Commanders Report-May 2004
Well the Change of Watch is over. Our new (old) Bridge of Officers and chairman have been sworn in and are about
their duties. Here's hoping for another great year like 2003. We accomplished a lot last year considering our size.
We received Education Awards, Membership Awards, VSC awards which are all very prestigious accomplishments for
a squadron. We would also like to thank District Executive Officer John Mancini for representing the District and
saying a few words of congratulations to our squadron officers and visiting guests. Our thanks also to Lt./C Hank
Chmielewski for organizing the dinner at Marleys in Orange which served an excellent dinner for us all.
Now on to another year of Boating Safety. Our Education Dept. is just about winding down and finishing up the final
exams. Our Vessel Safety Check group under the leadership of Dick Boardman is about ready to give safety checks at various marinas (see VSC schedule) in the harbor. We have a group of about 5 instructors who participate in the vessel checks thru
this month of May and into June. So if you would like to get your safety sticker for 2004, just give Dick a call
on 874-4905 and you can arrange a meeting place for your "Check".
Our summer schedule is also enclosed for your information. We usually join in with the District in their events
and invite all members to join in. You are all welcome to join in on the Mini-Cruise to Mystic Seaport, the Raft
-Up and Poker Run, or the Rendezvous.
We will be issuing another "Bell" in June and then take a vacation in July ourselves. If you have any
questions or concerns, give a call-be happy to help.
Until next time, Happy Sailing
Bob Reeves, Cdr.
Congradulations to Robert Post Vessel Safety Check Award, 2nd Place, 29 Inspections. District 1 Conference Awards.
VSC Program for the Summer of 2004
The following tentative schedule has been developed by the
VSC chairman and will be finalized pending approval by all VSC inspectors. However it is being relayed to you incase
you would like to make plans for your boats inspection at a boatyard of your choice.
May 22 - Port Milford
May 29 - Spencer's
June 5 - Milford Boat Works
June 12 - Brewers boatyard in Stratford
Please contact Dick Boardman and arrange for your inspection. Any further changes will appear on the MPS website
on the "Charles Island Bell" webpage.
Education Report-May 2004
I'm certain that you all have the Spring cleanup well underway and are
looking forward to the good-ole summer sailing days. After the winter that we had in Connecticut, we all deserve
a very pleasant spring and a sunny summer.
Our courses are coming to a close now . The Chart Smart Course presented at the Sound School finished up with 7
students attending and Bill Carotenuto as the instructor. We had excellent reports from both the school and the
students on the course material and on Bill's excellent instruction. It was our first venture into boating courses
at the Sound School and the classroom at the new Aquaculture School was ideal for our purpose. Many thanks to Susan
Weber of the Sound School for welcoming our squadron into their facility.
The Boat Smart Class at the Milford Yacht Club was attended by 18 students. It was given in the room above the
restaurant on April 17th and 24th . Tony Barbieri and Dick Boardman were the instructors.
Seamanship has completed the first of two modules. The following students have passed the Ist module:
James Delaney
Patrick Thibadeau
Derick Weber
Justin Weber
Theresa Weber
Congratulations to you all.
Engine Maintenance has been completed, the 1st module exams taken and the marks are in. Our thanks to George Buffinton,AP,
instructor for the excellent and informative course. The following students have passed the 1st module:
Ed Aimes,P
Gabe Cordova,S
Don Jacobsen,AP
Ron Nobili,S
Don Pillo,AP
Nice going mates, the last or 2nd module will be given in September.
The new Boaters Guide for 2004 has just become available. The state has really taken its time and has thrown a
curve into our Boating programs.
The next and final Boat Smart and PWC course for the spring and summer will be held at the Milford Yacht Club on
June 5th and 12th from 10:30 to 2:30 PM.
We will be publishing a schedule for courses starting in September in August.
Here's wishing you all a very happy summer and will see you all on the water!
Bob Reeves, SEO
6 May - Bridge Meeting, Parsons Complex, Conf. Room B 1900
4 June - Council Meeting, Northeast Utilities, Newington, CT, 1900
25-27 June - Essex Island Rendezvous and Rain Gutter Regatta
23-25 July - District 1 Mystery Mini-Cruise-Location TBA
13-15 Aug - District 1 Mini-Cruise to Mystic Seaport
25 Sept - 2nd Annual Poker Run and Raft-Up, Hamburg Cove
