Member Meetings and Events

The Hartford Power Squadron holds seven member meetings during the year. These meetings are primarily social with each having a program of general interest to boaters. Members get to talk with fellow boaters about their boating experiences and many life-long friendships have been kindled among our members.

The Annual Meeting in March is an important meeting for all members. It includes reports by the outgoing Bridge officers, the approval of the budget and the election of officers for the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend to help set the direction of the squadron for the new year.

The Change of Watch gives us a chance to celebrate the past year and install the new Bridge Officers. We give out awards to the outgoing Bridge and other members who have contributed their time and effort over the year. We always enjoy an excellent meal and a lot of fun.

The meetings are open to all members, guests, and prospective members and are generally scheduled at 6:30 on the 4th Tuesday of selected months. The meetings are held at the Olympia Diner in Newington.



Upcoming Members' Meetings

 

 May 28, 2024 Members' Meeting
“Night Boat to New York”
by Erik Hesselberg

Night Boat to New York: Steamboats on the Connecticut, 1824-1931,
is a portrait of the vanished steamboat days–when a procession of stately sidewheelers plied between Hartford and New York City, docking at Peck’s Slip on the East River in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. At one time, Hartford could boast two thousand steamboat arrivals and departures in a year. Altogether, some thirty-five large steamboats were in service on the Connecticut River in these years, largely on the Hartford to New York City route. These Long Island Sound steamers, unlike the tubby, wedding cake dowagers of Western waters, were long, sleek craft, with sharp prows cutting a neat wake as they cruised along. Departing each afternoon from State Street or Talcott Street wharf in Hartford, the “night boats” reached New York at daybreak, inaugurating a pattern of city commuting that continues to this day. Steamboating not only brought people and goods—Colt’s firearms and Essex’s pianos—down river to New York for export to world markets, but also helped America’s inland “Spa Culture” transplant itself to the seashore, making steamboating not just convenient transportation but also a social phenomenon noted by such writers as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. No wonder crowds wept in the fall of 1931, when the last steamboats, made obsolete by the automobile, churned away from the dock and headed downriver—never to return.


About the Author
Erik Hesselberg has been writing about the Connecticut River for 20 years, first as an environmental reporter for the Middletown Press, and after as executive editor of Shore Line Newspapers in Guilford, where he oversaw 20 weekly newspapers from Old Lyme to Stratford, CT. He was president of the Middlesex County Historical Society and developed the award-winning exhibit “A Vanished Port,” on the Connecticut River’s ties to the slave economy of the Caribbean islands. His writings have appeared in Wesleyan Magazine, the Hartford Courant, Estuary Magazine, and on his blog, Voicesontheriver.com. He lives in Haddam, CT.

 

Meeting time and place:
Date: Tuesday, 28 May 2024
Time:
6:30 for dinner, 7:15 for presentation
Cost: $20 for dinner with a cash bar at 6:30pm. Meeting starts at 7:30pm
Place: Olympia Diner, 3413 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT
Reservations: Contact Jim Salvatore at jimsal1@comcast.net.

 

What You May Have Missed

 

 March 26, 2024 Members' Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING
"Show Up and VOTE!"
Elections will be held for the new Bridge and other Executive Committee positions.
Elections start at 7:30 p.m.

PLUS!!!
“Hatchery Season at the Fishers Island Oyster Farm”

with Jay Letendre

Holding oysters in hand.Jay Letendre has 15 years of experience in aquaculture and marine biology. He currently is Hatchery and Farm Manager at Fishers Island Oyster Farm. While working for 8 years side by side with Steve Malinowski, Jay and Steve raise oysters from initial spawning to adult size as they eventually are distributed to various farms and consumers across the country.

Jay’s favorite season is ‘hatchery season’, where he is always busy overseeing seed production, cultivating, and propagating algae. Jay works very hard to produce the healthiest, most attractive, and delicious oysters.

In his presentation, Jay will be going over the process of Oyster aquaculture and the multiple benefits farmed oysters have for us and the local ecology. He'll be bringing us through the life cycle of oysters from the larval tanks to your dinner plates and give some insight on the husbandry that makes this possible.

 

February  27, 2024 Members' Meeting
“Protecting Clean Water, Restoring Healthy Rivers”

with Rhea Drozdenko

Please join us and our presenter Rhea Drozdenko, River Steward in the Connecticut River Conservancy, to learn what is being done to clean up and protect our Connecticut rivers.

This is sure to be a fun and informative night out!

About our presenter:


Rhea joined the CRC team in August 2022. Before joining CRC, she worked as a community engagement professional in higher education – getting students more involved in the community and creating programming for local K-12 students.  Community engagement has been an integral part of both her personal and professional life – and she tries to volunteer whenever she can.

Rhea holds a BA in Sociology with a Civic Engagement Certificate, as well as a MALS in Social Sciences from Wesleyan University. She has lived in Connecticut for most of her life, and she loves exploring the lovely gems this state has to offer. She can often be found reading a book in a hammock along the Connecticut River, experimenting with different baking recipes, or listening to live music. 

January  23, 2024 Members' Meeting
"Trivia Night"
with Steve Petty
CANCELLED
To be rescheduled for a future meeting.

Back by popular demand!

You won't want to miss our January program featuring a trivia contest with categories of nautical and general knowledge questions.

This is a team event, so winning does not depend on your knowledge alone, but instead, the combined knowledge of your team.

Come join us for a fun night out!

 

 February 28, 2023 Members' Meeting

Presentation was Rescheduled to September 26, 2023
"Weather"
by
Darren Sweeney

Darren Sweeney
DARREN SWEENEY

Darren Sweeney of NBC 30 will be joining us for the 28 February Members' Meeting. Darren is a Meteorologist, and delivers the forecast every weekend morning. He has been recognized by the American Meteorological Society (AMS), and the National Weather Association (NWA).

Darren is also an Associate Professor of Journalism at CCSU. He volunteers his time at many events raising money and awareness for different types of cancer research. Darren helps homeless animals find good homes. He has experience forecasting severe weather and chasing hurricanes.

Help us welcome Darren Sweeney!

 

January 24, 2023 Members' Meeting
"Trivia Night with Steve Petty!"

You won't want to miss our January program featuring categories of nautical questions.

 May 24, 2022 Members' Meeting
"Sailing - When Everything Fails"
by Rob Goldstein

ANTICIPATE A GREAT EVENING FILLED WITH GASPS AND HOLDING YOUR BREATH.
ROB GOLDSTEIN WILL KEEP YOU SPELLBOUND WITH HIS TALE OF A TRIP GONE WRONG.

ROB GOLDSTEIN

Rob started sailing when he was around 10 years old at a Boy Scout sailing camp where he learned all the basics of sailing, including knot tying, splicing and racing. After sailing for a number of years on his family's 16 foot sailboat, then Rhodes 19, his family purchased their O'Day 27 that he continues to sail out of Westbrook Pilots Point marina. Rob enjoys reading up on all things sailing and anything to expand his knowledge of boating, maintenance and safety.

A friend was moving from CT to Puerto Rico to live aboard his 33-foot sailboat. I volunteered to assist as the 2nd Skipper in the 1st leg of the trip to Norfolk, VA, an approximate 400-mile trip.

Almost everything went wrong that could have: The head check valve failed, nearly swamping the boat until we started the pump. Then the batteries went dead and we realized the alternator had not been working. We were sailing through major shipping channels with no lights, no AIS, and no pump. We ended up pumping by hand. The Captain fell overboard and was barely saved. The remainder of the crew were inexperienced and got sea-sick. Finally, we had to have sea-tow bring us to port as the engine wouldn’t start. To wrap it up, the Captain had a heart attack but is still planning to sail to Puerto Rico.

Rob will describe this ‘trip from hell’ with slides and videos of the voyage, and how he and the crew handled the emergencies. He wraps up with suggestions for any boater to try and avoid or at least prepare for emergencies at sea. Every boater should attend this important presentation.

 

March 22, 2022 Members' Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING

"Show Up and VOTE!"


Elections will be held for the new Bridge and other Executive Committee positions.

Elections start at 7:15pm


January 25, 2022 Members' Meeting
Has  Been Rescheduled to February 22, 2022

"TRIVIA NIGHT WITH STEVE PETTY!"


You won't want to miss our January program featuring categories of nautical questions.

October 26th Members' Meeting
“Submarine Force of Today”

by Master Chief Kellen Volland

Master Chief Kellen Volland
CMDCM (SS) Kellen Voland
Command Master Chief, Navy Submarine Base New London

In February 2021, Command Master Chief Voland became the 19th Command Master Chief of Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

Born in Quincy, Illinois, Command Master Chief Voland ` also become a Connecticut native. Following graduation from Groton’s Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 2002, he enlisted in the Navy and volunteered for the Submarine Force, ascending the ranks and earning designation as a specialist in submarine warfare.

He completed basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, and Basic Enlisted Submarine School and Sonar Technician “A” School at Naval Submarine School, in Groton.

Command Master Chief Voland’s at sea assignments include USS HARTFORD (SSN-768) stationed in Groton, where he served as a member, and then Leading Petty Officer, of Sonar Division. During this assignment, he advanced to First Class Petty Officer, earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare insignia, and completed various deployments to the Southern, Mediterranean and Central Command Areas of Operation.

H also served in USS MISSOURI (SSN-780) stationed in Groton, as the Sonar Division Leading Chief Petty Officer; and after advancing to Senior Chief in June 2012, he assumed the duties of Weapons Department Senior Enlisted Advisor. USS MISSOURI completed a six month deployment as well as a surge deployment to the European Command (EUCOM) Area of Operations, while Command Master Chief Voland was assigned. In August 2017, he reported to USS NORTH DAKOTA (SSN 784) stationed in Groton, as the ship’s third Chief of the Boat. he led USS NORTH DAKOTA through two Six Month EUCOM deployments and achieved Two Meritorious Unit Citations, and the 2018 COMSUBRON FOUR Battle “E” Award.

Command Master Chief Voland’s shore assignments include duty as a recruiter and Station Leading Chief Petty Officer for Navy Recruiting District New England, and serving as Sonar Assistant on the Staff of Submarine Squadron Four in Groton.

Command Master Chief Voland is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy Class 61 and the Chief of the Boat/Command Master Chief course. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Good Conduct Medal (five awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards.


September 28th Members’ Meeting
“Join us on an Adventure spanning nearly 18 Months on America's Great Loop!”
Featuring Nick Civitillo

The Adventure

Wine Pairing

 

March 23rd Annual Members’ Meeting
“The Water World of Varenna and Lake Como”
Lt/C Cliff McKibbin, SN
Varenna and Lake Como

Rick Steves suggests Varenna as the ‘place to stay’ when visiting Lake Como in Italy. It is the center of a triangle of the beautiful towns of Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio and is easy to get to from Milan. A short ferry boat ride across the lake to either town makes for an easy day trip to see the towns, villas, churches, museums, and waterfronts. Cliff will show slides of
all of the sights as well as discuss getting there and highlight some of the sights in ‘not to be missed’ Milan.


Cliff and his wife, Lucille, have enjoyed visiting Europe and especially Italy for some years. They have been using Airbnb for the last five years and rely heavily on Rick Steves for guidance on his ‘do it yourself’ style of travel.

 

September 22nd Members’ Meeting
“Whales are Back in New York Waters”
by Lisa Piastuch
Humpback Whale

After many years of absence, the whales are back in New York waters! Species such as the seasonally migrating Humpback and North Atlantic Right Whales, as well as the Fin whale, are frequent visitors to the New York Bight. Using a variety of scientific tools, scientists are setting out to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of these large whales and sea turtles in the Bight. Join North American Marine Environment Protection Association’s (NAMEPA) Education and Outreach Director, Lisa Piastuch, to learn more about the New York Bight Whale Monitoring Program, methodologies employed, basic facts about marine mammals and the results of the data collected as part of their work to protect the global oceans, lakes and river resources.
Lisa has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Sacred Heart University, where her research focused on coastal ecosystems restoration. Before joining NAMEPA, Lisa was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport, teaching environmental conservation and ecology. In addition, Lisa has over ten years of professional experience in the non-profit sector, forming partnerships and fostering collaborations with various organizations. She continues to inspire and educate all ages on environmental stewardship.

 

February 25, 2020 Members' Meeting Featured
“The Water World of Amsterdam”
by Cliff McKibbin
Working Boat at the Zuiderzee Museum

Lt/C Cliff McKibbin, SN will present slides from his trip last summer to Amsterdam, Netherlands. He will cover the extensive canals of Amsterdam with over 3000 house boats; the House Boat Museum showing the inside of a house boat as well as its cost to buy and moor and its construction; a side trip to the famous Keukenhof Gardens (think 10 million tulips); and a side trip to Enkhuisen to the Zuiderzee Museum . The latter was a water side village similar to Sturbridge Village with people explaining how to make rope, operate windmills, plus all the activities necessary for a self-sustaining village in the 1800s.
 
He will also cover the engineering marvel of the walling off the Zuiderzee, turning a third of Holland from a dangerous shallow saltwater pond into a freshwater lake. Finally, he will touch on a few practicalities of a trip to Holland (getting there, food is similar to ours, they speak English, Airbnb, etc.). You’ll want to go and see it for yourself!
Cliff is currently the Treasurer and Historian of the Hartford Power Squadron and has served as its Secretary and Commander. He has also served the District 1 organization as Secretary, Treasurer, and is currently the Editor of the Sounds of 1. He and his wife, Lucille, have traveled to Europe several times and always enjoy delving into the different culture, art, and history.

 

January 28, 2020 Members' Meeting Featured
"The Connecticut River from the Air"
by Jerry Roberts
Connecticut River by Air

The Connecticut River from the Air is a collection of extraordinary aerial images and an adventure chronicled by historian Jerry Roberts and photographed by Tom Walsh. The book provides an intimate perspective, exploring New England’s greatest river from Long Island Sound, where its waters mingle with the salty brine of the Atlantic Ocean, to its source 410 miles to the north, just yards from the Canadian border. Amazing and wonderful sights appear along the River that can only be seen and appreciated from small, low-flying aircraft. Beauty and wonder can be found in historic canals and bridges as well as twists and bends in the River, shipwrecks, rock formations, and even sand patterns on the River bottom. From naturally formed ox-bows to cornfield mazes, hidden valleys, quaint villages, industrial cities and sweeping vistas, these Wonders of the River are the true treasures of this amazing waterway and its surrounding landscapes.

Author historian, Jerry Roberts has spent his career digging up the past, discovering history’s untold stories and bringing them to the public through books, documentaries and exhibits. He has served as executive director for several major museums in New York and New England. He likes to say that history is the best reality show ever produced.
The program is followed by Q&A and a chance to purchase the book and have it signed by the author.

 

October 22, 2020 Members’ Meeting Featured
“Emergencies at Sea”
by Captain Thomas Heinssen
Emergencies at Sea

You’re out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and you ground your boat on a sandbar. You recheck your charts, and there is no sandbar there. The annual spring floods have created a sandbar where there once was none, and you’re the lucky one that found it! The tide is going out, so you are soon to be high and dry. So, what do you do? If you’re like a lot of boaters, you carry towing insurance on your boat, so you call your carrier Sea Tow. Different scenario. Now let’s say you’re out on Long Island Sound and you hit some rocks. You later check your charts, and sure enough, there they are. No excuse this time, but it happens. For now, though, you have a situation on your hands. This time the tide is coming in, and you’re taking on water. Do you still call Sea Tow, or do you call the “Coasties?” Is this still a towing situation, or did it turn into a salvage operation? Does your Sea Tow policy still cover you, or do you need to rely your boat policy to cover you? Does your boat policy even cover you?

Our October speaker Captain Thomas Heinssen from Sea Tow will talk to us about Emergencies at Sea and will endeavor to answer these and any other questions you have on this often-misunderstood topic.

Please bring your questions and join us for what is sure to be an educational and entertaining evening.

 

September 24, 2019 Members’ Meeting Featured
“Steering by the Stars: Celestial Navigation”
by Brian J. Koehler
Supervisor, Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport
Steering by the Stars: Celestial Navigation

When we look up at the sky, we are seeing the very same stars that guided sailors long before the invention of navigational tools. Over time, we have advanced from compass to sextant to the modern GPS units that many of our smartphones have. It is important now more than ever to foster an interest in the traditions of the past. Our September presentation will provide a detailed overview of the evolution of maritime celestial navigation, beginning with the earliest recorded methods and advancing through the present time. We’ll explore deduced reckoning, eastingwesting, latitude by the noon sun during the day and Polaris by night, and the “Quest for Longitude” and its results. We will conclude by examining how these methods and tools have laid the groundwork for the modern GPS navigation upon which we all rely in our world today.

Since 1960, the Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport has been a center for science education, inspiring visitors to draw connections between our maritime history and the world around us. Supervising those efforts since 2013 has been Brian Koehler. His primary responsibilities have been to lead, manage, train, and support the planetarium staff of educators and volunteers. He oversees daily operations, public shows, school programs, and equipment maintenance. He is responsible for developing new programming, as well as modifying existing programming, to meet the newest Science Education Standards at both federal and state levels. Finally, he is spearheading new marketing efforts to increase the
visibility of the Planetarium, with the ultimate goal of maximizing their attendance potential.

Please join us for our kickoff meeting of the fall season for what is sure to be an educational and entertaining evening.

 

May 28, 2020  Members’ Meeting Featured
“Ferry Tales”
by Bill Fournier
Ferry Tales

The May 28th Members’ Meeting will feature a talk by Bill Fournier. Bill will present us with the intriguing history of Connecticut River ferries from the earliest 'Fording Place' to their eventual replacement with bridges. Bill's research into the subject included viewing many items housed in local Historical Societies and Libraries, as well as his own extensive collection of Connecticut River historical items, books, Army Corps of Engineers charts and related reports. He is a wealth of knowledge and his presentation will be enlightening.

We will also be given a glimpse into the history of well-used ferry crossings located at Windsor, Hartford, Wethersfield, Haddam, and Old Saybrook.

Having grown up living next to the Connecticut River at the family homestead, Bill obtained his first rowboat at seven years old. He helped his parents maintain and operate Fournier's Boat Livery for the rental of Shad fishing boats. His interest in boating includes service in the CT DEEP Boating Division. Starting in 1983, he coordinated and taught various boating safety education classes throughout the State. Bill’s interests in history continued to grow while researching the history of King's (Terry's) Island. Currently, in preparation for publication, his research will be a reference for historians. The reference should also have a wide appeal to a general audience of those interested in River history. We are honored to have him as a speaker and look forward to his presentation.

 

February 26th 2019 Members' Meeting
"A Discussion on Connecticut's Boating Industry"
by Don MacKenzie

The February 26th Members' Meeting will feature a talk by Don MacKenzie, Vice President and General Manager of Boats Incorporated a boat dealership and marina located in picturesque Niantic Connecticut. Boats Incorporated is one of the few dealerships in Connecticut to be Marine Certified‚ and a Top 100 Dealer since the inception of both programs. It has been a Grady-White Admiral's Circle Member for 15 consecutive years, a Yamaha Best in Class Dealer in the Northeast for 11 consecutive years, one of the Yamaha Dealer Council Members, and last but not least, a Parker Marine Customer Service Award Winner for the past three years.
Don's talk will mostly revolve around Hartford and politics and how large our industry is and how much revenue the industry brings into the state. Hartford often treats our industry as nothing but rich guys and think we all have yachts and can afford to pay any taxes they put upon us. They don't realize the average size boat in our state is only 22'. Don plans on discussing how much of an effect people in the industry have in meeting one on one with a representative from their district.
Don will also discuss the job market. The boating industry is losing good technicians by simple attrition. The industry is screaming for good mechanics and with Dealer Certification. The good dealerships in the state are paying great wages, medical, 401k with matching funds, personal days, etc. It is a good paying job in a great working atmosphere. The kids today don't understand jobs are waiting for them. If you or someone you know is looking for a career working with boats, please do not miss this presentation.
The last thing he will discuss is the challenge of bringing new and younger boaters into boating. The list of boaters in their thirties is dwindling. We must find a way to get the youth into boating. The manufacturers have discovered they make the most money on the larger boats and we need an entry level boat that is affordable for the younger generation to get their feet wet. Boating is one of the ONLY activities that families can still do together.
Please don't miss what is sure to be a lively and informative discussion on a topic we all love. Bring your friends and family too.

 

January 22nd 2019 Members' Meeting Featured
"Light Houses in Connecticut and Long Island"
by Susan Tamulevich

The January 22nd Members' Meeting will feature a talk by Susan Tamulevich, executive director of the New London Maritime Society. The society was established in 1983 when, faced with possible sale or demolition of their local U.S. Custom House, impassioned New Londoners organized to preserve this treasure.

New London's 1833 US Custom House was built at the height of the City's maritime power when New London was the second largest whaling port in the world. City leaders had petitioned the U.S. Treasury to build them 'a gem on the waterfront.' Architect Robert Mills, best-known for his design of the U.S. national Washington Monument, provided just that. The building was saved and now serves as the Custom House Maritime Museum.

Susan Tamulevich became executive director of the New London Maritime Society ten years ago. Since then, the society has adopted three local lighthouses and begun organizing their peers on Long Island Sound to form a cooperative lighthouse association. In her talk, Susan will speak about her work at New London Harbor 'Pequot' Lighthouse, Ledge Light, and Race Rock Light (off Fishers Island in New York) and about the joys and unanticipated complications of owning a lighthouse. Please join us for what is sure to be an informative and enjoyable presentation.

 

October Members' Meeting Featured
Presenter Cancelled Last Minute

 

September 2018 Members' Meeting Featured
"The Ports of Martha's Vineyard"
by Lt/C Cliff McKibbin, SN

Our Treasurer and Past Commander, Cliff McKibbin, will describe the approach to and ports of Martha's Vineyard. He will describe in detail the boater's accommodations and sights in each of the main ports of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. If you haven't been to Martha's Vineyard and might want to go next summer (by your boat or by ferry), don't miss this
informative talk to find out the pros and cons of each harbor and things to do in each town.

 

May 2018 Members’ Meeting Featured
“Sea Grant College Programs”

The May 22nd Members’ Meeting will feature a presentation on Sea Grant College Programs by Nancy Balcom. Nancy will provide us with an overview of the National Sea Grant College Program, funded by NOAA and its 34 state-based university partnerships in all coastal, Great Lakes and US territories. She will briefly explain the three-part mission of the Program. Nancy will explain the Connecticut Sea Grant Program which although focused largely on Long Island Sound, also addresses regional and national priorities. The Connecticut Sea Grant extension staff, who are the largest part of their outreach staff, work locally with shellfish and seaweed farmers, coastal communities, land trusts, and seafood processors on issues related to aquaculture, climate adaptation and coastal hazard resiliency, open space habitat management, and seafood safety (among other topics). Their Education Coordinator oversees professional development training for educators focused on the Sound and organizes the CT-RI regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl for high school students.

Nancy Balcom is the Associate Director and Extension Program Leader for Connecticut Sea Grant and a Senior Extension Educator with UConn Extension. Her extension interests range from seafood safety and marine spatial planning to seaweed aquaculture, disaster risk communication, and community resilience. She has been a member of the Sea Grant family for more than 33 years, starting in 1985 as a graduate student in Virginia, and has worked for Connecticut Sea Grant since 1990. Balcom has been a member of the Connecticut Seafood Council since its inception in 1997 and currently is in her 4th year as chair of the National Sea Grant Association Networks Advisory Council. She lives in eastern Connecticut with her husband, two sons and two enthusiastic Labrador Retrievers.

 

March 2018 Members’ Meeting Featured
“DEEP Fisheries Management Program”

The March 27th Members’ Meeting featured a speaker from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Fisheries Management Program. Although the details of the program are still being worked out, it is expected that there will be updates on the Lobster Monitoring Program that was begun in 1982 and the Long Island Sound Trawl Survey.

The Lobster Monitoring Program provides basic information needed to assess the long-term health of the Long Island Sound (LIS) lobster population. The Department’s goal is to ensure that the Sound’s lobster population is sustained while also providing opportunity for harvest by commercial and recreational fishermen.

The Long Island Sound Trawl Survey is a vital tool Marine Fisheries staff use to measure the abundance and distribution of finfish, squid and other macroinvertebrates (lobster, crabs, horseshoe crabs, whelks) in Long Island Sound, independent of commercial or recreational fishing.

Because this will also be our Annual Meeting, the Annual reports of the Commander, Executive Officer, Education Officer, Administration Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer will be presented. Acceptance of the proposed budget for 2018-19 will also be voted on. The report of the Nominations Committee will be given, and election of nominated officers will be held. Join us for what is sure to be an informative meeting.

February Members' Meeting Will Feature
"Philip A. Gaudreau, Jr. Accredited Marine Surveyor"

 The February 27th Members' Meeting featured a discussion on marine surveying by Philip A. Gaudreau, Jr., Accredited Marine Surveyor.

A marine surveyor is a person who inspects boats, cargo, engines, barges, and pretty much anything that is on the water. Most marine surveyors specialize in one type of survey, yachts, and small crafts being the most popular type of surveyor. These are usually vessels used for pleasure or small craft used for commercial less than 1600 Gross tonnage, and it is the area of expertise for our speaker. Phillip's credentials cover over 40 years of experience in the marine industry and are too numerous to mention here. He has spent the last 30 years as the sole owner and employee of Allpoint Marine Services, specializing in marine surveying.

Some of the items that will be covered in his presentation are:
What is a Marine Surveyor?
Why get a Marine Survey?
Survey types: Prepurchase Survey, Condition and Valuation Survey, and Damage Appraisal.
How does a marine surveyor get the boat to tell its story (Systems on Board, Tools of the Trade)?

Please join us for a night that will give you an look into the world of the Marine Surveyor, a night that is sure to be enlightening and of great value to anyone contemplating buying or selling a boat.

 

January 2018 Members’ Meeting Featured
“A Discussion on Search and Rescue”

 The January 23rd Members’ Meeting featured a discussion on Search and Rescue by USCG Commander J. Andrew Ely. The Commander will discuss the Coast Guard’s search and rescue organization and the methodologies they us to respond to reports of actual or potential distress. He will cover Search and Rescue statistics for the Long Island Sound region, partnerships they leverage to maximize response, recent updates to technology and systems they use, the importance of media (including social media) in solving search and rescue cases, statistics, the most at-risk boating populations, and actions taken to effect change in at-risk groups. The Commander is also willing to discuss anything else that is of interest to our group.

Since graduating from the Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, NJ, in 1993, Commander Ely has amassed an impressive set of credentials. His honors include the Captain David H. Jarvis Award for Inspirational Leadership, the National Graduate School Distinguished Academic Student Award, the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and four Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbons. He currently serves as the Response Department Head at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound in New Haven, CT where he is responsible for oversight of maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and incident management. Please plan to join us for an evening that is sure to interesting and informative.

 

October 2017 Members’ Meeting Featured
A talk by George Gilbert on beautiful New Zealand

The October 24th Members’ Meeting featured a talk on beautiful New Zealand by Past District Commander George Gilbert. Come listen to the adventures of George and his brothers in New Zealand, the last habitable land mass on earth to be populated. A place where the natives are proud to be called Kiwis and 1/3 of the country is a protected national park. Also, home to Auckland, one of the most affordable cities in the world to live in, where one in three households own a boat and where there is a hill in Hawkes Bay named Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu which lays claim to the longest place name in the world.

 

The oldest brother of the Gilbert family turning 60 had benefits for all the Gilbert brothers and his good friend Kurt Tomolonius. George asked his brothers and Kurt to join him on what was to be a motorcycle trip of a lifetime. Come join us at the Olympia Diner as George takes us with him on a journey which takes place in January, the "summer" season of New Zealand. Riding 1970’s vintage Triumph motorcycles we’ll explore New Zealand, sharing two weeks with George’s crew and the "Kiwis" that inhabit this island in the southern hemisphere. What transpired was a most awesome experience, and we’ll be there to share the adventure with Kurt and the Gilbert brothers. 

 

September 2017 Members’ Meeting Featured
“The Realities of New England Hurricanes”

 

The September 26th Members’ Meeting featured a talk by NOAA representative Glenn Field on New England hurricanes. New England hurricanes are very different from the kind of hurricanes that you’ve read about or that strike Florida or the Caribbean. You will learn why the structure is different and thus, how our safety and preparedness rules are different in some ways. People of my generation remember Hurricane Gloria in 1985 and Hurricane Bob in 1991…and we think those were ‘real’ hurricanes. However, this sense of reality is warped, since it has now been 62 years since the last major hurricane (Carol) that struck New England. This presentation will take you back to the days of the 1938 Hurricane, Connie, Diane, Carol, etc. and show what a true hurricane really can do!

 Glenn Field has been the Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) for the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Taunton, MA since October 1993. As WCM, he is responsible for ensuring that customers of weather forecasts and warnings are able to receive the products and that they understand what they mean. He gives many presentations to police, fire,
emergency managers, and school groups and always listens to suggestions for improvement of services. Also, he is responsible for coordinating and implementing new procedures at the NWS, for the quality assurance of products, and is in charge of the SKYWARN volunteer weather observers program. Also, Glenn works with towns to enable them to become “StormReady,” another National Weather Service community preparedness program.

Prior to coming to Taunton, Glenn was a Lead Forecaster at the NWS in Raleigh, NC; a Forecaster at the NWS in Milwaukee, WI; and a Satellite Meteorologist at the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s Synoptic Analysis Branch in Washington, D.C. Glenn holds a M.S. Degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he also received his B.S. in both Meteorology and Economics (the 2 sciences that one can’t predict, he jokes.)

 

May 2017 Members' Meeting Featured
"Big striped bass with light tackle"

The May 23rd Members' Meeting featured Captain Mike Roy of Reel Cast Charters. His presentation will focus on "Big striped bass with light tackle and more".Captain Mike in BoatCaptain Mike is the founder and operator of Reel Cast Charters, a full-time fishing charter based out of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. His angling pursuits have taken him across country, as well as internationally, fishing in both fresh and salt water from largemouth bass to giant bluefin tuna. An innovative angler, he is constantly applying new techniques, and his enthusiasm and passion for the sport are contagious. Captain Mike is a United States Coast Guard OUPV Licensed Captain and graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education. The seminar will feature a power point presentation.
Captain Mike With Striper

 

February 2017 Members' Featured
"History in our Midst"

The February 28th Members' Meeting featured Hartford Power Squadron's own Don Watson, a Life Member of the United States Power Squadrons with 35 Merit Marks and 69 years of service.

Don's presentation will start with a brief history of the combat experiences of the United States Army's 71st Infantry Division. The 71st fought its way across France, Belgium, Germany and Austria ousting a crumbling German Army from these countries and liberating their citizens on its way. Don will recount some of the Division's experiences from its landing in Le Havre, France, to its eventual liberation of prisoners from the Gunskirchen Lager concentration camp in Austria.

Don will then share his experiences at the most recent reunion of the WW II 71st Division held in Erie, PA. This is a reunion of both division member's and survivors of the Gunskirchen death camp. These survivors and their families attend the reunion in gratitude each year because they understand that without Don and the 71st Division there would not have been any survivors. Don's presentation will also cover his side trip to the D-Day Conneaut, an annual recreation of the amphibious Allied landings upon the beaches of Normandy, France held on the grounds of Conneaut Township Park, Conneaut, Ohio in since 1999.

Also being presented will be pictures from a Reuters news photographer of war-ravaged areas at the time of the war and how these sites have since been rebuilt.

 

January 2017 Members' Featured
"Scuba Diving – Then and Now"

John Diving with TurtleThe The January 24th Members’ Meeting featured John Langlois of Enfield Scuba and Watersports. John is a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Course Director with over 10,000 open water dives half of which were in New England. The other 5,000 plus dives took place on the East and West coasts of North America and in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Red Sea, Micronesia, the Philippines, the Sardine Run in South Africa, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and Australia. John has certified over 2,800 PADI Open Water students and over 200 PADI Dive Masters and Instructors.

The presentation will feature an evolution of diving from the earliest “twin-hose” open circuit design equipment familiar to Sea Hunt fans, to the modern most commonly used single-hose twin-stage design and Buoyancy Control Devices commonly referred to as BCDs.

Also featured will be pictures from various dive trips and diving mementos such as teeth from megalodon sharks. These behemoths could grow to almost 60 feet and have been extinct for over 2.6 million years.

There will be a raffle for free tuition to an Open Water Scuba Course to be taken at Enfield Scuba and Watersports. The raffle is free and open to all those who attend. One lucky winner will go home with free tuition valued at $250.

If you, your children, or anyone else you know has an interest in scuba diving, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss. As always, friends and family are welcome to attend. Seating is limited so if you don’t want to be left out in the cold (literally), contact Jim Salvatore to make your reservations.

 

October 2016 Members' Meeting Featured
"2015 Bermuda 1-2 Sail Race"

The October 25th Members' Meeting featured Dan Stadtlander, first place winner in Class 4 in the single-handed first leg of the 2015 Bermuda 1-2 sail race.

The Bermuda 1-2 is one of the oldest short-handed offshore races in the world. The race is not for the faint of heart, it is a grueling 635-mile single-handed leg from Newport, RI, to St. Georges, Bermuda, and a double-handed leg back.
Dan competed in the race in 2007, 2009 and 2013. In 2007, he finished in 2nd place in Class 4 in the combined elapsed time in the race and third place in the combined corrected time. In 2009, Dan finished in 4th place in Class 4 in the single-handed first leg of the race. In 2013, Dan was forced to drop out during the first leg because of extremely adverse conditions that resulted in a shredded genoa and several mechanical failures, including a broken boom. Dan will be sharing his lessons learned from both failures and triumphs in these races.
Also presented will be an examination off what is required to undertake this race, including preparation, qualifying, safety equipment, keeping the boat going with minimal sleep, dealing with the Gulfstream and other aspects of the voyage.

 

September 2016 Members' Meeting Featured
"The Water World of Venice"

The September 27th Members' Meeting featured a talk and slides on Venice, Italy by Lt/C Cliff McKibbin, SN. He will briefly review the history of Venice including the era in which it was the primary sea-faring power of the Mediterranean Sea and controlled trade with the far east. He will then describe modern day Venice including getting there, its transportation infrastructure, and sights and activities. Finally, he will touch on the future questions related to rising water.  
Venice Venice