U.S.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 39-02 Des Plaines, IL 9TH WR

FC Robert Reczek VFC Chas. Hague FSO-PB Chas. Hague

http://www.uscg-auxiliary.com Vol. XLII – No. 2 –February 2010

NEXT MEETING:
WEDNESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2010
Des Plaines Park District
Prairie Lakes Community Center
515 East Thacker, Des Plaines, Illinois
19:00 hours—EARLY FOR MT!

         

AGENDA
Barry will instruct us in -- Instructing!

THE AUXILIARY AT STRICTLY SAIL, JANUARY 2010

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 3-02, (9th WR) Monthly meeting, 20 January 2010, 19:30

ATTENDEES: Bob Reczek Barry Jacobson Chas. Hague Jim Davy Jerry Warych
Bill Robinson Dave Traiforos,

DIVISION MEETING REPORT: AUXDATA still being worked on.

Conference will be 19-21 February. Will include: 3 hour first aid class, FC Academy
(Chas. Enrolled) and District Store.
VFC 2010 decals will be available in late January. Amy Seeley will help implement
Flotilla web sites. Check out new web site www.chicagosafeboating.com.
New division name is “Wilmette Chicago division” will meet 1st Tuesday at Skokie
CHDIRAUX No texting while driving on Official Business or in Govt. vehicle

STAFF REPORTS:
Communications: Bill Robinson -- Needs contact information of DCM officer
Computer Svc: Bill Robinson -- Report is “From the Web” section of Bilgewater
Finance: Ron Tragasz -- Finances reviewed and approved
Information Svc: Bob Reczek -- AUXDATA still not working
Materials: Jerry Warych -- Nothing to report.
Member Training: Barry Jacobson – Will do Instructor workshop before Feb. meeting, Vessel
Exam in March, Program Visitor in April.
Operations: Bob Reczek – Rescue boat 067 needs repairs.
Public Affairs: Barry Jacobson -- Members of our Flotilla will be working at the Chicago
Boat/RV show, Strictly Sail, Bass Pro shops and Our World Underwater.
Publications: Chas Hague – Jan roster went out in Bilgewater
Public Education: Chas. Hague – trying to set up for sailing class in July
Personnel: George Schmidt – Nothing to report
Program Visitor: Mike Schlachter -- No report
Vessel Exam: Jim Davy -- Flotilla did 86 Vessel Exams in 2009

OLD BUSINESS: Thad Allen sent letter to all concerning Haiti.

NEW BUSINESS: none

Meeting concluded at 20:06. Jerry supplied snacks.

 From the
Web by Bill Robinson, FSO-CM

*** New BS&S Errata Sheet ***

A new Errata Sheet for Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S) is now available on the E-Library Resource
Center. (http://www.cgauxed.org/elib/courses/bss/BSS_Errata.pdf) Two changes are posted. One is to Chapter
1 and the other to Chapter 4. Please add these corrections to your BS&S presentations.

*** The 2010 VSC Decals Are Available ***

The 2010 VSC decals have been shipped to the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). The overall
supply should be more than adequate to meet our demands and the demands of our partners.
Instructions are at http://safetyseal.net/pdf_files/2010-Decal-Announcement.pdf The quantity of decals
received at each unit level will be a function of the past year’s performance. ANSC has already been given the
quantities and will deliver that number of decals and VSC Examination Record forms, ANSC 7012, upon
receiving your order request. Either the unit’s elected officer or the materials office must place the order.
The Order Form is at http://safetyseal.net/pdf_files/VSCDECALFM-2010.pdf

*** 2010 National Scout Jamboree ***

The 2010 National Scout Jamboree is being planned for 26 July to 4 August 2010 at Fort A. P. Hill VA.
Auxiliarists who are interested in being part of the Coast Guard 2010 National Scout Jamboree Task Force can
find full particulars and contact information on the Auxiliary’s “What’s New” web page at
http://www.cgaux.org/members/whats_new/announce.php.

*** Form 7029 Video ***

Last month we went into some detail on the new ANSC 7029 form. A short video is also available
explaining these changes. You can view it at http://forms.cgaux.org/7029video.html
As of this writing, the new 7029 form is still not available in an email version. If you have a scanner, you
might want to try what I did:
1) Fill out the form on your computer,
2) Print a copy,
3) Scan it into your computer as a .pdf file,
4) Send this file to the FSO-IS as an email attachment,
5) File the printed copy for your own records.
Of course, if you don’t have a scanner, or you don’t want to mess with the above process, you can always
fill out the form the old fashioned way and send it by snail mail (although this will cost you 44 cents).

*** What-To-Do-To-Fill-Up-A-Page Department ***

- A committee is a gathering of people who, singly, can do nothing; but together can decide that nothing can
be done.
- The early bird may get the worm, but it’s the second mouse that gets the cheese.
- A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory.
*** CHICAGO'S CHRISTMAS SHIP TENTH ANNUAL EVENT ***
By Steven C. Evenstad, Flotilla 36, D9-WR, Wilmette, IL Liaison,
Executive Committee, Chicago's Christmas Ship - Tenth Annual Event
From SITREP; National emagazine

After seeing numerous SITREP articles from other parts of the country, we finally have one from the
Chicago area. Read on...
December 4 & 5, 2009. The 9th Coast Guard District public affairs and humanitarian mission conducted this
tenth annual event, a cooperative marine community event of substantial complexity. The event was assisted
greatly by many local organizations, including among others, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary the
Navy League, the Chicago Police Marine Unit, Chicago Fire Department and the Army Corps of Engineers.
On the opening day, Friday December 4, The USCG Cutter MACKINAW arrived at the Navy pier. The
vessel was escorted by Chicago Fireboat and police boats. The Rickover Military Academy Band provided the
background music. Auxiliarists John Reinert, Ed Burns and Jyneen St John provided line handling for ship’s
docking.
After being welcomed by Chicago’s Christmas Ship’s Official Party, the cutter welcomed aboard a field trip
by Manteno School, with just under 500 children (8 fully loaded school buses) for a ship's tour. Cutter
decorating by Chicago’s Marine Community volunteers, assisted by ships crew, took place during the afternoon
hours.
On board tours by participating youth groups and other school children continued throughout the day.
Auxiliarists John Reinert, Ed Burns, Matt Gies and Janice Jones conducted the Seapartners, America's
Waterway Watch, Invasive Species and Fish Barrier programs. Auxiliarist Rick Tamraz coordinated the ship
tour personnel.
The second day of the event, Saturday, started well before 0800. Participating Auxiliarists arrived, most
having received a tasking briefing prior to the event. Refreshments for registered volunteers were provided by
McDonalds, as well as the Salvation Army Disaster Response Unit, which was on scene providing coffee, hot
chocolate and doughnuts. Auxiliarist Steven Evenstad, working as the volunteer coordinator, electronically
registered and directed the 434 volunteers.
At 0930 volunteers commenced off-loading trees from USCGC MACKINAW. Auxiliarists Jyneen St. John,
John Reinert and Ed Burns supervised volunteers for off loading of trees and loading of trucks. This was an
exceptional challenge which was executed with good order. No injuries or incidents were reported. In the time
span from 1030 hrs. - 1150 hrs. 1,540 Christmas Trees were off loaded from the deck of CGC MACKINAW
and loaded into 22 trucks for distribution to families who would otherwise not have a tree.
The Taft High School Choir with 40+ participants, coordinated by Auxiliarist Jay Katzman, began the
program with a wonderful holiday presentation. Following the choir, Lee Murdock sang our signature song,
“When the ‘Big Mac’ comes into the Harbor.” Off-loading of trees was suspended at this point to allow all to
enjoy the presentations.
Following presentation of the colors, a memorial wreath ceremony was held in honor of those lost at sea.
The presentation of the wreath was by US Merchant Marine Officers Honors Unit. Special guest speakers Capt.
Luann Barndt, USCG, Commander Lake Michigan Sector and CDR Scott Smith, Captain of the USCGC
MACKINAW, gave inspired addresses which included the history of the Chicago Christmas Ship ROSE
SIMMONS, the ship which was last seen on November 23, 1912, with distress signals flying.
The presentation of trees to recipient families was made by Capt. George Lisner, Chicago's Christmas Ship.
Our Master of Ceremonies called for a “Chicago send off” to the Christmas tree trucks.
After the last truck departed, The CG Cutter MACKINAW remained at Navy Pier, open for public tours for
the remainder of the weekend. In all, 32 Auxiliarists participated in Chicago's Christmas Ship - Tenth Annual
Event, helping making the event a spectacular success. As with all events of this magnitude, next year's
program is already being planned.
- Pictures on next page -
 Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW, moored at West (L to R) Auxiliaris Jyneen St. John and MSTC Greg
wall, Navy Pier Morris, Coast Guard Project Officer

One of twenty two trucks used to transport trees to

recipient families
North Suburban Young Marines Color Guard,
Presentation of Colors

(L to R) Capt. George Lisner, CCS Executive

School kids enjoying a trip to the Christmas Ship Director; CDR Scott Smith, Captain CGC Mackinaw;
CAPT. Luann Barndt, CO Sector Lake Michigan
BONNIE, CHAS, BOB N., AND
BOB RECZEK AT BASS PRO
SHOP

COASTIE AT STRICTLY SAIL

USCGC FORWARD IN HAITI

FELLOWSHIP!
 FLOTSAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
19-21 Feb 2010: Our World Underwater,
Rosemont (same weekend as)
19-21 Feb 2010: District Conference
27 Feb: Chicago Maritime Festival, History
Museum
10 April: ABC Class, Prairie Lakes
SNACK LIST
February: Jim Davy
March: Chas.
April: Bob Reczek
SHAKE IT (NOT)
From Jim Davy: Some examiners have been
taught that they have to shake or tilt a dry chemical
extinguisher to "feel" the powder moving inside or
to tap the bottom to free up any caked material.
This procedure should not be used as it may
actually clog the pick-up tube.
AND ANOTHER NEW FORM
As of 10 January, the trusty old 7030 form has
been changed too. The differences are not big –
more missions have been included. Best bet is to
download one with the instructions. Also note that
the new 7029 is designed to be turned in once a
month—not hung onto forever, like some of us
used to do.
ORION FLARE TRAINING
The Orion signal people have put together a nifty
video that shows how to use handheld, meteor and
parachute flares. Watch it, take a quiz, and they’ll
send you a package of safety stuff. Go to Shop
Auxiliary, sign in, and click on the “Orion” logo.
You get points for doing VSC’s, too!
(Note: Both of the preceding items came out of
“For Safety’s Sake”, the National Vessel Exam
publication. Check it out.)
SHINE OUT YOUR LIGHT
Don Terras at the Gross Point Lighthouse in
Evanston is hoping to get more Auxiliarists to be
docents. The lighthouse is open weekends during
the summer. Docents answer questions and take
tours to the lantern room at the top of
February 2010
the tower. Why buy a Stairmaster? Volunteer by
E-mailing Don at djterras@att.net.
BOAT SHOW MANIA
January was a big month for Flotilla work at the
boat shows. 13-14 January had Bob Reczek down
at the Chicago Boat and Outdoor show at
McCormick Place. He talked to a Canadian man
who bought a boat, but said he won't be using it
much this year as his helicopter pilot job is taking
him to the Amazon River!
On the weekends of the 16th and 23rd, Bass Pro
Shop had us in for their in-store boat show. Most
of the people here were small lake, river boaters
and fishermen. Barry and Chas. did presentations
on boat safety and required equipment. (When I
did it, BPS had lost the video, so I had to make it
up with Bob Reczek’s help.) Then on 28-31
January we had a big presence at Strictly Sail—a
40 x 30 foot exhibit space with a 25-foot rescue
boat and Coastie. We also put on a Cold Water
Survival seminar. The people here were more
serious and experienced boaters – lots of interest in
the knot-tying!
ONE IN A MILLION
The Coast Guard has saved over a million lives
since 1790, and the Coast Guard Foundation is
looking for stories of these heroic rescues. If
someone you know is “One in a Million,” send
their story to www.one-in-a-million-rescued.org.
READ THE CHART FIRST
It was past 0100 on a dark, rainy night, and the
sailors on the yacht were anxiously looking for the
entrance to the harbor. At last, they spotted white-
over-white range lights. The lined their boat up
with the lights and headed in, steering between the
red and green lights on the channel buoys that they
could now see far ahead. All was well. Then a
voice came over the radio:
“Vessel directly in front of me! this is container
carrier MV Gigantic! Please alter your course
immediately!” It was then that they consulted the
chart and learned that this channel didn’t have
range lights. They also realized that lights on
buoys would blink, not be steady-burning lights
like a ship’s markers….