Picture of the Month



Manta Ray - Red Sea - Egypt

(See other dive trips at Overseas Diving (below))

Program for October 6

Coral Histology/Land Based Nursery

 By Keri O’Neil

Keri is a graduate student and Research Assistant for the National Coral Reef Institute at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center.  She holds a BS in Biology from the University of Maryland.  Keri worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Maryland while completing her undergraduate honors thesis on zooplankton migrations over Conch Reef in the Florida Keys.  Keri then worked for seven years as a Senior Aquarist and Water Quality Analyst at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  Here she was responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of numerous live coral aquaria up to 6500 gallons in size. 

Keri is currently responsible for the care and maintenance of the land-based coral nursery at the National Coral Reef Institute.  Large-scale coral culture is a fairly new area of aquaculture research and Keri hopes to use fragments of coral produced in the nursery for an experimental offshore restoration project later this year.  She is an active member of the AAUS Scientific Diving program at NSU, and has been a certified diver for ten years.  Her love of diving has taken her around the world, and her favorite dive trip was a live-aboard to the northern Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. 

Keri tells us:  My work is primarily focused on the maintenance and monitoring of our land-based coral nursery, a 2500 gallon aquaculture system where we are culturing fragments of Acropora cervicornis and other stony coral species found in Broward County.  One of my current projects is a comparison of growth and survival in offshore and land-based coral nurseries.  I am also interested in coral reproduction and larval studies, including using aquaculture techniques to increase settlement and survival rates of sexually produced coral larvae in situations where natural recruitment may be low.

Join us and meet Keri and hear more about this fascinating field.

Sea you there?

Glada Blench
VP of Programs
programs@usadiveclub.com

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Ahh! Lionfish, so how many have you killed?  As for me I figure somewhere between 60 and 70.  I have considered it to be a great sport since we began trying to annihilate them a year or so ago.  Well, that is until a couple of weeks ago on a live a board off the SE Bahamian Island of Mayaguana.  Since it is a remote island and does not see too many divers, there seemed to be more of them than I usually see elsewhere.  The Captain figured that since there were so many of them that might account for the lack of reef fish seen in other areas. My buddy and I racked up 8-10 the first day and the second day was looking every bit as good.  However, the second one she shot which was easily over 12 inches long, bright red stripes and looked as if it would go good in the pot.  She shot it and had it pinned to the reef.  I pulled out my trusty Titanium dive knife and moved in for the kill. OOps, Larry 65 or so, lionfish 1.  One big spine right in the first joint of the thumb on the right hand.  Instant pain, intense pain, thinking it may be like a snake bite, I did not choose to suck it out or cut it, but thought I might be able to squeeze it out through the hole it had made.  Not so, just some gooey green stuff came floating out, my blood, wondered where the sharks came from.  Later on, on the boat, the thumb swelled up like the Pillsbury dough boy and the swelling and pain began to travel up the hand.  Thankfully my dive buddy kept bringing me extremely hot water for several hours to keep it soaked so the toxin would be broken up by the hot water.  After several hours the pain began to subside, but the swelling did not.  It took several days for that to happen.  I continued to dive, but I decide that the reward vs. risk on that trip was just not worth it so I hung up my Liontamer and decided to just enjoy the sites.  Sooo, my question to you is, do you still want to keep hunting and wonder what it will feel like when you do get stung?  I truly believe that sooner or later you will.  At least that is what the lionfish killers say, “Not if, but when.”  Just a little food for your thought.  As for me, I think I will continue to kill, but only whatever damage the spear does. If someone wants them for any other reason, be my guest.

I will not be at the October meeting, will be diving in Cayman Brac, so I will be in the if you missed it, you will miss it crowd and I will miss it.

Also, at the September meeting, I chose to institute a change in the Lobster Pot pricing, instead of 3 tickets for $1, now it will be 1 ticket for $1, or 6 tickets for $5.  This way, we will use less tickets, saving the club money and rewarding those who spend $5 with an extra ticket.  I will continue to try and have at least 10 good prizes at each meeting, so good luck to each of you and thanks again for your participation.

IF YOU MISS IT!  YOU WILL MISS IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Your USA President for the remainder of 2011,
Larry Townsend
president@usadiveclub.com

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Local Diving

October brings the nice cool evening breezes. I sure hope so as September didn’t bring any cool breezes to my house. But at least our hot weather is keeping the Ocean temperature between 84 and 86 degrees. Therefore we should still have nice warm water for our Dives on October 15th  and our Halloween Pumpkin Dive on the afternoon of October 29th . Our August 27th dive had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irene causing a problem on the coastline of Florida.

Our September 11th dive had perfect conditions and we had the whole boat Starfish Enterprise to ourselves. A few of us, not John or I, caught lobsters to take home. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at our favorite watering hole, the Grumpy Grouper Restaurant.

On Saturday, September 24th, we held another Local Dive trip with Starfish Enterprise out of Boynton Beach. Could not ask for a nicer day to be diving and my computer read 84 degrees. We had another full boat from our Dive Club including long time no see Kay C. Also welcoming our new member Marnie A. who finally was able to get an opening spot on the boat. Only two lobsters were spotted and both lobsters were caught by our experts Roman and John F. Our favorite lunch spot speaks for itself as everyone on the boat raced to Grumpy Groupers which I think is the first time ever.

See Photo Gallery for more Local Diving pictures.

FOR A LIST OF UP COMING DIVES, CLICK HERE FOR USA’s ‘LOCAL DIVING’ PAGE.

Kathy & John Ficarra
VP’s of Local Diving
localdiving@usadiveclub.com

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Social Activities

Greetings from USA’s Social Butterflies.

The Green Team continues to help keep our environment clean. 

Sunday morning, August 28t, was hot and sticky.   Despite the fact that most of us would rather be diving, 13 of USA’s hardiest souls participated in our 12th Adopt-a-Street cleanup in Deerfield Beach.

On the way to our usual gathering place, Russ and Julie saw a large dark plume of smoke rising in the east.  It was later learned that one of our favorite restaurants, Crabby Jack’s, had burned to the ground.  (Thanks Kurt for clueing us in.)  USAers have many happy memories of that old, rustic meeting place. 

Volunteers picked up 47 pounds of trash and increased our ongoing total to 1,315 pounds. Clare found a brand new fishing pole and LT took home a good-sized adjustable crescent wrench. In addition to the trash, an elusive $50 bill made the rounds.  Ask Paul Molinari about that one.

By the end of the cleanup, our friends at Muddy Waters Grill and Raw Bar had our table waiting.  It was time to quench our thirst, satisfy our hunger and enjoy the camaraderie of the group. If you’ve never volunteered for this event, give it a try.  We think you’ll enjoy it.

A week later, Saturday evening, September 3^rd, 28 USAers and guests enjoyed a delightful, seemingly endless buffet at the Kyojin Japanese restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale.  The menu included sushi, snow crab, tempura shrimp, sesame chicken, spare ribs, steak and so much more.  Too many salads to mention and a wonderful hibachi grill tempted many of us. An unexpected treat was the chocolate fountain with marshmallow dippers.

By 7:30 PM, it was time to move the party to the Best Cellar in Wilton Manors.  Richard Stetler, our colorful host, greeted us at the door.  When everyone was seated, the wine tasting began. In his unique manner, Richard uncorked bottle after bottle of fine champagne, white, red and dessert wines. Cheese and bread snacks were provided to cleanse our pallets between sips.  Many of us purchased a few bottles of fermented grapes, and all of believed it was a truly unique wine tasting experience.   

Coming Attractions

Saturday Evening, November 12, 2011 @ 7:00 PM

USA’s
 40^th Anniversary
and
Reunion Party

Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end

Come reminisce with your buddies at this special
RUBY anniversary and reunion
Browse through all of USA’s scrapbooks
and enjoy the ongoing slideshow
of the old and new days

We want people to come out of the woodwork

This will be Candid Camera at its best

Ellie’s 50’s Diner 2410 North Federal Highway Delray Beach Flamingo Room   $37.00 Members $39.00 Non-Members

Black Tie Optional 

Dinner and dancing to live DJ
Cash Bar   -  Door Prizes   -   Entertainment
Free Parking

Checks payable to Under Sea Adventurers
Payment due upon sign-up

Coming from out of town?
Not a problem
Plenty of great places to stay in Delray Beach

For party reservations
Contact USA’s Social Butterflies
 social@usadiveclub.com

Watch future newsletters and emails for additional information on all planned USA Dive Club activities. Our social events are open to all USA club members and their guests.  So, why wait?

Sign up for a social event, get to know your fellow USAers, and let the fun begin!

A USA Dive Club thought.

It’s not about the event.
It’s about the camaraderie of being with people we know and enjoy.

Future social events include:

• Nov 6 (Sunday) –  Adopt-A-Street followed by lunch at Muddy Waters, Deerfield Beach
• Nov 12 (Saturday) – USA’s 40^th Anniversary Party & Reunion at Ellie’s 50’s Diner, Delray Beach
• Dec 1 (Thursday) – USA’s Not-to-be-Missed Holiday Pot Luck Party

DINNER BEFORE THE MEETING:

Pick up your favorite meal, e.g., a sub, sandwich or pizza at your local Publix, Subway or Papa Johns and join USA’s Social Butterflies in the Newport Café located in the Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites @ 6:00 pm.  If you’d like to bring something from home, that’s OK, too.

Everyone seems to enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie. 

Try it... you’ll like it! C’mon down and we’ll save y’all a seat.

Clare Anthon & Julie Manhold
VP’s of Social Events
social@usadiveclub.com

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Hospitality Hut

Greetings from USA’s Hospitality Hut.

At the September 1st USA Dive Club general meeting, “The Hut” was happy to announce that, thanks to LT, we have another new applicant.

Marnie Adamski attended her first meeting.  Marnie was certified in l997 and holds several certifications.  She has already submitted an application for membership and paid her dues. 

It is always nice to see old friends. Former member Bill Watts and returning guest Liz Wentzer stopped by to say hello.

A warm welcome and thank you is extended our newcomers and returning guests.

Why not visit our home page www.usadiveclub.com and click on the calendar button to keep up to date on all the diving and non-diving scheduled activities. You may also take a look at the photo gallery and see all the fun we have.

Happy diving to you all.



Clare Anthon & Julie Manhold
Hospitality Coordinators
hospitality@usadiveclub.com

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Membership

All members will receive USA’s 3rd quarterly Membership Directory by September 30, 2011.

For your personal privacy, use of the Membership Directory is restricted to USA Dive Club members and may not be used for solicitation.

It is important that you verify personal information. Email addresses, street addresses and phone numbers change frequently.  Please look carefully, and if you find any discrepancies, notify me at:
 Membership@usadiveclub.com.

If you lose your copy, or simply need extra copies, click here.

At USA’s most recent board meeting, four new applicants were approved as USA Dive Club members, increasing the membership to 127. 

Marnie Adamski, Brett Eagan, Mark McAlpin and Nat Mysen will receive their new member packets at USA’s October 6^th general meeting.  Please give them a warm welcome.

If your USA Dive Club membership has expired, and you wish to renew your membership, simply submit a New Member Application, along with appropriate pro-rated membership dues, and a $10 New Member Initiation Fee.

Under USA’s newly revised Dive Trip Guidelines, trip priority is established based on ‘current continuous years’ of USA Dive Club membership.  Therefore, it is important for members to renew their dive club membership annually, without a break in membership.

Encourage friends and fellow divers to join USAers for all club activities.  Folks don’t need to be USA members to participate in USA Dive Club functions.  Guests are always welcome if a USA member accompanies them.
 

People interested in joining the USA Dive Club will find membership applications available by clicking on the link appearing below.

MEMBERSHIP PACKET

Questions?  Click here to contact Membership Coordinator Julie Manhold by e-mail.
 

Warm diving regards,

Julie Manhold
Membership Coordinator
membership@usadiveclub.com

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Promotions

Hi y’all from the Promotions Desk of USA Dive Club.

USA’s Lobster Pot 50/50 winners have been taking home over  $50 cash at monthly dive club meetings.

That’s a better return on your hard-earned money than most banks offer.

Each month we offer a variety of Lobster Pot prizes, many donated by South Florida dive shops.

Congratulations to all our Lobster Pot winners.  Be sure and drop in to see our local dive shops who support us and say ‘Thanks’.

If you did not contribute, then you could not have won!

Our 50/50 Lobster Pot has grown to levels unheard of in the history of the USA Dive Club.  This is good news for the winners and for our dive club.  I thank you and the club thanks you.  Let’s keep it up!

And, as I always say, ‘If U miss it, U will miss it!

Larry Townsend
Promotions Coordinator
promotions@usadiveclub.com

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Safety

Since the email reply to the quiz didn't get the response I had hoped for ie: 4 people out of the 120+ members responded via email, and 4 members at the meeting said they had trouble with my email, I will be using a new format for the newsletter. 

Below are the answers for  September’s questions:

1.  Waving your arms at the surface indicates?  ANSWER: You need help

2.  How does a proper fitting wet suite keep you warm?  ANSWER: Reducing the amount of water moving in & out of your suit.

3.  Most injuries caused by aquatic animals happen because?  ANSWER: Defensive; the animal is trying to protect itself.

Remember safe diving is no accident. 

Paul A. Molinari
Safety Coordinator
safety@usadiveclub.com

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Overseas Diving

 USA Dive Club Overseas Diving program
2012

Exotic Trip, July 2012 Philippines:
 Atmosphere Resort and Siren Liveaboard: Southern Visayas/Cebu/Bohol/Dumaguete/Apo

The Atmosphere resort is a new upscale resort that comes highly recommended. Resort is located at Dumaguete on Negron Island. For the land based part of the trip at the resort there are 3 options:

• 5 nights (3 diving days); departing Saturday July 7
• 7 nights (5 diving days); departing July 5
• 10 nights (8 diving days); departing July 2

Siren is a relatively new upscale fleet; this is our first club trip on Siren. The liveaboard is mostly on Cebu’s East side. The boat dates are July 14-21. The map is only for reference (our trip is custom: 7 nights), most days 4 dives a day

We fly in and out of Manila; we should be back in US and Florida on 7/22.

Both from the resort and for the liveaboard, we have the option of doing the Apo Island

Click here for more information on Philippines diving.

Click here for Registration Form.

http://www.Atmosphereresorts.com
http://worldwidediveandsail.com/ourboats/sy-philippinesiren.html
http://worldwidediveandsail.com/liveaboard-diving/3/174.html

NOTE:  THE GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING PRIORITY FOR OVERSEAS DIVING TRIPS WERE REVISED BY THE  USA BOARD ON MAY 12, 2011.   CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE REVISED GUIDELINES (see SECTION VIII).  THESE REVISED GUIDELINES APPLY TO THE PHILLIPINES TRIP.  (CLICK HERE FOR A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE STATUS OF THE GUIDELINE REVISION.)

  USA Dive Club Overseas Diving program
2011

USA DIVE CLUB REVISITS LITTLE CAYMAN, JUNE 2011

For trip report click here

Saba/St. Kitts

 Liveaboard

The Caribbean Explorer II
Luxury Dive Vessel
www.explorerventures.com/cexp2/index.html

A Three-Island Tour
with
The Most Unique Itinerary of Live-aboard Diving

October 8-15, 2011

Trip is full - standby list only

The Saba/St. Kitts live-aboard dive vacation is now full.  Unfortunately, we are limited to a maximum of 18 passengers. If you are interested in going on this trip, please add your name to the wait list.  Placing your name on the wait list is FREE. No deposit is required unless you are selected to replace a trip participant who cancels. If you have questions, or would like the names of USAers and guests going on the Saba/St. Kitts trip, click here to contact Trip Leader Julie Manhold.

Eighteen lucky USAers will be traveling to Saba/St. Kitts to experience an 8-day, 7-night liveaboard diving adventure aboard the Caribbean Explorer II.  Julie Manhold is the trip leader.  We have reserved the entire boat for USAers.  A Full Moon dive is scheduled for Wednesday evening, October 12th.  There are eight staterooms, all with private vanities, air conditioning and toilet facilities.

What’s a liveaboard?  Just the most relaxing dive vacation you’ll ever experience.  NO SCHLEPPING of dive gear.  After you embark, set up your tank just once… that’s it.  When not in use, your other gear is stowed in your private gear locker right under your seat. Wet suits are hung to dry.  And you don’t have to switch over tanks.  Your tank is refilled right where you left it.  Warm showers and towels are offered after each of the 27 dives made available to you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are expertly prepared as are the in-between snacks presented at the end of each dive.

What do you do between dives?   RELAX… sunbathe, fill in your log book, read that novel you didn’t have time to read at home, take a nap, get to know your fellow USAers a little better while raving about the last dive.  Your time is your own.  Perhaps a land tour would be nice.  If you’re not planning to make the night dive, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.

With the exception of the airfare, this is an all-inclusive vacation.  Includes 27 boat dives, all meals and beverages, gratuities, port tax, fuel surcharge, airport transfers, departure tax and free NITROX.  We will be on our own Friday evening for dinner.  We’re even throwing in the T-shirt to let the world know you’ve ‘been there and done that’.



Travel will be simple.  On Saturday, October 8th, we fly nonstop from Miami to St. Maarten and then take ground transportation a short distance to the boat.  While we sleep, we cruise to Saba where the diving begins.  We then island hop and dive our way to St. Kitts where we disembark the following Saturday, October 15th, and fly home direct from St. Kitts to Miami.

You have the opportunity to make 27 dives on this expedition: 2 morning dives, 2 afternoon dives, and 1 night dive each evening.  NITROX is free.

The Northeastern Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on the most scenic islands in the Caribbean.  Our unique itinerary will combine diving and optional land tours.

Saba is known for its submerged offshore pinnacles.  The abrupt topography above the sea is mirrored below and the profusion of marine life attests to the early institution of the Saba Marine Park in 1987.

Underwater pinnacles -- spires of the same volcanic rock that makes up the island -- jut up from the deep blue and overflow with marine life.  At Third Encounter, a notable pinnacle dive site, the surrounding deep water makes sightings of sharks and other pelagics common.  Just a short swim away, an eerie spire called the Needle, not more than 30 feet wide at its apex, rises 250 feet and points up from the depths like Neptune's finger.

St. Kitts offers arguably the widest variety of sites - finger reefs, recent wrecks, and a variety of drop-offs that will capture your imagination.

When you purchase your own airfare departing from Miami, price for this trip is approximately $2,850.  Book your own air travel.

Questions?  Click here to contact trip leader Julie Manhold by e-mail.

Nils Jacobsen
VP Overseas Diving
overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com

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USA Calendar

• Thursday, Oct 6th - Regular Monthly meeting @ 7:30 pm
  Best Western Deerfield Hotel & Suites
  1050 E Newport Center Drive
  Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
   
• Saturday, Oct 8th-15th - Overseas Dive Trip
  Saba/St. Kitts live aboard cruise. 
  Click here to contact trip leader Julie Manhold by e-mail.
   
• Saturday, Oct 15th - USA local dive @  8:00am
  Two tank Drift Dive with Diversity out of Deerfield Beach.  New location at Marina One , 609 North Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach. 
  www.thediversity.com
   
• Thursday, Oct 20th - USA Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
  Roger Cooper and Amy Welman’s home
   
• Saturday, Oct 29th - USA local dive - Halloween @  T.B.D.
  Underwater pumpkin carving contest dive with South Florida Dive Headquarters out of Hillsboro Beach.
   
• Saturday, Nov 12th - USA’s 40th Anniversity Party and Reunion
  Ellies 50’s Diner  @ 7:00 pm
  Delray Beach
   

                Click on USA’s calendar to view all future events.

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Contact Information

Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club web site: www.usadiveclub.com

Meetings: First Thursday of each month at:

Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites
1050 E. Newport Center Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
BYO Dinner:  6:00; Social: 7:00 pm; Meeting: 7:30 pm

Board of Directors

Elected Officers - Title	Name	E-Mail Address
President	Larry Townsend	president@usadiveclub.com
VP of Programs	Glada Blench	programs@usadiveclub.com
VP of OS Diving	Nils Jacobsen	overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com
VP of Social Events	Clare Anthon Julie Manhold	social@usadiveclub.com
VP of Local Diving	John Ficarra Kathy Ficarra	localdiving@usadiveclub.com
Secretary	Robert Shearer	secretary@usadiveclub.com
Treasurer	Steve McCutcheon	treasurer@usadiveclub.com
Appointees - Title	Name	E-Mail Address
Audio/Video Coordinator	Roman Boszko	avguy@usadiveclub.com
OS Dive Accountant	Ronnie Farr	diveaccountant@usadiveclub.com
Membership Coordinator	Julie Manhold	membership@usadiveclub.com
Hospitality Coordinator	Clare Anthon Julie Manhold	hospitality@usadiveclub.com
Photographer/Scrapbook	Eva Tomas	awards@usadiveclub.com
Promotions	Larry Townsend	promotions@usadiveclub.com
Safety Coordinator	Paul Molinari	safety@usadiveclub.com
Newsletter/Webmaster	Bob Young Phebe Young	newsletter@usadiveclub.com

Membership Dues - $40 yearly; $70 for married USA Dive Club member couples

Download the Membership Packet from our website

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