Next Board Meeting: June 25, 2003, 7:30pm Maurer’s Dive Shop, Carrolltown, PA

Next Regular Meeting: July 10, 2003, 7:30 Penn Gables, Ebensburg, PA

Present at meeting were Ron Peterson, Dan and Diane Turcovsky, John Augustine, Rick Paige and Laura Butler.

Menu: Banana Cream pie

BUSINESS:

New member applications were reviewed. Both applicants were getting certified the following weekend and will be reviewed again at the next meeting.

We received a Thank you letter from the Make-A-Wish dive; Laurel Divers donated $100, D&R Divers donated $16,345.60 to Make-A-Wish, making a total of $91,697.60 for the past 7 years! There were 127 divers present at the weekend, 7 divers from our club and all seven came away with a prize.

The Treasure Dive prize list was reviewed, some changes were made from last years list.

A letter of resignation from Julie Paige was received. Due to scheduling constraints and personal reasons, she resigned as secretary, effective immediately. Thank you Julie for all your hard work!

June 5, 2003, Penn Gables, Ebensburg, PA

Donna Bender called the meeting to order, without the mighty conch. The natives were a little confused, but we all caught on.

Ron Peterson read the Treasurer’s Report:  Available Checkbook Balance $3085.28; Income $3046.00; Expenses $4232.61. The club made $1045.12 from the fund raiser.

***IMPORTANT REMINDER***

The Treasure Dive is quickly approaching! If you wish to participate in the dive we must have your dues and the Treasure Dive fee paid! Dues are $24 for head of household, $16 for next family member, and $8 for each additional member. The Treasure Dive fee is $15 per person. The fee must be paid before or at the July 10th meeting, this is the final date to pay, no one will be permitted to pay at the dive. Everyone needs to sign up for duties as well, don’t forget about grill time!

TRIP REPORTS:

Ron Peterson went to Morehead City, May 9-11. Six people were on the trip. They had an impressive dive with 70 degrees on the surface and 60 below, blue water, and excellent visibility. The group got in three diving days, with big seas. The boat they travel on has bigger engines so the ride is smoother and faster.

John Augustine reported on the Make-A-Wish dive. He said it was a nice day, however, he has now experienced what a true low vis dive is, reporting the worst visibility he’s ever experienced.

Q***** clean-up took place.  A big thanks to Donna Bender, Dan & Diane Turcovsky, Laura Butler, John Augustine, Joe Gordon and Ron Peterson;  both mowing and shale spreading were accomplished in the rain. An extra big thanks you goes out to Bob and Rose for giving us the use of their truck!

Mary Green went to Cozumel and had a great trip. She got to see three sea horses!

Greg Lilly went on a cruise to the Grand Caymans and Cozumel, and had a great time.

The Kerch’s went to Marathon Key and had great visibility, about 60’, and warm water.

There was a class last week, seven divers were certified. The water temperature was 53 degrees on the surface.

BUSINESS:

The Treasure Dive was discussed; please don’t forget to pay your dues and fees as mentioned earlier in the newsletter.

Elections were held for the new officers the results are as follows; President: Donna Bender, Vice President: John Augustine, Secretary: Laura Butler, Treasurer: Ron Peterson

Since John Augustine has been elected vice-president, there is a vacancy on the Board. At the July meeting, there will be nominations AND voting for a new board member. If anyone is interested in being on the board, or knows someone who is, please make sure to attend the meeting or make your interest known to one of the officers.

UPCOMING TRIPS/EVENTS:

July 15, 2003, 6pm. Q***** clean-up. We need some help making the q*****  look beautiful for the treasure dive. We will be meeting at 6pm at the q*****. If it is raining please call Ron for a change of date. (But since it hasn’t quit raining since February, I think there will be sunshine.)

August 1-4, 2003, Thousand Islands. Four are on the waiting list.  This trip comes highly recommended. Typical visibility is 70’ and typical temperature is 70°, lots of wrecks.  We will be leaving on the 1st and returning on the 4th. If interested contact Ron Peterson or Brad McVicker.

August 23, 2003, Waubank Aquaculture.  Contact Brad McVicker.

October 3-4, 2003, Virginia Beach. We will be driving down the 3rd and staying at the Ocean Front Inn which is $58 per night. Will be diving on an artificial reef in about 40’-50’ water. $50 deposit will be due at the next meeting. Contact Joe Gordon for more details.

October 11-26, 2003 Fiji, Micronesia, and Tahiti. Wayne Pappart, Flood City Divers. Contact Wayne for information 814 255-5360

The daybook was $92. Winner was Sharon Skebeck. Not present. Monies will be carried over to next month.

Door prize: choice of BC and Wet Suit Hangers, or stainless steel fin springs.  Everett Newkirk won, and chose the fin springs;  the Hangers will will be available next month.

For Sale Items – can also be found at LaurelDivers.com then select “Classified Ads”

---Laura Butler