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California Ships to Reefs vision is to establish a regional system of reefed ships along the California coast for purposes of an international dive destination, to enhance the tourism industry centered on fishing and diving, and to improve and enhance the California fish populations.

California Ships to Reefs First Annual Awards

California Ships to Reefs (CSTR) is pleased to announce the recipients of its first annual awards. These awards recognize individuals inside and outside of CSTR who have performed “above and beyond” the call of duty.  We were proud to present these awards to the following individuals at our Awards Banquet, September 26, 2009 in Monterey, California.

Sheckler.pngKim and Dale Sheckler were presented the California Ships to Reefs Reef Builder Award which recognizes Californians, who have worked to make ships to reefs a reality in California -- people who have done extraordinary things to support CSTR.  As most of you know, CSTR has been the beneficiary of SCUBA Show’s Casino Night for the last three years.  Kim and Dale Sheckler have shown unwavering support for CSTR, not only by this personal financial support which totals more than $10,000, but also by promoting CSTR’s activities in California Diving News.


JayStraith.pngJay Straith was presented the California Ships to Reefs Flagship Award which recognizes individuals outside the State, who have worked over the years to make ships to reefs a reality in California -- people who have done extraordinary things to support CSTR.  Jay Straith, former President of Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is our first recipient.  Jay has provided his expertise, drawn from 23 reefings around the world.  He has traveled to support us at his own expense and is constantly available to answer questions and provide guidance whenever asked.  Jay is also working with Ships to Reefs International to help at the national and international levels.


Milt Beard, Harvey Schmiedeke, Dick Long, and Harry (Doc) Wong are the first inductees to The California Ships to Reefs Hall of Fame.  This award recognizes individuals who have worked over the years to make ships to reefs a reality in California.  We will be inducting four individuals this year who exemplify the standards for the rest of us to aspire to:

Beard.png Milt Beard – Milt worked on the Yukon Project and was responsible for cutting all the holes prior to reefing.  Milt passed away in December, but his contribution to ships to reefs in California was outstanding.
Harvey Schmiedeke – Harvey founded Sunken Treasures Society of Los Angeles, the first “sink group” of California Ships to Reefs.   He was also a member of CSTR’s first board of directors, Senior Vice President and VP, Public Relations from November 2006 thru November 2008.  Harvey passed away in January and is sorely missed. Schmiedeke.png
Long.png Dick Long – Dick is the “god-father” of the ships to reefs program in California having lead Project Yukon, and being a founding board member of CSTR.  He stepped away from those duties to become Chief Advisor in 2007 and lead the P2C (Project II Committee) until the corporation folded it back into the organization later in the year.  Dick is also Chairman and President of Ships to Reefs International, which is working on STR at the national and international levels.  He resides in San Diego with his wife Bonita.
Harry (Doc) Wong – Doc founded Northern California Oceans Foundation, which was the sink group covering everything north of the Tehachapi's.  This group has been the most prolific in supporting STR in the state and spun off the San Luis Obispo group which is currently preparing the Restless CII.  Doc continues to be active working to secure reefing approval in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, his fondest dream. Wong.png

Thompson.pngKen Thompson, Chair of the CSTR Website Committee is this year's recipient of California Ships to Reefs Volunteer of the Year presented to the volunteer who exhibited the most energy and support for CSTR and its projects throughout the year.  Ken responded to an email message asking for help developing the CSTR website and went right to work.  After a short period of time, it was obvious that he was devoted to CSTR’s success and exhibited leadership capabilities.  He stepped up to the plate and took on Chairmanship of the Website Committee and developed a team that has gone on to develop a second site for Ships to Reefs International.  Ken answers every request with a “can do” attitude and goes way beyond what would normally be expected of a volunteer.  He not only Chairs the Website Committee, but participates in several other committees as well.

The CSTR Board of Directors is grateful to all these recipients for their outstanding leadership and support of ships to reefs in California.  Without them, it would not have been possible for CSTR to forward our cause, and be where we are today.

 
 
© 2009-2010 California Ships to Reefs, Inc.