Go to Home Page Mobile Version Go to Home Page Desktop Version

From the Commander
Cdr J. Stephen Yeomans, P

If I were Bob Hope, this would be the occasion to start singing "Thanks For the Memories". It is amazing how fast a year can go by, but it's also amazing how much fun you can have in that year. It has been an honor to represent the Charleston Power Squadron as Commander, as well as to work with dedicated members who strive to make our organization the best it can be. Special thanks are due to the members of my Bridge: Lt/C Stephen Kromer, Lt/C Vince Lombardo, Lt/C Lee Mims, Lt/C Loretta Lombardo, and especially my wife, Lt/C Charlotte Yeomans. Thanks also to the Commander's Staff: Flag Lieutenant P/R/C Ed Kridler, Chaplain Lt Bob Lovinger, Merit Marks Chairman P/C Hil Winters, Grants Chairman Lt Janice Kromer, and Commander's Aides: P/D/Lt/C Mike Page, P/C Dave O'Hanian, and P/C Harry Gindhart. Thanks also to Members at Large: Lt John VanWay, Lt Mike King, Lt Dick Finn, and Lt Corrin Marinko. All of these wonderful people have helped to make 2002 another successful squadron year, and I am truly in their debt. They are a perfect example of the "Excited Determination" I spoke of a year ago at the 2001 Change of Watch, and the squadron has been fortunate to have them serve.

I would also like to thank the many members whom, throughout the year, have helped to make the Charleston Power Squadron the great organization it is in so many different ways. From manning the boat show booth to running our hospitality counter; from teaching our boating courses to helping clean up the headquarters building after meetings; from lending a hand at our clean-up day to working on Beach Sweep / River Sweep; from organizing a cruise to serving on one of our standing committees, it is the members of this boating club that truly makes the difference!

The cruise to Bohicket Marina is scheduled for 8-10 November (Friday - Sunday). Lt Janice Kromer and Lt/C Steve Kromer will host a potluck supper Friday evening aboard No Sense, and a dinner at The Privateer restaurant is being arranged for Saturday evening. The Bohicket cruise is always one of our best-attended cruises, partly due to the fact that it's a great short-cruise destination from Charleston. The marina facilities are first rate, and this year (due to rescheduling) the summer heat won't be an issue. Come on out and join us! For more information, contact Lt Janice Kromer.

The Charleston Power Squadron Change of Watch will be held at the Point Grill in Mt Pleasant on 2 November (Saturday). Cocktails will begin at 1800, dinner will be served at 1830, and the meeting will begin promptly at 1915. Cost is $21.00 per person. Uniform A or Blazer is recommended. Our own D/C Marge Schulte, SN will be on hand to preside over the meeting. The Change of Watch is a fun time every year. Come out and support your new Squadron Bridge!

See you there! Steve

EDUCATIONAL OFFICER
Lt/C Stephen C. Kromer, P

W

A Boat Smart class has been scheduled for 16 November& 23 November in Summerville. On each of those days the session will begin at 0900 and run through 1300. The location will be:

Tele-Tech Services Building
500 Oakbrook Lane
Summerville, SC 29485

For next year, we have prepared a preliminary schedule for public boating classes. Plans call for the first public boating class to be in February. Then we will alternate between Boat Smart and The Squadron Boating Course, every other month. If we can pull this off, we will do a total of six public boating courses next year.

That brings me to one of the two important things that I would like to discuss this month:

First, we sure could use some help. Anyone who is willing to volunteer time to help set up, administer or instruct in any of the classes, please email me at skromer@tariffs.com or call me at 843-821-1861. Instructors for Boat Smart and The Squadron Boating Course are going to be in short supply. Also we plan on offering multiple Seamanship, Piloting and Advanced Piloting courses during the year. We really could use some additional instructors for these courses so we don't burden the same people time after time. I'm also sure that Ed Kridler could use some help with JN & N if anyone would like to teach those courses. In terms of the elective courses, we might be able to offer Marine Electronics and Engine Maintenance more than once a year if we had additional instructors. Keep in mind that the only requirement for instructing is that you have completed the course you are going to instruct. In the case of Boat Smart and The Squadron Boating Course, all you have to have completed is Seamanship. If you have the skills to teach a course but not the experience in instructing, we have a great course that will teach you how to run a course and the Instructor Qualification course is free (the only one that is).

Second, Janice Kromer has started a program to train first responders to on-the-water emergencies. We are presently working with the Mt Pleasant Fire Department to work on the course structure. Janice has summarized our work to date below, if you would like to join this committee or if you can help in any way with this, please contact me by email at skromer@tariffs.com or by phone at 843-821-1861.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lt/C Vince Lombardo, P

It is the end of another year, and the beginning of a new one. I would like to take this chance to thank everyone for his or her help and support throughout this past year. It couldn't have been done without all of the members that so willingly gave of their time. Everything we do together takes a lot of teamwork and I think we have had a great team this past year that, I am sure, will continue into the next year. Again, I can't express enough thanks to all of you.

Now for the fun stuff. We will start the new squadron year with the annual Christmas Party. This will be held at headquarters on Friday, 6 December at 1930. The squadron will be providing turkey and ham for the meal, at a cost of $5.00 per person to cover our expenses. Please bring a holiday appetizer, side dish or desert.

We will also be exchanging gifts. To receive a gift, please bring a gift, it does not have to be expensive. Try to stay in the $10.00 to $15.00 range or less. There will also be door prizes and, hopefully, fun for everyone.

If you plan on attending, please call Loretta Lombardo at 764-1844 or e-mail her at llorvin@knology.net by 1 December, so we can have an idea of how much turkey and ham we need.

Hope we will see everyone there. Vince Lombardo

Hi, everyone! In my last article as Secretary, I'd simply like to extend my thanks and gratitude to everyone who has helped me over the course of the past three years:

To my husband, Cdr Steve Yeomans, who has stood steadfastly by me offering assistance and advice whenever it was needed. (Of course, to Caitlyn for keeping the meetings running as "orderly and efficiently" as possible.)

To P/Lt/C Harry Darby and his wife, Nadine, for staying on as Editor of The Palmetto Log in the beginning of my tenure and then picking it back up after a brief hiatus. Harry has also been wonderful as a photographer, and "THE" website guru. He and Nadine have also stepped in as great general advisors when needed. To P/C Larry Joye and Cindy Joye for giving Harry a break from the "Log" for a time; also, for helping with the call tree list. To Lt John VanWay and Donna Fleming who have continued the tradition of the "Log" perfectly. They have stepped in at any time whenever I've needed them for anything!

To 1st/Lt Barbara Weaver who has served well as my Assistant Secretary, stepping in during my absences, as well as working diligently on the call tree. To Amy Rustin who has been my most faithful and steadfast volunteer involved in the call tree when it is in full swing! To Juanita and Rick Steuer, Glenn and Mary Workman, Larry and Polly Lanz, Vince and Loretta Lombardo, Bob and Linda Johnson, Dan and Ellen Harbin, Erica Mims, and Wendy and David Walsh who have also been of GREAT assistance with calling the membership throughout the years. To Lt Janice Kromer for jumping in full force to help with the 2002 Directory research to make it as up-to-date as possible! To Wendy and David, also, along with John Patten for taking some great photographs for both and website and The Palmetto Log.

To P/C Fred Wichmann and Joyce Wichmann for working on the squadron History and obtaining numerous photographs of our "missing" Past Commanders for the Headquarters wall. To P/C Billy Lynes who has undertaken the task of placing name placards on each Past Commander photograph. He has also pitched in with the rather daunting task of tracking down the remaining missing photographs.

To Lt Terry Marinko and 1st/Lt Corrin Marinko, P/R/C Ed Kridler and P/Lt/C Cindy Kridler, and P/C Tony and P/C Boo Ward for stepping in whenever and wherever needed; y'all have been quite wonderful! To P/C Harry Gindhart for "cajoling" me into my current position. He has also served wonderfully as an advisor around election time and at any other time of need!

If there is anyone who has been involved in the previous three years who somehow has slipped through the cracks, please forgive me. I'm eternally thankful to each and every person of the membership for helping the squadron continue its great tradition!!

See y'all at the Change of Watch!

Boating is a Family Affair

For those of us who regularly boat with family members aboard, we're missing a golden opportunity if we don't involve each of our family passengers in some sort of duty aboard the boat. Not only does it become a process that is fun and educational, but it also makes every trip from the pier or launch ramp a chance to strengthen family ties through teamwork and shared responsibility.

I've always carried a "boat book" aboard my boat. The book, really a loose leaf binder, contains the specs on the boat, copies of the manufacturers booklets and brochures, some charts I constructed on fuel usage and range, speed versus rpm, a compass deviation table, a pre-underway checklist, important phone numbers, and some other sundry information. When my daughter was growing up, we assigned her a title (Cabin Girl) and some shipboard responsibilities, and even had them included as part of the "boat book." There also was a sheet for me (the Captain, of course), and my wife, the First Mate. The fun part was the formulation of the job descriptions. The educational part was actually doing the tasks. For my daughter, participating in the duties and responsibilities laid the foundation for her to view the boat and the outing as something far more than just another place to listen to her music.

And speaking of music, we even improvised a family sea chantey when she was quite small, and as an adult, she still can remember the words and tune. It went something like this:

That was only a few lines of a much longer ditty, but it will give you an idea of the magnificent quality of the composition.

The point is, I know families who just drag their kids out on the boat because they have to bring them along and it's enough that they sit down in the back of the boat and stay out of the way. Show me that, and I'll show you kids that won't take part in family outings for too much longer. And when they start making excuses for not going with Mom and Dad in the boat, it's just one more slice out of the family pie.

Here are some duties you can assign to one or more members of your family that will give them a sense of importance and confidence, and at the same time increase their knowledge and enjoyment of boating. You'll have to decide whether the age of your crew, type of boat, and type of boating you do will be compatible with these suggestions:

-Review the pre-underway checklist with the rest of the crew. This gives everybody on board a sense for what safety equipment is on board, and where the equipment can be located quickly in an emergency.
-Tend the dock lines and fenders, and stow them properly.
-Raise and lower the flag, ensign or burgee that you display aboard your boat.
-Be a lookout or watchstander.
-Maintain the log books records.
-Act as radio operator (with proper instruction on procedures and etiquette).
-Relieve the helmsman.
-Write a family sea chantey.

I'm sure you'll be able to think of lots more duties that apply to your own boat and way of boating. And a few other suggestions. Don't assign too much to any one individual. Too much is just as bad as none at all when it comes to assignments. Make sure the crew understands that the Captain will always be available for support and assistance with their assigned tasks when needed. But be careful about butting in at the first sign of trouble. Unless there's a potentially dangerous situation brewing, let them work it out.

So, on your next boat outing, whether it's a two-week ocean cruise or a day on the lake or river, get everybody involved. You'll be pleasantly surprised by your crew's prowess, and you'll find out that boating can be more fun than ever as a family affair!
From Commander Bob's Boating Safety Handbook, www.commanderbob.com

Cdr Steve Yeomans called the meeting to order at 2032 at the Headquarters Building. Those present were: P/C Scotty Jeter, Nadine Darby, P/Lt/C Harry Darby, Lt Janice Kromer, Lt/C Steve Kromer, P/Lt/C Martin Gipe, 1st/Lt John Patten, Bob Dodgens, Bob Gulbrandsen, P/C Boo Ward, P/C Tony Ward, Herb Wendling, Faith Wendling, Kirk Williams, Diane Williams, Lt Michael King, Joan King, Lt John VanWay, Donna Fleming, D/Lt/C Marge Schulte, Glenn Workman, Mary Workman, Ruth Finn, Lt Dick Finn, P/Lt/C Cindy Kridler, P/R/C Ed Kridler, Lt Corrin Marinko, P/C Fred Wichmann, Joyce Wichmann, Lt Wendy Walsh, P/D/C Ken Beeber, P/C Billy Lynes, Amy Rustin, Lt/C Loretta Lombardo, Commodore Ken Coker, and Lt/C Charlotte Yeomans.

A quorum was present.

Educational: Per Lt/C Steve Kromer: His report is given in The Palmetto Log. He does have flyers for the upcoming BoatSmart Course to be held in Summerville on Saturday, 16 and 23 November. Joan King volunteered that she might know of a contact with the Dorchester Boat Club. She will let Lt/C Kromer know this week.

Executive: No report was given.

Administrative: Per Joyce Wichmann: The Oyster Roast at Toad Hall will be held Saturday, 26 October at 1800. The cost per person is $10.00 plus a side dish. There will be other meat there besides oysters. Please bring your own oyster knife. They need to know of people attending and of those who can help before, during, and after the event.

Per Cdr Yeomans: The squadron Change of Watch Ceremony will be held Saturday, 2 November 2002, at 1800 at the Pointe Grill at the Omar Shrine Temple in Mount Pleasant.

Treasurer: Per Lt/C Loretta Lombardo: The squadron is solvent.

Secretary: Per Lt John VanWay: The deadline for The Palmetto Log articles is Friday, 11 October 2002. A replacement is still needed for the position of Editor.

Commander: Per Cdr Yeomans: The facelift to the Headquarters Building is still underway. Per P/C Fred Wichmann: "The building has never looked as good now as it has since it was bought."

Cdr Yeomans announced that the Executive Committee would be contacting all non-renewing members within the next few weeks in an effort to re-generate interest.

P/C Hil Winters needs all Merit Mark information submitted by Tuesday, 15 October 2002.

Cdr Yeomans reiterated information for the District Fall Conference and Change of Watch to take place in Myrtle Beach 18-20 October 2002. D/26 will receive its first female District Commander which is Charleston's own Marge Schulte.

P/C Tony Ward is making arrangements to be a guest speaker on L. J. Wallace's radio show within the next two to three months.

Cdr Yeomans extended heartfelt gratitude to the membership as a whole for allowing him the honor of representing them this year.

Cdr Steve Yeomans called the meeting to order at 1930 at the Headquarters Building. Those present were: 1st/Lt Corrin Marinko, P/C Fred Wichmann, Joyce Wichmann, P/D/C Ken Beeber, Lt Dick Finn, Lt Janice Kromer, Lt/C Steve Kromer, Lt/C Loretta Lombardo, Lt/C Vince Lombardo, P/D/C Bob Gissell, P/C Billy Lynes, Steven Rustin, Lt Terry Marinko, P/R/C Ed Kridler, P/Lt/C Cindy Kridler, Lt Michael King, Lt John VanWay, Caitlyn Yeomans, and Lt/C Charlotte Yeomans

A quorum was established. The minutes from the previous Executive Committee Meeting were accepted as presented.

Educational: Per Lt/C Steve Kromer: His report is given in The Palmetto Log. Also, flyers are available to hand out for the upcoming BoatSmart Course scheduled for Saturday, 16 and 23 November in Summerville.

Executive: Per Lt/C Vince Lombardo: Presented information for anyone interested in an article in The Post & Courier concerning a ruling put forth from the Coast Guard. It has the possibility of affecting the VSC Program. He will keep members posted on the progress.

Administrative: Per Cdr Steve Yeomans: Annual Business Meeting will be on Thursday, 10 October 2002. It will be a potluck dinner with meat provided. The guest speaker will be Commodore Ken Coker of the Cruising Club of Charleston.

Also, the October Cruise is an Oyster Roast at Toad Hall on Saturday, 26 October 2002, at 1800. The Wichmann's need to have a headcount in advance to know how many people will be in attendance to order enough provisions for the event. It is also a potluck and other meat will be available. The cost is $10.00 per person. Steve Rustin and Lt Terry Marinko will cook the oysters. A list of people is needed for set up by 1700 and breakdown after the event.

Treasurer: Per Lt/C Loretta Lombardo: The squadron is solvent. Due to all of the recent Headquarters maintenance, the Maintenance Fund for the Headquarters building is tight, but all is justified and covered in the budget.

Secretary: Lt/C Charlotte Yeomans gave the floor to Lt John VanWay: In order that members know the details for the squadron Change of Watch ceremony, The Palmetto Log deadline has to be Friday, 11 October 2002, so the newsletter can go to the printer on Monday, 14 October. Also, the end of the year issue will be a combined December/January issue. The December/January issue is going to be Lt VanWay's last issue. This issue needs to be sent to the printer by 13 November 2002. The issue will contain all December events, January's Spring Course Schedule, and all incoming Bridge Members' articles, also.

Commander: Per Cdr Steve Yeomans: He extended his personal thanks to all those involved with the Headquarters clean up. He also thanked P/C Billy Lynes for showing up on original date. The facelift of the building is continuing with items such as installing new flooring in the kitchen. Items such as running water in the kitchen, a new microwave donated, and a new stove donated have already been accomplished.

Cdr Yeomans announced that he has received official notification from D/Lt/C Dick Erler in reference to the petition for placing D/C Jim McVey on the ballot for the District Nominating Committee at the District 26 Change of Watch coming up in Myrtle Beach. There will be a secret ballot at the District Conference. P/D/C Bob Gissell questioned if both sides of story were given when the petition was handed out to be signed. Cdr Yeomans replied in the affirmative; he also explained that the letter sent out with the petition explained both as well. Discussion ensued.

Variations of this ancient saying turn up in Shakespeare and even in the Gospel of Matthew. Some meteorologists have estimated that the "night" part of the proverb can be as much as 70 percent accurate in forecasting rain-not bad, as folk wisdom goes, but not good enough to drive the Weather Channel off the air. There's no consensus on why it works as well as it does, but here's the basic concept: Sunlight comes to us through more miles of the atmosphere at dawn and dusk than at other times of day. When the sky is clear, the atmosphere scatters the light at the blue end of the spectrum, leaving mostly red. But if the light passes through larger particles, such as water droplets, you tend to get paler light. A ruddy sky at sunset, then, can indicate that there is little moisture in the upper atmosphere west of you, where tomorrow's weather generally comes from-and thus sunny
skies are in the forecast. It might also be a situation, say some meteorologists, in which the setting sun is simply reflecting off the underside of clouds on the eastern horizon, which suggests that rainy weather has already moved beyond you. The second part of the proverb is the subject of endless speculation among professional meteorologists. More importantly, it isn't the least bit reliable. So when morning comes, sailor, don't even bother looking for red in the sky: you'd do just as well to flip a coin.

~Source used: Why Moths Hate Thomas Edison by Hampton Sides

To understand this, you need to know another weird fact: Glass is not "a solid". It's just a very thick liquid, like extra-hard Jell-O. Don't believe me? Go find a window, now wait one billion years. See what I mean? The glass has flowed out of the window frame and gotten all over the carpet. Actually, a lot of times you don't even have to wait one billion years. You may notice that very old windows often are thicker on the bottom than the top. That's because the glass has oozed downhill over the years. Basically, you can see through glass for the same reason you can see through any liquid, such as water. The molecules are so loosely spaced they don't block the light. What's more, there's very little in glass to reflect light, as in metals; to bend it, as in crystals; or to absorb it. So the light just zips right through.

P.S. To clarify, light does bend slightly when it passes from air to glass, and from glass back to air. That's what makes eyeglasses possible.

~Source used: Know It All by Ed Zotti

The Bohicket Cruise will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8, 9 & 10 November. We will be staying at Bohicket Marina - 768-1280. Make your reservations soon! On Friday night, there will be a pot luck dinner aboard "No Sense" - Slip F8. Saturday evening we will be having a group dinner at The Privateer Restaurant at 1900. The Privateer offers Boat/US® members a discount of 20% off of food. Come out and join us for this great weekend. If you can't participate in the actual cruise, drive down to Bohicket and enjoy the pot luck dinner or The Privateer. If you haven't signed up for the cruise or either of the dinners, please contact Janice Kromer, Cruise Captain, 821-1861 - jkromer@tariffs.com.