UASC Members:
For those of you who may missed an announcement and the minutes from the November meeting, I am Bob Rushman and the new President of UASC. Also elected at the November meeting were Rob Hughes - Vice-President, Beth Plotner - Secretary, and Julie Schiebe - Treasurer. I'm very pleased to kick off the new year as President and even more pleased with the excellent officers who will be serving with me stewarding UASC.
The January meeting is coming up quickly on Wednesday the 29th. As the new meeting space won't be available until March, we'll be back at Jak's Tap, 901 West Jackson, with business starting at 7:00 and the evening's presentation starting around 8:00. Of course several members typically arrive early to get some refreshments before the meeting starts. For those that have not been to Jak's before, there is a $5 parking lot across the street, just east of Jak's, and we will be meeting in their large meeting room
in the back of the restaurant. Make sure that you place the parking receipt on the dash of you car, otherwise it might get towed (yes this is from personal experience).
Everyone should have received membership renewal and information verification forms either at the November meeting, or via mail. Please return the renewal with payment as soon as possible. As discussed earlier, dues have increased by a modest $5 to $40 for Individuals or $55 for Families, with new reduced rates available to those members for whom the regular rates pose a hardship. (e.g. unemployed members, full-time students, etc.) Note that all dues expired December 31st, regardless of when you originally signed up or last paid your dues.
The January meeting is the only meeting prior to two major show events, Our World Underwater (Feb. 14th - 16th) and the Chicago Maritime festival (Feb 22nd). We'll have sign up sheets for both events at the meeting to solicit members to help man the UASC booth. Please give this some thought and sign up to help present UASC to prospective new members. This is an easy way to get involved in the organization.
The UASC Club of the Year Plaque will also be on display at the meeting for those that have not yet had a chance to see it.
Our featured speaker will Joan Forsberg presenting a program about Great Lakes Shipwrecks from the war of 1812. Among her many accomplishments, Joan has authored and collaborated on numerous books including a cook book and several related to shipwrecks in the Great Lakes,
is member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, and is a member and past President of UASC. I'm really looking forward to Joan's presentation.
If anyone has any items they would like placed on the meeting agenda, please let me know.
Hoping to see you all on the 29th.
Bob Rushman
President UASC