April 15 - Shell Island, On-the-Water
	TBD, originally scheduled for St. Andrew State Park
	Poker Run, On-the-Water
	The Cirks Home
	Econfina Canoe Trip
	Pirate Ship
	Wakulla Springs
	Christmas Party

This Coupon Redeemable for One Large Dose of USPS-SABPS Sunshine Present by Telephone 233-0765 or e-mail dsoskin@webtv.net Good for all haul-outs for various Repairs and Replenishings or General Under-the-Weather Conditions.

Vessel Safety Checks

Hey all boat owners; As you saw in the January Stuffing Box, the new year is here. I have the new 2006 VSC decals and am ready to give your boat the once over if it passes, twice over if it doesn't pass the first time. Just give me a call at 914-9315. I am available almost any time. Submitted by Dave Guest

St. Andrew Bay Power Squadron Membership Meeting March 9, 2006

The March meeting of the St. Andrew Bay Power Squadron was called to order at 7:05PM by Cdr. Ric Corley on March 9, 2006. Kerry Corley gave the invocation, and Lt/C John Holmes led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. We welcomed new members, Wade Nettles and Charles Dart. We also welcomed Wade's guest, Judy Elam. Nineteen members and guests attended the meeting held at the Healthplex in Baldwin Plaza. Reports of Officers Executive Department Lt/C John Holmes talked about the D15 Spring Council Meeting to be held in Mobile on March 11th and invited all members to go and get involved in district activities. Administrative Department Lt/C Rick Smitherman talked about the upcoming rendezvous next Saturday, March 25th. We plan to gather at the range marker in St. Andrew Bay and join in the procession of boats for the Blessing of the Fleet. Treasurer's Report In the absence of Lt/C David Hurst, Lt/C Anji Smitherman read the Treasurer's Report and filed the secretary's copy. The report was accepted as read. Education Department Lt/C Jim Pappas reported we will teach a public boating course at Gulf Coast Community College April 17th through April 24th. He is also considering conducting a Seamanship class for new members and anyone who wants to attend! Secretary Department Lt/C Anji Smitherman reported The Stuffing Box will be posted on the squadron's website (which is currently under development by Staci Doucett). At least initially, members will receive an e-mail to let them know the newsletter has been posted to the website. The e-mail will include a link to the site. We will continue to use snail mail for those members who do not have access to e-mail. There was discussion concerning the fact that our newsletter editor, Mary Anne Durgan, cannot e-mail the newsletter to Staci for posting on the web. A motion was made and seconded for the squadron to purchase a flash drive for this purpose. The motion carried. Cdr Corley was our guest speaker. He gave a great presentation (including video) of the perfect storm. Ric was the captain of a navy research vessel (278 feet long with a 56 foot beam!) in the waters just off Newfoundland. It was absolutely terrifying to see the wall of water crashing over his ship. Great presentation, Cdr!

Announcements

Dave Guest said we have 23 members with boats, and he's ready, willing, and able to inspect them (VSC) for us. He'll come to you! Dave told us the Panama City Marina has a new manager, Bill Lloyd. He also alerted us to a recall notice on First Strike fire extinguishers. Dave is working on Co-op Charting for the squadron, but he's having problems getting reports submitted. He's been working with district co-op charting chair, Dick Gercak, to get these issues resolved. Ric Corley urged members to get involved in America's Waterways Watch. He will be distributing brochures from Orange Beach, AL to St. Marks, FL. Jim Pappas reminded us that maptech is not that reliable the charts don't always show hazards, so use your eyes and be careful! With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25. Respectfully submitted, Anji Smitherman, Squadron Secretary

April Birthdays

10th JIM PAPPAS 16th LOLITTA NUTLEY

April Anniversaries

1956, 7th PAUL AND PAULINE STEADMAN

Education For those of you who haven't taken it, the Power Squadron Seamanship course is really a must!! Not only is it fun, but you can hone your boating skills! Topics included are as follows: S-101 Marlinspike Safety The Skipper's Responsibilities Before Leaving the Dock Weather and Wave Forms Nautical Etiquette and Customs S-102 Hull Design and Care Docking and Undocking, Towing, Trailering Anchoring, Rafting, Mooring and Dinghies Cruising Considerations Boating Emergencies - Be Prepared Be sure to let Jim Pappas know if interested!