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Punta Gorda Boat Club

Bosun’s Call A Monthly Newsletter for PGBC Members

Website: http://www.pgboatclub.org September 2014

Get Well Cards were sent to: Tom Amatucci Walt Baur Karen Mullen Rusty Trumpey Leo Weisgerber Sympathy Cards were sent to: Dan and Kay Chesky Bill Hahn Joyce Zuck

If you know of anyone who needs a little sunshine, you should contact Phyllis Adamaitis at 941-637-1714.

Sunshine

A Message from

Commodore

Vince Adamaitis

News about the City and the Wa-terfront Activity Center:

At the last City Council Meeting the sidewalk project on Macedonia Drive in Burnt Store Isles was voted down and the money that was allocated to that project has been now allocated to a “study” on where and how to build a “Waterfront Activity Center”! This was also reported in the local newspaper. At this time they have not decided on where to put it but our property is a prime suspect, although the adjacent Bayfront Center could also be considered.

They still are banking on the one percent sales tax to fund their never-ending list of projects.

Our lease is good until 2021 and we have no intention of moving before

that time. If we are not included in leasing the new facility, we need to have an alternative plan. It is our belief, based on recent conversations with the City, that we will be included. Keep in mind that it is unlikely in 2021 that the City Council will have the same members as they have today. We need to continue to plan for our future!

The Building/Relocation Committee headed by Carolyn Potterton has been working hard and is on top of this situation! In the near future they will give the Board another report.

New Standing Rule:

The Board has voted and approved a new Standing Rule regarding voting from the floor. This new Rule should help alleviate the problems we had last year that caused divisions in the Club that persist to this day.

If you wish to be on the 2015 Board please notify any member of the Nominating Committee headed by Past Commodore Phyllis Adamaitis. You will find more information listed

in this Bosun’s Call.

Life Touch Photos of Members:

For those of you that do not know about this, they take pictures of us and put them in a very nice pictorial. There is no charge but they do try to sell you other pictures for your own personal use. The last time we had this done was in 2011.

We are looking for someone to take the lead on this. That person will be helped by other members who have done this before so “not to worry”. If you are interested please call me at 941-637-1714. We need to have someone in place by the end of the year. Pictures will be taken early next year.

Please check the Club Calendar and the Bosun’s Call for a list of all up-coming events.

Have fun and be safe!

Vince

Dues Reminder

This is a reminder that membership dues for the upcoming year are payable by September 1, 2014. Dues of $75 per person may be sent to : The Punta Gorda Boat Club P.O. Box 511055 Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1055

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

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2015 Board of Directors Nominating Committee

According to the Club’s Bylaws, the nominating committee is responsible for preparing a slate of candidates who are willing to serve as Officers on the Board next year. This slate of candidates is to be presented at the October Board and Business meetings as well as be published in the October Bosun’s Call. The election of Officers is to be held at the November Business Meeting.

In August, the Board approved Larry Graber, Rich Jacoby, Bill Kumm, Jan Norvelle to serve with Phyllis Adamaitis (chairperson) on the nominating committee.

The Nominating Committee is now working on filling positions for the 2015 Board of Directors. If you would like to be consid-ered for nomination and are willing to serve, please contact a member of the Committee. Abbreviated job descriptions for Board Members can be found on the website. All positions are available except Directors 1 and 2 (Chris Gwynn and Mike Vogel) who will be serving their second year of a two year term and the Past Commodore position which will be filled by Vince Adamaitis.

Addition to the Club’s Standard Rules

A Standing Rule is a rule that relates to the details of the administration of a society. A Standing Rule may be added or changed with a majority vote of Board Members. At the August Board Meeting the Board of Directors voted for the following to be added to the Club’s Standing Rules:

At the October PGBC Business Meeting, after the Nominating Committee has presented its slate of candidates for election, any member may announce that they intend to be nominated from the floor in November.

During the following 14 days, additional members may communicate to the Commodore that they intend to be nominated from the floor in November. The Commodore will then inform the membership by email of all intended candidates.

Candidates for contested positions may submit their reasons for seeking the nomination to the Commodore for distribution to the membership during the week prior to the November meeting.

This rule will be included in next years roster.

Help Wanted Coordinator for Pictorial Update

Every several years Life Touch, an organization that is expe-rienced in portrait photography, comes to the Boat Club to take pictures of our members. For several days they set up their cameras in the club and take pictures of each of our members to be included in a pictorial directory.

The photo session is free to our members as well as a copy of the directory. Life Touch provides this service in the hopes that our members will like their work and purchase a photo or two from them. They do not use pressure to make you feel obligated to purchase any pictures.

The Club is looking for someone to coordinate this picture taking event. Life Touch has been doing this for over 75 years and they have everything in place to help ensure that things go smoothly. The tasks that the coordinator will be asked to do are:

Schedule the days for Life Touch to come into the Club (check the Club’s calendar for free dates early in 2015)

Publicize the event to the membership (write an article to be included in the Bosun’s Call and talk about it at the monthly Business Meeting).

Encourage members to sign up online for their photo session.

Recruit someone or be available to make reservations for members who do not use a computer.

Recruit members to sign people in on photo session days.

Recruit a member to help with selecting photos of past events to be included in the directory.

If you would be willing to help your Club by leading this task please give Vince Adamaitis a call at 941-637-1714.

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

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CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIP

The following have submitted an application for membership and will be voted on for acceptance at the September 1st Board Meeting:

Jimmy and Patty Duncan sponsored by Terry Miller Dave and Jean Mommaerts sponsored by Randy and Susan Summey

Eric and Danielle Pawelski sponsored by Ron and Jan Norvelle

MEMBERSHIP

Co-Chairs: Jan Norvelle and Linda Bick

email: membership@pgboatclub.org

Linda and Jan are happy to report that Membership has had a successful summer, and has added several new members to our roster. Thanks again to all of our members who reach out to newcomers at our club!

As we approach the fall season, Linda and Jan encourage all members to invite guests and prospective members to club activities. Attitude Adjustment is an especially good time for prospective members to visit, since the informal atmosphere promotes friendship and good conversation.

Jan and Linda are always happy to make a personal contact to someone you know who might have specific questions about the club.

REMEMBER The best way to grow membership is by word of mouth … something we can all do! Let’s get out there and share Punta Gorda’s best kept secret!

Tom and Barb Amatucci

Sponsors: Ron and Linda Bick

Boats: Arrivederci, 48’ Ponderosa & 23’ Wellcraft

3903 San Rocco Drive Unit 111 Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Home: 941-456-0060

Cell: 941-456-0060 Tom

Cell: 570-498-0356 Barb

twafish1@gmail.com Tom

arrivederci49@gmail.com Barb

Tom started boating on the Chesapeake Bay when he owned his first boat at the age of ten. Later he spent several years racing both 145 and 225 inboard hydroplanes. Barb’s introduction to fishing and boating was in Montana with her Dad at the age of five.

In 1972 Barb and Tom met on a blind date. In 1973 they married and moved to the eastern shore of MD where Tom worked in the mechanical contracting/HVAC industry and Barb managed their two country stores. In their spare time they enjoyed Atlantic off-shore fishing ranging from Ocean City, MD to Cape Hatteras, NC.

In 2003, they decided to say goodbye to ice and snow and moved to Naples, FL. In 2005, they moved to Port Charlotte where they discovered fishing and boating in Lemon Bay and on Charlotte Harbor. In 2009 Tom obtained his 50 ton Master Captain’s license. They have been owner/operators of a 34 foot Mainship Pilot and currently own a 23 foot Wellcraft center-console fishing boat and a 48 foot Ponderosa Trawler (which they and their 60 lb. mixed lab, K. C., called home in 2013). They currently reside in the Burnt Store Isles area of Punta Gorda.

Their desire to enjoy more boating and learn new water ways with new friends led them to the Punta Gorda Boat Club.

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Long Key Lobstering

Overnight Cruise: August 6 - 20

The spiny lobsters of Long Key emerged victorious following their recent confrontation with the13 lobster hunters from the PGBC. Club snorkelers managed to capture 4 of the elusive creatures and acquire recon photos which may be used in future hunts. Testing electronic equipment intended to aid the search for bugs showed that the saltwater environment caus-es rapid gadget failure. Nevertheless the proven ability of water to wash away stress left participants renewed and hopefully ready to try again next year (campsite reservations must be made 11 months in advance...September 6 for an August trip).

Brenda Kramer and Jan Gildersleeve led the snorkeling team, with able assistance from T.J. Harpster (Joe and Marilyn’s son). T.J. managed to net two nighttime lobsters successfully using a combined snorkel-bully-net technique assisted by John Byrne's dinghy headlights and some space-program

headlamps from the Harpster space component ware-house. Marilyn took over the next evening spearheading the lobster boil…..John Byrne had acquired 9 lobster tops to add to the pot.

The Harpster grandchildren, William, David and Anna were a constant delight, engaging in assorted activities around the campsite involving coconut processing, construction of a her-mit crabitat, and matchless fire building. Their endless energy eventually rubbed off on Alex Kramer as he ventured into the Atlantic for snorkeling (no small feat because of slippery rocks, sand flies, bogs of decomposing sea sludge, and shoe-sucking mud).

The big surprise of the trip was to learn that lobsters actually talk. When they are being chased across the sea floor they emit a scratchy sound which seems to be a protest to the in-dignity of possibly being stuffed into the Lobster Hotel (lobsters check in but they don't check out). This prompted Jan Gildersleeve to talk back to them..."be quiet now". Ultimately these primitive attempts at diplomacy result-ed in a truce and both species returned to their normal activi-ties.

Get-Up and Go Burnt Store Marina

Overnight Cruise: August 1 - 3

Four power boats and 3 sailboats took advantage of the spe-cial dockage rates and went to Burnt Store on the “Get Up & Go Cruise. Among the cruisers were Ron and Jan Norvelle on their first overnight with the Club aboard their new sailboat. Nice boat guys! Also on their first overnight with the Club were Bob and Deborah Hubbard.

The weather was warm and without rain when the group met for heavy appetizers at the Tiki Hut the first evening. One ad-ditional club member arrived by golf cart for some good eating and good company.

On Saturday everybody spent at least part of the day at the pool. Some got some exercise and most relaxed on their boats for the remainder of the day. A short happy hour in the evening was followed by an excellent dinner at Porto Bello’s. There was some rain later in the evening but it didn’t interfere with any of the activities.

On Sunday almost everybody enjoyed eating (or overeating) at Porto Bello’s renowned breakfast buffet. Several of the cruis-ers left for home afterwards missing out on the 3rd night free dockage. Three boats stayed over Sunday night. Bob Hub-bard volunteered to cook dinner for the crew but was saved by rain starting in the late afternoon. Instead they enjoyed happy hour and dinner on the deck of Porto Bello’s.

Coming home on Monday unfortunately all experienced some foul weather but not enough to spoil a great boating weekend.

Cruise Highlights

Free Boat Pumpout Available

Did you know that there is a free boat pumpout facility located on the Peace River? Moored at the Laishley Marina, the SS Clearhead, will bring the pumpout boat to the boater.

This free pump-out service operates under the Florida's Clean Vessel Act. The S.S. Clearhead operates on Mon-days and Thursdays at the following locations:

Off Gilchrist Park -10 AM

Ponce Inlet -11 AM

Alligator Creek -12 NOON

Cattledock/Myakka -1 PM

Port Charlotte/Grassy Point - 2 PM

Edgewater Lake/Canals - 3 PM

Laishley Marina - (home base)

available whenever in port

To reach the SS Clearhead, contact

Dock Master Laishley Park Municipal Marina

120 Laishley Court Punta Gorda, FL. 33950

Tel. (941) 575-0142 Dockmaster@LaishleyMarina.com

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

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Upcoming Cruises

Dry Tortugas

Overnight Cruise: September 10 - 20

Cruise Leader: John and Carol Byrne

Skippers’ Meeting: September 4 at 1600 hours, PGBC

Reservations: Sign-up on the PGBC website or call John or Carol Byrne at 941-621-2567

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. The 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or sea-plane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnifi-cent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequent the area.

Start planning now for this adventure. You will want to get your boat in good shape, and find reliable crew for this trip. If the pre-vailing winds are from the East, which they normally are in Sep-tember, many boats will travel downwind from Key West for an overnight in the Marquesas Keys and then continue on to the Dry Tortugas the following day.

Upon departure from there, it's about 130 miles overnight on a beam reach northbound back home to Charlotte Harbor. Less adventurous boaters will head back up the keys and make their way home along the coast.

Those open to overnight boating can make this trip in the ten days, between September 10th and 20th. Those who want to boat in a more leisurely fashion will want to plan for more than 10 days.

History, open seas boating, fishing, snorkeling, fun: there's something for everyone on this trip.

Lazy Flamingo

Day/Lunch Cruise: Tuesday, Sept. 23rd

Cruise Leader: Frank and Jan Hokenson

Skippers’ Meeting: September 18 at 1600 hours, PGBC

Reservations: Sign-up on the PGBC website or call Frank and Jan Hokenson at 941-637-9318

Are you feeling Lazy? Would you like to enjoy an excellent and reasonably priced lunch, along with an enjoyable boat ride through a beautiful old Pine Island wilderness waterway? Then this is the day cruise for you and your guests.

Dockage is limited, so sign up early for this unique cruise. Res-ervations can be made on line or by calling Frank or Jan Hoken-son at 941-637-9318.

As always land cruisers are welcome but reservations are re-quired.

The skipper’s meeting will be held on the Thursday before, Sep-tember 18th at 1600 hours.

Lazy Flamingo

16501 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, FL

239-283-5959

www.lazyflamingo.com

Gulfport

Overnight Cruise: Sept 29 - Oct 5

Cruise Leader: Ron McGuire

Skippers’ Meeting: September 25 at 1600 hours, PGBC

Reservations: Sign-up on the PGBC website or call Ron McGuire at 941-625-8757

The timing of this cruise will be here before you know it. We’re talking about going north at the end of September. Ron McGuire, the trip leader, will start making marina reservations right after Labor Day. This slightly longer cruise than the usual three days takes a little more planning.

For the boaters who have never been north of Sarasota, you’ve missed some great venues. This cruise will include stops in Ven-ice, Anna Marie Island, Gulfport and St. Petersburg. There will be opportunities for some good shopping and good dining along the way.

The cruise will last a minimum of five days. If the cruisers want to extend it a day or two or if weather is an issue plans will be al-tered accordingly.

If you’re a sailor, almost all of our planned stops have anchorag-es/mooring fields in close proximity.

There are already four boats signed up for this cruise.

If you would like more information or have any questions prior to the skippers meeting give Ron McGuire a call at 941-625-8757.

Tarpon Springs / Apalachicola

Overnight Cruise: Oct 27 - Nov 6

Cruise Leader: Mickey Bumpass

Skippers’ Meeting: October 16 at 1600 hours, PGBC

Reservations: Sign-up on the PGBC website or call Mickey Bumpass at 941-784-1627

Let’s head North to Tarpon Springs and enjoy the “Night in the Islands Festival” held Nov 1. Highlights of the festival include dancing and live entertainment at the Sponge Docks, dining un-der the stars, and enjoying some of the finest Greek food outside of Athens. spongedocks.net/night-in-the-islands.htm

You will have 5 leisurely days to explore along the way with planned nightly stops or just make your own way and plan on a rendezvous at Tarpon Springs October 31st.

After the festival, for those sailors more adventurous, plan on setting your sails for Apalachicola. www.apalachicolabay.org/

The skippers’ meeting will be at 1600 hours, Oct 16th.

If you have any questions prior to the meeting give Mickey Bumpass a call at 941-764-1827.

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Fleet Captain of Power & Day Cruises: Ron Bick 941-697-2163 ronbick@embarqmail.com Fleet Captain of Sail: John Gildersleeve 941-916-9086 gsleeve1@comcast.net

Legacy Harbour

Overnight Cruise: Oct 29 - Nov 1

Cruise Leader: Ed Chaffman

Skippers’ Meeting: October 23 at 1600 hours, PGBC

Reservations: Sign-up on the PGBC website or call Ed Chaffman at 941-625-1673

Power boaters, sailors, land yacht skippers come join in the fun for one to three nights at the Legacy Harbour Marina from October 29th to November 1st.

This is an excellent marina with an outstanding Dock Master and staff. Floating docks with 30/50/100 amp power, cable TV, free Wi-Fi availability, and free pump-out facilities at each dock are some of the accommodations. There is also a pool and Chickee hut for our use. All for a very attractive $1.40 per foot.

The marina is located within two blocks of downtown Fort My-ers and three blocks of the Edison-Ford Winter Estates.

This marina also has hotel rooms and suites available on site, starting at $89 per night, for anyone wishing to join us but who prefer to drive their land yacht (call Legacy Harbour for hotel reservations at 239-332-2048).

This promises to be to a great overnight trip. Sign up online or contact Ed or Beth Chaffman at 941-625-1673.

Legacy Harbour

2044 West First St, Ft. Myers

239-461-0775

Lat: N 26 38.508

Long: W 81 52.595

AMIkids Crossroads

Kayak Paddle & Picnic

On Saturday, August 16, the boat club offered the AMI Cross-roads Kids an opportunity for kayaking at Ponce Park, fol-lowed by a cookout. There were a total of 16 members who helped out, including 9 kayakers and 6 who helped with the cooking.

The boys paddled for about 90 minutes and then they all en-joyed a picnic of hot dogs, chili, chips, cookies and soda. Some how, the boys had plenty of energy left and the adults were pooped.

Four Crossroads Kids were able to participate this year, rang-ing in ages from 15 to 17. They had fun paddling through the mangroves, and were even able to have a few races on one of the lakes at Ponce inlet. Ryan, their counselor, agreed to share his comments with the club. "I want to thank the Punta Gorda Boat Club for hosting this great event. It was a great time to connect with nature and to experience a sense of free-dom on the water. Everyone from the club was positive and set a good example for the kids. They seemed to really enjoy themselves today!"

Jules Bernstein organized this worthwhile event, for the sec-ond year in a row. Those assisting the boys on the paddle were: Jules Bernstein, John Byrne, Frank and Sue Anne Fambrough, Nicki Harris, Ron Norvelle, Bob Rodgers, Ted Sliwinski and Bruce Weisgerber. Members staying behind to do the cooking were Phyllis Adamaitis, Bert Bernstein, Jan Norvelle, Karen Mullen, Mike Vogel and Leo Weisgerber

Adopt-A-Road

Shreve Street Cleanup & Picnic

Saturday, August 2nd

Eighteen members showed up on Saturday, August 2nd and braved the heat and humidity to go out and pick up several bags of trash from Shreve Street.

They met at the Club and before going out they were treated to coffee and some of Abbe’s delicious donuts.

After all the trash was picked up and the job was complete everyone returned to the Club for burgers and hotdogs.

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped with this worth while cause.

If you missed it there will be another cleanup day in October or November.

Men’s Day Ft Lauderdale Boat Show

November 1

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the "Yachting Capital of the World" will host the 55th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 30-Nov 3, 2014. Show exhibits range from yacht build-ers and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center con-soles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sail-ing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts.

Covering seven locations and over 3 million square feet of space, the show's transportation network of bus shuttles, water taxis, and riverboats ensures attendees can easily navigate the boat show and its expansive waterways system. - See more at: http://www.showmanagement.com/fort_lauderdale/event/#sthash.pbRv285Q.dpuf Interested in going? Frank Fambrough is leading a Men’s Day outing to attend the show on Saturday, November 1.

He plans to gather at the club and depart by 6:00 am in order to arrive at the show when it opens. The cost to get in is $24 (cash only) per person. Transportation costs will be divided among those carpooling. You should expect to be back in Punta Gorda around 9:30 pm.

Sign up online or call Frank Fambrough at 770-714-9475.

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It’s time to get those paddles wet once again! The kayakers are headed up to Silver Springs for a few days to paddle three incredible waterways. The highlight of the trip will be the Silver River, famous for its serene beauty and its MON-KEYS! Bands of wild Rhesus monkeys live along the water in the Ocala National Forest and can often be seen in the trees and on the banks of the river as you paddle by.

Three paddles in are planned in this area, all of which are one way “downstream” paddles. You will be paddling the Ocklawaha River, the Silver River and you have the option of arriving a day early to paddle Juniper Spring Run. All these paddles are exceptionally beautiful. The optional paddle on Juniper Spring Run is a more challenging paddle for more experienced paddlers. This paddle has fast moving water with tight turns and narrow channels.

Unfortunately, due to the remote locations and the lack of any outfitter shuttle services there are no kayak rentals avail-able for these paddles.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Ex-press & Suites in Silver Springs at a rate of $84.00 per night. Each room includes breakfast daily, has 2 queen size beds, a microwave, refrigerator and free Wi-Fi Internet access. You may call the hotel directly at 1-352-304-6111 to make your reservations and get the negotiated group rate. Tell the res-ervationist that you are with the Punta Gorda Boat Club. You may also call 1-888-HOLIDAY and mention the code “PGB”.

Please make sure that you sign up online at the club website as well as making your hotel reservations. Ed and Deb need an accurate head count for group dinner reservations and paddle participation!

Please note on the club reservation page if you will be doing the optional paddle when signing up. An email with complete trip details will be sent out closer to the trip.

Feel free to contact Ed and Deb if you have any questions.

Silver Springs October 21st - 24th

Trip Overview & Paddle Descriptions Kayakers arriving on Tuesday, October 21, will check into the hotel in the afternoon and then meet poolside for cocktails and BYO appetizers to share then a group dinner out at a local restaurant.

Ocklawaha River

The next day, Wednesday, Oct 22nd, you head out to paddle the gorgeous Ocklawaha River to Gores Landing. You will stop halfway downriver, take out at a “rustic campsite” and eat lunch and complete the paddle after lunch. This is a 10 mile downstream trip. Expect the trip to last about 4.5 hours including lunch.

The 10 mile section of the river you will be paddling is one of the most wild and natural waterways in Florida. It has a swift 3 to 5 knot current, is quiet and remote with no development along its banks and forms the north and western border of the Ocala National Forest.

Silver River

Thursday, Oct 23rd, you will paddle the Silver River. Launching at Silver Springs State Park, you’ll head downstream for 5 miles looking for monkeys, enjoying the beautiful water and scenery of the Ocala National Forest. You will eat a picnic lunch at the takeout point. Expect the trip to last about 3 hours depending on if we see monkeys and how long we watch them!

This spectacular 5 mile paddle rewards you at every turn. The clear water, the gorgeous scenery and the wildlife is unpar-alleled. Where else can you find this combination along with wild monkeys? (Oh, by the way, the monkeys swim . . . So keep your distance!)

Jupiter Springs

This is an optional paddle that is being offered to those kayakers interested in something more challenging. Kayakers wish-ing to do this paddle will arrive a day earlier on October 20th to paddle on the morning of the 21st. This is a simply beautiful paddle with crystal clear water. However, the water is fast moving with tight turns and narrow channels and is NOT for the inexperienced kayaker. This trip is 7 miles and takes about 3-4 hours. You will be tired after this paddle!

Named one of the top 25 kayak runs in America, Juniper Springs run is a 7 mile, narrow fast moving, winding waterway with lots of deadfall in the water. Strikingly beautiful, with crystal clear, spring fed water, it’s worth the effort it takes to paddle it!

Upcoming Kayaking

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Deb & Ed Higgins, Kayak Leaders

941-764-6441 (Home)

941-276-7361 (Cell)

dhiggins2269@comcast.net

Little Manatee River, Wimauma August 19

On August 19th twenty four paddlers braved the August heat and had a memorable 3½ hour trip down the Little Manatee River. They carried their lunch with them and stopped halfway at a well maintained State Park lunch pavilion with screens and ceiling fans. There they enjoyed a relaxing lunch and got to stretch their legs before the final hour to their pickup point, where they were shuttled back to the Canoe Outpost. There were six guests along for the trip; family, friends, and potential Boat Club members and from all accounts it won't be their last trip with the Club.

Fortunately, for a friendly couple who were celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary on the river, the paddlers happened to come upon them after they had had a mishap and went for an unexpected swim. Bob Rodgers helped them empty their canoe, Sharon Rodgers rescued their paddle, and Nicki Harris rescued the wife's shoe. The group accompanied them to the lunch pavilion where they decided they had had enough and arranged for their pick up.

All in all it was another scenic wilderness paddle with some great friends; old and new.

Fisheating Creek, Palmdale September 16th

The September paddle will be at Fisheating Creek in Palmdale on the 16th. Plan to be in the water by 10:00 am. This is a mod-erate to easy rated paddle about 2½ hours in length. You will be paddling upstream and returning back downstream. As usu-al, plan on staying after the paddle for a picnic lunch.

Fisheating Creek is a premiere paddling destination in the state of Florida. I t is a beautiful and pristine cypress swamp and if you haven't been there you won't want to miss it!

Rentals are available from this location. The rate is $20.00 for half a day, however, they don't take reservations for kayaks. It's a first come first serve basis.

Sign up online at the club website to let the Higgins know you're coming so they won't leave the launch without you!

An email with paddle details will come out closer to the paddle date.

Kayaking Highlights

Ladies Relaxation Day Warm Mineral Springs

August 21

Picture blue skies, sunshine, warm water and lots of chatter as 12 ladies and their noodles floated around Warm Mineral Springs. This was the scene as we all absorbed the mineral rich water.

After a relaxing float, they all ate lunch under the shade of a huge oak tree covered with lots of hanging Spanish moss. Old Florida at its’ best! More conversation, some reading, some card playing and then another dip in the Springs.

Finally around 3:00, they called it a day and left for home feeling very relaxed and pampered.

Friday, August 1

Why are these PGBC members smiling? Because they knew that a watermelon is a vegetable (not a fruit) and there are 162 games in a regular baseball season. They are also smiling be-cause they were the big winners going home with lots of money from the cash jackpot. In a field of 6 teams, the top two were: 1st place The Dakotas and 2nd place The Yakaholics.

Of special note – the winning team, The Dakotas – were cou-ples and individuals who were put together as a team when they arrived. They were near the bottom in their scores for most of the evening but made a dramatic come from behind victory during the last two rounds.

The next big night for Trivia is Friday, October 31st. Mark your

calendars, get a team together (maximum of 8 per team) or just

show up and we’ll put you on a team. The October “Bosun’s

Call” will have the details.

Social Highlights

Movie & Pizza August 9

The pizza and movie night was a big hit for the 48 attendees.

The evening began with a Happy Hour of freshly popped corn and plenty of cold beer. That was followed with plenty of freshly baked pizzas to go around.

After everyone had their fill, the private screening of Fools Gold started. The movie staring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson had everyone laughing at the recently divorced couples high jinx over the search for gold.

Just in case anyones appetite came back during the movie the concession stand remained open with popcorn and candy.

After the movie a $25 gift card for the Regal Theater was raffled off and won by Ralph Tommasino.

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Upcoming Social Events

Ladies Craft Day Bowling Pin Art

Sept.18, 10 am to 2 pm On September 18th, Sue Anne will conduct a session on bowl-ing pin art.

The paints necessary will be provided, the cost of which will be shared by those who participate. Not surprisingly Sue Anne will provide the bowling pins for this project.

If interested sign up online or give Sue Anne Fambrough a call at 770-714-9475.

Men’s Day Poker Night

September 18, 6:30 pm

Men’s Poker Nights will be starting up again this month.

Mark your calendars.

Poker will return to the Club on: Thursday, September 18th. Wednesday, October 1st Thursday, October 16th

If you have any questions please give Ralph Tommasino a call at 941-639-8748.

Mah Jongg

Monday Evenings 6:00 to 9:00 PM

September 1, 15, 29

October 6 & 20

Every Wednesday Afternoon 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Call Gloria Walker 941-639-4764 to sign up.

Ladies Craft Day September 22, 10 am to 2 pm

There will be another day for crafts on Monday, August 25th from 10 am to 2 pm. You will have several different options for working on crafts.

Carol Byrne will be on hand with her card making equipment to assist those who have taken her class and would like to design some cards on their own. It will be each individuals responsi-bility to bring their own card stock, ink, and other consumables.

There will someone there to help get you started on wire wrap-ping shells. If interested in doing this you will need to bring some shells, a spool of both 12 gauge and 20 gauge alumi-num wire, any beads or charms that you might like to embel-lish your shells with and a pair of needle nose, round nose or jewelry pliers if you have them.

If you have any unfinished project you might want to bring it to work on in the company of others.

Bring a bag lunch and plan to have a fun and productive day at the Club.

Sign up online.

If you have any questions call Sue Anne Fambrough at 770-714-9475 or Carol Byrne at 941-621-2567 The next craft day will be October 27th

Ladies Day Nature Walk at CHEC

Thursday, October 16, 10am

Please join Jan and Frank Walker, our experienced trail guides, for an informative walk through several of the trails at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). The Environmental Center is a not for profit organization that provides environmental education, research, recreation and preservation management to people in the Charlotte Harbor area. You'll have an opportunity to see birds, alligators, plants and trees and the Caniff Reception Building.

Plan on meeting at CHEC, which is located at 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda 33950 by 10am. The tour should last several hours.

Please wear a hat, walking shoes and sun lotion. Bring a bag lunch and water.

Make your reservations online or by calling Patti Linn at 941-637-8160

Social Director Sue Anne Fambrough 770-714-9475 saaff@comcast.net

Business Meetings Lenora Weisgerber 941-916-9526 weislbdm@aol.com

Attitude Adjustments Jan Gildersleeve 941-916-9086 gsleeve1@comcast.net

Ladies Group Coordinator Cindy Peyton

941-625-6813 llpeyton@comcast.net

Craft Day Coordinators Carol Byrne & Sue Anne

941-621-2567 byrne8835@msn.com

Men’s Group Coordinator Frank Fambrough

678-758-8011 saaff@comcast.net

Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt, coconut shell bra, and

floppy sandals for a fun night of Trivia. All the details will be

provided in the October “Bosun’s Call”

HOT NIGHT IN THE TROPICS

October 31st at 7:00 PM

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

10

Italian Dinner September 27, 6:00 pm

One of the Boat Club’s most popular events is returning. Ralph Tommasino and his committee will once again be transforming the boat club into a fine Italiano Ristorante.

The cocktail hour will start at 6pm and will feature the now famous appetizer table with imported cheeses, Italian meats, eggplant caponata, artichokes, various kinds of ol-ives, mushrooms and many other delicious things.

Red or white wine and soda will be available from the time you arrive until you do not wish to drink anymore.

Dinner will start with a green salad and some sliced Italian bread.

The entrée will be chicken parmesan served with pasta.

The ladies that make the dessert are still trying out different recipes so all that can be said at this time is that the dessert will be homemade and wonderful.

Reservations can be made on the club’s web site or by call-ing Barby and Charlie Garbarino at 941-637-9465.

The cut off date for reservations is Saturday, September 20th.

All this great food and drink is only $21.00 per person. Mail your check, made out to the PGBC, before September 20th to the Garbarino’s at 68 Tropicana Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33950

This event will only accommodate 126 people so please make your reservations as soon as possible to avoid being wait listed.

The committee consists of Phyllis and Vince Adamaitis, Di-ane and Bob Bridge, Barb and Charlie Garbarino. Pat and Larry Graber, Dotti and Bruce Metz, Bev and Dan Petras, Ally and Paul Sacilotto, and Ralph Tommasino.

Note: The date of this event is Saturday, September 27th. The date was incorrect in last months Bosun’s Call.

Blessing of the Fleet October 11, 11:00 am

The opening of the boating season traditionally starts with the Blessing of the Fleet and Flag Raising ceremony. This event evokes God’s blessing on members and their boats asking for smooth seas, fair winds, a safe passage, and a secure return to port as well as honoring members who have died in the last year.

The date for this years blessing is Saturday, October 11th. It begins at 11:00 with Bloody Marys, Mimosas and punch. At 11:30, the formal ceremony begins. Immediately following a lunch of sub sandwiches, cole slaw, chips, fresh fruit salad and cookies will be served. The cost is $12 per person.

Members are encouraged to bring their boats, with pennants flying, to participate in the blessing and Commodore’s review. Weather permitting, members can anchor their boats near the marker north of the Boat Club, starting at 9:30AM.

Now that the basin has been dredged to 5 feet and the floating docks are in place, some members may enjoy the ease of tying up there. For members who choose to anchor there will be a water taxi available (starting at 10:00 am) to and from the club house.

After lunch, the fleet will ceremonially pass in review before Commodore Vince Adamaitis upon their departure from the anchorage

The committee members are Carol and John Byrne, chairs, Bill Barnett, Arlene and Walt Baur, Kay Chesky, Sharon and Paul Cleveland, Barb & Will Kelchner and Leo Weisgerber. As usual Ruth & Bob Van Jones will be making the Bloody Marys.

Reservations can be made on the clubs website or by calling Sharon and Paul Cleveland at 941-639-1226. Send your check for $12 per person, payable to PGBC, to 2511 Rio Grande Drive Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Mark your calendar and make your reservations to secure a place no later than October 4th. Space will be limited to 120 people.

Please Note:

The attire for the affair is summer uniform (no tie) for past Com-modores and members of the Board and dressy casual for the rest of the members (no shorts please).

Oktoberfest

October 25, 6:00 pm

EIN PROSIT!

It’s time to raise your steins, as once again the Boat Club is transformed into a Rathskeller for a repeat of last year’s Ok-toberfest celebration. The German evening will begin at 6:00 pm with the tapping of the kegs (both light and dark) and the singing of Ein Prosit. (Don’t forget to bring your favorite stein). Of course there will be plenty of good pretzels and other Bavari-an snacks provided by the committee to go along with the beer (or soda if you prefer).

Dinner will follow and consist of grilled bratwurst and knack-wurst with sides of German potato salad, red cabbage and sau-erkraut and pumpernickel and rye breads. A Bavarian dessert will be served with coffee, so save room!

Barbara Mendillo will be on hand to keep the evening lively by providing music to dance and sing along with. There are sure to be lots of chickens strutting their stuff on the dance floor.

Please make your reservations for this fun filled evening online or by calling Mary Gilbert at 941-764-6106 and then send a check made out to PGBC to Mary at 102 Baldwin Court, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. This event will be limited to 120 people and has a cutoff date for reservation of Thursday, October 16th.

The price for this fun filled evening is $18 per person.

KOMME - YOU VILL ENJOY!

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

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Date Reservations Committee Food

Assignments by Last Name

Sept 8

Reservations

may be made

online or call

Nicki Harris

941-575-1199

Chris Gwynn

Chair

Kay Conte

Nicki Harris

Jan & Frank

Hokenson

Kathleen & Bill

Kumm

Noreen McGhee

Penny Stiffler

Gloria & Rick

Walker

A-C Meat

D-G Veggie

H-L Meat

M-R Salad

S-Z Dessert

Oct 13

Reservations

may be made

online or call

Arlene & Walt

Baur at

941-637-0060

Arlene & Walt

Baur, Chairs

Jan & Frank

Hokenson

Evelyn & Bill

Lawrence

Connie & Gary

Leips

Bev & Charlie

Scheu

Judy & Carl Silva

A-C Salad

D-G Meat

H-L Dessert

M-R Meat

S-Z Veggie

REMINDERS:

1. Prospective members will be given the same priority as members for reservations.

2. Guests will be given the same priority as members during the last week of reservations (please use discretion during the winter months).

3. Social hour begins at 1730 with dinner following at 1830. BYOB.

4. Bring enough food to serve 10-12. If you've invited guests, please bring a second dish. Ask the reserva-tionist what is needed.

5. Cover casseroles with foil instead of lids so they fit in the warming ovens.

6. Put your name or some other form of ID on your dish.

7. Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry.

Business Meetings (2nd Monday of Each Month @ 1730)

Contributions Needed for Local Food Bank

Whenever you enter the Club and especially at the Business Meetings you are asked to bring in a canned good or a non per-ishable food item. There will be a basket by the check in win-dow for you to drop in your contribution.

Please consider making a donation the next time you enter the Club.

Attitude Adjustment

Join your fellow boaters and friends for good fellowship at the clubhouse on the 4th Friday of every month (except when an-nounced otherwise).

BYOB and bring an appetizer to share

The appetizer should be ready to be placed on the table.

Please bring serving pieces if they are needed.

Hours are 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Friday, Sept 19 (third Friday)

Hosts: Sue Anne Fambrough Roxanne & John Jensen Leo Weisgerber

Friday, Oct 17 (third Friday)

Hosts: Brenda & Alex Kramer Barb & Will Kelchner

Remember to reach out to our guests and new members as well as to your friends.

Commodore’s Ball November 8, 6:00 pm

Come have a “ball” at the Commodore’s Ball honoring

Commodore Vince Adamaitis

The festivities will begin at 6 PM with appetizers and BYOB cock-tails. The dinner will be catered and music for dancing will be provided by “All the Gold”.

The full menu will have a salad, your choice of a beef, chicken or fish entre with sides and rolls with butter. Coffee will be served with dessert.

The committee is currently working hard on wrapping up all the

details. The full menu, price and the name and number of the

person taking reservations will be available online after Sept. 8th

and will be included in next months Bosun’s Call.

Note: This event has a suggested dress attire which may be

found on page 17 of your roster.

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

12

Notices

Ship’s Store Need a red shirt for a Business Dinner or a new burgee or a hat?

The Ship’s Store is open at Business Meetings and Attitude Adjustment.

The merchandise is certainly affordable, of great quality and every piece has an embroidered club's logo on it.

We accept checks or cash and tax is included.

Wear the Logo and Support Your Club !

BLOOD DONATIONS

Donating blood is a most worthwhile cause and a lifeline to those in need of it. Without donors there would be no blood for transfusions, something that any one of us might need some-day.

You may donate blood at the Port Charlotte Donor Center, at 23080 Harborview Road is open Monday through Saturday with hours between 7 am and 7 pm. You can call for an appointment at 941-625-1874 or just drop in.

The Big Red Bus is out and about seven days a week and each month they have morning, afternoon and some evening hours. To see where and when it will be on any given day go to www.oneblooddonor.org/index.cfm?group=op. You can also make an appointment while online or if you prefer just drop in.

Please consider donating as there is still a critical need for blood.

Line Dancing Wednesday Mornings 10:00 to 11:30 am

October 1st to November 12th The next line dance session will be starting on Wednesday, October 1st, and will run through the middle of November.

The doors will open at 9:30, and the class will run from 10:00 to 11:30.

Jan would like to remind everyone that the dance routines are modified, and are designed for fun and ease of learning.

Newcomers are always welcome.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Jan Norvelle at 941-743-2472.

Louis Zuck Died August 8, 2014

A good friend and a member of the Club

since 2002

Remembering

Remembering

Millie Hahn Jan 13, 1934 - August 12, 2014

A good friend and a member of the Club

since 2006

Charlotte County Coastal Cleanup Adopt-a-Shore

Ponce de Leon Park

September 13th 9:30 am to 12 Noon

It's that time again. The Fall Coastal Cleanup of Ponce de Leon Park is coming and volunteers are needed.

If interested you should meet at the park pavilion at 9:30 am, Saturday September 13th. Donuts and coffee will be availa-ble.

The cleanup takes about two hours. Trash bags, pickup sticks and one size fits all vinyl gloves are provided (you might want to bring your own gloves). Don't forget bug spray and sun block.

As in the past, lunch will be served (hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks) after the cleanup.

Sign up online or call Jules Bernstein at 941-629-8071. Free t- shirts will be available to all who register online by Septem-ber 8th.

FOR SALE and WANTED BULLETIN BOARD

As a reminder the For Sale and Wanted bulletin board is now up and functioning on the PGBC website at www.pgbc.org. To list an item for sale is simple. Just send an email to Phyllis Adamaitis at padamaitis@comcast.net with either Wanted or For Sale in the subject line. Then just type what you have to sell or want to acquire in the body of the message. Be sure to accurately describe the item, state the price, where and how to contact you (phone number and/or email) and what hours to call. Use as many words as you wish and attach pic-tures if desired.

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

13

Calendar of Punta Gorda Boat Club Cruising Events September and October 2014

To make reservations online, go to www.pgboatclub.org

Kayak Paddles (Contact Ed & Deb Higgins for more details)

Date(s) Destination Rentals Available?

Sept 16 Fisheating Creek - Palmdale Yes

Oct 21 - 23 Silver Springs Overnight No

Cruises

Date(s) Destination Type Cruise Leader Skippers Meeting

Sept 10-20 Dry Tortugas Overnight John Byrne at 941-621-2567 byrne8835@msn.com

9/4 at 1600 hrs

Sept 23 Lazy Flamingo Day/Lunch Frank Hokenson at 941-637-9318 fhoke@centurylink.net

9/18 at 1600 hrs

Sept 29 - Oct 5 Gulfport Overnight Ron McGuire at 941-625-8757 mcguire@embarqmail.com

9/25 at 1600 hrs

Oct 11 Blessing of the Fleet Day John Byrne at 941-621-2567 byrne8835@msn.com

Oct 27 - Nov 6 Tarpon Springs / Apalachicola Overnight Mickey Bumpass at 941-764-1827 mdbumpass@centurylink.net

10/16 at 1600 hrs

Oct 29 - Nov 1 Legacy Harbour Overnight Ed Chaffman at 941-625-1673 b71478chaffman@embarqmail.com

10/23 at 1600 hrs

Be sure to sign up and

Join the fun!

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

14

Social, Business & Other

Date Event Start Time Reservations Notes

Sept 8 Business Meeting 5:30 pm Make your reservations online or call Nicki Harris at 941-575-1199

Sept 13 Ponce Cleanup 9:30 am Make your reservations online or call Jules Bernstein at 941-629-8071

Sept 18 Ladies Day - Bowling Pin Art 10:00 am Make your reservations online or call Sue Anne Fambrough at 770-714-9475

Sept 18 Men’s Night - Poker 6:30 pm No need to register - Just show up

Sept 19 Attitude Adjustment 5:00 pm No need to register - Just show up

Sept 22 Ladies Craft Day 10:00 am Sign up online

Sept 27 Italian Dinner 6:00 pm Make your reservations online or call Barby Garbarino at 941-637-9465

Oct 1 Men’s Night - Poker 6:30 pm No need to register - Just show up

Oct 11 Blessing of the Fleet 11:00 am Make your reservations online or call the Clevelands at 941-639-1226

Oct 13 Business Meeting 5:30 pm Make your reservations online or call the Baurs at 941-637-0060

Oct 16 Ladies Day—Nature Park Walk

and Lunch 5:30 pm

Make your reservations online or call Patti Linn at 941-637-8160

Oct 16 Men’s Night - Poker 6:30 pm No need to register - Just show up

Oct 17 Attitude Adjustment 5:00 pm No need to register - Just show up

Oct 25 Oktoberfest 6:00 pm Make your reservations online or call Mary Gilbert at 941-764-6106

Oct 27 Ladies Craft Day 10:00 am Sign up online

Oct 31 Trivia Night 6:30 pm No need to register - Just show up

Nov 1 Men’s Day Ft Lauderdale Boat

Show 6:00 am

Make your reservations online or call Frank Fambrough at 770-714-9475

Calendar of Punta Gorda Boat Club Social Events September and October 2014

To make reservations online, go to www.pgboatclub.org

PGBC Bosun ’ s Call September 2014

15

September 2014

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

Mah Jongg 6:00 pm

LABOR DAY

2

3

Mah Jongg 1:00 pm

4

Skippers’ Meeting

Dry Tortugas 4:00 pm

5

6

7

8 Board Meeting 9:00 am

Business Meeting 5:30 pm

9

10

Mah Jongg

1:00 pm

11

12

13 Ponce

Cleanup 9:00 am

14

15

Mah Jongg 6:00 pm

16

Fisheating Creek Paddle

17

Mah Jongg

1:00 pm

18 Ladies Day

Bowling Pin Art 10am

Men’s Night Poker 6:30 pm

19

Attitude Adjustment

5:00 pm

20

21

22

Ladies Craft Day

10:00 am

23

Lazy Flamingo Luncheon

Cruise

24

Mah Jongg

1:00 pm

25 Skippers’ Meeting Gulfport 4:00 pm

26

27

Italian Night

28

29 Mah Jongg

6:00 pm

30

Dry Tortugas

Gulfport

Dry Tortugas

Autumn Begins Rosh Hashanah