PEACE RIVER PILOT Peace River Sail & Power Squadron - a Unit of the United States Power Squadrons® - District 22

Monthly Newsletter • May 2021 • Volume 48 Issue 3 Peace River PEACE RIVER PILOT Peace River Sail & Power Squadron - A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons® - District 22

This 2013 Southwind 21’ sport deck boat with a 200 horse power outboard is owned by members Mike and Vickie Smitha. Photo taken at their lift in NW Port Charlotte on the Jupiter Waterway.

Visit Us On-Line : www.puntagorda-boating.org Or on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ PeaceRiverSailAndPowerSquadron

Commander 2021-2022 BRIDGE

Cdr. Harold W. Anderson, AP Harold W. Anderson, AP Commander 3191 Matecumbe Key Rd. Unit 407 Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Commander@ americasboatingclub The United States Coast Guard has mandated that all peaceriver.org

boats under 26 ft. must be made with a system called ECOS, Lt/C Ronald C. Jones, AP Executive Officer engine cut-off switch, that is designed to shut off the engine if 24025 Redfish Cove Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33955 for some reason the operator is accidently removed from the xo@ americasboatingclub cockpit or engine area. Many people have been thrown over- peaceriver.org

board from a grounding, another boat’s wake, or other reason Lt/C Gregory R. Wise, SN Educational Officer that allows the boat to continue running thus endangering the 3321 Sunset Key Cr. #402 Punta Gorda, FL 339555 person in the water, other boats or nearby property. Boats made before 2020 are education@ americasboatingclub grandfathered in and are exempt from this regulation. However, they can be peaceriver.org outfitted with an accessary to update their usage of the safety devise. (See Coast Lt/C Sandra M. Darna, N Administrative Officer Guard article on page 18) 25149 Bolivar Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33983 Finally, there is someone with common sense in the Florida Legislature ao@ americasboatingclub that understands boating safety. There is a pending Senate Bill 1658: Citing this peaceriver.org act as the “Limb Preservation Act”; prohibiting sitting in a specified manner up- Lt/C Marcia J. Ling, AP Treasurer on the bow, transom, or gunwale of a power driven vessel while the vessel is 1890 Deborah Dr. #8 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 underway. This would supersede the previous bill that allowed “bow riding”. treasurer@ americasboatingclub Pending House Bill 271, among other items, requires that an FWC ap- peaceriver.org proved boating safety course or temporary certificate developed by the commis- Lt/C Carolyn J. Perkins, S Secretary sion must include a component regarding the risks associated with a passenger 18857 McGrath Cir. Port Charlotte, FL 33948 placing any portion of an appendage over the outside edge of the vessel while secretary@ americasboatingclub the vessel is underway, and the proper use of an engine cut-off switch as appro- peaceriver.org priate for certain vessels. At the recent District 22 Spring Conference, the squadron received sever- al rewards and acknowledgements. One was a Certificate of Merit from the USPS Education fund for the 2020 Honor Roll and 38 years’ participation for Published Monthly submitting $1 to the fund for each active member. Another award was for third (except July and August) by place in the District 22 Fort Myers and Peace River Publications and Graphics Peace River Sail and Power Squadron Award. It was presented to the squadron having the best publication and P/D/C George J. Musco, AP graphics as judged by the Publications Judging Committee. We thank P/D/C Editor 114 Big Pine Lane George Musco AP and P/D/Lt/C Carol Musco AP for their work on our Pilot Punta Gorda, FL 33955 publication. We also received an honor to the Staff of Peace River Sail & Power pilot@ americasboatingclub Squadron in recognition of distinctive performance for Websites in 2020. We peaceriver.org recognize P/D/Lt/C Harold Howard SN for this honor. P/D/Lt/C Carol L. Musco, AP Thanks to the Education Department for continuing to plan and execute Assistant Editor our ABC classes and other courses. It is through the ABC class graduates that P/Lt/C Barbara K. Cartwright, AP we get the most new members. We also continue to get new members through Circulation transfers from other squadrons or reinstatements from past members who re- Cdr. Harold Anderson, AP cently have moved to our area. Lt/C Ron Jones, AP Pragati Patrick, AP I hope that all of our members, their families and friends will continue to Kristina Nordan Joe Horres get their Covid-19 vaccinations and therefore feel safer in getting back into their Photographers normal activities. See you all soon at future squadron activities. Watch for the 1/Lt Cynthia E. Sanders, S Pilot and it’s notices and special flyers sent out [email protected]. P/Stf/C Robert Stein, AP Lt/C Carolyn J. Perkins, S Proofreaders

-22- Editor’s Comments Support Our Advertisers tell them you saw their ad in the Pilot Cover Boat Photos Peace River Pilot. We are in need of high quality color photos of our members’ boats for the Pilot Sponsors __ Page Newsletter. If you are a member whose boat has not appeared in the Pilot, please send us Anchored Stitches Embroidery………...20 a photo of your pride and joy. We would Safe Cove………………………...... 20 love to publish your boat on the front cover. Crystal Cay Marine………………………20 Sea Tow……………………………………20 Your Editing Team: Ingman Marine…………………………...21 P/D/C George Musco, AP P/D/Lt/C Carol Musco, AP

The deadline for June Pilot “Bill Bayer Memorial articles is Saturday, Education Fund” 15 May. Donations in Bill’s name will benefit the Squadron’s Education Program. Ships Store Items for Sale Donations will be used for classroom equipment and supplies, Outreach Programs to the community,

and other education oriented projects or needs. Our Burgee $23.00 Donations may be sent to Treasurer Lt/C Marcia J. Ling, AP, made out to PRSPS, with a Front License Plate $3.00 memo reading “Bill Bayer Memorial Education Fund”. Your donation is tax deductible. New “America’s Boating The Pilot’s Deadline: Club” white Name Tags are now available with magnet Members and Bridge are encouraged to sub- backing - $11.00. mit material and photos, with captions, of squadron events, to the Editors by the 15th of the month Face Masks with America’s or as requested, by the Editors. All Articles should Boating Club Logo. be written in Word, and sent as an attachment, not $6.00 in the body of an Email.

Official Squadron Polo Shirts are available with The PEACE RIVER PILOT publishes issues month- the new “America’s Boating Club” logo -$29.00. ly except for July and August, by the Peace River Sail & Your name on the front would be extra. Power Squadron, Inc. PRSPS is a unit of District 22 of the United States Power Squadrons, Inc. Opinions expressed by individual authors do not necessarily reflect USPS or If you would like to purchase a squadron item Peace River Sail & Power Squadron policy or endorse- Contact Squadron Ships Store Officer ment. The Editors reserve the right to modify materials submitted for publication. We appreciate your articles Lt Larry Mack SN, at ships_store@ and input. Please make sure the information submitted to americasboatingclubpeaceriver.org the PILOT is correct. All articles will be edited to assure conformity with USPS* regulations and guidelines.

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Executive Officer

2021 Lt/C Ronald C. Jones, AP

Calendar of Events The Executive Department has been busy planning civic activities for the late spring ranging May from coastal clean-up, to boating

safety, to Cooperative Charting. 1 Derby Day Party - Finnegans, P.C 1630 Save the Date - Contact Cindi Sanders - 765 Each activity helps our communi- -721-1818 or [email protected] ty as well as gains visibility for America’s Boating 11 Lunch Cruise Lighthouse Grill 1130 Club Peace River. Contact Cindi Sanders - 765-721-1818 or [email protected] The Great American Clean Up took place on 13 Excom Meeting Kings Gate 1000 27 March with 15 squadron members contributing 19 Ed Dept. Meeting Bayfront 1200 over 40 manhours picking up trash along Bayshore 19 Silver Tridents Luncheon Riviera Live Oak Park in Port Charlotte. Many thanks to Bar & Grill Deltona Dr. Punta Gorda 1130 22 Sunset Social BYOB PGBC 1700 Jim Ayres for coordinating the event and to the vol- 22 Demo Day PGBC 1100 unteers who helped out. If you missed out on the 25 Lunch/Bus. Meeting Kings Gate 1130 March cleanup, Jim tells me another is planned for June. For more information, or to volunteer, contact June Jim Ayres at [email protected] 2 Lunch Cruise Peace River Seafood 1130 The Boating Safety Committee is gearing up Contact Sandy Darna - 860-834-9300 or for National Safe Boating Week May 22-28. In addi- [email protected] tion to an America’s Boating Course, Partner In 10 Broadway Palm Dinner Theater 1115 To see “Beehive - the Girl Groups” Command seminar, and Hurricanes and Boats sem- Contact Jeane Anderson - 941-575-9776 or inar, the squadron will be conducting a Boating 941-661-1831 or email Safety Equipment demonstration at the Punta Gor- [email protected] da Boat Club. Volunteers to assist are needed. The 16 Ed Dept. Meeting Bayfront 1200 17 Excom Meeting Kings Gate 1000 Safety Equipment demonstration is not only a way 22 Lunch/Bus. Meeting Kings Gate 1130 to reinforce lesson taught in USPS classes and semi- Coastal Clean-up Bayshore park 0800 nars, it is a great way to educate the public on boating safety and boating classes. For more infor- July mation, or to volunteer, contact Bob Rice at re- 8 Excom Meeting Kings Gate 1000 [email protected] 17 Sunset Social or Pot Luck & Games TBA The Cooperative Charting team has been 22 Ice House Dinner & Darts TBA working with the City of Punta Gorda to conduct a Contact Ron & Marie Ludvig - 941-637-5904 or [email protected] Cooperative Charting trip to verify all city owned day markers. Not only does this improve the accu- August racy of the information on each day marker, squadron members benefit by qualifying for the Coopera- 4 Lunch Cruise Riviera Bar & Grill TBA 12 Excom Meeting Kings Gate 1000 tive Program’s national honor roll. The collabora- 18 Ed Dept. Meeting Bayfront 1000 tion with the City of Punta Gorda is an exciting opportunity and opens the door for similar collabora- tion with Charlotte County and their many day For more information see the Monthly Calendar on page 22. markers. The Cooperative Charting Team wel- comes new members to the team. For information, or to volunteer, contact Charlie Wolley at cwol-

TBA : “TO BE ANNOUNCED” [email protected] (XO cont to page 7)

Educational Officer America’s Boating Club Lt/C Gregory R. Wise, SN Peace River

I VACCINE 2021 Education Course Schedule On 1 April 2021 the Food and Drug Agency approved the new I- The following courses and seminars are Vaccine which was shown to be offered in May, June, July & Aug. 2021 highly effective in combating two of mankind’s major scourges: Igno- May rance and Irresponsibility. As ex- pected, the vaccine was accompanied by a dramatic 15 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC reduction in boating accidents and deaths. The an- 22 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC nouncement came however with vociferous objec- 22 Sat. 0830 Partner in Command Bayfront tions from the anti-vaccine community, who saw it 02 Sat. 1400 Hurricanes & Boat Seminar PGBC as an infringement on their constitutional rights to 29 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC do whatever they wanted and were alarmed by its intolerable side-effects. Vaccinated boaters, now June unable to consume alcohol while boating, developed acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Power 05 Sat. 0830 Using GPS Bayfront boaters felt unduly restricted by no longer being 06 Sun. 1300 ABC Bayfront able to cut off and swamp sailboats and kayakers in 07 Mon. 0930 Piloting Bayfront narrow channels. Boaters, now cured of ignorance, 07 Mon. 1300 Weather Bayfront could not avoid basic courtesy and consideration for 13 Sun. 1300 ABC Bayfront others and needed to follow the Rules of the Road. 20 Sun. 1300 ABC Bayfront Other consequences: included the Coast Guard hav- 27 Sun. 1300 Using GPS Bayfront ing to furlough most of its staff and America’s Boat- ing Club members no longer being able to earn Mer- July it Marks by doing vessel safety checks as everyone became uniformly compliant. Due to the over- 10 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC whelming uproar from the anti-vaxers, it appears 11 Sun. 1400 Boat Handling Bayfront that the Emergency Use Authorization will be re- 17 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC versed. We will then be left with just the basics 24 Sat. 0830 ABC PGBC we’ve always had--education and training. To that end, during Boat Safety Week this August year, the squadron will be conducting three separate 07 Sat. 0830 Basic Weather Bayfront educational offerings. ABC classes, Partner in Com- 07 Sat. 1330 Using GPS Bayfront mand and our Hurricane Seminar will be done on Saturday 22 May 2021 along with Safety Demo Day Unless noted all dates above are class start dates. at Bayfront and the Punta Gorda Boat Club. Please If you are interested in any of the above invite your friends to take advantage of this special courses : Contact opportunity. Education and training may not be as full proof as a vaccine, but it’s all we have for now. SEO Lt/C Gregory R. Wise, SN at education @peaceriversailandpowersquadron.org

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Administrative Officer Secretary’s Report Lt/C Sandra M. Darna, N Lt/C Carolyn J. Perkins, S

Spring is in full swing and Minutes of the 25 April 2021 May has a couple of special Picnic/Business Meeting will be days. May Day and Mother’s posted on our website and will be Day. Our full moon is 26 May and called the “Full Flower sent out prior to the May meeting Moon”. It is also Safe Boating where they will be offered for ap- month. Many of our members proval. are making the transition back north so enjoy your summer months and stay safe. For our members who stay in town during the summer the squadron continues with a full calendar in the Administrative REMINDER FOR OUR PRSPS Department. “SEASONAL MEMBERS” 22 May there will be a sunset social at the

Punta Gorda Boat Club. This is a great way to meet For our PRPSP “Seasonal Members” that will new people and enjoy the harbor. Bring your favor- be heading up north for the Summer/Fall ite appetizer to share and your beverage. timeframe, please email P/C Robert Maxson Jr., SN 2 June there is a luncheon scheduled for at: [email protected] and provide him with Peace River Seafood, 5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gor- your mailing address up north. da, FL. Contact is P/C Sandy Darna, N, 860-834-9300 This will help prevent any U.S. Postal Service or email at [email protected]. A separate flyer mailings from National Headquarters from being is in this issue. returned and your Florida address purged from 10 June Broadway Palm, Beehive -The Girls their database. Group, P/C Jeane Anderson, AP, 941-575-9776 or [email protected] Thank you, P/C Betty Campanella, SN, for hosting the luncheon at Laishely Crab House. Attendance was great at 24. Website News The Spring Picnic Business meeting was held The front page of the PRSPS Website has at the end of April and was well attended. Catering been revised to add a new link to the left side menu was provided by Sonny’s BBQ. The Kentucky Derby "PRSPS Documents and Forms". Party information was in last month’s Pilot, and re- This link goes to a new page that has links to peated in this months, and should be a great time. all PRSPS documents including Bylaws, Standing Thanks to 1/Lt Cindi Sanders, S and Joyce Rules, Strategic Plan, Job Descriptions, and guide- Sluzewski, P. lines for Pilot articles and writing contests. The I want to thank our Squadron’s Operation new Income and Expense form has also been added Training and Leadership Development Committee, to this list. P/D/Lt/C Nick Howard, SN, P/D/C Lyle Rea, SN Previously used links to these documents and P/R/C Chuck Troike, SN for a job well done at have been deleted from the menu. their training. Between the 3 of them there is a com- bined total of 145 years in the Power Squadron. Their knowledge and willingness to serve our squadron is so valuable. If you need any information about the procedures or general information, they are the go to, so thank you.(AO cont. to Page 7)

6 -6- (XO cont from page 4)

Related to the Cooperative Charting Teams on Hurry, Hurry, Don’t Wait! -the-water documentation of aids to navigation, the USPS also offers a land-based Geodetic Marker Re- covery program. The geodetic markers are highly accurate location reference points. Unfortunately, many are destroyed by construction, new roads, ero- sion, or other causes. For more information about this program visit https://www.usps.org/national/ coch/CoChPage45.htm#planning . If you are interested in conducting Geodetic Mark recovery events in Charlotte County please contact Lt/C Ron Jones at [email protected] These civic activities are a great way to get out and help the community. Equally important is letting the community know what the squadron KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY does. The Public Affairs Committee will be working to spread the word about the many contributions SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 members make to their community through news releases, interviews, and publicizing within USPS FINNEGANS (USED TO BE BEEF publications such as The Ensign. You can help the O’BRADY) Public Relations Team by taking photos, either with your phone or a camera, and forwarding to pho- 1825 Tamiami Tr. Port Charlotte [email protected]. If you (Big Lots plaza) have a background in advertising, writing, graphics design, or working with the media, the Public Rela- We have a private room. tions Team would welcome your skills. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Lt/C Sandy Doors open at 1630 for drinks and meals (order off menu) and socializing Darna at [email protected] Race is at 1850

(AO cont. from page 6) There will be a Hat Contest for men and women with prizes (bring your Membership is continuously working on best Kentucky Derby hat) new members. If you are a new member, we wel- There will be betting on the horses (!) come you to the squadron. Let us know if you there so bring is anything we can do to make your experience $5 cash per person if you wish to better. We are always open to new ideas so please participate feel free to contact me personally. My contact information is: [email protected], To sign up, contact Cindi [email protected] or 860-834- [email protected] or 765-721-1818 9300. Stay safe and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Hosts: Cindi Sanders and Joyce Sluzewski mothers in the squadron and most of all SAFE BOATING.

Your Photos Are Wanted! Member Benefits P/Lt/C Henry Wagley, JN Share your photos of boating and beach ad- ventures with others in the squadron by sending LONG TERM them to : [email protected] CARE INSURANCE directly from your phone or by emailing images from your digital camera. The need for long term care insurance nor- Your photos will be used by the squadron’s mally does not seem important when we are young- newsletter, web site, social media, and Public Rela- er. It suddenly became shocking to me when par- tions Team to highlight squadron activities and ticipating in an Antique Automobile Show at the boating in the Charlotte Harbor area. local veterans nursing home. I was older than most Please include names of all people in the pho- of the patients. My wife’s sister has sold her Florida to (a photo release will be required to publish pho- home and is selling her Northern home. She is now tos of children!). If taking pictures of on-the-water living in a nursing home. activities please make sure everyone in the photo is Statistics show 70 percent of people over 65 wearing an appropriate life jacket. may need long term care during their life time. Women normally live longer thus usually need the care longer. Such care can cost $50,000 to 100,000 BoatUS Civic Service Award input annually. Each year BoatUS presents the prestig- The United States Power Squadrons has ious Civic Service Award, an award that Peace Riv- partnered with LTC Global to educate members er has won numerous times. To simplify record about long term care planning and provide protec- keeping, bridge officers and/or committee chairs are tion to members at a discount rate. The plan covers asked to complete a brief report on-line at https:// care at home or in an assisted living or nursing forms.gle/rKAPD8p98b8U3PjYA home. Additional information can be obtained at usps/ member benefits. Do You Follow America’s Boating Club Peace River on Facebook?

America’s Boating Club Peace River uses Sunshine Committee Facebook as one tool to share information about Report boating in and around Southwest Florida. Recent posts have included boater’s jargon, GPS locations of public reefs, paddle sports safety from the US If you know of a member in need of a card Coast Guard. Upcoming courses and seminars are to brighten up their day, contact : also available on the page. Every Friday the “Friday Follies” has a photo that illustrates “that could have Lt Mar Spaulding, S gone better”. If you’re on Facebook you’re invited to at “Like” the page. To get updates from the squadron on your Facebook feed you’re invited to “Follow” sunshine@ the page. Simply visit https://www.facebook.com/ peaceriversailandpowersquadron.org PeaceRiverSailAndPowerSquadron and “Like” and

“Follow” your squadron.

8 Let’s Welcome our Newest Members to America’s Boating Club!

Please check DB2000 for further information and contact them for their committee interests.

MAY BIRTHDAYS Samuel Winans E313273 Sandra Winans E313363 04 Donald G. Robbins Punta Gorda, FL 05 Carolyn J. Perkins 06 Neal Thomas Rowe Canute P. Wong E313272 08 Connie J. Albright Punta Gorda, FL 08 Gregory R. Wise

12 Joann H. Goldstein Nancy Jo Coombes E313364 Punta Gorda, FL 13 Harvey Goldstein 13 Kevin T. Sculley 14 Betty M. Campanella Calling All Past 16 Brenda R. Brown Commanders! 16 Richard A Weber Silver Trident Association 17 Heidi M. Rowe 20 Michael Soscia, Jr. Silver Trident Association Membership is open to all Past Commanders of USPS. 24 Lorie P. Rice The next Silver Trident Association 25 Thomas J. Christman Luncheon will be held at the Riviera Bar & Grill, 5500 Deltona Drive, Punta Gorda. 25 Gail Schafer Wednesday, 19 May, social 1130, lunch 1200. 26 Gerald T. Shannon Contact Silver Trident Treasurer P/D/C George Musco, AP for your reservation: 26 Charles G. Troike 941-391-2512, or email: 30 Henry O. Wagley, Jr. [email protected] 31 Eric Groth Deadline for reservations is 14 May

9 Great American Pick-up Bayshore Live Oak Park Cleanup Saturday, 27 March 2021.

The first of four (4) Clean-Ups is completed. A hearty Thank You to all the PRSPS Members attending the event at Bay Front Live Oaks Park. Our effort collected a mess of 150 pounds of Beach Wrack, Trash & other Debris in the Park and its adjacent shore line. 15 Members worked for 2-1/2 hours generating 37.50 work hours of Dedication and Community Service. Barbara Horres found a complete set of clothes on her quest but, alas, after a diligent search, no person to claim her prize. On a more nose-worthy recognition, Bar- bara Cartwright found the most foul smelling addition to our collection. Barbara, in her effort, managed to collect 35 pounds of nasty-stuff and yes, she dragged it all to our collection site for the rest of us to enjoy! We have future Coastal Clean-Ups scheduled for 28 June, 25 September and 11 December. Our next meeting point will be at the parking lot next to the comfort facilities, we will assemble and munch on Dunkin Donuts and drink Dunkin Coffee. Regards and Fair Seas, Jim Ayres, Coordinator for Coastal Clean-Up

Lunch at Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass Broadway Palm

Dinner Theater in Ft. Myers, FL Come by car or boat ! lunch matinee- 1115 Thursday, 10 June, 2021 This is a beautiful open air restaurant on the Intercoastal waterway at to see Stump Pass Marina

“Beehive” Tuesday, 11 May – 1130 the Girl Groups (don’t be late as parking is limited) Call or email to reserve your seat, then 260 Maryland Ave. send your check , made out to PRSPS (off Placida Road) $59.00 per person Englewood

941-575-9776 or 941-661-1831 ICW Marker Red #17A at [email protected] Stump Pass Marina

Jeane Anderson Contact Cindi Sanders at 3191 Matecumbe Key Rd., #407 [email protected] Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Or 765-721-1818 to sign up.

Deadline is 26 May Deadline is Saturday, 8 May

(SAVE THE DATE FOR) DISTRICT 22’S – FALL C&R

Captiva’s SOUTH SEAS Island Resort

5 - 7 November 2021

Friday: Land-based Poker Run, D22 Docktail Party, Potluck Supper, Karaoke Saturday: Coffee/Roll Time, To Useppa on Lady Chadwick, “Blind Wine Tasting”, BBQ, Music Sunday: Bon Voyage Coffee THEME KISS >>> Keep It Safe Sailor!

11 Laishley Crab House, Punta Gorda, FL. Luncheon Thursday, 15 April 2021

Twenty-two America’s Boating Club Peace River members enjoyed a lunch at one of Punta Gorda’s great dining venues. Thank you Betty Campanella for the arrangements.

12 Spring Picnic Harbour Heights Park Sunday, 25 April 2021

A great day for America's Boating Club Peace River to have a spring picnic. Good friends, good food, and fun games - and the weather was perfect!

Good Eats from Sonny’s Barbeque

Playing the Corn Hole Game

The annual Water Balloon Toss Game

13 More on Page 24

PRSPS 2020 - 2021 Boosters Club We need you as a financial BOOSTER to help off-set the costs of producing and distributing the monthly newsletter. To add your name and support to this list, please send your name and a check made out to PRSPS for $10.00 to: Peace River Sail and Power Squadron, P.O. Box 511042 , Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1042

May – 2021 P/D/C George J. Musco, AP P/D/Lt/C Carol L. Musco, AP Heidi M. Rowe PRSPS Vessel Examiners N. Thomas Rowe, AP

June - 2020 - July- 2020 - August – 2020 2021 September – 2020 P/C Terry Green, JN P/R/C Louise Rea, SN P/D/C W. Lyle Rea, SN P/Lt/C Dennis Barkow, JN 262-664-5400 P/Stf/C Robert Stein, Jr, AP [email protected] October – 2020

Lt George Bingley, S 815-937-4456 P/D/Lt/C Harold Howard, SN [email protected] Annette Howard

November – 2020 P/C Betty Campanella, SN 941 833-3399 James E. Ayres [email protected] P/C Betty Campanella, SN P/C John Kniat, AP P/R/C Richard Daybell, SN 714-801-7319 P/Lt/C Margherita Kniat, P [email protected] P/Lt/C Cynthia E. Sanders, S Bill Sanders Holles Dick, AP 717-552-3845 December – 2020 [email protected] Lt/C Harold W. Anderson, AP Daniel Hartwig, P 608-575-3554 P/C Jeane P. Anderson, AP [email protected] Lt/C Marge A. Babkiewicz, AP P/C Elliott M. Hartman, JN Pamela Hartman, AP Diane Hartwig, P 941 575-1122 F/Lt Urbain A. LeClerc Jr., S [email protected] David S. Martin, AP Florence Martin, S F/Lt Urbain LeClerc, S 941-916-2958 [email protected] January– 2021 Joan M. Dafoe, AP Joseph Nicoletti 941-416-5506 Ronald E. Dafoe, SN [email protected] P/C Sandra M. Darna, N P/C Julie Perry, SN P/C William N. Perry, SN P/C Galen Price, SN 941-575-6071 P/C Galen Price, SN [email protected] P/R/C Charles G. Troike, SN Barbara Troike, N P/C Greg Robins 423-262-3989 [email protected] February - 2021 - March – 2021

Lt/C Gregory Wise, SN 937-510-4018 April – 2021 Stf/C Ronald C. Jones, AP [email protected] Lt/C Carolyn Perkins, S

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Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office adds new Aviation Water Rescue Crew by Samantha Serbin NBC2 News

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – A sailboat flipping in Charlotte County Monday 12 April showcased why a new expansion at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office can be life-saving. “In any case, we went out and got distracted,” Joan and Scott Singer said.“ We did some things we’ve never done before, and in the process our boat turned over.” The Singer’s are pro sailors, with 10 years of experience. They set sail in Charlotte Harbor Monday afternoon on their vacation, and one small mistake sent them overboard. “It seems like one of the things you would panic over, but you know we were holding onto the boat,” Joan Singer said. “Low and behold the phone was working and I called 911.” They were met with the CCSO’s new Calvary – the aviation water rescue crew. “We got the call there was a capsized vessel with two subjects on board inside Charlotte Harbor, that’s our backyard,” Pilot Jonathan Bautista said. “Once we were in Charlotte Harbor we were able to ID the victims in the water,” Chief Pilot Shane Engelauf said. Once they found the Singer’s, Engelauf jumped out of the helicopter and into the water. It was the first real rescue mission for the aviation unit, which just recently added water rescue to its repertoire. “This is a ton faster than boats can be and our perspective is much different,” Engelauf said. “Being at the ground level or water level you’re only seeing so much. We can go directly to a sink- ing vessel because we can see it 50 miles out.” “It’s instant return when somebody is calling 911, I might die, and then we show up and obviously we do our best to turn that tide,” Bautista added. The Singer’s said without CCSO, they could have been in a lot of trouble. “The only damage, besides our pride, of course, was their phone and I believe Joan lost her hat. They were very small prices to pay,” the couple said.

USPS District 22 Spring Conference 9-10 April 2021

Hanging out at the Registration Table Our Life Jacket Family Attended!

Dawn selling the National Cruise Barb crewing the Ships Store

Voting at the Conference Hawking those Raffle Tickets

Relaxing in the Lobby Spring Conference in Session 16

USPS District 22 Spring Conference 9-10 April 2021

Accepting the Publications Awards Outgoing D/C Bonilla / Incoming D/C Schmidt

National Rep. V/C Ralph Bernard The 2021-22 District Bridge

District Committee Members CC Mary Paige Abbott & New D/C Cliff Schmidt

Past D/C’s passing the Cdr’s Flag One of our PRSPS Tables Sat. Night 17 Updated Squadron Positional Email Addresses

Commander [email protected]

XO [email protected]

Admin Officer [email protected]

Assist AO [email protected]

SEO [email protected]

Treasurer [email protected]

Secretary [email protected]

Executive Committee [email protected]

Membership Committe [email protected]

Pilot Editor [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Submit photos [email protected]

Webmaster [email protected]

General Info [email protected]

Port Captain [email protected]

Vessel Safety Checks [email protected]

Ship's Store [email protected]

Classes and Seminars [email protected]

System admin [email protected]

Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine

Cut-off Switches

WASHINGTON – Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress. The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wire- less ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an elec- tronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are begin- ning to become available as manufacturer-installed options. Each year the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger. Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condi- tion. It is recommended that recreational vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer’s instructions. Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust; 3 HP or more) to use ECOS “links.” Using the ECOSL is required only when the prima- ry helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displace- ment speed. Common situations where ECOSL use would not be required include docking/ trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones. The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat. Seven states currently have ECOS use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS use laws for personal watercraft (PWC). Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations.

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20 -20- -21- May 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Derby Day Party 1630

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Lunch Excom Meet- ABC Class Cruise ing PGBC Lighthouse Kings Gate 0830 Grill 1000 1130 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Ed Dept. ABC C;ass Meeting 1200 PGBC 0830 Bayfront Sunset Social Silver Trident PGBC 1700 Demo Day Meeting PGBC 1100 Riviera 1130 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Lunch/ ABC Class Business PGBC Meeting 0830 Kings Gate 1130 30 31 22 April Cont. Education Green Lunches Tan Partner in Command Dinners Purple Bayfront 0830 Meetings Black Hurricanes & Boats Seminar Events/Shows Red Cruises Blue PGBC 1400

Lunch/Business Meeting 25 May 2021

Where: When: Attire Kings Gate Golf Club Tuesday 25 May 2021 Squadron Polo or appropriate attire 24000 Rampart Blvd 1130 Social Hour Port Charlotte, FL 33980 1215 Lunch served 1245 Business meeting Program Menu: Attorney Jeff Kuhn of Punta Gorda *BLT Pizza – Basil aioli, tomatoes, bacon, and mozzarella, cheddar will be presenting on the topic cheese, and shredded lettuce “Are your retirement plans safe? * Shrimp Louie– Mixed greens, chilled shrimp, hard cooked egg, Wills, Trusts, Medical Authoriza- cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, haricot verts, served with a side of tions and Power of Attorneys un- Louie Dressing der Florida law”. *BBQ Chicken Sandwich – Boneless chicken breast seasoned with dry rub, chargrilled, topped with caramelized onions, and cheddar Note: PRSPS and Kings Gate will cheese on a toasted bun, served with fries and a side of BBQ sauce be taking all precautions to protect *French Dip – Shaved beef ribeye dipped in au jus, served on a the health of guests at the dinner. hoagie roll with provolone cheese and a side of fries However, if you do not feel com- Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream fortable attending, we do under- Coffee, Tea, and water station included stand and look forward to seeing Cost - $22.00/person you at future events.

Please register online at https://forms.gle/Zdgi8k7bCiAK4sZP8 or mail the bottom of this form with your check to the address below so it is received by our deadline of Tuesday 18 May. (PLEASE, NO LATE RESERVATIONS). For cancelations, please notify us prior to 18 May NOTE: If you find you are not able to attend, please contact Barb Troike by the reservation deadline. It is squadron policy that if you make a reservation, have not paid, do not attend AND do not cancel your reservation, you will be billed for the cost of the meal.

Make Checks Payable to PRSPS

Mail to: Barb Troike, 240 Lewis Circle #211, Punta Gorda FL 33950. Phone (941) 639-0619

Name(s): ______

# _____ BLT Pizza # _____ Shrimp Louie

#_____ BBQ Chicken Sandwich #_____ French Dip

$22.00 per person Total amount enclosed = ______

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“Distinctive Communicator” is an award for publications that meet or exceed a defined criteria.

The Peace River Pilot has been recognized many times for this award.

Spring Picnic Harbour Heights Park Sunday, 25 April 2021

Left: Cdr. Right: Harold Terry Green Anderson winner of giving the the Candy USPS Oath to Jar Guess new member Jack Vice

Triple Tie Winners in the Water Balloon Toss Game.

Left to Right:

Sue & Ed Maxwell, Heidi & Tom Rowe, Shelly Sears & Joe Piccolo