Program for January 5

2012 Overseas Diving Trips
by Nils Jacobsen

  and Shark Documentary Film
by Bill Watts

This month we have a double feature:

One half of the January Program will be the 2012 trip presentations - by the Trip leads and/or Nils: 

For 2012, we have three trips planned for USA’s overseas diving program. The dates appearing below are all confirmed.

Prices are accurate at this time. Sign-up period begins with USA’s January 5th general membership meeting and continues through January 19, 2019.   

• Provo Liveaboard, June 9-16, 2012. Explorer Ventures’ fleet, same as USA’s last year’s Saba trip and the similar 2006 Turks and Caicos trip to Provo. Purchase your own ticket with American Airlines. All meals and beverages, 27 boat dives, free NITROX, airport transfers, gratuities, port taxes, departure taxes and fuel surcharge ($125 included): $2,500, or $2,700 with a VIP upgrade. More info from trip lead:Clare Anthon or me. Click here for details. 

• LAST call – 3 spots open - Philippines, Atmosphere & Siren July 5-22, $4,200 without airfare. Click here for details. 

• Cayman Brac Beach Resort, August 4-11.  All meals, 17 dives, airfare, tips, etc., $1850. Non-diver option available for $1300.  Cheaper, more luggage allowance than LCBR (2011).  More info from trip lead: Ronnie Farr or me.  Click here for details. 

One trip has already been opened for a matter of months now and two more trips will be opening for sign ups at our general meeting Thursday January 5th.  Be sure to come and bring your checkbook.  These trips often sell out very quickly.

Bill Watts, former USA Dive Club member (and hopefully new again USA Dive Club member very soon) will be presenting a documentary film featuring a shark documentary starring Guy Harvey, Wyland, Jim Abernethy and Emma the Tiger Shark.  This is a new documentary entitled “This is Your Ocean: Sharks”.  Watch a 3:00 minute trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPdZVnkoMCM

“This is Your Ocean: Sharks” looks at the global plight of sharks and introduces the audience to a massive 14-foot tiger shark named Emma.  Jim Abernethy’s connection and love for this animal plays a key role in the film, with never before seen footage that will have some reevaluating their perception of sharks. “We can no longer look at sharks as monsters. My relationship with Emma hopefully dispels that misconception and reveals the truth about these awesome animals. It’s time to share this message with the world.”

The documentary features three talented artists whose unique perspective on conservation delivers an engaging message. For Wyland, working to save sharks is just an extension of the work he’s done with marine mammals. “By protecting sharks, by protecting the ocean, we protect ourselves. It’s that simple.”

Dr. Guy Harvey works to replace myth with fact every day though the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. “Sharks are not eating us, we’re eating them.  That’s the big overall picture and that needs to change.”

Emmy award-winning producer George C. Schellenger directed and produced this timely documentary. “The decisions we make right now determine the future of these animals and the future of our oceans.  We’ve made a film that’s like nothing else you’ve seen. It’s the start of a new paradigm.”

The film mostly focuses on the Bahamas, but was shot in locations around the world. Captured on film by Shawn Heinrichs, the film depicts the massive harvesting and destruction of sharks, primarily driven by the global obsession with shark fin soup. 

“Wyland has a way of connecting people with the sea, Dr. Harvey brings the science, and Jim Abernethy brings unprecedented first-hand knowledge of sharks along with a deep passion for these animals — plus how could you not fall in love with Emma?”

Hope to “sea” everyone there!

Glada and Kim
USA Dive Club’s VPs of Programs for 2012
programs@usadiveclub.com

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Happy New 41st USA Year!!!

Hopefully each and every one of you had a Joyful and Happy Holiday Season!

And we are looking for the 41st year of USA Dive Club to be every bit as good as the 40th.

Except for one little bump in the road, 2011 was one of the best that I have experienced in my 27 years with our club.  We continue to have a great turnout at our general meetings, membership continues to grow, the social butterflies brought us some great and interesting activities with the fall party being one of the best I can recall with 90 of you showing up, and the lobster pot donations continue to reach record highs. Our local diving program was exceptional this year with several dives added to the regular schedule.  Our overseas dive trips were outstanding and, as in recent years, they were booked full.  Even though we had a good team on our board for 2011, I think we will have an even stronger one for 2012.  But the success of this club does not lie with the board members, it comes from each of you, our members. So I want to personally take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the support and confidence you had in us, not only for the last year, but for electing us for 2012. I feel confident that I can speak for the entire board when I say again, Thank YOU!  You are what has made this club what it was for the last 40 years and will be what makes it for the next 40.  So from each of us that you elected for the board for 2012, Thanks

 Your elected board of directors for 2012

Larry Townsend                           -   President

Glada Blench/ Kim Whaley           -   VP’s of Programs

Nils Jacobsen                               -  VP of Overseas Diving

John/Kathy Ficarra                       -   VP’s of Local Diving

Sarah Crisanto                             -  VP of Social Activities

Russ Manhold                               -  Secretary

Steve McCutcheon                        -  Treasurer

If you were not at the December meeting, we missed you, I know what my excuse was, so what was yours?  I had a diving opportunity to go to the Maldives that I could not turn down and would be willing to tell you about my excuse if you will tell me about yours.

So, hope to see you at the January meeting to kick off another great USA year, and IF YOU MISS IT!  YOU WILL MISS IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Your USA President
Larry Townsend
president@usadiveclub.com

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Local Diving

Happy New Years Everyone from John and I.

We never did make our Club’s last final rescheduled dive of the year on December 10th.  We were all sure we were going out in the 2-4 ft seas. However when we all arrived at the boat that morning, all the dive boats in the Marina decided not to venture out due to the expected extreme low tide in the inlet on the return, due to the strong East winds.

We will not be organizing any Local Dive trips until the Spring. However, several Club members have expressed an interest in Lemon Shark diving in Jupiter the end of January. If you are interested let us know and we will set you up with other Club members going.

Thanks to Kay C. and Glada who volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Family Center at Tradewinds Holiday Lights this year with us.

Have a happy, healthy New Year.

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

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Social Activities

Hello from your social pixie.

I want to thank all of the members for electing me as your social event coordinator for 2012.  I am always open for suggestions for events, just let me know your ideas!!
 

Our First Event of 2012
 

BUTTERFLY WORLD

Tradewinds Park
3600 Sample Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073

JANUARY 28th
At new time 10:15
Cost: members $16 and guests $18

Please RSVP by January 5th

Please make checks out to Under Sea Adventurers

This event will be followed by lunch at:

Big Bear Brewery
1800 North University Drive
Coral Springs, FL
12:30 ish

Second Event of 2012 in February

Adopt a street

There will be more info to come so watch your email for the latest updates!!

I hope you all join me at these events.  As you all know the more people that participate the more fun that we have!  So I hope to see you all soon at our January meeting and at all the upcoming social events.

Your Social Pixie,

Sarah Crisanto
VP of Social Events
social@usadiveclub.com

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Hospitality Hut

Happy New Year greetings from USA’s Hospitality Hut.

There was certainly a great turnout at USA’s annual Pot Luck Holiday Party on December 1st.  It’s always wonderful to see friendly faces this time of year.

Claire Phillips, Linda Caldwell’s mom, is always fun to see.

USA’s new Social Pixie, Sarah Crisanto, brought her mom, Louise Wagner, to join the festivities.

A special ‘hello’ to returning guests Beverly and Bill Watts, Pat Schwab, and Dawn Feuerman, wife of member Alan Feuerman. 

Bob Lindemuth invited his wife and former member, Mary Bartrom, to join us for a very special evening of good food and great conversation. 

A blast from the past was former USA Board of Directors member, Wanda Davis.  Wanda traveled all the way from Wisconsin.

The slide presentation, created by Julie and Russ Manhold, captured everyone’s attention during dinner and the Lobster Pot prizes were the best of the year.  The USA Dive Club provided two large turkeys and a hot pasta dish while USAers and guests added all the trimmings.

 

USA’s web pages have been updated recently to include images from the Holiday Pot Luck Party. Consider viewing USA’s photo gallery to see all the fun we had at the December 1st meeting and throughout the rest of the year.

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.

Happy diving to everyone.

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

 

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Membership

Happy New Year to all.  Now that the hustles and bustles of the holidays are behind us, it’s time to think about what’s ahead in the New Year.    It’s also that time of year to renew our annual USA Dive Club dues.  There has not been a dues increase for many years.  Dues remain $40 per person for 2012.  Are you a member married to another USA Dive Club member?  You then qualify for the  discounted renewal rate of $70 per couple.   If you are a Hall of Fame member, you have the option of not paying dues at all.

Membership perks include discounted dive trips, group discounts on many non-diving events, along with discounts at select area dive shops.  The best perk of all is enjoying preplanned activities with people you know and whose company you enjoy.  The best way to get to know your fellow members is to sign up, and join us, for the many USA Dive Club diving and non-diving activities offered to members and their guests.

USA Dive Club membership expired on December 31st.  Consider bringing a check or cash to USA’s January 5th dive club meeting or drop your check in the mail to:

USA Dive Club Membership Coordinator
13210 SW 17th Court
Miramar FL 33027-3420

Checks payable to:
Under Sea Adventurers

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

Under USA’s 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 dive club dues annually without a break in membership.

Encourage friends and fellow divers to join USAers for all club activities.  Guests are not required to be USA Dive Club members to participate in USA functions. Guests are always welcome when accompanied by a member.

Certified divers interested in joining the USA Dive Club will find membership applications available by clicking on Membership Packet 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’.

December Lobster Pot Winners 50/50 Lobster Pot $120 - Linda Dexter Sani-Safe 8” Fillet Knife with Shield - Steve Akona Heavy Duty Gear Bag - Dave Princeton Tec Miniwave II Underwater Light - Barbara DDA-Pocket Guardian Diver First Aid Kit - Chary Marine Sports Scuba Tool - Nils Heavy Duty Line Cutter with 2 Spare Blades - Bob $25 Store Coupon from Force-E - Joe $25 Store Coupon from Force-E - Bob $20 local dive coupon - Jeff $20 local dive coupon - Clare DAN luggage tags - Linda Canvas Duffle Bag (donated by Kim Whaley) - Lindy

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

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  Maybe one or more of your gifts might have been scuba equipment.  Before using your new stuff, it's always a good idea to check it out in the pool before going into open water.  In their rush Santa's scuba elves sometimes forget to tighten hoses, mouth pieces, etc.  It's always better to find this out in a pool rather than the open water.  Plus it gives you an excellent opportunity to get a feel for your new toys.  For the bad little girls & boys, who didn't get new scuba toys, this is the perfect time of year to bring your equipment (regulators, dive computers & BC's) into your favorite dive shop to have it serviced.   

Remember, safety is no accident!

Paul Molinari
Safety Coordinator
safety@usadiveclub.com

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Overseas Diving

 USA Dive Club Overseas Diving program
2012

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TURKS & CAICOS EXPLORER VENTURERS LIVEABOARD
FREE NITROX - JUNE 9th - JUNE 16th, 2012
Clare Florio Anthon, Trip Leader

Twelve lucky USA Dive Club members are welcome to join in on a spectacular week of diving aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II.

The newly refurbished luxury vessel carries up to 20 passengers and 8 crew. All staterooms throughout the vessel have port lights or windows, individually controlled air-conditioning, and private ensuite bathrooms.
 

Once aboard, you set your gear up one time.  After that the crew takes over.  All you do is eat, sleep and dive, dive, dive!

The dive deck is spacious and includes individual gear bins, rinse tanks, camera table, recharging facilities, and ramp-style stair access to the swim platform for easy access into the water. You have the opportunity to make 27 dives!!  Our first dive is Sunday and our last dive is Friday. 

The dive platform is spacious and is equipped with two wide ladders. 

A comfortable full-width salon, located forward of the spacious dive deck, provides seating for all guests at once, a wet bar, and an entertainment area with VCR/DVD and CD stereo. The boat deck, one level up, has ample room for sunning and relaxing; the flybridge includes a barbecue, wet bar, and comfortable seating for up to 15. The two VIP staterooms located on the upper boat deck, as well as the two forward staterooms on the main deck, are  equipped with TV/VCR.

Our group will depart from Miami International Airport on a direct flight to Providenciales. We will be met by a van and taken to a quaint cove for a short ride to our floating hotel or we will board at the Marina.

TURKS & CAICOS EXPLORER VENTURERS LIVEABOARD

FREE NITROX - JUNE 9th - JUNE 16th, 2012

To Contact Trip Leader Clare Florio Anthon, click here. 

All meals (EXCEPT FRIDAY NIGHT), beverages, gratuities, port tax, fuel surcharge ($125.00 included), airport transfers, departure tax and NITROX are included. Price $2,500.00 PLUS*Buy your own airfare approximately $562.00

With VIP Upgrade: Cabin  $2,700.00

Click here for trip registration form.  Options/prices are shown below

Return to Programs

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Cayman Brac Beach Resort
August 4th - August 11th, 2012
Ronnie Farr, Trip Leader

$1850-DEMA SPECIAL

Includes:
Welcome Rum Punch
7 nights, 6 days of 3 tank dives-Total 17 dives
Standard oceanview room, dbl occupancy
Breakfast lunch and dinner daily-3 drinks per evening
   Buffet Style at the Palms Caribbean Restaurant
Air Travel, transfers, taxes and service fees, and all tips
    Direct Flight from MIA to Cayman Brac.
    2 pieces checked bags, 55 lbs each 1 carry-on 40 lbs     
$1300 Non-Diver
Extra:  Single Supplement $350
            Junior Suite, per person $90
            Nitrox $140

Diving enthusiasts from around the world have been drawn to the unparalleled splendor of Cayman waters.   Cayman Brac, considered one to the world’s premier diving destinations, is home to hundreds of varieties of fish, coral and marine life.  The pristine beauty of the warm Caribbean Sea provides as spectacular marine environment for reef, wall and wreck diving.  Reef Divers, the onsite dive operator, provides first class “valet” service, top-rated equipment and a modern fleet of specially designed boats.  Professional instructors and boat captains balance concern for your dive safety and care for the environment with a commitment to give you a fun, unforgettable and completely unique diving experience. 

In Cayman Brac you will find a safe, peaceful environment for walking, hiking, biking, taking leisurely drives or just relaxing in blissful solitude.  Explore the caves in which generations of Brackers have taken refuge during storms.  Cayman Brac has almost 200 species of birds, including the endangered Cayman Brac parrot.

Cayman Brac Beach Resort: www.bracreef.com

Painted with coconut palms, sea grape trees, and sprinkled with hammocks, the beautiful tranquil beach sits at the heart of an exclusive and luxurious resort.

Brac Reef Beach Resort offers all of the amenities and services for your perfect Cayman Brac vacation. Forty beautifully appointed oceanfront rooms surround you with pure tropical paradise.

Casual Buffet Dining at the Palms Caribbean Restaurant, Tipsy Turtle Pub and their New Grand Palm Restaurant where reservations are required.

Experience Everything that Brac Reef has to Offer:

Full-Service Day spa
Kayaking
Fitness Center
Boutique Shopping
Sun Bathing
Bicycles
Lighted Tennis court
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
DVD & Book Library

Contact the trip leader, Ronnie Farr at 954-249-6797 or click here to reserve your spot.  You do not want to miss this diving location.  We have reserved “22” spots.  This was a DEMA Special that you cannot beat the price.  This is even cheaper than the Little Cayman trip that 30 lucky divers went on in 2011.  

Click here for trip registration form.  Options/prices are shown below

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Only 3 Spots Left

Exotic Trip: July 5-22, 2012 Philippines:
Atmosphere Resort: Dumaguette/Negros
Siren Liveaboard: Southern Visayas:
Dumaguete, Apo, Siquijor/Balicasag, Cabilao, (Bohol)/Cebu

The standard trip (7 nights on land and 7 nights on the boat) starts on July 5; we will be at the resort from July 7-14; the boat will pick us up next to the resort and we will take a 7 night one way cruise, ending up in Mactan/Cebu Saturday. Early Sunday 7/22, morning we will fly out and we will be back in Florida the same afternoon. (date-line!). The land based part of the trip is offered with a non diving option, too. Schedule wise, the trip can be either compressed or extended:

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

The Atmosphere resort is a new upscale resort that comes highly recommended. The resort is located at Dumaguete on Negros Island.

See their online material here:
http://www.Atmosphereresorts.com

Included:

          7 nights Atmosphere Dumaguete in a Suite, double occupancy
          Meals, soft drinks, coffee, tea, transfers, internet, and tax included
          5 days of unlimited boat diving
          1 day trip to Apo Island
          Marine park fee, tanks, weights, and belts included
          Transfers
          One day-trip on the Island (we later have to pick which one)

Not-Included:

          Excess baggage fees, juices, smoothies, alcoholic beverages,
          Dive rental gear, dive insurance, travel insurance
          Nitrox ($20/day), extra Apo trip ($20); spa-fees

Our friends Mike & Deb, just came back from Atmosphere and liked the place
Carol has sent around a testimonial that “Apo Island is one of the places to go”

Siren is a relatively new upscale fleet; this is our first club trip with Siren – on Philippines Siren.

http://worldwidediveandsail.com/ourboats/sy-philippinesiren.html

http://worldwidediveandsail.com/liveaboard-diving/3/174.html

This liveaboard trip is on Cebu’s East side. The boat dates are July 14-21. The maps are only for reference (our trip is custom: 7 nights), most days, 4 dives a day. Click here for more information.

We will start our diving at Apo Island. We will tailor the remaining days of diving later.

Predicted Average Water Temperatures: 83F – 88F (29-31C). Note that we dive a full 6 days including all Friday. We fly out an hour past midnight on Sunday morning

Included:

          All foods & accommodations during the cruise
          Tea, (real) Coffee from our espresso machine, fruit juice, soft drinks & beer
          Approximately 23 dives, including up to 3 night dives
          Free Nitrox fill for those who are certified Nitrox divers
          Most dive equipment rental is free (Except dive computer & underwater torch)
               Please note that our rental wetsuits are 3mm shorties. If you tend to feel
               the cold easily it's advisable to bring your own 5mm long wetsuit.
          Marine Park & port fee

We fly in and out of Cebu on Korean Air from Atlanta via Seoul. We got all the airfare, well within our budget (with room to cover both the land based transfer and the two hotel stays). We arrive in Cebu, late pm, sleep in a hotel and take a bus/van to the resort: No more airports, no more security lines, no domestic luggage fees

Included:

          All tips on the trip elements
          All transfers
          Airport Departure Taxes, Marine Park fees

Not Included:

          Hotel in Cebu for an overnight stay on arrival and the “day hotel”
              outbound, from noon to 11pm
          Hotel in Cebu for early arrival for the Siren only option (it is not
              recommended to arrive the day the boat leaves

Deposit is $250-1200, dependent on your option, ASAP, Please.  Remaining spots will be cancelled by January 10.

The boat only and land only options are offered on a space available basis, only

The main package, 2*7 days and (conservatively priced) without airfare looks like $4,200.  If you fly to Dumaguette the price is $4,100.   Most recent airfare has been priced at $1,750. 

For the Atmosphere only option – the expected routing is to fly in and out of DGT.

Click here for trip registration form.  Options/prices are shown below:

Nils Jacobsen
Trip Lead & VP overseas diving
overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com

(Our trip is 7 nights, 6 full dive days, from Dauin via Apo to Mactan)

Return to Programs

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  USA Dive Club Overseas Diving program
2011

USA DIVE CLUB REVISITS LITTLE CAYMAN, JUNE 2011

For trip report click here

SABA/ST.KITTS, OCTOBER 2011

For trip report click here

Nils Jacobsen
VP Overseas Diving
overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com

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USA Calendar

• Thursday, January 5th - Regular Monthly meeting @ 7:30 pm
  Best Western Deerfield Hotel & Suites
  1050 E Newport Center Drive
  Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
   
• Thursday, January 12th - USA Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm
  Dr. Ray McAllister’s home
   
• Saturday, January 21st - BBQ honoring Dr. Ray McAllister @ 4:00 pm
  Dixie Divers
  455 South Federal Hwy
  Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
  Dixie Divers
   
• Saturday, January 28th - Social Event  @ 10:30 am
  Butterfly World
  Tradewinds Park
  3600 Sample Road
  Coconut Creek, FL 33073
  
  followed by lunch at
  
  Big Bear Brewing Co.
  1800 North University Drive
  Coral Springs, FL 33071
   

                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’s of Programs	Glada Blench/Kim Whaley	programs@usadiveclub.com
VP of OS Diving	Nils Jacobsen	overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com
VP of Social Events	Sarah Cristanto	social@usadiveclub.com
VP’s of Local Diving	John Ficarra Kathy Ficarra	localdiving@usadiveclub.com
Secretary	Russ Manhold	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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