The Dive Society club meeting next month is honored to have Tom Hemphill, founder of the Northwest Diving History Association, as our speaker. Its Mission: "Preserve the History of Scuba Diving in Our North Pacific Region."

Hear from Tom about the "early days" of diving in the northwest and how you can help preserve the stories, equipment and spirit that we all share. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM. Tom takes the stage shortly after 7 PM.

We had so much fun diving Catalina during Spring Break the past two years that we're going to go back again! We board the ferry in Long Beach on Monday March 25th. Our accommodations will be at the Catalina Canyon Resort. We'll do five boat dives from the King Neptune with Catalina Scuba Luv Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday we'll dive the Casino Point Dive Park. Friday mid-afternoon we take the ferry back to Long Beach.

The trip price includes four nights' accommodations, round trip ferry transfers, five boat dives (tanks, weights, lunch, snacks and beverages) with Catalina Scuba Luv, a PADI Boat Diver or Underwater Naturalist specialty certification class (book not included), tanks and weights for boat and shore diving and sales tax. Equipment rental may be arranged through Catalina Scuba Luv. Nitrox is available. 

A non-refundable $50 deposit is required with your reservation. Payment in full is due February 15. Non-diver rate: $389. Diver rate: $699. Rate is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates by request.  Space is limited to 16 divers plus lots of non-divers.

• Dive for a Cure: Florence, September 30
• Open Water Class 181. Orientation October 4, 6 PM
• Rescue Diver Class Orientation October 12, 6 PM
• Open Water Class 182. Orientation November 1
• Search and Recovery Specialty with Jeff Trembly, December 1 and 2.
• Fun Weekend at the Yellow House December 1 and 2
• Pacific Adventure Boat dives, December 2
• Pacific Adventure Boat dives, December 9

Most people think of Fiji as an island paradise, but there are many in remote villages that are in tremendous need of dental care. Join a team of dental professionals on a journey of compassion and passion. The 150 children of Koro Village, Fiji, have limited access to dental care, screening and services. Our goal is to bring dentists and dental hygienists to the village of Kadavu Koro, Fiji, May 2013. During our stay each team will conduct four afternoons of screening and treatment for the village members.

We'll stay at the Matava Eco-Resort. Located on the island of Kadavu, Matava is a secluded, manicured dive resort adjacent the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the most renowned dive destinations in the Pacific. Our stay will include 10 boat dives, including the world famous Manta dive. Matava also boasts great deep sea fishing, surfing, sea kayaking and snorkeling. HydroSports is looking for Dentists and Dental Hygienists to participate in a Dental Mission to the island of Kadavu, Fiji May 2013. We are also seeking an electrician and others to assist with our efforts.

In 2010 a team of two dentists and five non-dental types served the dental needs of the village of Kadavu Koro by holding four afternoons of clinic hours. We served over 70 villagers and taught all the children of the village how to use a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Working with a US based 501 c 3 non-profit, a portion of the trip cost may be tax deductible (speak with your accountant).

The trip fee, TBA, includes:

• Round trip air fare from Los Angeles to Kadavu Fiji
• 7 nights lodging (double occupancy)
• Five days of two-tank dives
• All meals at the resort
• Transfers to and from the resort

 The trip does not include:

• Airfare to Los Angeles
• Souvenirs, gratuities, beverages at the bar

 Note: Airfare may change until paid in full.

A $200 non-refundable deposit is needed with your reservation. Payment in full is due March 1, 2013. Contact Mark Fischer, 503-304-5383, for additional details.