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Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago

Meeting Minutes 30 November 2011

General

  • Approximately 35 members and guests met at 6:30 on the 8th floor of the Helix Building, 310 S. Racine at Jackson.
    • New Members:
    • Guests: Tommy Co, Marcko
    • Guest Speaker -Joan Forsberg, "Shipwreck Tales of Chicago". See below for details.
  • Tonight's meeting was run by Don Doherty, with refreshments provided by pot luck

Board and Committee Reports

  • President - Don Doherty
    • Welcome
      • UASC lost a former member, Bernie Bloom, the lead diver in the salvage of the Alvin Clark. A moment of silence was observed.
    • Presentation of UASC Award to Joan Forsberg for years of dedicated service.
      • Past recipients: Jim Jarecki, Bob Gadbois, and Hank Fiene
  • Secretary - John Bell provided copies of the minutes from the last meeting, which were approved.
  • Treasurer – Bob Gadbois reported the status of the treasury
    • Paid ICSSD Dues
    • Several renewals received for 2012
    • Paid $2000 to Jim Jarecki for shirts and slates.
    • Contact Bob for further details
  • Membership – Rosters were provided by Scott Reimer No new changes.
    • Renewal notices for 2012 have been mailed to all members. 2012 dues are due by January 1st.
    • Some renewals have been received for 2012, including at tonight's meeting.
  • Web Site - Jack Bolous
    • Jack is working on some new features, to be ready by the next meeting.
    • Send any information or suggestions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Content always appreciated.
  • ICSSD – Chuck Miller reported on the Illinois Council of Skin and Scuba Divers:
    • Club Appreciation Night is Feb 16th for all officers of member clubs, free pizza and soft drinks, 7:30 at Mr. Beef & Pizza in Mount Prospect.
    • Signup sheets available for working the ICSSD booth and the OWU show at large. Contact Dean Nolan if you are interested.
    • March 25th Sunday - Underwater Competition at the Pavillion in Elk Grove Village. ( UASC are the reigning champions. )
    • October 6th Pumpkin Carving at Haigh Quarry sponsored by the Tritons.
    • President's Night - Oct 27th or Oct 13th
  • DiveHeart Liaison - Gene Hasiak
    • They had a training session today with about half a dozen each disabled divers and helpers. At the IL center for rehabilitation.
    • Dec 2 Tri-County session, Oak Lawn Sunday the 10th.
    • Trip to Cozumel planned.
    • Don Doherty: Diveheart is looking for donations of old scuba gear for pool training.
    • Check the DiveHeart web site for info on upcoming events.
  • Survey Coordinator - John Gerty
    • Nothing to report at this time.
  • Safety - Chet Childs
    • Nothing to report at this time.

Election of 2012 Officers

  • The following slate of officers nominated by the nominating committee was elected by acclimation:

    • President: John Bell
    • Vice President: Bob Rushman
    • Treasurer: Bob Gadbois
    • Secretary: John Gerty
  • The following committee heads are either continuing or taking on new posts:

    • Newsletter Editor ( new ) :  Delphine Pontvieux
    • Speaker Coordinator ( new ) :  Jim Jarecki
    • Survey Coordinator: John Gerty
    • Webmaster:  Jack Bolous
    • Refreshments Coordinator:  Dan Kasberger
    • Membership Chair:  Scott Reimer
    • ICSSD Liaison:  Claire Gadbois
    • DiveHeart Liaison:  Gene Hasiak
    • Safety Coordinator:  Chet Childs

Recent Events

Upcoming Events

  • UASC / LOUP Holiday Party - Friday December 9th
    • This year’s holiday party is at Burnham Park Yacht Club
    • Friday, December 9, 6:30 cocktails, 7:30 dinner
    • $31/per person, checks made out to "LOUP".
    • You can give checks to Bob Gadbois at the LOUP or UASC meetings or mail them to Scott Reimer.
    • Followed by members presentations. "Our mini Our World Underwater"
    • The Dinner will be family style. The menu will be as follows:
      • Soup – Cream of Roasted Red Pepper
      • Salad – Mixed Baby Green Salad w/ choice of Balsamic Vinaigrette or Honey Mustard
      • Entrées – Herb Roasted Chicken and Roast Beef
      • Vegetable – Mixed Grilled Balsamic Vegetables
      • Starch – Candied Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
      • Desert – Tiramisu
      • There is a vegetarian option, but this would be plated and need to be specified before the day of the party.
      • The cost of the dinner does include non-alcoholic beverages
    • It is a cash bar.  The Yacht club can only take credit cards and only accepts; Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
    • Entertainment: Please bring a few of your slides, short video, or media presentation to share with the group.
    • Parking – The parking lot is free at this time, but we will be advised of this changes.
    • The Yacht Club will allow us to stay until midnight.
  • Chicago Maritime Society Holiday Party
    • 6th floor Helix Building
    • Tom Kastle providing entertainment
    • Sunday Dec 4th 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.
    • $10 donation appreciated.
  • Chicago's Christmas Ship
    • Coming in this weekend, December 2nd
    • Saturday December 3rd morning distribution of Christmas Trees
    • ChristmasShip.org
    • The Alder, Coast Guard ship.
    • Our Trustee Dave Truitt spearheads this event.
  • Our World Underwater - Feb 17-19 2012
    • This is an excellent show for UASC members to attend. Pay special attention to the shipwreck room.
    • UASC will have a booth, and will be looking for volunteers to help man it.
    • Watch also for several UASC members to make presentations. More info should appear on our Facebook page.
  • Chicago Maritime Festival - Feb 25, 2012
    • UASC will also have a booth at this festival, and possibly some speakers
    • Focus of this show is all things Chicago Maritime, of which shipwrecks play a part. A true "festival" of song and dance.
  • Ghost Ships Festival - April 13-14, 2012
    • This festival is held in South Milwaukee, and focuses exclusively on shipwrecks, mostly in the Great Lakes, mostly Lake Michigan.
    • UASC will have a booth and probably some presenters.
  • Shipwreck Research Workshop featuring Brendon Baillod
    • Based on a course he teachs for the U of WI
    • Don has material from Brendon outlining several courses that he will e-mail to the members list.
    • 8-hour day on a Saturday.
    • Dates ?: Feb 4, 11, March 3 ?
  • 100th Anniversary of the Rouse Simmons ( Christmas Tree Ship ) Disappearance.
    • Dave Truitt wants to have a special event to commerate the event, and would like UASC to get involved.
    • VIP Party Friday night of Christmas Tree Ship arrival. Bob Gadbois puts together a presentation each year.
    • Don Doherty agreed to be a key contact between UASC and their organization.
    • Bob Gadbois has a video of a play put on of the Christmas Tree involving Dave Truitt, Don Doherty, Chet Childs, and others of UASC.
    • Mercury Theatre will be putting on the musical.

Other Business

  • Next meeting: Wednesday January 25, 2012.
    • Speaker: Most likely related to research, possibly the National Archives.
    • Refreshments to be provided by:
  • THANKS to pot luck, and others for providing tonight's refreshments.
  • Chuck looking for volunteers for Our World Underwater - ICSSD and the show.
  • Bob Gadbois will speak on "Exploring the Lady Elgin" during a Second Friday Lunchbox Lecture at noon on Friday December 9th at The Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue, Kenosha, WI.
  • Requests:
  • Sign up for meeting refreshments - Dan Kasberger Refreshments coordinator.
    • Jan -
  • OTHER: Miscellaneous new business items should be brought up – briefly – now.
    • Speakers are always needed.

Guest Speaker -- Joan Forsberg -- "Shipwreck Tales of Chicago"

  • Our esteemed Past President, Winner of the 2011 UASC Award for dedicated service, world-famous author / editor, and member of the Women Divers' Hall of Fame regaled us with tales of many shipwrecks around Chicago waters, including many old favorites and many which were unfamiliar to most. Another great presentation by Joan, as usual.

Other Business

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00, after which a number of members retired to Ricobene's for further discussions and socializing.