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COMMANDER'S
REMARKS
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Another successful year has gone by and
our Change of Watch was held on May 26, 2006. I welcome our new Bridge
Members, Arthur (A.J.) Matrick: 1st Lt. PRO, David Hargreaves:
Lt.
ATO and Allen Rollie: Lt. ATO. Other changes: Lt/C Elizabeth (Bunny)
Wilkes is taking on the Training responsibility from Marti Tilley, who
will continue on as Officer at Large (Training). Marti is moving to the
District Bridge as D/Lt/C, Training Officer. We will miss Marti!
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A few reminders:
Coming up on August 11, 12 and 13 is the District Rendezvous at Otter
Bay. This event is sponsored by the Vancouver Island South
District and
brings our Squadrons together for a weekend of getting to know each
other. Mark your calendar for a BBQ dinner
on Saturday and a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. Fun and games
happen Saturday. See Upcoming events below for further
information and a link to the VISD web site where you will find the
registration form.
The Fall Fair, Saturday August
26. We face a challenge as other parade
participants undoubtedly will do their utmost to deprive us of the
trophy for the best entry in the Parade. We cannot let this happen!
Come and lend your support.
The National Conference this
year will be held in Vancouver on October
25 – 28. Details are available in the June 2006 issue of Pacific
Yachting. The Friday Night theme will be “Escape to Margaritaville”, so
bring your flip-flops and parrots!
The District AGM was held on
May 13, 2006 and was attended by Chief
Commander Serge St. Martin. I was very pleased to receive 2 trophies on behalf of
the Pender Island Squadron.
One, again, was the Boatwise
Trophy for boating education of our Grade 8 Students and the second was
the Budd Traver Memorial Award. This award is given to an
outstanding instructor as nominated by the Squadrons and supported by
the students. We are so pleased that Sid Nightingale of our Squadron
won the award. Sid’s dedication to his students and the assistance he
is always ready to give is unsurpassed. Congratulations, Sid!
We have 82 members. Even though in terms of size we are
relatively small,
we more than make up for that in quality. Our Squadron is very active
and more than measures up compared to much larger Squadrons. The number
of trophies we have received speaks volumes!
Remember
our mission: We are a dedicated group of volunteers interested
in increasing safety and pleasure on the waterways through education.
Cdr Nick Samsom
SID NIGHTINGALE RECEIVES THE BUDD TRAVER
MEMORIAL AWARD
For the
third time in 5 years, an instructor from our Squadron has won the Budd
Traver Memorial Award! This award is presented annually to a deserving
instructor of a training department in the Vancouver Island South
District as a reward for teamwork and professionalism. You may recall
that Sid recently
( 2.) also won the Doctor Howard Helm Trophy for the highest
average mark in Advanced Piloting in the Vancouver Island South
District.
The successful submission from our Commander to VISD addressed the
following qualities and activities: professionalism, team player,
self-confidence, results oriented, development of self and others,
established and maintained standards, overall effectiveness as an
instructor, displayed versatility and flexibility, dedicated to the
class and the training department, respected by others, established a
good rapport with the students, and demonstrated cooperation. Two or
three sentences were used to describe how Sid exemplified each of these
qualities or carried out each of the activities.
For example this is what was said under Dedicated to the class and the
training department: "
Sid has a love of teaching, especially in the boating community. This
shows in each session and the results clearly show his teaching skills.
No question or inquiry put forward is too small to be addressed in his
usual efficient manner and he has assisted students on a one on one
basis
if the need arises. Sid knows that working with the squadron TO is
important and appreciated. Ask our TO Marti Tilley – she has only
excellent comments to put forward about our Instructor Sid
Nightingale."
Sid has just received the Bud Traver award at the Change of Watch
on May 26 and is pictured here with Commander Nick Samsom,
Tony Merry and DC Shirley Hamilton.
(Photo by Lt Bob Rose)
BOATWISE MEMORIAL
TROPHY
This trophy, which
was donated by James and Sylvia Horvath of Oak Bay Squadron and is
presented annually to the VISD Squadron most active in “Boatwise” or
Youth Training Programs, was presented to Pender Island Squadron for
the 5th time at the District AGM in May.
Since 1998, our Squadron, and many volunteers from the Squadron and the
community, have taught the Boat Pro course to 98 students and 6
different teachers from our Pender Islands school Grade 8 class. Over a
5 day period, we combine the theory of the Boat Pro manual with
activities and games that reinforce the information in the student
notes. We are very grateful to Chuck Spence of Otter Bay Marina who has
donated the use of the gazebo, lawns, pool and access to the docks over
these past 8 years. Each afternoon, the Grade 8 students (and a
teacher) are offered kayaking skills through the generosity of Sue
Kronen and Kayak Pender Island guides who also volunteer their time for
the
benefit of the students.
We continue to be excited about the opportunity to present boating
safety skills to the Grade 8's and are always thankful to the volunteer
instructors who give a week of their time to teach the students.
Marti Tilley, Past STO
ENVIRONMENT
Seal
pup season approaches, with mother harbour seals (Phoca vitulina)
normally giving birth anytime in early July through September. There
are few things more agonizing than observing a seal pup in distress,
perhaps approaching you on a beach or on your boat. Do you let nature
take its course or should you try to assist?
It is a common belief that seals leave their young for lengthy periods
of time in search of food and that to interfere is tantamount to
“seal-napping”. How do you really know when a pup is in genuine trouble?
A seal pup is able to swim within an hour or two after birth and should
weigh about 10 kg. A normal infant gains a half kilo a day, so that by
the time it is weaned four weeks after birth it will weigh roughly
22 kg. A normal pup displays a healthy fear of humans and will slip
into
the water well in advance of your approach. A pup will not be left
alone until it is close to being weaned, and even then only for an hour
or two.
A pup that does not display normal behaviour and is not in the company
of its mother is very likely in difficulty. Waiting too long to
intervene results in dehydration, with the chances of survival going
down sharply.
Offering assistance is surprisingly easy as we are fortunate enough to
be reasonably close to the Wildlife
Natural Care Centre on Saltspring, (3.) which has a
good success rate in rehabilitating seal pups for re-release to the
wild, if you act without delay. Offering assistance is as easy as
calling the Centre on Saltspring at (250) 537-0777. The Centre also
cares for injured or orphaned deer and birds.
The Care Centre is unique on the west coast, being the only facility of
its kind open year round. It is well equipped to provide treatment and
rehabilitation to the wild for seals, caring for ninety last season.
After the Centre receives your call, a “stranding network” of
volunteers transports the animal to Saltspring, sometimes by private
boat, sometimes by ferry. Centre volunteers meet transporters on
arrival.
Volunteer transporters are always required. If you would like to offer
your services you can add your name simply by calling the Centre. For
the second year, and thanks to the hardworking volunteers at Nu-to-Yu,
the Power Squadron has a small jug of money specifically earmarked to
assist with fuel costs incurred by volunteers using their own boats to
transport orphaned or injured wildlife to Saltspring. If you think you
might qualify, please contact me.
Finally, the Wildlife Natural Care Centre urges dog owners to keep a
close eye or leash on their pets while at the beach. An infant seal is
no match for a dog and will end up the loser.
Anyone wanting more information about the Care Centre might visit their
excellent web site which has
been greatly expanded since last mentioned in this newsletter.
Lt. John Cowan
UPCOMING
EVENTS
VISD Rendezvous, Otter Bay Marina
WHEN:
August 11 - 13
WHERE: Otter Bay
Marina, Pender Island
This is an annual event, very much enjoyed by officers and members of
the squadrons in the Vancouver Island South District. Registration
information in PDF format is accessible from the home page of VISD. (4.) Cost is $15.00
per adult; hot dogs $7.00 per child age 5 - 12; children under 5, free.
The deadline for registration is July 31, 2006.
The schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY:
Dinner - Use the Marquis and charcoal BBQ pit.
Evening - 1900 – Social TBA
SATURDAY:
0900 - Coffee, tea, juice, muffins provided.
Lunch - On your own
1330 – GAMES – FOLLOW THE PIPES &
DRUMS
1700 - Happy Hour!
1800 - Dinner - bring your own plates and utensils.
BBQ Steak, corn,
coffee, & tea
supplied.
(Veggie
burgers for those who order) (Children 12 and under special order Hot
Dogs)
Provide BBQ
Side dishes by last
names:
A to M Bring
salads N to Z Bring
deserts
SUNDAY:
0900 – Breakfast of Sausages; pancakes; juice; tea
& coffee.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT
Here
are the results of polling the
entire membership on Pender Island regarding the survey on Canadian Power and Sail
Squadron's image. The survey was conducted for V/C Harry Cole, SN,
National Executive Officer, earlier this year. Its purpose was to
assist in
bringing CPS-EPC into the 21st century. Those who answered the request
are all on the Bridge, either old or
incoming. There were eight responses, and most used a scale of 1 to 9,
1 being strongly
opposed, 5 being neutral, and 9 being much in favour of the idea.
I've written down the questions, and given the numerical
responses. After the
responses, I've typed in any comments made.
1. How do your squadron
members
feel about the possibility of a name change?
9, 8, 7, 7, 7, 5, 3, 1
Comments:
Boating Safety Education web site
with general information
with regards to the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons such as: available
courses and squadrons with a link to CPS National. Or For the CPS web
site—open it up under
"Boating Safety - Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons". I fail to see
why the name has to be changed to get the lead word of "boating" on
search engines. CPS has been CPS for
decades, is well known and respected—to change the name would
be like shooting ourselves in the foot, or worse.
If we are going to compete in the
market place, potential "customers"
need to be able to find us. If they are
not finding us now, a name change is
necessary.
Only change the name to something
like
"Boating Training, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons" so it will be
easier to
find using a search engine.
Some people that I have spoken to
believe CPS stands for Canadian Power Squadron. Both the words POWER and SQUADRON have a connotation which
may be confusing or
negative. The current name does not reflect the educational and safety
aspects of the
organization which I feel should be emphasized.
2. How do your squadron
members
feel about our logos?
9, 9, 7, 6, 5, 5, 5, 1
If we have more than one, we need
to
pick one. More than one is confusing.
Leave the same as is. It is well known
and
respected. Besides, to change the name would be too costly when we
have budget problems already.
If they feel they need one, it's ok with
me.
3. How do your squadron
members
feel about the uniform issue?
a) Should we have any uniforms?
7, 6, 5, 5, 1, 1, 1, 1,
If any, simply a golf shirt with
the CPS
logo
No, they're an absolute waste of
money.
Eliminate uniforms, rank designations
and military titles entirely.
b) Should we reduce the
number from 9 to 4 uniforms?
9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 8
How about from 9 uniforms to one or
none?
Even 4 uniforms may be too many. Blazer
with gray pants would be sufficient. Unless I wanted to make a career
in belonging to CPS, I would not invest
more.
Blazers only.
Uniforms, yes, we should retain 4,
some
members like to wear them.
As far as I'm concerned, there
should
only be one official dress, and that is blazer and slacks or skirt.
I've worn this for
many years at all functions and never felt out of place.
No uniforms would be my choice.
Golf
shirts, denim shirts, etc. with CPS logo are all we need.
Reduce to 0 uniforms.
4. How do your squadron members
feel
about our use of ranks to designate officers' positions? Should we move
to more corporate identities for our
governing board members?
9, 9, 5, 3, 3, 2, 1,1
Corporate identities are more
widely
recognized.
Even though we are a business, we are
still unique. Our current ranking system works well for the volunteers.
Ranks - nautical terms, and
we are
into nautical education.
Ranks should be retained.
Whatever works.
Military ranks are not appealing to
many
younger people.
5. How do your squadron members
feel
about restructuring our membership requirements to make our
organization more accessible for
training?
9, 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, 1, 1,
I believe this is more a question
of
marketing than restructuring.
Leave as it is.
Membership requirements should be
retained, one must have a certain level of training prior to studying
advanced courses.
Much more effort is required to
inform
the general public and boat operators who are not members regarding the
benefits of membership, educational
courses offered, purpose and goals of the organization.
6. How do your squadron members
feel
about rewarding our volunteers with specialty items or discounts on our
stores items?
9, 9, 9, 9, 8, 6, 4, 2
It is not necessary. We do not do
this
for rewards!
Volunteer discounts on our store items -
good idea
Volunteers should receive discounts
on store items
depending on how much service they have performed during a
year.
7. Do you have any other matters
raised by "The 21st
Century Paper" on which you wish to make your views known?
I guess my answers reflect an old
timer's opinions as a member of CPS for many years. The question should
be asked, why CPS should compete with
other organizations? Maybe squadrons should become the training arm of
their local Yacht Clubs for serious
boaters who want advanced training and not boaters who just want
licenses.
I agree with the points made by V/C
Harry Cole. It is unfortunate that these suggestions seem to be made as
a result of a crisis situation. I only
hope that changes he has suggested can be made quickly and that this
very worthwhile organization can recover and
remain strong and healthy.
Be Boat Safety Wise this summer!
Also,
be aware of what others are doing, and be ready to snitch on
them! Remember, the presentation of the
annual Kaptain Krunch Award is
held in December, so keep your eyes open for any likely candidates!
Please report, in glorious detail, any possible
awardees to Nancy Coutts, at 629-6188 or kandncoutts at cablelan dot net.
Lt/C
Nancy Coutts
REVISED 2006 MARINE WILDLIFE
GUIDELINES
FOR BOATERS, PADDLERS AND VIEWERS
The
following guidelines form part of the revised Green Boating Season is Near
document posted on the VISD web site,
(4.) members only section. Squadron members with e-mail were
alerted to that document and another one on June 2. This excerpt is
being published here for the benefit of anyone who has not yet checked
out the VISD environment documents.
Be Whale Wise
1. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: approach areas of known or
suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all
directions before planning your approach or departure.
2. SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400
metres/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
3. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path. If whales are approaching you,
cautiously move out of the way.
4. DO NOT approach whales from the front or from behind. Always
approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction
parallel to the direction of the whales.
5. DO NOT APPROACH closer than 100 metres/yards to any
whale.
6. If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards
approach guideline (#5), reduce your speed and cautiously move away
from the whales.
7. STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are
travelling close to shore.
8. LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30
minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and
give consideration to other viewers.
9. DO NOT swim with, touch or feed marine
wildlife.
We all thank you!
|
|
Student
cruise aboard the Spirit of British Columbia. Joan Rue
chats
with
(then ATO) Lt Elizabeth Wilkes (in
yellow). Others
in the background include Sid
Nightingale and Gary Barber.
In the foreground, Marti Tilley chats with a crew member.
(Photo by Christa Grace-Warrick) |
Lt
Liz Watts and
Lt Roger Pilkington at the
Squadron's safe boating display during the
RCMP pancake breakfast on May 18.
(Photo by Ian Elliott using Roger's camera ) |
|
|
The boating class busy writing their exam. In the foreground are Meg Bell and Michel Pelletier.
Behind Meg are Phyllis Purdy, Diane McBain, a gentleman we have been
unable to identify,
then at the back are Margaret and Bob Vergette.
(Photo by Lt Bob Rose)
|
Some happy grads and helpers! In
the foreground facing the camera are David Ohnona, Gerry Folk and Bob
Vergette. (Then ATO) Lt Elizabeth Wilkes has her back to the
camera. Helpers Tim Lywood and Lt Julie Lywood are behind the table
with grads
Gary Barber and Meg Bell.
(Photo by
Lt Bob Rose)
|
|
|
1st Lt Helen Lemon-Moore has just taken custody of the
Boatwise
Memorial
Trophy which will be displayed at the school.
(Photo by Lt Julie Lywood)
|
D/Lt Sara Steil receives her 10th merit mark from
District Commander Shirley Hamilton
(Photo by Lt Julie Lywood)
|
|
|
Incoming Lt/C, TO Elizabeth Wilkes, receives her first
merit
mark from outgoing TO, now D/Lt/C Marti Tilley.
(Photo by Lt Bob Rose)
|
Lt Ken Coutts and Lt/C Nancy Coutts
with 1st Lt Helen Lemon-Moore.
(Photo by Lt Bob Rose)
|
Putzi Honing with 1st Lt Dick Steil and D/Lt Sara Steil
enjoying
the food at the Change of Watch.
(Photo by Julie Lywood)
RECENT BACK
ISSUES
OF THE
ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
April
2006
January 2006
October 2005
August 2005
FOOTNOTES
1.
http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/index.html
2. http://www.cablelan.net/frose/PIPSnewsjan06.html (Scroll
down to photos)
3. http://www.sealrescue.org/
4. http://www.visd.org/
Editor:
Lt Fran Rose
(S)
Phone: 629-2060 E-Mail: frose at cablelan dot net
URL:
http://www.cablelan.net/frose/PIPS.html
