From the President…

NASJAX Skin and Scuba Diving Club

I think I'm speaking for all club members when I say it will be good to get into spring weather and diving. We've had a mild winter up to now, but too cold recently to dive much. One of the things I said I would try to do is get us diving more. We are lining up a few dives and will plan more as we get into diving weather. The other thing that Art LaRue and I have been working on is a review of our club constitution and by-laws. We'll start at the E Board meeting, then discuss everything at the February 3 club meeting and vote on whether to change anything or not. This ranks right up there with going to the dentist, but we don't get any Novocain. By the time you read this our club roster should be out. I want to thank Ben Storey, our club Secretary, for doing an outstanding job on the roster and putting together a new newsletter. This took a lot of time and effort. Also, Howard Feingold has a good handle on the Treasurer's job. He just needs our annual club dues from everybody. The last thing I want to write about is increasing our club membership. Our "Weebly" website (http://www.nasjaxscubadivers.org) and "Meetup" page are working well. We need to make visitors feel welcomed and wanted, when they attend their first meeting. If you have friends or anybody you know of that might want to join our dive club, invite them to a meeting. This is a good way to get new members. Get involved, be part of the dive club. See you soon,

Glen Akins

Newsletter January 2016

Diver Spotlight

Marshall Gross

Marshall attended “Swimmers School” in 1959 while serving our country in the United States Navy. He has gained extensive experience by completing over 10,000 dives. He has dived throughout the world on both open-circuit Scuba and closed-circuit re-breathers. Marshall has spent time under the ice, in caves, and has even dived with Great White Sharks. One of his favorite places to dive is Cozumel, Mexico.

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Newsletter January 2016

Upcoming Dive Trips February & March Our local springs and South Florida are great options for diving this time of year. The springs are a consistent 72 degrees and are ideal for refresher training dives. West Palm Beach offers great drift diving and the Blue Heron Bridge is always interesting. As of last week, West Palm Beach was still a warm 75 degrees! Key Largo is another great option with an incredible variety of marine life. The club would like to put together a fun trip but we need your feedback. Where would you like to dive? Please share your suggestions with Bill Schofield at the next meeting. April Experience the thrill of finding fossils and sharks teeth in Southwest Florida!

• 8 April- Peace River fossil dig. We will use canoes to navigate the river. • 9 April- Venice Sharks Teeth Festival & Craft Show (hours 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM) • 10 April- Morning offshore dive and hunt for sharks teeth

The Peace River is a short 4 ½ hour drive from Jacksonville and Venice is only 5 hours. This trip is very flexible. You can choose which days to participate or join us for all three. Collecting fossils in the State of Florida requires a permit. Estimated prices for the trip will be available soon. Contact Glen Akins or Billy Schofield for additional information.

Enjoy a weekend of Camping & Diving with Doc and Martha • 8 – 10 April- Manatee Springs • 29 April – 1 May- Blue Springs at Orange City (Deland)

"Earth Day Beaches Cleanup"

• 22 April 2016- Local North Florida Beaches This is a great way to dive back to the local community and help keep our beaches clean. Contact Billy Schofield for additional information. Later in the Year Cozumel Mexico One of the best places to dive in the world and flights are relatively inexpensive right now. A trip is being planed for late June or early July and the cost will range from $2,000 to $2,800. Contact Marshall Gross for additional information.

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Newsletter January 2016

We strongly encourage all club members to join the Divers Alert Next Work (DAN). For more information please visit the following website: www.diversalertnetwork.org.

Now is the time to learn how to perform CPR and administer Emergency Oxygen. Attend one or both classes on 8 February at the Fleet Reserve Hall at 7673 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244 (Across from AutoNation).

The first class is only $30 and the second class is only an additional $15.

For more information please contact Vera Thomas.

At our January Club Meeting Vera Thomas shared with the group a simple and effective way to remember the steps to performing a neurological exam by using the acronym OEFHSTMSB. To help you remember the exam steps, simply create a sentence using words that correspond with each of the following letters OEFHSTMSB. Please visit the following site for more information on performing on-site neurological examinations.

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/neuroexam.asp

Training opportunity

CPR and O2 Class O E F H S T M S B

Learn to save a life.

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Newsletter January 2016

President- Glen Akins

Vice President – Art LaRue

Treasurer- Howard Fiengold

Secretary- Ben Storey

Safety Officer- Rick Reckert

Training Officer- Vera Thomas

Dive Coordinator- Billy Schofield

Webmaster- Sharon Green

www.nasjaxscubadivers.org

Club Officers Upcoming meetings

20 January- The E Board will meet at the Golden Coral on San Jose Blvd. at 7:00 PM.

3 February- Dinner at 6:00 PM followed by the Club Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Golden Coral on San Jose Blvd.

17 February- The E Board will meet at 7:00 PM (location to be determine).

Reminder: Our Treasurer Howard Fiengold will be collecting dues at the next club meeting on 3 February.

• $30 individual • $15 additional fee for a spouse or child • $60 for family membership