MARCH 2018 BEACON

It appears that the 15 inches of ice that I was ice fishing on just a little over a week ago has given way to the high winds and warmer temperatures. The bay is opened up by our house and there was a lot of wave action today. March 20th is just around the corner and marks the first day of spring. With this in mind it's not a bad idea to make a check list of things to do to prepare for the upcoming boating season. One area of concern is that our young boaters have taken the required "Safe Boating" courses that are required to allow them to legally operate power boats and personal water craft. This time of the year our local Sheriffs Marine Patrol Divisions, Power Squadrons and some local school districts offer these courses. To familiarize yourselfwiththe rules and regulations you can visit the DNR website, Google "Boat operator age restrictions". With our first Elite Brigade just seven weeks away, it would be a good time to set your schedule for the date that would be best for you to make it out to the island to fulfill your work hourobligation. Don't forget that you can come out more than one Saturday. The more help we have the more work gets completed and less work carriesoverintothe boating season. Check inside this Beacon and find the 0.0. Weekend & Member Work Schedule. Make sure that you take note of when you are scheduled to work and for which O.D. you are working. Also, the 2018 Calendar of events is published in this Beacon for yourconvenience. March 17 is one ofour favorite holidays for the entire Calihan Family. We will all be together and we will do a little celebrating. Happy St. Patrick's day to all of you and be safe. Rear Commodore Bill