Well here it is March already. It seems like the holiday party was just a couple of weeks ago.
The lobster hunters among us will hopefully be busy for the next four weeks as the lobster season comes to a close at the end of March. Ginny and I were diving this past Saturday. We didn’t get our limit but we did put seven tails into the freezer. The water temperature was cool to say the least but it was not terrible and the sun was warm in-between dives. When lobster season ends we will be shooting lion fish and photos to keep us busy in the water.
The club has a trip to Cozumel coming up in June and a trip to Little Cayman in August. Response to both trips has been tepid to day the least. If you have interest in either trip you still have time to sign up. Both destinations offer great diving, lots of amenities and guaranteed good times with great people.
We have a few dives scheduled in March so check out the calendar and join us for a fun day of diving. We also have a few non diving events like the Shark Valley bike ride along with the usual dinner at large.
Please remember to pay your dues if you haven’t done so already. Remember, you cannot participate in most club activities unless you are a member in good standing.
Jeff Raffa
President SFDI
FEBRUARY PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Just as promised, the Wacky Gift Exchange was a hoot! If you missed it be sure to mark your calendar for next January’s meeting. It is always a fun evening, the junk level was way down and many people went home with nice gifts. It’s good to see that people are learning, NO JUNK! Thanks to John Kansman for officiating.
Be sure to check out the calendar in this newsletter for the many upcoming events. Even though the water has chilled down a bit there is still some great diving available to us. The conditions have been pretty good of late so let’s get wet.
If it’s February it must be Barry Kulick. Yes, Barry will be back to entertain us with his terrific photography and witty commentary. If you are new to the club this is another must do meeting. Barry is always very entertaining. Because Barry is in contact with some high risk family members he asks that if you have not been vaccinated for COVID, you please wear a mask at the meeting. If you choose not to wear a mask he asks that you sit at the outer seats and not place yourself near him. If you are symptomatic in any way please attend the meeting via Zoom. I’m sure everyone can understand Barry’s concerns and comply with his requests.
As we are well into 2023 please be sure to renew your membership if you haven’t already done so. Those of you not paid by the February meeting will be delinquent and you will be assessed a late fee. Remember, your membership must be current in order for you to participate in club activities.
As always, feel free to make any suggestions regarding the operation of the club or activities you would like to see on the calendar. We are always open to new ideas. You do not have to be an Eboard member to attend and participate and you don’t even have to show up. We are on Zoom! Just contact me and I’ll send you the Zoom link. If you have any ideas please share them with us.
Live long and lobster
Jeff Raffa
President
JANUARY PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy New Year to everyone! I would like to thank everyone who came to the Holiday Party. The party was outstanding and special thanks to those of you who worked to make it the success that it was.
We are already planning next year’s party and it will be on December 2, 2023. Mark your calendars.
This years designated charity was the South Florida Wildlife Center.
They do a great job treating wild animals that have been injured. If possible, the animals are returned to the wild, if not they live out their lives at the center. What’s great is that they are local.
Thanks to the generosity of many of you we raised over $550 for this worthy cause. Hats off to all of you who donated.
The Christmas tree dive was a lot of fun. The tree from the holiday party was fitted with concrete shoes and placed on the wreck of the Merci Jesus. Once settled on the deck the tree was decorated with edible treats for the fish resulting in a bit of a feeding frenzy. All in all it was a great day. This dive has been a club tradition for many years. Plan to join us next year.
I am looking forward to the January meeting and our annual wacky gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift. The gift should be comical (wacky) or something nice. Please remember that wacky doesn’t mean junk. Try to bring something that you yourself would be happy to receive. Wear your holiday finery such as ugly Christmas sweaters and or Santa hats etc. This should make for some great Kodak moments.
We have a lot of fun activities on the calendar so check them out and join us. We always seem to have a lot of fun together. Keep in mind that you must be a member to take part in these activities so if you haven’t already paid your dues for 2023 please do so. Our dues are quite the bargain. Even though everything else has gone up in price, our dues have remained the same for at least the past twelve years.
Once again I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Jeff Raffa
President SFDI