January 4, 2001 Meeting, Penn Gables, Ebensburg
Approximately 27 members present.

Next regular meeting:  Thursday, February 1, 2001, Penn Gables, 7:30p.m.
Next board meeting:  Wednesday, February 21,  2001, Maurer Dive Shop, 7:30p.m.

President, Donna Bender, called the meeting to order.
Treasurer’s report was read by Barb Wyland, Treasurer.
$386.75 income
$667.48 expenses
$1898.81 current balance in checkbook.

OLD BUSINESS

Welcome aboard to the new 2001 Board Members:  Bert Sharbaugh, Denny Beecher, Dan Turcovsky and Joe Gordon.

Notice was given that new Quarry Releases should be signed while at this meeting.

CPR Certifications
The following people have completed their CPR certification, but were not present at the meeting for presentation of their certification cards:  Dave Knepper, Hailey Faight & Tom Faight

Laurel Diver patches are available for $10.
See Donna Bender if interested in buying one.

NEW BUSINESS
 
Dive trips and events for the 2001 Calendar should be presented so that they can be included in
this year’s calendar.  See Donna Bender if you have an event that you would like included on the
2001 calendar.

The meeting was interrupted by a phone call from Jim Carozza – our Boston friend, who called in to let us know he had submitted an application to become a Laurel Diver member.  From everyone at the meeting (if you didn’t hear us), a big “Hi Jim,” and ”welcome aboard!”

There will be a dues increase in July of this year.

Upcoming events

January 14, 2001, Tom Howard will be in the Florida Keys.  Anyone interested in diving with Tom, please contact him 949-3906.

January 20, 2001, 8p.m. – 10p.m. Galactic Ice Skating Party.  Contact Donna Bender.
814 472-9796.

Feb 9-10, 2001 - Dan Ascent Study

Feb. 24, 2001 – Winterfest/Pool Party
3p.m. to 5p.m., at Maurer’s for Pool Party.
5p.m. - ? – at Donna Bender’s, sled riding and outdoor activities for those interested.  Covered dish.  BYOB  Directions in February newsletter.

March 3, 4, 2001 – Boston Sea Rovers Dive Expo.  Call Donna Bender 472-9796.

March 23, 24, 25, 2001, Beneath the Seas, New Jersey Dive Expo, contact Donna Bender 472-9796.

June 2, 3, 2001, Morehead City trip.  First come, first serve.  Diving $70 per day.  Accomodations will be approximately $70 per person for 3 nights.   Possibility of also diving June 4th.  $140 deposit to hold your place.  Contact Donna Bender 472-9796.

Sept. 1-9, 2001 – Nova Scotia.  Contact Sylvia MacKinnon 237-3261.

Dec. 2-9, 2001 – Cozumel.  Approximately $1200 for 7days/air/meals/5day 2 tank boat dives.  Contact Dee Montgomery 944-8521.

TRIP REPORTS

Christmas Party - thanks to Brad & Matt for the wonderful music for the evening.  Again, we can’t thank you two enough.  There were approximately 50 people present for an evening of dining, drinking and dancing.  A huge $150 50-50 prize was awarded to Julie Paige.  Thanks again to all who gave an “arm” and a leg to make this fundraiser a success.

New Year’s Day Ice Dive.  Trip report by Dan Kelly.  This year truly was an ice dive.  Dan feels that everyone should at least try this once.  But once is enough.  Water temperature was reported between 34 and 38 degrees.

New Year’s in the Keys with Sherwood and Sylvia.  Sylvia reported that the Nittany Diver group has 4 great dives in the keys over New Years in the Florida Keys.

Bob Maurer took the floor to discuss the importance of have a ground crew, using lines and having a line tender during an ice dive.  Anyone ice diving at the quarry is required to follow ice diving rules and sign an addendum to the quarry release regarding ice diving specifics.  If you plan an ice dive at the quarry, see Bob to get this addendum.

Door Prize,  The Best of the Undersea Journal, won by Denny Beecher
Day Book $27, won by Bert Sharbaugh

Meeting was adjourned.

FOR SALE:  Typhoon Ranger Dry Suit XXL, size 10 gates boots, OSN dry gloves, hood, ankle weights, Andy’s Thinsulate undersuit.  New seals, excellent condition, No Leaks!  Contact Harve Montgomery 814 944-8521

I Don’t Know Nothing!
Let me know of any events or diving milestones you have made.  Birthdays, anniversaries, 100th dive?   Call me, we’ll talk.  Lois@TechniqueSystems.com or 814 472-0774.

DEAR SHERWOOD:
How many divers does it take to change a light bulb?
Signed, a budding electrician
Dear Bud:
It takes 21 or more divers.  One diver to screw in the bulb.  One diver to hold the ladder.  One instructor to plan the screw and screw the plan.  (or is that plan the dive and dive the plan?)  Four divers to sit around and swap dive stories, two divers to discuss new equipment, and twelve or more to bring goodies to the event so that everyone is well nourished and hydrated.

Board Meeting, January 11, 2001, Maurer Dive Shop

Attendees:  Donna Bender, Ron Peterson, Lois Keegan, Bert Sharbaugh, Nelda Donley, Lance Marks, Dan & Diane Turcovsky, Denny & Sandy Beecher, Rick & Julie Paige, and Dan Kelly.

Board Meeting Menu:  Lemon Pound Cake, Jello shots, oatmeal cookies, crab rollups, chips, and soda.

Expenses for the Christmas Party totaled $135.00

Discussion regarding a new ladder for the quarry.  It was approved by the board to proceed with having the ladder built.  Approximate cost is $400.

Club dues have not been increased for some time.  There was a discussion regarding a dues increase to $24/$16/$8.  The Board has recommended that dues should increase and facts will be presented at the next meeting.

The Board discussed fund raisers for the new year.  Denny Beecher will chair a discussion at the next meeting.

New members:   Henry Kimmick, certified in 1995 at UPJ
   Jim Carozza, certified 1978, Melrose YMCA, Maine
   Matt Johnson, certified 1977 NASDS

The Board changed the date of the Board Meetings.  Board meetings will now be held one week a day before the regular meeting.  Please note that the next board meeting will be Wednesday, February 21, 2001, 7:30p.m. at the dive shop.

The Board planned the calendar for the year 2001.  New calendars will be available to members in the near future.