Approximately 30 members and guests met at 6:30 on the 8th floor of the Helix Building, 310 S. Racine at Jackson.
New Members:
Guests: Marcy Maller
Guest Speaker -Ralph Freese owner of the Chicagoland Canoe Base.
Tonight's meeting was conducted by our new President, John Bell. Refreshments were provided by Bob and Claire Gadbois.
Board and Committee Reports
President - John Bell
Welcome
Secretary - Outgoing Secretary John Bell provided copies of the minutes from the last meeting, which were approved.
Treasurer – Bob Gadbois reported the status of the treasury
Several more renewals were received for 2012
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
The website has been updated with special features. Most notably there is a Members Only area featuring new, detailed content such as the latest WreckChecker and members' forum.
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 – Claire Gadbois reported on the Illinois Council of Skin and Scuba Divers: Signup sheets available for working the ICSSD booth and the OWU show at large.
Upcoming 2012 ICSSD events are:
March 25th Sunday - Underwater Competition from 11 am to 5 pm, 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 - Diane Gulczynski
Trip to Cozumel planned.
Don Doherty: Diveheart is looking for donations of old scuba gear for pool training.
Trip to Cozumel planned.
Don Doherty: Diveheart is looking for donations of old scuba gear for pool training.
A Survey Report Template has been developed by John Bell and is available at the UASC Members’ Only area at the UASC website
A storage space has been provided to UASC by Helix Photo. Artifacts and other UASC materials will finally have a common home. Cataloging of UASC materials shall be conducted in the course of 2012
Our Current UASC Officers and Committee Chairs:
Officers:
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:
Chicago Shipmasters Association- Group of Ships captains running tugs, freighters, etc. on the great lakes. Looking for a program for the springtime. Pete Chval is the contact.
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 Ralph Freese, Described his canoe & diving experiences in around Chicago
Popularly known as "Mr. Canoe," Ralph has paddled and promoted our local waterways for over 50 years. Chicago attained its prominence due to the Chicago River and the portage that connected it to the Illinois and Mississippi River systems. Ralph's historical review and canoe projects were also accompanied with the revelation that he was an early Chicago area scuba diver. He built his own scuba system from war surplus parts. He was investigating local quarries at the dawn of sport diving. Who knew? A fascinating presentation by Ralph, a Chicago treasure
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.