BIG PINE KEY

CHANNEL MARKER

April 2014 Page One Volume 40 Issue Four

Virgil Allmond

Flotilla Commander

April 2014 report

Four Boat Crew Members re-certified. They are Tom and Dottie Anderson, John

Rhode and Jo Allmond. Contrary to what we might believe, this if not a “gimmie”.

These folks had to review first aid, knots, navigation and teamwork. They also

have to stand a dockside navigation test and perform with a Coxswain on board.

When you see any of these folks, please tell them thanks for their extra effort and

service to the Coast Guard.

Our last QE (Qualification Examiner) session of the season will occur about the

time you are reading this. We have it scheduled for 22 April. “Doc” Stern, Bill

Downes and Dale Gittings will attempt to certify as Surface Crew for the first

time. Encourage them if you have some experience to share.

National Safe Boating week is 17-23 May, 2014. I have asked Ken Nelson to form

a committee and create some events that can bring attention to this national

event. This year Ken is planning 2 to 3 hour stops of our Mobile Communications

Trailer at several stops around our Big Pine AOR (area of operation). The trailer

will support our presence while we are promoting this event. While set up at these

locations, I am hoping that we can talk with the public about EPIRB (Emergency

Position–Indicating Radio Beacons) DSC ( Digital Select Calling) Marine radios,

while wearing our life jackets to promote the “Wear it Campaign”. Think about

it, if we can save one life, it would be worth all of our effort!

The locations and specific times are not yet etched in stone however, I know we

are planning to have the trailer at the Big Pine Winn Dixie, the boat ramp,

on Big Spanish Channel and maybe the parking lot at Big Pine restaurant,

the Sea Center and Big Pine Fishing Lodge campground.

( Commander report continued on page two).

April 2014 Page Two Volume 40 Issue Four

April Commander Report continued from page One.

The new sign for the rear of the Mobile Trailer has been installed, as well as the

VERY VISIBLE new sign on our storage shed on the Dallas MacDonald (AARP)

building, behind the Big Pine Fire Department. We should be proud of how they

present our image to the public.

Saturday, 12 APR 2014, Bahia Honda hosted their Earth Day Celebration

and we had our usual booth there. We promoted safe boating, recruiting

and did free vessel inspections.

Last but not least, I want to make sure that all of you are aware of the FREE

PUMPOUT SERVICE being offered in our area. To go to their site and find out

more, see web address http://po-keys.com

One of their employees lives in our subdivision, so I just stopped and talked with

him. WOW, what an education I got. Since this service is paid for by your tax

dollars, I think we ought to promote it during our vessel exams when appropriate

and when we do a Public Affairs, or Mobile Trailer booth. I have brochures in the

trailer to pass out as needed.

Above left: back to front, left to right are John Rhode, Tom Anderson,

Jo Allmond and Dottie Anderson receiving their letter for Surface Crew

Requalification, from Flotilla Commander, Virgil Allmond at April 10 meeting.

Above right: Don Kittsmiller receives his Certificate for 10 years membership

In Flotilla Auxiliary Flotilla 13-3.

April 2014 Page Three Volume 40 Issue Four

More Photos from April 10, 2014 meeting and other activities

Above Left: Lynda Haring officiated at a wedding for two USCG

personnel, SN RL Breeckner (Station Marathon) and K Johnston a member

of the crew from the USCG Cutter, Thetis. Above right is the happy couple,

Kenny and Randy. Don Kittsmiller FSO PA, was photographer for the nuptials.

Photo above shows Jim Adam, (left) and Martin Mara (right)

accepting the “Bravo Zulu” award and trailer hitch covers for

their many times of carrying the Mobile facility to the various

booths and events.

Photo above left: shows FC Allmond presenting AUXWEA completion

Certificates to Lynda and Neil Haring.

Above right: Lynda Haring receives “Caught YA” award for officiating at

the wedding of the above pictured Coast Guard Personnel.

April 2014 Page Four Volume 40 Issue Four

Still More Photos from Flotilla 13-3 meeting and other activities

for April. Please note, all photos in the Channel Marker are by

Don Kittsmiller, FSO-PA (or his sometimes reluctant helper, Jan).

Above left: FC Allmond presents certificates to Michael and Nancy Bloch for 5 years

Membership. Also Michael Bloch received his First Sustained Service Award

(sustained service is for 750 hours of volunteer time to the Auxiliary).

Above right: Back row, left to right Tom Anderson, Ken Nelson, Lynda Haring & Doc Stern,

Front row, left to right Dottie Anderson, Don Kittsmiller, Neil Haring & Virgil Allmond.

All are showing their certificate for the D7 Leadership Course, given at Station Marathon

February 22, 2014.

Above left: Ken Nelson receives his recognition certificate for his elected office

of Vice Flotilla Commander and Virgil Allmond receives his certificate for Commander,

From Bob McNamee, IPFC.

Above right: All members of Flotilla 13-3 enjoy a presentation from Todd Hitchens,

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. We enjoyed hearing how we can help to

preserve our precious Reef and Marine Life in the Keys.

April 2014 Page Five Volume 40 Issue Four

Dottie Anderson FSO SR

Secretary of Records

April 2014 Secretary Report

Flotilla 13-3, Big Pine Key Officers meeting opened at 1815 with 15 officers.

A general agenda discussion ensued regarding items to be discussed

at the following meeting and time constraints.

1900, regular meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes

of the March meeting were read and the move to approve minutes was

voted on and unanimously accepted. Martin Mara gave financial report

and the written portion will be in the newsletter. There was a motion to

waive current year dues for members of 13-3, who are currently in the USCG

or recently retired from the United States Coast Guard and a member of 13-3.

After discussion, Doc Stern made a motion that we vote on this motion each year,

and this was seconded by Bill Downes. Motion was voted on and passed.

Staff Officer reports were given and these will be printed in the newsletter.

The resignation of Doc Stern from his FSO-PV ( partner visitation) was

announced. Jo Allmond has taken the appointment of this position for the

remainder of this year.

The Rendezvous will be held on April 13, at the home of Don and Jan Kittsmiller

and Nancy Bloch will host the May 11, Rendezvous.

The next Beach Cleanup is scheduled for April 23, 2014. See Donna Moore,

if you want to help.

Division Commander Elsie Metcalf commended Flotilla 13-3 for going above and

beyond with all of the missions we do for Station Marathon and other

contributions to the Coast Guard.

Proposals for “Safe Boating Week” were presented by Vice Commander

Ken Nelson with more information coming, as we get closer to the date.

Secretary Report continues on Page Six.

April 2014 Page Six Volume 40 Issue Four

Minutes for April 2014 Flotilla 13-3 Meeting (continued from Page Five)

The purchase of a “Safe Boating Week” banner for the 13-3 Mobile

Trailer is being planned. Bob McNamee made the following motion

“The Flotilla will approve the purchase of this banner and the sum of which

is not to exceed $300.00.” The motion was seconded by Martin Mara

and approval unanimous.

Awards or Certificates were given out as follows:

1. Boat Crew recertification, Tom and Dottie Anderson, Jo Allmond, John Rhode.

2. 10 year member service Award, Don Kittsmiller

3. AUXWeather Certificates, Lynda and Neil Haring.

4. Boat Crew certificate to Lynda Haring.

5. 10 year service certificate was received for Bob Eichholtz but he was

not present to receive.

6. 5 year membership service to Nancy and Michael Bloch.

7. First sustained service award to Michael Bloch ( 750 hours )

8. “Caught Ya” award from Flotilla awards committee to Lynda Haring,

for Officiating at a wedding ceremony for USCG personnel.

9. “ Bravo Zulu” award from awards committee for hauling of Mobile

Trailer, went to Martin Mara and Jim Adam. ( also hitch covers)

10. Virgil Allmond received certification for Flotilla Commander.

11. Ken Nelson received certification for Vice Flotilla Commander.

12. Members who attended the Leadership training session at the

Division 13 meeting February 22, received certificates of completion.

The business meeting adjourned at 2000 and Mr. Todd Hitchens, Florida Keys

National Marine Sanctuary presented a Power Point Program stressing the

conservation of our Eco System in the Florida Keys.

A 1 hour TCT class was mentored by Bob McNamee, for the people who

had not done this for this year 2014.

Reminder: The May meeting needs to take action to approve the Financial

Reports for both March and April.

April 2014 Page Seven Volume 40 Issue Four

Dick McCausland FSO-CM

Communications

April 2014 report

We had communications training with new crew personnel

this past week and they all passed with flying colors.

Good job Folks!

As far as communications this past month, nothing much new

to report. It has been kind of at a standstill.

I will be leaving the keys for the month and should return sometime

In May. We will see you all then.

Ken Nelson VFC

Vice Flotilla Commander

FSO-MS Marine Safety

April report

Safe Boating Week May 17th through 23rd is coming up. The national

theme this year is Life Jackets (PFD) but I feel that we normally stress

that all year long. Lois and Joe Gerig had a great idea, of using a boating

examination check list to hand out to the public which gives a list of

safety items for your boat. This would probably eliminate some of the

safety hazards which would cause us to need the life jacket.

I plan to make up a revised or shortened list and at the top of the list is a float

plan, which can be left on your vehicle or with a neighbor, of where you will

be going in your boat and how to contact help. I believe that, if we could convince

everyone who owns a boat, to use the check list on a regular basis, the number

of “on the water” accidents will be reduced tremendously. If you have other items

which you think can be used on this list, please let me know.

At the urging of our Commander, Virgil Allmond, I will be heading up this project

for Safe Boating week and look forward to any help you can provide.

We plan to use our Mobile trailer at several different locations around our

Area of Operation and use these outlets to meet the public and hand out our

information packets. Bring all your ideas to the next meeting and we will get

this thing off the ground. Thank you very much.

April 2014 Page Eight Volume 40 Issue Four

Don Kittsmiller FSO-PA

Public Affairs

April 2014 Report

Philip (Doc) Stern and Dick McCausland attended the USCG

Cutter Charles Sexton Commissioning.

A news release was sent out for the end of the March Boating

Skills and Seamanship Class, with photos. The News Barometer

and the Key West Keynoter picked up the article and photos.

A second installment of “Don’s Award Corner” was prepared for

our monthly newsletter (BPK Channel Marker).

Our “PA” contacts have grown from 22 to 52 this month.

I have completed my PQS for the AUX-PA and awaiting my oral

board to be done next week.

This month on April 12, we worked as a team participating

in the Earth Day Celebration at Bahia Honda State Park. Our trailer

was set up to meet and greet the public. In addition, several

of the Vessel Examiners did vessel exams.

PS: The following note was received from Brittany Burtner, Park

Services Specialist, Bahia Honda State Park. “Thank you and all

of your wonderful volunteers for being a part of our Earth Day

Celebration and representing the USCG Auxiliary. It was a successful

yearly event, with lively weather and lots of happy visitors.”

See Page Nine for photos:

April 2014 Page Nine Volume 40 Issue Four

Members of Flotilla 13-3 Mobile Trailer at Bahia Honda State Park

Earth Day Celebration, April 12, 2014

Flotilla 13-3 had 20 volunteers show up at Bahia Honda Earth Day

to man the mobile trailer, greeting more than 230 visitors.

Over 127 packets of Marine Safety, color books with crayons to the

kids & Boating information, to the adults. Some of the members who

showed to help out, was Diane and Jim Adam, Don and Jan Kittsmiller,

Jo and Virgil Allmond, Lois and Joe Gerig, Susan Harfield, Neil and

Lynda Haring, Marilyn Byrne, Luke and Donna Moore, Doc Stern,

Nancy and Michael Bloch, Gerry Coady, Don and Arlene Way.

We even had several adults sign up for our next Boating

Skills and Seamanship Class in December.

Our vessel examiners did 59 vessel exams, with the majority

being paddle craft, 41 commercial kayaks and 5 regular exams.

This was a team effort with information about the statistics,

vessel exams and class signups reported by Diane Adam (FSO-VE)

mission reports by Jan Kittsmiller (FSO-IS) and photos by Don

Kittsmiller (FSO-PA).

April 2014 Page Ten Volume 40 Issue Four

John Rhode FSO-MT

Member Training

April 2014 Report

Members completing training in March, 2014 are:

1. Vessel Examiner Workshop, Diane Adam (also instructor)

Gerry Coady, Lynda and Neil Haring, Don Kittsmiller,

Dick McCausland, Bob McNamee, Luke and Donna Moore,

Bob Morrow, Bob Raczka and Phil (Doc) Stern.

2. Vessel Examiner Qualification test, Gerry Coady.

3. Jo Allmond, Dottie and Tom Anderson and John Rhode also

Re-qualified as Surface Crew.

Bob Eichholtz, FSO-PE

Public Education

April Report 2014

Our Boating Skills and Seamanship Schedule for the 2013-2014 Season:

Habitat for Humanity Big Pine Key 2 Dec thru 18Dec 19 graduates

Venture Out Cudjoe Key 21 Jan thru 21Jan 25 graduates

Sugarloaf Fire Dept. Sugarloaf 24 Feb thru 12Mar 14 graduates

This concludes our Public Education program for 2013- 2014 season.

Our next course will be in December, 2014.

For more information, please visit our web site at 0701303.wow.uscgaux.info

and select “Boating Safety Classes” (for information about our Scholarship

program) or “Public Boating Courses” (national course finder) from the list

on the left hand side of the screen.

April 2014 Page Eleven Volume 40 Issue Four

Diane Adam FSO-VE

Vessel Examiner

April 2014 Report

Statistics for March Vessel Exams

Vessel Exams Given: 176 (101 paddle-craft)

Vessel Exams total for Jan. thru March: 257

Vessel Exams passed 257

Vessel Exams % passed 88.5%

Vessel Examiners (team 13-3) has listened to our Commander’s

challenge for us to really seek out and inspect paddle-craft

during the month of March, 2014. We performed beyond expectations!

Congratulations to our newest Vessel Examiner , Gerry Coady.

Our required workshop was completed on March 11, 2014. With those

taking this workshop online, we are nearly all qualified before the deadline.

The workshop went beyond the Power Point presentation, with Dick

McCausland explaining the Uninspected Passenger Vessel Safety Exam.

In addition, Phil (Doc) Stern shared his recent research on DSC (digital

select calling) with regard to marine radios.

With Earth Day approaching and our participation in Bahia Honda’s Celebration,

I am sharing some tips from what I read in the BoatUS E-Letter.

All of these points can be included in our vessel safety checks.

1. When fueling up your boat for the season, assure that you have the absorbent

pads aboard and take care to fuel your boat with caution. Aim to fill tanks

to only 90% capacity to allow for expansion.

2. If your boat has an installed toilet, now is the time to maintain it as well as

the associated plumbing. Check that the potential for overboard discharge is

eliminated by securing valves in the closed position. Know & understand the

laws on no-discharge zones and how to use a pump-out station without trouble.

3. when re-conditioning your engine, take care to dispose of replaced oils and

lubricants properly.

April 2014 Page Twelve Volume 40 Issue Four

Jim Adam AUX-FS

Food Service Committee

March/April Report

Members of the AUX FS program worked March 28, 2014,

March 31 and April 1, 2014 at Station Marathon in the

galley. I would like to thank Ken Nelson, Joe and Lois Gerig,

Donna Ferenci, (13-02) Don and Jan Kittsmiller and Bill Downes

for their hours and efforts they contributed to our program.

FS1 Tamekia Wright is being transferred to New Jersey. We hope

to have the same rapport with our new FS1 at Station Marathon

that was established with her. She had a great deal of confidence

in our skills and performance of our duties, which was much

appreciated by all of us. Without the cooperation of the FS1 and FS2,

our qualified volunteers would not have been able to complete their

PQS ( personal quality standards) in such a timely manner. FS2 Chris

Beck is being transferred to Toledo, Ohio and both Tamekia and Chris

will be closer to their home towns and families after their moves.

We wish them “God Speed” in their travels and success in their new

positions.

When I recently stopped by the galley to deliver materials for our

kitchen remodeling project, Bill Downes was busy making huge

baked pork chops, the likes of which, I have never seen! Bill loves

to cook and it shows in his creations. His motto is low temperature

and slow cooking for the tenderness. The rest of the meal was potatoes,

carrots and homemade gravy. Of course, there is always a salad bar.

If you love to cook and want to share your skills with the Coast Guard,

consider volunteering with our trained staff of Don and Jan Kittsmiller,

Jo Allmond, Dottie Anderson, Tom Anderson, Ken Nelson, my wife, Diane

or myself.

I will be contacting Paulette ADSO-HR/AUXFS, to find out what it would

take for a workshop in the Keys again. We have three USCG AUX Instructors

who are also FS volunteers, so maybe they can be approved to teach this

class. We have all updated our shots and will be taking an online sanitation

course to keep our qualifications active. I could not be prouder of our

Flotilla 13-3 FS committee members. They are all committed to this project.

( See photos following page)

April 2014 Page Thirteen Volume 40 Issue Four

Photos from AUXFS Missions-Station Marathon

Photo above left shows Bill working on his delicious

Pork chops. Above right, Jan peels potatoes for Bill’s

Dish. The Coasties really liked the Chef’s choice!

Don Kittsmiller serves lunch at Station Marathon.

April 2014 Page Fourteen Volume 40 Issue Four

Nancy Hunting

Hospitality Chairperson

April 2014

As we all know, Rendezvous’ are vital to the health of the Auxiliary.

We work better as a team, when we can meet socially in a relaxed

atmosphere. I wish to thank Diane, Arlene and Jan for agreeing to host

the rendezvous for this season.

We still need hosts for May and June. I would like to have volunteers for

the summer for all you hardy souls that stay here year round. The host’s

duties are to prepare the main course and alert other members as to what

you would like for them to bring.

Please consider having a Rendezvous. It is not much effort and it is a great

deal of fun. Let me know soon if you are willing to host in May or June.

We had 45 members who attended the April 13, Rendezvous

at the Kittsmillers. Except for being smoked by Don’s barbecue,

everyone seemed to enjoy it as we partied until around 10:00 P. M.

April 2014 Page Fifteen Volume 40 Issue Four

Don’s AWARD CORNER

This month I will describe how you can earn the :

AUXILIARY ANNUAL SERVICE PERFORMANCE

AWARD FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

Awarded for instructors & Instructor’s aides completing

thirty hours of instruction (in Public Education or

Member Training) or serving as an IT’s Aide for 60 or

more hours, or completing a combination of IT hours

and IT’s Aide hours to total at least 30 credits (one IT

hour equals one credit and one aide hour equals one

half hour credit.

For full details, consult the Auxiliary Manual. Chapter 11, pages 11-8.

DON KITTSMILLER FSO-PA

April 2014 Page Sixteen Volume 40 Issue Four

Martin Mara FSO-FN

Finance

April 2014 Report

Financial report, Month ending March 31, 2014

CD ( First State Bank) $3,547.90

Savings $ 654.72

Checking $ 10,737.16

Total $ 14, 939.78

________________________________________________________

Comments

1. All known bills are paid

2. No additional income sources expected thru October, 2014, except:

3. Unpaid dues for 2014 by 17 members, representing potential

Income of $595.00. Projection is we will collect from approximately

9 of the 17, or approximately $315.00.

April 2014 Page Seventeen Volume 40 Issue Four

Lynda Haring FSO-HR

Human Resources

April, 2014 Report

At present, two individuals have their member number and await

receipt of their ID cards. Two more candidates are in active process

of enrollment. Other potential members are still in the process.

As always, members of the Auxiliary are the best recruiters of other

members. If you know anyone who might have an interest in joining

our organization, please let me or any other flotilla Leader, know.

The project of contacting all Flotilla members continues. These get

“acquainted calls”, provide a sense of care and concern for each member.

So far, members who have been contacted have welcomed the call and

have expressed good feelings about being part of the Flotilla.

In accordance with one of the foundational cornerstones of the Auxiliary,

during the past month, Human Resources had a unique opportunity to provide

service and support to two members of the Coast Guard. I conducted the

wedding of SN Randy Breeckner (Station Marathon) and her fiancé, Kenneth

Johnston (Sector Key West) who is a member of the crew of the Coast

Guard Cutter, Thetus. Special thanks to Don Kittsmiller, who gave his

time on a Sunday afternoon to take pictures for them and their families.

If HR can be of any help to you in any way, please let either me or any

officer know. I will appreciate being “kept in the loop” especially

during the months of snowbird migration.

We are grateful to Doc Stern, who for the last several months served

as assistant to the Human Resources, but has found it necessary

to resign that position. Thanks for all your hard work.