Membership blog

There is no meeting in July

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to new members, Bruce and Pam Carroll, from Newberry, Florida.  For anyone who may not know it, Newberry is a charming city in the southwest corner of Alachua County and part of the Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area…the perfect setting for the horse farm they call home.

Bruce and Pam first met USA members of the Club on our recent overseas dive trip to San Salvador, and they’re already looking forward to joining us on future trips.  They’re both experienced, well-traveled divers with more than 1,000 dives each.  Bruce holds an Advanced Open Water certification, and Pam is a Divemaster.  Their adventures have taken them to incredible places like the Socorro Islands in Mexico, where they dove with giant mantas.

Some of the other destinations they hope to dive include the Cocos Islands, the Galapagos Islands, and Cuba, once conditions improve there.  Warm, clear water filled with large pelagics and interesting macro life would be a bonus on any dive.

When they’re not diving, Pam enjoys practicing dressage with her horse…a beautiful skill often described as “ballet on horseback”…and Bruce can usually be found in his workshop, wood turning when not taking care of the farm.

New members, Ray and Cindy Thomas, from Palm Beach Gardens, are another wonderful couple who are excited about future dive adventures with us.  They, too, met members of the USA Dive Club while on the Club trip to San Salvador.  Ray is a PADI Divemaster and Open Water SCUBA Instructor, and Cindy also holds a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor certification.  Together, they have logged over 2,000 dives. 

They both agree that diving in the Red Sea was one of their most memorable experiences, and diving with sharks…sharks, and more sharks…is at the top of their list.  

When they’re not diving, Ray and Cindy enjoy gardening. 

Bruce, Pam, Ray, and Cindy, the USA Dive Club is delighted to welcome you, and we hope you enjoy being part of our group.  And one more fun fact…Pam and Cindy are sisters.

Remember that USA Dive Club has a great Facebook Page.  Laura posts many interesting articles and upcoming Club events.  Click on the following link and Like…Like…Like.  USA’s Facebook Page.   

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

See you in August

Calling all USA members, wreck diving enthusiasts, and anyone who loves some good underwater history.

Have you heard of the Spiegel Grove?  It’s that massive 510-foot Navy ship resting in 130 feet of water off Key Largo.  Ever since it was intentionally sunk in 2002, this incredible wreck has captured the imagination of divers and non-divers alike.

Click the following link below for more information from

The Scuba News

Spiegel Grove: A Diver’s Guide by Jared Bronson is now available on Amazon for everyone to enjoy.  This step-by-step guide is packed with 200 photos of the ship and shows you exactly how to explore its rooms, corridors, and hatches from stem to stern.

Curious to learn more?  Click the link below to check it out, and start planning your next adventure on the Spiegel Grove.

Click the link to Amazon Here

And remember that USA Dive Club has a great Facebook Page.  Laura posts many interesting articles and upcoming Club events.  Click on the following link and Like…Like…Like.  USA’s Facebook Page.   

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Wanna do some spring cleaning?

Is it time to let go of some of your old gear?

Old scuba gear can be sold, donated, repurposed, or recycled. If in good condition, sell or donate to local dive shops, on eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.  Non-functional gear can be upcycled into bags or planters, while tanks can become art pieces or sold for scrap metal after removing valves.  Specialized manufacturers may also accept old gear for recycling. Click the following link to learn more  OPTIONS FOR OLD SCUBA GEAR

 

Please join me in welcoming Steve McPhillips to the USA Dive Club.

Steve lives in beautiful Cape Coral on Florida’s west coast and first heard about our Club while out on a dive boat not too long ago.

He is a PADI-certified Divemaster with 325 dives under his belt.  One of his most memorable adventures was in Thailand, where the warm waters make for fantastic year-round diving.  From November through April, it’s even possible to spot whale sharks and manta rays.

When he’s not underwater, Steve enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson.  We're happy to have you in the Club, Steve...welcome aboard!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Terri Coburn was introduced to the Under Sea Adventures Dive Club by our Historian and Hall of Fame member, Robert Shearer.  He invited Terri to our recent General Membership meeting, and she joined the Club that same night.

Terri was first certified in 1989.  She went on to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in 1985 and earned her Master Scuba Diver Trainer certification in 2006.  Over the years, she has logged thousands of dives.

Terri enjoys all kinds of scuba diving, and some of her favorite dives are right here at home off Pompano and Fort Lauderdale. She’d love to travel to more exotic destinations, such as the Philippines, and she fondly remembers a very special dive in Bora Bora with blacktip reef sharks.  Closer to home, Terri looks forward to spending time in the Florida Keys, especially doing some wreck diving.

Terri happily admits that her beagle, Molly, is her favorite traveling buddy.  The USA Dive Club is excited to warmly welcome Terri as our newest member.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Greg Silpe was certified at just 15 and has since logged thousands of dives.  He holds an Advanced Open Water certification.  Greg lives in Palm Beach and has been diving there since 1979.  He discovered the USA Dive Club through a Google search.

Greg makes between 75 and 100 dives a year, and he has a fascinating diving background.  He worked on the Yorktown shipwreck and, in 1985, was part of the team that discovered Cook’s ship, the Endeavor.  From 1990 to 1992, he dove with Mel Fisher and spent years cruising from New England to the Caribbean on his own boat, diving all along the way.

When asked about his favorite dive, Greg says there are too many to choose from.  As for his favorite dive destination, his heartfelt answer is: “to dive with my grandsons when they get old enough.”

Please join us in giving Greg a warm USA Dive Club welcome when you see him at a meeting, on a local or overseas dive, or at a social event.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Don't forget Valentine's Day on February 14th!

Did you know that octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish have three hearts?  As the Big Bad Wolf said, "The better to love you with, my dear."  Click below to learn more about the octopus.

OCTOPUSES KEEP SURPRISING US

Todd and Jirarat Morris first found the USA Dive Club on Facebook. They share their love of the ocean with their 15-year-old son, Jet, who is also a SCUBA diver.  Jet can’t wait to join his mom and dad as a special guest on Club activities until he’s old enough to become a member at 18.

Although the family currently lives in New York, they’re already looking ahead to a move to Florida once Jet graduates from high school.  Until then, they visit often, and we’re excited to welcome them whenever they’re in town.

Todd is an Advanced Trimix diver with 500 dives, and Jirarat is an Advanced Open Water diver.  At the top of their diving wish list is Fiji, a stunning South Pacific archipelago of more than 300 islands.

Please join the USA Dive Club in giving a warm and friendly welcome to Todd, Jirarat, and Jet.

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

We look forward to seeing you at our next General Membership meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026

Vince Markowsky discovered the USA Dive Club online.  He’s an Open Water Diver with 90 dives under his belt and currently lives in New York.  His most memorable dive was in Keystorm, and he has his sights set on the Florida Keys as one of his top dream dive destinations.

Outside of diving, Vince is a musician and an avid cyclist.

Please join us in giving Vince a warm and friendly welcome the next time you see him on a dive, at a meeting, or at one of our social events.  Welcome to the Club!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

***Chris Hardham is the USA’s Newest Hall of Fame Inductee***

A big congratulations to Chris Hardham, who has just been inducted into the USA Dive Club Hall of Fame.  To be part of this special group, members must serve on our Board of Directors for at least 84 months (that’s seven years).

Chris became part of our USA Dive Club family in December 2015, thanks to an introduction from Past President Larry Townsend.  Since joining, Chris has been an enthusiastic diver...enjoying trips both locally and abroad...and a friendly face at many of our social events.

He joined the Board in October 2018, stepping up as Newsletter Editor, and then became our President in 2021...a position he proudly still holds.

Curious about our other awesome Hall of Fame members?  Just click the ‘Contact’ button from your computer or device to see the full lineup.  We also have an “In Memoriam” section to remember and honor Hall of Famers who are no longer with us.

Wishing Chris many more wonderful adventures with the Club!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

We Remember Rita

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, friends and family gathered at the Assumption Catholic Church in Pompano Beach to celebrate the memory of our dear friend and long-time USA Dive Club member, Rita Balogh.  Rita was the beloved wife of Dr. Rick Brohammer, the Club’s most senior member.

After a touching memorial mass, everyone came together in the church’s reception hall.  We shared laughter, stories, and fond memories, surrounded by the warmth of Rita’s friends and family. 

Below are the details we previously shared with Club members.

“Rita Balogh passed away at home on Friday, September 19, 2025.  She is survived by the Club’s most senior member, her loving husband, Dr. Rick Brohammer, and his three children, Rick II, Rory, Renee, and grandchildren.   

Rita joined the USA Dive Club in 1994 and became an enduring, joyful part of our community from the start.  Her enthusiasm for social gatherings, local dives, and overseas adventures was truly contagious.  We will forever cherish Rita’s warmth and the happiness she brought to each of us.

Please click on the link below to view our tribute celebrating the wonderful times we shared with Rita.

Link to Rita's Memorial Album  

Condolences for the family can be sent to Dr. Rick Brohammer, 3200 NE 38th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308-6437.”

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!

Remembering Larry LePage

I am saddened to report that USA Hall of Fame member Larry LePage passed away on Sunday evening, September 14, 2025.  He had been living close to his family in Saint Louis.

Larry and his wife, Mary, became part of the USA Dive Club family in 2001 and quickly became treasured members.  Larry loved everything about the Club, jumping right in to contribute.  He served on the Board of Directors and excelled in many roles, including Audio Visual, Newsletter, and Vice President of Programs.  In 2010, he was honored with a Hall of Fame membership and a lifetime spot in the Club.  Larry was always by Mary’s side as she took on responsibilities as Vice President of Social Events, President, and Membership Coordinator.

Over the years, Larry and Mary explored many dive destinations with the Club, both exotic and local, and were famous for their fun costumes at Club events.  Mary passed away in March 2024, and their close friend Linda Ianiello recently wrote:

“We will all remember the many dive trips with both of them, the Super Bowl parties, and the Tuesday pizzas and Friday night dinners.  The good part is that he and his beloved Mary will be reunited.”

In honor of Larry's memory, we have created a photo album that showcases his fond memories.  Please click the link below to look back on all the wonderful times we shared with Larry and Mary.

Remembering Larry LePage

If you would like to send a note of condolence to Larry's family, you may send it to his daughter:  Lori Love,  309 Landor Ct.,  Saint Louis, MO.  63125-1122.

Julie Manhold, Membership Coordinator

Halloween is just around the corner!  While you’re handing out treats to little trick-or-treaters, why not have some fun exploring the mysterious creatures swimming in our oceans?

Want to discover “9 Scary Fish to Haunt Your Dreams”? Click on the link: 9 Scary Fish.

Or are you curious about the “25 Creepiest Deep Sea Creatures You’ve Never Heard Of”? Click on the link to check them out: 25 Creepy Deep Sea Creatures.

No matter how you celebrate, have a safe and very happy Halloween!

We’d love for you to check out our extensive Photo Gallery, where you can dive into all the fun from our social events and diving adventures.  We update the albums regularly, so there’s always something fresh for you to enjoy. 

Happy diving, everyone.  Let’s keep the good vibes going!