* Tubby Tug Boat Project The Illumination’s Christening and Launching: This event was held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 0900 at Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., off I-55 at Exit 88. View more pictures of the Tubby Tug.

* Boating Classes Click Courses to how you can register for this class that is being offered in the coming months.

* District 20 Fall Conference Hosted by Calumet Sail & Power Squadron 23-25 October 2009 - See info below

.Commander Message

Two more days of summer—that is all. The weatherman says it will rain for at least part of those two days. I protest—I have not had enough boating this year! Due to a variety of problems for most of the summer my boat was not available when I had time to go out. Now it is running fine and boating season is almost over. Oh well, I will just have to make the most of the time left.

Fall is my favorite time of the year for many of the familiar reasons—the weather is great, the harvest is ripe and ready to feed the world, the fish are hungry and fat, and there are many activities to choose from for family entertainment, including the Land of Lincoln events listed in Springlines. There are two more cruises yet this year. The Alton fall color cruise is always a lot of fun and the canoe trip on the Sangamon River should also be delightful. On October 3 we are hosting a new member potluck at the Firefighters club. Thanks to the hard work of Greg and Michael, we have several new members that recently completed the Boat Smart classes. Please come out and welcome them to our membership.

October 23-25 is the D20 Fall Conference. Calumet has worked hard to plan an educational and fun conference. Recently I received an Email indicating that the hotel was booked except for our block of rooms. If you are going, you will need to make reservations soon. Several of us from the Squadron are going up so even if it is your first time, you will be among friends.

Fall is also the time when we go back to work on many Squadron and USPS activities. Soon I will have to turn in my Merit Mark recommendations for the past year. Included in this issue of the Springlines is a listing of all those who received a Merit Mark last year. I have asked the Bridge officers and Committee chairs to start compiling their list of members who have completed at least 10 hours of service for the Squadron, D20 or USPS. Service covers many different activities including teaching and proctoring classes, preparing refreshments for classes and Squadron events, working at the boat shows and other public displays, serving as Cruise Captain, performing administrative functions for the Squadron, doing VSCs, preparing the Springlines, serving on a Squadron or District committee, presenting at a meeting, hosting a planning meeting, sending out press releases etc., etc. You get the point. It takes many hours of volunteer help to do as much as we do for our organization and the boating community. Merit Marks are a way to recognize that hard work. Please notify the appropriate officer or committee chair by October 23 of the service you provided this year. If you are not sure who to notify, please send the information to me. The officers and committee chairs know how much you do but we don’t want to forget anybody or overlook any contribution.

Last week Mavis and I did get out on the water in my boat. The evening was great—light wind, comfortable temperature, very little other boat traffic and a multicolored sunset. Trips like that always make me realize that no matter what problems I have to face, getting away on the water with my soul mate is as relaxing as it gets. I wish you blue skies and red sunsets for the rest of your boating season.

Commander Jack Shook, AP

District 20 Fall Conference

Reservation forms and additional information on rooms, hospitality suites, seminars/presentations, lunches and dinners are in the latest edition of The Trident

Reservations should be made soon to facilitate planning for this event. District Conferences are a fun way to meet other squadron members and learn more about what USPS can offer you.

See you there!

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