Nautical Notes - Mariners of PGI

Nautical Notes
Vol. VIII Number 3 A Publication of the Mariners of PGI MARCH 2016
Don Kidwell, Commodore
Today I’m going to talk to you about
bugs.
Two types in particular…
mosquitos and fleas.
You might
wonder, why is the Commodore
talking about these bugs? I will tell
you why. The first is the Zika disease
from mosquitos. The Zika disease is a potential danger to
our boaters. It flies and bites during the DAY! While most
info is about the danger to pregnant women, there is
significant risk for the rest of us. It can cause partial
paralysis, and major aches and pains. There have been
over 50 cases to-date in Florida (Brazil has 1.5 million
cases) and it is being considered an epidemic. I normally
do not worry about mosquitoes except at sunrise and
sunset…this is a game changer. We have the Zika-carrying
mosquito here in SW Florida, so take precautions.
The second bug is the flea. In our case, it is our “flea”
market. Many of us have lots of boating gear cluttering up
our garages and now we have an opportunity to get rid of
some of it (and, in the process, possibly...probably… pick
up more that we don’t need). We are planning a club
nautical flea market in the future….but it may be in the fall
so the snowbirds can join in.
Getting away from bugs, in a meeting with our Punta
Gorda Police Department, we were discussing using
security cameras focused on the canals to help solve
robbery cases. They mentioned there were cases where
viewing home security camera footage might have helped
track the criminals. However, the PGPD does not know
who has security camera systems that might be made
available to them. Anyone who would be interested in
allowing the PGPD to view their footage in cases of a crime
having been committed can contact me with their info and
I will forward to the PGPD detective.
Moving on to cruising, we are investigating something
called FRIENDLY RELATIONS. It has to do with establishing
friendly relations between the Mariners and Cuba –
making it easier for us boaters to get there and have a
great time. On a related note, one of our members is
Continued on Page 5
Keith Feather, Cruise Director
The second month is complete,
and the weather has started to
cooperate.
February saw 27
Mariners and their boats
cruising.
Greg and Charlie Popp led a dynamic lunch cruise to the
Nav-A-Gator with the Northrups, Dutchers, Whitchers
and Wienecke (see article on p. 5). They had an
interesting time, to say the least.
Louis and Sherry Beer led the Last Sunday of the Month
Raft-Up at Sunset Lake, with an incredible 14 boats
attending. Julie Scharpf climbed the Hills’ catamaran
mast to get some fantastic pictures (see article on p. 7).
A wonderful time was had by all. Rafting up that many
boats was a testament to boating skills of the members.
Bill and Kate Albers led a lunch cruise to Laishley Crab
House and brought along seven more Mariners for a
fine lunch (see article on p. 6).
So far this year, we have 20 Mariners with one cruise,
ten Mariners with two cruises, and one Mariner who has
completed three. It’s hard to keep Wild Oats on the
dock, I guess. Congratulations to all.
There are five Mariners I would like expressly to thank
for stepping up to post cruises as part of the cruising
committee for the next year. Thank you Bill Albers,
Roger Black, Louie Beer, Ron Slimp, and Jim Musselman.
The weather is beautiful. Decide on a destination, let
me post it on the website, and your fellow Mariners will
be there. Summer is coming way too soon.
Click here to access the cruise sign-up homepage.
Upcoming April Cruises
7
Burnt Store Lunch Cruise, led by Frank and Abby
Malone (wait-listed)
8-10 2016 Mariners Regatta, chaired by Russ and Sue
Hills
10-12 Boca Grande Marina Cruise, led by Sue Krasny
(one space still available)
MARCH 2016
Page 2
Nautical Notes
Mariners of PGI Board of Directors
DON KIDWELL, Commodore
commodore@marinersofpgi.org
CHUCK POHLE, Vice Commodore
vicecommodore@marinersofpgi.org
DEBBIE JONES, Treasurer
treasurer@marinersofpgi.org
DEBBY DEHMEL, Secretary
secretary@marinersofpgi.org
SHIRLA CESARI, Director of Social Activities
social@marinersofpgi.org
JULIE BLACK, Director of Membership
membership@marinersofpgi.org
KEITH FEATHER, Director of Cruises
cruise@marinersofpgi.org
BILL LEACH, Director of Education
education@marinersofpgi.org
MARK MacMAHON, Past Commodore
pastcommodore@marinersofpgi.org
______________________________________________
LYNNE MATTHEWS, Sunshine Committee
sunshine@marinersofpgi.org
DON LEITCH, Webmaster
webmaster@marinersofpgi.org
www.marinersofpgi.org
Meetings
General Membership
PGICA, 2001 Shreve St.
4th Monday at 7 p.m. (except December)
Board
PGICA, 2001 Shreve Street
4th Monday at 9 a.m. All members are welcome.
Newsletter
CHUCK POHLE, Supervising Board Member
vicecommodore@marinersofpgi.org
JOYCE McCANDLESS, Editor
nneditor@marinersofpgi.org
Editor’s Note: I will confirm, via e-mail, receipt of each
NN submission. If you do not receive
confirmation, PLEASE contact me.
PEGGY NORTHRUP, Proofreader
DIANE MABEY, Circulation and Labels
Editor’s Note: direct contact information for all Mariners
is located on the website.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here to view the Cruise Schedule and Sign-Up!
Click here to view the Social Calendar and Sign-Up!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April Birthdays
1 Clint Stoddard
1 Jeanne Hall
3 Carl Reilly
3 Skip Reed
3 Dee Little
3 Jane Carnell
4 Al Shuhart
6 Sue Scharpf
6 Jeffery Letteri
8 Debby Lubell
8 Bill Carney
9 Nancy Semon
14 Mary Fleenor
15 Marlene Jones
16 Glenice Reed
17 Gwen Slimp
18 Neil Hunt
18 Sharon Hunt
19 Ann Gordon
23 Julie Denny Scharpf
24 Mark MacMahon
25 Scrib Dailey
30 Thomas O'Keefe
MARCH
2016
JANUARY
2013
Page
3
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Nautical Notes
Tidbits from Social
Shirla Cesari
You know when you socialize with the Mariners, you always can count on having fun. Our Happy
Hour on Wednesdays at 5:30 at the Fish Market in Fishermen’s Village is a great way to get
better acquainted with other members and have some of that fun. Hope we’ll see you there!
Special thanks to Val and Tom O’Keefe for hosting the February Eat before We Meet (EBWM) with
pizza from Luigi’s. Great food and great company…great fun.
Thanks to Betsy Pohle for hosting another yummy Breakfast with the Gals (BWTG) at Nino’s in
March. Remember, ladies, you can invite prospective members or bring your out-of-town guests
with you, too.
Our Warm Mineral Springs outing is postponed until May, hopefully for a warmer day to visit the Fountain of Youth!!!
Life is full of second chances and Julie Scharpf served up one for twelve of us who kayaked with the Manatees in Fort
Myers. Thanks, Julie, for an awesome experience to get close to the gentle giants.
And another fourteen Mariners scored an evening of fun in Fort Myers with Woody Woodward, beginning with dinner
at the Islamorada Fish Company, then topping it off watching the Florida Everblades hockey team play the Toledo
Walleye. Our thanks to Woody for helping make it happen!
Amazing Mariner Fact: As of March 4, there are 98 Mariners who have completed their volunteer credit for 2016, and,
of those 98, many have assisted in multiple activities!!! This club is truly amazing!!!
Social Calendar Sign-Up; Just click on the event below to access its Sign-Up page
March
16 Breakfast with the Gals, hosted by Penny Shattuck
(think green!)
24 Basket Weaving with Patty Feather
(still room for more)
31 Pub Crawl, hosted by
Peggy Northrup and Lisa Wienecke
Kayak Among the Manatees March 1
April
8-10 Regatta, hosted by Susan and Russ Hills
13 BWTG, hosted by Diana Miller
14 Wine Tasting/Sunset at Ponce, hosted by
Gail Eggers and Ramona Lanka
25 EBWM, hosted by
Charlie Popp and Nancy Eggert
Julie Denny Scharpf
Once again, 13 Mariners and guests took to the river. on a beautiful, warm, and sunny day, to kayak among the
manatees. Only this time, we paddled up and down the river, enjoying not only the manatees and other wildlife, but
each other’s companionship. We were out for a couple of hours and, although the number of manatees was fewer
than on our previous outing, the ones we did see were very active and did not disappoint. Afterwards, we had a
delicious lunch at The Oasis Cafe in Fort Myers. This
was the last paddle at Manatee Park for the season;
the manatees are starting to migrate back out to the
Gulf as the weather warms. Rest assured, we will go
back again next winter.
The paddle was led by Julie Scharpf, with Patty
Feather, Debbie Jones, Dennis and Shirla Cesari, Gail
and Chuck Busch, Peggy and Richard Northrup, and
Bill and Jane Leach and their two guests in
attendance.
Editor’s Note: Click here to view more photos.
MARCH 2016
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Nautical Notes
Membership Notes
Julie Black
Welcome to our newest members, Frank and Sue Scharpf! The Scharpfs sail a 30 foot Hunter named
Better Days. Frank and Sue will be introduced at the March 28 membership meeting, so look for their
bio and pictures in the April Nautical Notes.
A big thank you to Joyce McCandless for updating the Mariners brochure. Since only a handful of
brochures were left, this seemed like a perfect time to modernize the 2012 version of this
publication. After printing, the new brochure will be stocked in the rack at the PGICA for new
residents to pick up. Copies will also be available at the Mariners table at the New Members’
Reception to be held March 23 at the Civic Association.
Please recognize Al Shuhart, one of the “behind the scenes” Membership committee members. Al is responsible for
sending out the e-birthday cards to all the Mariners members. With over 200 members, birthday recognition is a big
job! Thank you so much, Al, for your commitment and contribution to our group.
If you have lost or need an updated nametag, you may contact me to have another tag ordered. The process is simple
and the cost is $10. Gulfcoast Engraving in Port Charlotte is great to work with, and will have the order ready in a
week. Wearing your nametags is so helpful for new members, prospective members, and not-so-new members for
associating names with faces, especially at Happy Hour, where there is a large crowd.
Hockey Night in Florida
March 2, 14 hearty Mariners ventured to Fort
Myers to watch an exciting Florida Everblades
hockey game. The game was held at Germain
Arena, in Estero.
Before the game, we all met at the Islamorada
Fish Restaurant in the Bass Pro Shop store. We
dined as a group, swapped old hockey stories from
previous lives, and had an adult beverage or two.
The group then moved down the highway, found
our seats (all together in two rows), and enjoyed a
very fast moving game. Everyone came home
with a puck from the Florida Everblades (yes,
everyone actually received his or her very own
puck!). Unfortunately, our team came up short by
one goal; however, a good time was had by all.
Editor’s Note: click here to read more about the
game.
Woody Woodward
MARCH 2016
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Nautical Notes
Nav-A-Gator Lunch Cruise
Charlie Popp
February 22 was a warm and sunny day as five power boats made the treacherous journey up Peace River. We were
all looking forward to a wonderful lunch at the Nav-A-Gator. Joining cruise leaders Greg and Charlie Popp and their
friends from Indiana, Rick and Moe were: Ruth and Jim Dutcher with their friends Craig and Amy; Mark and Judi
Whitcher, Richard and Peggy Northrup, and Joe and Lisa Wienecke.
Along the way, alligators were sunning themselves on the
river’s banks and the river proved itself to have an everchanging floor as we navigated around and sometimes into
the sand bars. We made it safely to the restaurant but,
unfortunately, even after calling ahead to let them know our
group was coming, our lunch cruise turned into a drink
cruise only and we left after one and one-half hours with no
food. Suspiciously, we noticed that not many people in the
restaurant had any food and as we were leaving, the food
truck pulled up. Rumor has it that after we left they closed
the kitchen for the day. Nevertheless, we all made it back to
our various destinations and a good time was had by all.
Editor’s Note: click here for more photos.
Commodore’s Message
Continued from Page 1
developing a cruise intended to leave for Cuba this spring. Visiting Cuba is like stepping back in time to the 50’s.
Everywhere you look, Havana is a constant reminder of its former glory. Other members are planning trips to Key
West for Fantasy Fest, the Bahamas, up the East Coast, Dry Tortugas and the Keys. This looks to be a great year for
the extended cruising.
Closer to home, we continue to build on our social activities and local cruises. Our Annual Regatta is almost upon us. It
looks to be another fantastic event. There are many more social and boating opportunities listed on the website. Be
sure to check them out and join in the fun. Our participation is part of what makes this such a wonderful community in
which to live.
NAME BADGES. We need to wear them to help new and old members know who we are.
Let’s go cruising!
MARCH 2016
Page 6
Nautical Notes
Breakfast with the Gals at Nino’s Bakery
Betsy Pohle
Another fun gathering of Mariner gals for breakfast happened in February.
By the time you read this, Penny Shattuck will have hosted our March
breakfast, also held at Nino’s. Ladies, if you haven’t joined us yet, please
do! At February’s breakfast we had 20 chattering women. It’s all about
meeting NEW and OLD Mariners, telling whopper boating stories, enjoying
Nino’s yummy crumb cakes or their farm fresh egg omelets and quiches,
and planning new adventures. If you are a regular at these breakfasts,
please consider inviting someone new. The more, the merrier!
Eat Before We Meet
Tom O’Keefe
Ninety-one people came to this Mariner event, an Eat Before We Meet held before the Mariners monthly general
membership meeting, February 22. Chaired by Tom and Val O’Keefe, the EBWM featured five different types of pizza
ordered from Luigi’s Pizza House, along with salads and dessert. Also serving on the event committee were Jay
Buckley, Fred Clark and Ellen Klinger, Bill and Kate Albers, Bob and Carol DeWire, Bill Fitzgerald, Linda Bullard, and
Shirla Cesari. Thanks also to the many helpers who assisted with set up and clean up. It was great dining with our
Mariner Friends at a great feast.
Laishley Crab House Lunch Cruise
Kate and Bill Albers
Monday, February 29, was beautiful
and sunny...simply a great day to
travel to the Crab House with Mariner friends for lunch. Even though
we arrived early, the day dock was
quite full and we struggled to get
everyone in. Eight boats and one car
brought the 20 Mariners together to
enjoy good food and friendship.
Editor’s Note:
more photos.
click here to view
MARCH 2016
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Nautical Notes
Education
Bill Leach
Thank you to the membership for receiving The Honorable Paul Stamoulis, Supervisor of Elections
for Charlotte County, at our February meeting. This is a busy time of year for Paul and I am pleased
he made the time to meet with the Mariners. Several members expressed their pleasure with the
Education program after Paul’s presentation. I realize that our Education presentations should focus
on boating and safety; please be assured the next several programs will include such topics.
The Education committee is discussing topics such as towing and salvage, Admiralty Law, PGI canal system, the “canal
cut through” proposal, weather transmitters, and other such topics.
Safety suggestions and facts of which we should be aware:
1. One third of all US boating fatalities are a result of either hunting or fishing accidents. Think about it. During these
activities, the focus is often on the activity and not the fact that you are operating a vessel.
2. File a float plan, be it formal or informal depending on the extent of your boating activity. If the plan changes,
update the plan. Let someone know where you are and where you are going, including time, date, etc.
3. Access the National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov/information.
4. If you capsize, stay with the boat. Boats can be located much more easily than individuals.
5. Wear life jackets. We all agree, but don't do it. The market provides many new user-friendly PFD devices that self
inflate and are comfortable and cool to wear.
6. Read #1-5 again. There are many more areas of safety not mentioned here, however this is a good start or review.
SAFE BOATING!
Last Sunday of the Month Sunset Lake Raft-Up
Louis and Sherry Beers
Sunny, mid 70’s, slight breeze...what more could you ask for?
FRIENDS !!!
GOOD
February 28 brought 14 boats and 37 people together for a great social at
Sunset Lake. Cruise leaders Sherry and Louis Beer, on Valhalla, brought twin
sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and John Demars. Russ and Sue Hills, on the
anchor boat, Route 66, had
guests Cheryl Berlon and Carlo
San Giorgio. Richard and Peggy
Northrup, on Salty Dawg,
brought Lisa Wienecke, and Shirla and Dennis Cesari. Bill and Nancy
Eggert, on Just Limin’, brought Dave and Phyllis. Other Mariners joining
the party were: our Cruise Director, Keith and Patty Feather, on Chill;
Mike and Julie Scharpf, on Weather or Knot; Greg and Charlie Popp, on
Hoosier Popp; Mark and
Judy
Whitcher,
on
Whitchcraft II; Neil and
Sharon Hunt, on Gypsy Soul; Jim Hebeisen and Dawn Hayworth, on
Tranquillo; Lavern and Lois Modrow on Horizons; Gordon Hadley and
Suezee Yohe, on Backdraft; Mitch and Diana Miller, on Thisilldo; and Mike
and Debby Lubbell, on Never Say Never.
The highlight of the day was Julie Scharpf being hoisted up Route 66’s
mast by bosun’s chair to get a new perspective, and to take aerial
pictures of the flotilla.
Editor’s Note: click here to view more photos.
MARCH 2016
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Nautical Notes
If you or anyone
you know is ill
or in need of some
Sunshine,
please contact
Lynne Matthews
sunshine@marinersofpgi.org
Nautical Notes, Mariners of PGI
c/o Diane Mabey
3317 Grenada Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33950