2008

January 1 starts a new year with new ideas. Randy Bender Flotilla Commander and Dick Squitieri Vice Flotilla Commander are at the helm.   We had an exciting year in 2007 and look forward to more co-operation and members getting involved by getting their qualifications upgraded and current.   Many of our members are taking the Specialty AUXOP courses to further their education in order to assist the Flotilla.  We have finally completed a tough challenge and that is of getting all our members the required Security clearances and new USCG member ID cards.  We have lost a couple of members due to them not being interested in complying to the Security Clearances, but we are over that and each new member has to have it done in order to become a member.   Thanks for your patience, understanding and compliance. 

Member Training:   We encourage members to get involved with the Coast Guard programs, schools and advancements. You can do that by contacting our Member Training Officer  ( Dick Squitieri)  570-639-4032.     Louis is willing to help anyone in the flotilla to further their education.  We need members to train for Crew and Coxswain to assist on patrols. Louis will steer you in the right direction and work with you to accomplish these tasks.   See Dick Squitieri at one of our meetings.

Public Education:   We have done a fantastic job in 2007 and looks like another busy year on Safe Boating classes this new year. We need all our instructors to step up to the plate and help our Public Education Officers (Carol Bender & Robert Vanderhook) to put on these safe boating classes.  It is a huge job and we will need all the help we can get.  We have taught a lot of people last year and hope to do even more classes this year.  Lets all help.  If you are interested in becoming an instructor let Carol know or contact Dick Squitieri and he will get you started.

Keeping Track of Hours:  Its is important that all members record the hours devoted to Flotilla activities.  In addition to the member receiving credit for the hours the Flotilla is also recognized.  You need member activity logs to record your hours.  They can be found at the National website .  Go to members desk and select forms.  Scroll through the forms and locate the forms you need.  See Dr. Fumanti for additional information.

New Flotilla E- Mail System:  We have imitated a new e-mail system for facilitating group mail messaging.  In order for the system to work , save time and improve communication and collaboration, we need everyone's email address.  Please send your email address to Bob or Fran Fumanti if you have not yet done so.

Boater Registration Update: We checked with the Pennsylvania Fish Commission regarding the use of boats owned by Pennsylvania residents, used in Pennsylvania waters  but registered in another state.  The question posed and answered on January 15, 2002, was can such a boat be operated in PA waters if the boat owner paid no PA sales tax and has the boat registered in another state.  The Fish commission informed us that in such instances the boat can be used in PA waters for not more than 60 days. (1/15/02)

USCCAUX ID Cards:   Do you have an ID card that is expiring and do you need a new  picture ID?   All members should notify Jack Borzell immediately if you need a new card .  We would like you to come to a division meeting in order to get your new picture ID card.  Please do not respond if  IDs are not expiring soon. I would appreciate a count as soon as possible.  (1/8/02)