Donna Bender has become the resident conch shell blower and once again opened the meeting.

Joe continues to sit in for President Brad McVicker.

Ron Peterson gave the treasurer’s report.  The club’s balance remains unchanged.

New member Brian Moriconi was welcomed to Laurel Divers.  Brian was certified in September 2002, with Maurer Dive Shop.  Brian resides in Northern Cambria.  Please welcome Brian.

Numerous club members attended an evening out in State College.  A speaker in underwater photography entertained at Penn State, State College.  Evidently this gentleman doesn’t like digital photography, and left our divers a little disappointed with the evening’s seminar.  Dinner at Sylvia MacKinnon’s seemed to be the highlight of the evening, and the menu was rumored to have included three types of bread, three types of pasta, and forty-two types of wine.  Our dive members are connoisseurs when it comes to wine, but a fun, and safe, time was had by all.

Jim and Sandy Smith reported on an exciting trip to Florida in January 2003.  Jim reported on a location between Fort Lauderdale and Papineau Beach, and dove with Scubatime charters.  Seems the trip went well except for the comradery of two Miami Dolphins, football players that is, who were on the trip certifying.  Maybe these two dolphins had just stick to the playing field.

John Augustine reported on his recent trip to New Hampshire, skiing, and recommends the sights there to any enthusiast.

Denny Beecher now reports that the Chili cook-off plaque, adorning the Maurer Dive Shop walls, has now been updated.

Joe Gordon’s ski party and outdoor festivities were held Saturday February 8, 2003.  SCUBA Underwater Olympics were held Sunday February 16, 2003.

Bob Maurer reported on a new stainless steel tank band buckle, which costs approximately $6.00 more than the plastic ones, but may prove to be more durable, especially in cold weather.

Bob also mentioned that a new 34-inch drysuit power inflator hose is now available.

We are in the process of searching for an “embroidery friendly” logo to be placed on all Laurel Diver apparel.  Any ideas are to be brought up at the next meeting.

A recent article published in The Altoona Mirror, dated Sunday February 9, 2003 highlighted some of the area’s SCUBA shops, stores, clubs and activities.  Featured were Bob and Rose Maurer, Harve and Dee Montgomery, and the club was mentioned in text.

Members present at the meeting unanimously declined a change in the date of the Christmas party.

Donna Bender is planning a Nekton trip dated February 22, 2003 through March 3, 2003 to the South Bahamas.  Cost is now 1195 PP plus airfare from Pittsburgh.  That’s a discount of $200.  There will be a 10% discount on the cruise fare if 10 people book. Only the first ten persons booking receive the discount. $280 for charter flight Ft. Lauderdale to Georgetown, Bahamian Govt. charter fee of $50.22, and a $20 Bahamian departure tax payable at the airport.  Grand total is $1545.22.  You must tell them you are with the Bender group to get the discount. Also, if you have dove with Nekton before, there is a frequent diver discount of 10%.  Total payment is now due.  Airfare from Pitt or BWI to Ft. Lauderdale is running around $225. To call and book the trip, remember to mention the “Bender group”, call 1-800-899-6753, or log onto http://nektoncruises.com.  For more information, contact Donna Bender at Donna@Bender.net or (814) 472-9796.

In April, we will be having an amateur underwater video contest.  The footage must be 75% under water, of course, with sound, and you must have made the video yourself.  Timing for the video is limited to 10 minutes, maximum.  More details to follow, as information becomes available.

Donna Bender commented on the Beneath the Sea dive expo in New Jersey, March 28, 29, and 30.  The days are packed with seminars, speakers, dealers, exhibits and much more.  If interested, please let Donna know at Donna@Bender.net or (814) 472-9796.

Regarding the Morehead City wreck/shark diving trips this summer, per an email from Jim Smith, cost is $85 per day for diving and lodging usually runs approximately $30/night.
-A trip is in the works by Jim Smith and Tim Laurito to Morehead City., May 9 through May 11, 2003 (Mother’s Day weekend) The trip has room for 18 divers and is not yet full. This trip is with the New England Dive Club but Laurel Divers are welcomed to attend if they get their spots reserved early. Deposit for this trip is needed ASAP and payment in full by March 26th. Contact Jim for more information on this trip.

-Jim Smith is planning a trip for June 27 through June 29, 2003 to Morehead City. This is the Laurel Diver’s trip to Morehead.  A $100 deposit is needed to secure your reservation with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the trip (which would be April 28th) A deposit is needed by April 1st to guarantee a spot on the boat.  After April 1, spots will be sold on a first come first served basis.  For more information, contact Jim at jcsdmd1@hotmail.com or (814) 696-1938.

A trip to Thousand Islands for 2003 appears to already be full, although plans are in the works for possibly obtaining a second boat to accommodate more divers.  More information to follow in subsequent newsletters.

The dates have changed for the Cozumel trip planned by De Montgomery.  The dates are now November 1 through November 8, 2003. Details to follow in subsequent newsletters.  For more information, contact De Montgomery at dishjug@charter.net or (814) 944-8521.

***Please be sure to check the club calendar for other upcoming trips and events.  The above mentioned events only offer a brief overview of a few of the activities planned for the 2003 calendar year.  New calendars have been distributed.  Please contact Ron Peterson at Ron@LaurelDivers.com or  (814) 472-2144 if you did not receive a copy.

Events for the upcoming month, March 2003 include
--Try SCUBA night on Saturday March 15th.
--Pool party at Maurer Dive Shop on Saturday March 22nd.
--Beneath the Sea expo, New Jersey, see dates and info listed in this newsletter.

The daybook was $123.00.  Winner was the always-lucky Bert Sharbaugh.
Denny Beecher won the door prize, a 4-cell dive light.

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The next Board Meeting will be Wednesday February 26, 2003- 7:30pm at Maurer Dive Shop.
Next regular club meeting will be Thursday, March 6, 2003- 7:30 p.m. at the Penn Gables.
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Jim Smith followed the meeting with footage from his Hawaii and Florida trips.