Meriden Masthead Published by the Meriden Power Squadron

A unit of the United States Power Squadrons® June 2014 www.usps.org/meriden Vol. 61 No. 06

Commander’s Report We had a great program at the May meeting with special guest, Jim Moran, showing pictures of the cause of the sinking of his 39’ boat which happened very quickly. An important “takeaway” was that he had his DSC capable VHF radio wired to his GPS and with a touch of a button the Coast Guard knew his position.

L/C Jim Long our webmaster, detailed navigating through our newly redesigned website which has been refreshed and looks great. You should give it a try as there is a wealth of information to be found. Please remember our next big event is the Annual Pot Luck Dinner at Pattaconk Yacht Club in Chester. We will be awarding the 18th Annual Nathan Greenbacker Scholarship to Crista Case this year. Nathan, the son of P/D/C Herbert Greenbacker SN, was an Apprentice Member of MPS who unfortunately passed away at the age of 16 due to cancer. Typically this award is given to students with interest in marine and agriculture studies in recognition of Nathan’s interests. Please bring a plate to share. MPS will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. It’s a great opportunity to see Master Chef’ P/C Ken Bell Jr and LtC Paul Casarella do their thing on the grille. You should hear them sing. The June Council meeting will be part of the 100th year anniversary celebration of USPS. How fitting that New Haven Squadron (the first squadron) has the honor of being the host. The meeting is Sat, June 21st from 10AM-3PM with safety equipment demonstrations and followed by “attitude adjustment” social hour hosted by D/C George Gilbert AP. Saturday’s activities will be held at: Pequonnock Yacht Club 100 South Water St New Haven. If you have never attended a council meeting this would be a great time. Do we have any kayakers or kayak wantabees out there? I’d like to schedule a kayaking event on Rogers Lake on a Wed night in July. After a casual paddle on the 265 acre lake we will have a cookout at the house and a recap of the paddle experience. Bring your fishing pole as the lake is stocked with trophy trout. We can park 5-6 cars and the State boat launch parking lot is close by. MPS is not just about big boats so join Sandie and me for an evening of fun and grub. Please bring a plate to share. Please contact us at ptgezer@yahoo.com or 860-434-4622 if interested. Have a safe summer, use your boats a lot, think about taking a course in the fall and join us in the many squadron and district events. We are your squadron and here for you. P/C Ken Bell Jr has many activities scheduled. In August we have a special treat and that is a guided cruise on the Sea Mist out of Branford visiting the Thimble Is area. See more info in this Masthead issue.

CDR Roger Breunig AP

Year 2014 at a glance RED items are not settled.

June 07 VSC Indian Neck Yacht Club 20-22 D1 Council meeting & District Rendezvous, Pequonnock Yacht Club 20 New Haven 100th , Union League Café, New Haven 21 New Haven 100th , Dinner Cruise on the Mystique 25 Pot Luck picnic-PYC July 04-06 West Neck 11-13 MPS Rendezvous at Burrs Marina 12 District Sail Race, Branford YC 20 District Fishing Derby 26-8/2 MPS Extended Cruise Block Is August 08-10 D1 Mini cruise - CG Academy 13 SEA MIST Cruise 30-1 Sept MPS Anchor out at Three Mile Harbor September 03 Exec meeting 20 D1 Poker Run 24 Regular meeting October 22 Regular meeting November 19 Meeting-Bell’s Pie Night December ?? Holiday party Editor: Ed Gonzalez Publisher: Joe Fernandes

Meriden Meetings: Except for special occasions, Meriden Power Squadron Meetings are held at 1900 in the Yankee Gas building at 56 Cooper Street in Meriden, CT.

Next MPS Meeting on 25 June 2014 1800 Hrs. at Pattaconk Yacht Club 61 Dock Rd, Chester CT

We will be having the Annual Potluck Dinner & Greenbacker Scholarship

Presentation.

(See flier for Direction to PYC)

Executive Officers Report

Summer is here and this will be the last publication till September. Hopefully the boats are in the water and ready for summer on the water activities. Look for the summer activities report elsewhere in this publication, both on the squadron and district levels. If you are new at boating, as I have mentioned previously, please contact me or any squadron member, and ask to joint us. A great way to gain boating experience and have a good time traveling with someone or a group. A reminder, our next meeting is our annual put luck at the Pattaconk Yacht Club on 25 June starting at 1800. (6:00 pm.) Bring a dish to share. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks will be furnished by the squadron. If you prefer a different beverage feel free to bring whatever. The ship’s store will be open and the Nathan Greenbacker Scholarship will be awarded. Looking forward to seeing you at the pot luck and hoping you can join us on any of the summer activities.

P/C Ken Bell Sr., AP

Safety Tip

Bilge Pumps

It is important to frequently test your bilge pumps by switching from the automatic to manual position on the bilge pump switch. However, this doesn't guarantee that the pump will work when unattended. You should also check the automatic float switch by manually raising it to make sure that it turns on the pump.

Also, check for debris or corrosion that might keep it from floating up properly. If this switch fails the pump won't turn on and your boat could take on sufficient water over time to do serious damage.

Education Officers Report

I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable summer with tight lines and following seas. We are looking forward to getting back to classes in the fall and have included a brief description of our Elective Courses. Please look over the list and let any Bridge member know if you would like to see a particular course offered. Elective Courses: Engine Maintenance covers the operating principles and basic care and maintenance of outboard and inboard engines, including diesels. Marine Electronics covers installation and maintenance of both boat electrical systems (AC and DC) and marine electronics (VHF radio, radar, GPS, etc.). Cruise Planning covers topics of interest for someone planning a cruise for just a weekend or for a year including preparation and planning, anchoring, security, chartering, and cruising outside the US. Weather covers weather systems, patterns and forecasting. Sail covers everything from the basic elements of how a sailboat works to sail trim, rig tuning, and sailboat racing. Bill Podlisny Ken Bell Jr SEO Meriden Asst. SEO Meriden

Did You Know? Every now and then, pour a shot of cooking oil into your marine toilet, especially if it's difficult to pump. This will lubricate the seals, "O" rings and moving parts

MPS Summer Activities

Just a reminder of what we have planned for this summer: 20-22 June – District 1 rendezvous and New Haven Squadron 100th Anniversary celebration at the Pequannock Yacht Club! If you choose to come by boat, please contact Steve Mullen at 203-376-3162 or wever101@gmail.com for reservations. $3.00 a foot per night. There will be a dinner cruise on the vessel Mystique on Saturday as well as many other events. Please look for more info in the Sounds of 1 or go to www.usps.org/localusps/d1 04-06 July – MPS Rendezvous at West Neck Harbor, Shelter Island NY. Come anchor out in the beautiful harbor or call for reservations at The Island Boatyard. Call Wade the dock master at 631-749-3333 and mention you are with the Meriden Power Squadron. Dockage is $4.50 a foot. Daily dinghy passes are available for those anchoring out and wishing to use the facilities. Enjoy the pool, restaurant and famous “Shipwreck Bar”, not to mention beautiful views of one of the most beautiful cruising destinations in our area! Fireworks will be going off all weekend in every direction! 11-13 July - MPS Rendezvous at Burrs Marina, New London CT. Come enjoy the awesome fireworks in New London Harbor and join the crew for dinner at On The Waterfront Restaurant Saturday evening. Come by boat or by car and join up with our MPS members and guests. Contact Lt/C Dave Distasio if you are interested in either making reservations at Burrs for the weekend or just for the dinner and fireworks Saturday evening. distasio7@comcast.net 26 July-02 August – MPS extended cruise to Block Island. Come experience what you’ve all heard about over the years. Fun times and great company at the “Bermuda of the Northeast”! Pick your place to stay or anchor out. Forms are available for Block Island Boat Basin or first-come-first served at Payne’s Dock. It doesn’t matter where you stay, we’ll find you! Please contact me if you need more information for dockage or about traveling together. 08-10 August – District 1 mini cruise to the United States Coast Guard Academy. If you plan on coming by boat, please contact D/Lt/C Charles L. Marino, District Admin Officer at bluenoseii@sbcglobal.net ASAP! There

are 30 slips available but are going fast. No charge for slips or moorings. Look for more info in the Sounds of 1 or go to www.usps.org/localusps/d1

13 August – Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise. Come join us aboard the Sea Mist for a 2 hour narrated cruise along the coastline of Branford River, the Thimble Islands and costal Guilford to Sachems Head. The Thimble Islands first discovered by Adrian Block in 1614. These Islands were used for everything from farming and quarrying granite, to bootlegging and hiding Captain Kidd’s treasure. The cost is $20/person and the boat leaves at 1800 hrs. (see flyer).

30 August-01 Sept. - MPS Anchor out at Three Mile Harbor, Long Island NY. Come join the fun and relaxation in the quiet and beautiful harbor in the Hamptons. Come for a night or stay the whole weekend, it's up to you! Contact P/C Ken Bell Jr. for more information or to arrange a raft-up. kbelljr@cox.net

P/C Kenneth Bell Jr. kbelljr@cox.net 860-836-4907

Friends of the Masthead

This has been created to help defer the ever-rising postal expenses. There’s always plenty of room at the tables. Anyone interested in joining the Captain’s/Barnacle’s Table- please use the form below. Memberships are for the Calendar year 2014: Captain’s Table: George Griffin, Robert Thompson, Christine Casarella, Paul Casarella, and Al Lucitti Barnacle’s Table: Ellie Lucitti

Membership Form for the Friends of the Masthead Name: _________________________________ Please Circle: Captain's Table ($15.00) or Barnacle's Table ($5.00) Amount Enclosed: ________________ Mail to: Paul Casarella 103 Wynding Brook Drive Rocky Hill, Ct 06067

Squadron logo polo shirts ($25) can be ordered through Lt Ann Steele annsteele@sbcglobal.net or 860 628-8588 Name tags can be ordered – Joe Fernandes, jfernades8@cox.net or 860 276-9407

Meriden Power Squadron

Annual Pot Luck Dinner and 18th annual Nathan Greenbacker Scholarship Award

25 June 2014 1800 Social – 1830 Dinner

Pattaconk Yacht Club

61 Dock Rd Chester, CT 06412

Come join us for a wonderful evening under

the pavilion at Pattaconk Yacht Club in

Chester.

Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided.

Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

(BYOB)

Any new raffle prize donations would be

greatly appreciated. The raffle will help

continue the support of the Nathan Greenbacker

Scholarship.

In attendance that evening will be the Nathan

Greenbacker Scholarship recipient for this

year Crista Case.

Cocktails and Social time will begin at 1800.

Dinner will be at 1830.

Hope to see you all there!

Directions to Pattaconk Yacht Club:

Take CT route 9 to exit #6.

Go East on route 148 (toward Chester and the Ferry).

Go straight through Chester (don't blink).

Go straight through the traffic light at Route 154.

Bear right onto Dock Road.

At Pattaconk, park at the pavilion.

Meriden Power Squadron SEA MIST Cruise

Thimble Islands 13 August 2014 $20 per person

Boat sails at 6:00 PM Come join us aboard the Sea Mist for a 2 hour narrated cruise along the coastline of Branford River, the Thimble Islands and costal Guilford to Sachems Head. The Thimble Islands first discovered by Adrian Block in 1614. These Islands were used for everything from farming and quarrying granite, to bootlegging and hiding Captain Kidd’s treasure. The Sea Mist is a 44 ft. Carmen Boat of Chesapeake Design. This vessel was designed for sightseeing and private cruises with large removable windows and comfortable seating. The Sea Mist carries 38 passengers for private charters. There are 2 decks, the lower can be completely enclosed and heated when necessary. The upper deck is for observation under the sun or stars. Both decks have speakers. The cost is $20.00 per person. For reservations contact CDR Roger Breunig ptgezer@yahoo.com P/C Ken Bell, Jr kbelljr@cox.net or Dave DiStasio distasio7@comcast.net . The Sea Mist address for GPS is 30 Indian Point Road, Branford, CT 06405. On street parking is available for free or in the church lot across the street for $5.00/car. NO COOLERS or LIQUOR ALLOWED. Bring your beer or wine and it will be kept cool on the boat. You can also purchase beverages or snacks on board. Bring a dish to share, an appetizer or dessert.

Meriden Masthead

Directions: Yankee Gas Building From 84 E/W: - Take exit 27 for Rt. 691 toward Meriden/Middletown. - Take Exit 4 - At end of ramp, take a right onto Meriden/Waterbury Rd., which turns into W. Main St. - Turn right onto Cook Ave. (at Dunkin Donuts) - At your 2nd light, take a left onto Cooper St. - Yankee Gas Building is on your right. From 91 N/S:

- Take Exit for Rt. 691 - Take Broad St. Exit - At end of ramp, take a left - At monuments, take a right onto E. Main St. - Continue straight on road through center of Meriden until you reach the Dunkin Donuts, bear left. - At 2nd light, take a left onto Cooper St.

- Yankee Gas Building is on your right.

Joe Fernandes 188 Malcein Drive Southington, CT 06489

FORWARD & ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Please visit www.usps.org/meriden for updates