The Board Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 7:30 at Maurer’s Dive Shop.

Present:  John Augustine, Donna Sabol, Bert Sharbaugh, Ron Peterson, Donna Bender, John Betting, Greg Lilly.

Discusses speakers for upcoming meetings: March-Jim Smith; April-Dan & Diane; May-Donna Sabol; June-swap meet/dry suit demo.

1000 Island Trip: $50 due now to reserve spot; $50 due by July meeting.  Ron will research rooms.

Whale watching trip: on hold for now.

Spring fund raiser: John to research.

Membership renewal form: Donna Sabol to discuss at next meeting.

Donna Bender to draft a letter to dive shops explaining expenses of quarry.

The next board meeting will be Wednesday, March 29, 2006 7:30pm at Maurer’s Dive Shop.

President John Augustine called the meeting to order with the blowing of the Royal Conch.

Treasurer’s Report:
Donna Sabol, Treasurer, reports the following amounts for February: $1205 income, $375.41 expenses,  actual checkbook balance is $2547.36 minus $1200 trip fund makes an available checkbook balance of $1247.36

OLD BUSINESS

John reminds us again that passport requirments are changing.  Reference: http://travel.state.gov/pasport

“The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.”

The first deposit of $150 for Morehead City trip is due by March 24, 2006.  The balance of $150 is due by April 24, 2006.

Beneath the Seas (http://beneaththesea.org) is a Dive and Travel show at the Meadowlands Exposition center on March 24-26.

Trip report to Curacao given by Jim Smith.

NEW BUSINESS

The 1000 Island Trip to Brockville will be Sunday August 20 and Monday August 21.  The cost of the two days diving is $100 for the two days.  Sunday afternoon will be a two tank dive.  Monday morning will be a three tank dive.  The boat is limited to 14 divers.  The $50 deposit to hold your spot needs to be paid now.  The balance of $50 is due at the July meeting.

A long discussion was held on fundraising and dues.

It was decided dues will be raised $6, starting this fiscal year.  Dues for one is now $30;  dues for the second family member is $22;  dues for the third family member is $14.

Also, the entrance fee for the treasure dive will be $20 this year.

Also, we will try selling Sheetz MTO coupons.

“The coupon is a three-part coupon.  Your customer would receive their choice of a 6” sub, deli sandwich, salad, nachos, schmuffin, pretzel meltz, bagel, burge, grilled cheese sandwich or two regular hot dogs, plus a 20 oz fountain drink for free.  Also included are two cupons good for $.50 off on the next purchase of a 6” MTO sub or equivalent.  The coupons can be redeemed at any Sheetz store and do not have an expiration date. “  

John Augustine will place the original order of 200 coupons.  These will be available at all meetings (board and regular).  They will be $4 each, with payment due at pickup by member.  No coupons will be mailed out.  Participation is optional.

UPCOMING EVENTS/TRIPS

Saturday, April 8th is the first day trip.  The tentative plan for this one is Mt. Storm.  See Joe Gordon to sign up.

The “spring dive” at the quarry is Saturday, April 22, 1pm

Make-A-Wish is Saturday, May 13, noon,

The next regular Club Meeting will be on Thursday, April 6, 2006 at Penn Gables at 7:30 p.m.

Jim Smith had an amazing presentation of slides and movies made by him and Sandy, on both Curacao and Morehead City.  Thanks Jim.

--Ron Peterson