed in your 20’s attire and enjoy an evening with your Squadron friends. Admission is $39 for members. The flyer can be found on page 8.

Continued on page 4

All About Boating Safety

P/C Joseph Barrato, AP

Except for the die hards, most of us are probably getting our boats ready for the off-season. We can reflect on this past season now, and I wish I could say it was a good one. There were far too many accidents, drownings and other incidents that are disturbing. For years we have stressed the need for wearing life jackets, but I feel we have not focused enough on wearing them properly. An incident on Lake Ronkonkoma proved this when an individual fell out of a kayak, slipped out of his vest and drowned. We will never know what happened, but something went terribly wrong. It took almost a week to recover his body, 65 feet below the surface. Wear your jackets properly, making sure all fasteners are secure and double-check the young ones who need assistance. When I was growing up, I used to hitch-hike (remember when it was safe)? to Lake Ronkonkoma every day in the summer. Islip beach was the favorite gathering place of my classmates and we spent many days there. The favorite story we always told was about the Native American Princess who vowed to take 1 body a year in the lake, never to be found again. The rumor was that there was a secret underwater passage to some unknown waterway, and no one knew where it was. During my summers there, we had many close calls (I was 1 of them) and drownings. We believed the stories and they came to light when they could not find the body of this drowning victim for 1 week, even with today’s modern technology. Lake Ronkonkoma has always been a mystery and will always be one. Now, back to our boats. As our boats age, we must give them more TLC every year. I have a laundry list of minor things that must be tended to on my boat. Fire extinguishers, flares, clamps, bilge blowers, etc. Boats live in a harsh environment and need a lot of care to stay operational and safe. Check everything and make a list of things to do in the off season. It will make the launch in the Spring easier. A prominent citizen of Port Washington was the victim of a fatal explosion at the fuel dock this summer. Somehow, his bilges filled with fumes as he was fueling and when he started the engine, boom!!, there was the explosion, burning the boat to the water line. Remember, gas fumes desensitize the nose. After a while, you cannot distinguish the fumes. You must get fresh air after fueling and then stick your head in the bilges. Don’t rely just on a fume detector and/or your bilge blower. Lift that hatch. The boat and life you save will be your own and those around you. Boating Safety is Skill, Knowledge and Common Sense

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Robert Corrado, Frank DeMayo,

Myra Feldman, Kathleen Fontaine,

Gino Giorgini,

Joanne Giovanniello,

Rodger Hess, Elanna Hogan,

Susan Irwin, Cawsie Jijina,

Kathy Matheson, Barbara Merz,

Jimmy Milton, Ronald Murphy,

Steve Potestio, Gail Schwartz,

Deborah Taylor, William Wedin,

Neil Weingarten

To All Our

October Birthdays!

Continued from Administrative Officer page 3

Holiday Party/General Meeting—20 December at Land’s End in Sayville. We will be holding our December General Meeting at the Holiday Party taking place at Land’s End in Sayville from 1900 - midnight. The cost is $75 for members and $80 for non-members. It will be an evening of Dinner, Dancing and Celebrating the joys of the Holiday Season. We will also be hosting a Toy Drive at the Party with all toys being donated to Toys for Tots. If you wish to participate, please bring a new unwrapped toy or game. The flyer can be found on page 9. New Year’s Eve Party—31 December at Rusy-Bohm. Look for more information in the November issue of The Spray.

Keep in mind that all flyers may also be found on our website www.GSBPS.org ...I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, 10th October 1842

Welcome Aboard

Ronald R. Wynne Fay Wynne

102 Adams Way Sayville, NY 11782 Tel # 631-567-1793

Boat Name: My Three Sons Boat LOA 34

E-mail: boatman64@aol.com

It's All In A Name

“Never Say Never”

George and Kathy Fontaine enjoyed their recreational life as campers. They would load up the Volkswagen van with the tent and kids and hit the road. The production would get bigger and bigger and when they returned home after one trip Kathy said, “That’s it.” So they bought a boat. I thought this was funny as it is usually the other way around, first the boat and then the camper. They bought a 21’ Renken bow rider. They named her Chrissica after their children, Chris and Jessica. They enjoyed the new boating life and in true “Fontaine Style” Kathy said the engine blew up. They caught the water bug so badly, out they went to look for a new vessel and found a 26’ 1978 Searay Sundancer. She was named Kathy Ann. I asked Kathy who named the boat and she exclaimed, “Are you married to a MAN?” No further clarification needed, George did. They owned this boat until 1990. It got to a point between, the two of them, the kids, and all the stuff, surfboards, hang boards, snorkels, flippers etc, that they decided they needed more space. They stumbled upon a 1983 Silverton Convertible their friend’s uncle had to sell. It was very pristine. The advertisement in the paper just said “Never Say Never” for sale. Pretty much nothing else was advertised. After seeing the ad, they jumped on the opportunity and made an offer. As was popular at the time, the boat interior was mauve, an easy fix, but everything else was great. When they picked up the boat they were gifted a Precious Moments Sailor doll with the key. The sellers were so saddened to sell the boat they then termed it as just borrowing her, and they were welcome any time. They have remained friends with the family since. How did they stay with the name? They always said that they would never be able to have a beautiful boat like this and now they did, so, you should, “Never Say Never.” Through the years, there has been talk about selling her to get something newer or bigger, but the same argument arises. George loves the fly bridge. It is where he always wants to be. In addition to that everything has been replaced, the mauve interior, the engines, the gas tanks, etc. He knows every millimeter of the boat and all its nuances. It is home. And if you walk on board you can sense it. In 2003 they joined the GSBPS with Joe Barrato as their mentor. They both agreed that it was one of the best moves they made in their boating career. So many new friends, and so many good times.

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Each came up with a different favorite trip, George enjoyed the trip up the Hudson to Albany with the calm waters and beautiful scenery, and Kathy loved Shelter Island where they stayed at Cockles Marina and it was just gorgeous. They both agreed on the worst trip. It was going across the LI Sound where they had water gushing into the bilge due to a bad riser. They had to run the boat with the bilge pumps going wild. One of the most embarrassing trips was George’s. He was home recuperating being “babysitted” by Billy Ford. He was bored. When the doctor told him to stay at home and rest of course that means the opposite. He decided to take the boat out for a spin. They were by the Waste Management complex in Babylon when he saw a red Buoy, or so he thought, it was actually a clammer. Cruising around 15 knots to a dead stop is not good for a prop. It was lost. The tow took approximately 3-4 hours to arrive. He was not supposed to be out at all, so to soften the story, he said they were on a short jaunt to have service done in Sayville. Kathy was not thrilled but it was not as bad as where they actually were. But unfortunately others heard the real story and that year he won the Bent Prop Award. So now there was a lot of explaining to do at home. Snagged!!!! They recently took one of their dream trips. A boating charter to the BVI with friends on a 47’ Power Cat. It was simply “The Best”. For the future they would like to do it again with their extended family and show them “The Best.” We hope your dreams come true. On a separate note, congratulations to the proud Aunt Kathy and Uncle George for their nephew, Nick Tropeano’s, call up to the Houston Astros where he pitched his first professional Big League Game as an Astro and won. Guys, “he’s going to the show!”

Gail J. Cino 631-581-5368

gjcino@hotmail.com

The Ship's Store will be at the next

The next Ship's Store will be at the General Meeting at Rusy-Bohm on October 24th.

I will be there at 7:30 for your shopping convenience.

Please stop by and support the Ship's Store. Many items are on sale.

The USPS 100th Anniversary decals are only $1.00 each!!!

If you don't see what you want, ask, and hopefully it can be ordered for you.

Also, please let me know if you have any new merchandise suggestions.

Thanks for supporting the Ship's Store.

Joni

2013

Award-Winning

Newsletter for 38 Years.

2014 VSC Examiners

Supply Officer Lt/C Joan Milano, S

72winner@optonline.net 631.587.7421

Carolynn Cairo Frank DeMayo Mike Dowgiallo Joe Gagliano Angelo Giovaniello Luann Kazanecki Larry Postel Irv Smyle Rich Torre Scott Krawchuk

631-581-4066 516-993-5228 631-921-5270 631-232-9378 631-661-5318 631-581-2290 631-981-0273 631-587-5965 516-731-6124

631-697-4277

happytrails@verizon.net fdemayo1@aol.com singulpa@aol.com zeppo53@optonline.net descon@att.com lukaz@aol.com lawpos@optonline.net seanote99@aol.com sawhorse66@verizon.net scottkraw1@verizon.net

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SPRAY articles are due by the 15th of every month.

January/February articles are due December 15th

March articles are due February 15th

April articles are due March 15th

May articles are due April 15th

June articles are due May 15th

July/August articles are due June 15th

September articles are due August 15th

October articles are due September 15th

November articles are due October 15th

December articles are due November 15th

Great South Bay

Power Squadron

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All too often life throws us a curve and

I never expected to need not one but two

total knee replacements. So this summer I

bit the bullet and had the first performed

in July.

I have been so overwhelmed with the

cards and well wishes I've received from

Alicia and all my friends and

acquaintances in the GREAT SOUTH BAY

POWER SQUADRON. I'm working hard on

recovering from this and thank you

sincerely for your fond thoughts and

prayers to help me along the way. I so

appreciate your thoughts and cherish the

memories from many long years as

Squadronites.

~Ronnie Alber

FOR SALE

1985 40 ft. Mainship Aft Cabin Motor Yacht

Twin Crusader Engines, many extras,

suitable for family

or live aboard.

$32,500 Firm As Is

Call Ray, 631-433-7269

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OCTOBER 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 EXECUTIVE MEETING

1930 EAST ISLIP LIBRARY

First Quarter Moon

2

Elective Course: Sail

3

4

Fall Clean-Up East Islip Marina

5

6

7

8

Full Moon

9

Elective Course: Sail

10

11

12

13

Observed

14

15

Spray Articles Due

Last Quarter Moon

16

Elective Course: Sail

17

DISTRICT 3

COUNCIL MEETING

2000

MELVILLE, MARRIOTT

18

19

20 21

22

23

Elective Course: Sail

New Moon

24

GENERAL MEETING

2000 RUSY BOHM

25

26

27

28

29 30

Elective Course: Sail

31

Upcoming Events:

DAY DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION

SAT. 1-Nov FALL SOCIAL ACTIVITY 1900 RUSY BOHM WED. 5-Nov EXECUTIVE MEETING 1930 EAST ISLIP LIBRARY FRI. 21-Nov GENERAL MEETING 2000 RUSY BOHM SAT. 22-Nov FALL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE MELVILLE MARRIOTT WED. 3-Dec EXECUTIVE MEETING 1930 EAST ISLIP LIBRARY SAT. 20-Dec HOLIDAY PARTY/GENERAL MTG 1900 LAND’S END SAYVILLE WED. 31-Dec NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY RUSY BOHM TUES.-SAT. 20-24 Jan ANNUAL MEETING JACKSONVILLE, FL

20-24 January- Annual Meeting, Jacksonville, Fl

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The Rhumbline

“Never Say Never”

As we say goodbye to the summer, let’s remember there’s a lot more nice boating days left for this season! This summer has been a busy one, both on the water and off. Larry and Vivian had a wonderful time in France, and then went to Disney with their kids and grandkids. Everyone had a wonderful time, but Disney in the summer is REALLY HOT! Kevin and Denise Miller are also in Florida and found a nice rental property for them on the West Coast of Florida– a townhouse with a private pool! Nicole Kazanecki is very happy to have found a job in NY after finishing her graduate degree at Florida State University and her sister Samantha and fiancé’, Andrew, are busy planning a wedding for 2015. Also in Florida recently, were Maureen and Rich Fogel, dropping off their son, David, at Flagler College in St. Augustine, taking in the historic sites of the oldest city in the US before heading to Disney for a little fun. With Scott now in grad school and David in college, the Fogels have a quiet house – (how quickly we get used to that)! Joni and Joe Milano were just in North Carolina visiting their son and grandkids, having a great time. Speaking of grandkids, our daughter Taryn and husband Kevin had a baby boy on June 22, 7 lbs 5 oz – Alexander Robert Morrissey Rennert. He’s growing quickly-soon passing by his cousin Whitney who was a year old Sept. 6

th. Adria and

Michael Kaplans children are both now in St. Anthony’s high school. Jake who has been studying there is now joined by his sister Haley-now in 9

th grade. How quickly time flies!!!

It’s great to see the new boats on the water. Geri and Joe Russo were enjoying their new boat at Timberpoint recently. Rich and Lynne Torre have been out with their new boat, partying on “Cheers II.” Frank DeMayo and Joanne have been busy rebuilding his Oakdale home after Sandy-raising it up with a whole new re-build. Kevin and Kathy Matheson have moved from their West Islip home into a brand new condo. Good for them, no more lawn to mow or trees to trim. More boat time is a good thing. Ryan Leone, Grandson of Carolyn and Larry Postel participated in “Boys’ State” a program run by the American Legion. This program is aimed at Government, Leadership, Citizenship, and Athletics including discipline executed by the United States Marine Corp.

In attendance were 1000 boys selected by American Legion Posts across New York State. After being elected Governor of New York, by his peers, Ryan was interviewed by Boys’ State Officials and chosen 1 of 2 from New York to accompany 96 other boys from 48 other states to attend “Boys’ Nation” in Washington D.C. While in Washington, the 98 candidates developed legislation to be debated, met Senators, Congressmen and culminated in a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama. If anyone is interested in learning more about “Boys’ State” or Ryan’s personal view visit www.gsbps.org and under Quick Links! select What is Boys State or My Week at Boys State. There is also a similar program “Girls’ State” for our young women. As a point of information, all related expenses for Ryan were paid by the American Legion in support of today’s youth. As I write this article, George and I are planning a trip to Ft. Lauderdale to bring back a boat we recently purchased - a 2 week + trip to NY. It’s a “fast” trawler, (although anyone who knows George knows he will NOT go fast) - to him it’s about “enjoying the ride.” (To think when we met in college, he had the fastest boat on the bay. Wow, do things change!) We are looking forward to the trip, but are sorry we will miss the Fall Picnic, which is coming up and is sure to be fun. Cdr Alicia and A/O Suzanne Mora have great plans and George and I will be sorry to miss it, but taking a boat up the East Coast sounds great! The picnics are always such fun and a great time to catch up with friends. This has been a busy summer, with lots of great weather. Not hot (I don’t think we hit 90 degrees in Islip this summer) but the boating was great. I hope everyone enjoyed this season as much as I did and look forward to a Fall with great friends, a couple of great get-togethers with lots of fun and a Fall with some great boating days in there! See you out there! It’s not over yet!!!

Patti Morrissey

AppraisinPat@optonline.net