Letter from Guild President, Al Ponessa to the Guild:
As we get ready for the holidays there are a few things I would like to let you know about. First and most important, we have recently re-hired Patrick Flynn as the Superintendent of Ships. He will be working part time on Gazela while he works on A. J. Meerwald as well. With his hours per week being limited, Patrick will be working to support the efforts of you, our members. We need everyone’s help to get the important work done. Patrick has already made a difference and will certainly help the Marine Committee with all the winter preps and Dry-docking preps. The board made this decision and established a budget to make it happen, recognizing that the ships need some day to day care that was not happening without a paid employee. So welcome back Patrick, we missed you. The Guild will definitely benefit from this renewed relationship.
On this Tuesday, December 9, there is an all hands meeting at the Independent Seaport Museum. It starts after a short board meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce new board members, provide a state of the Guild and finish with a question and answer period. Please try to attend. If you enter the parking lot at the Market Street entrance and let the attendant know you are attending, there is no cost but parking is limited. The meeting starts at 7:00 PM and refreshments will be served.
Also, next Saturday, December 13 is the annual Jupiter Christmas event. More information will be provided in the weekly newsletter.
Looking ahead, the annual ASTA conference is being held in Philadelphia this year…from February 4th to the 6th. We have made Gazela available for some attendees to stay on board. This will be a great opportunity to share our pride with other tall ship sailors. More will follow on this as well at information on Tall Ships Philadelphia/ Camden.
Finally as the end of the year is near, please consider a donation to the Guild…any amount will be gratefully welcomed…and thanks for your support during the year.
So I hope to see you on Tuesday, but if I don’t, have a great holiday season and don’t forget there is lots of volunteer work needed during the winter as well.
Thanks for all you do and fair winds….Al