Dear PSPG Friends and Supporters, PSPG had an exciting and eventful 2023, and are gearing up for a busy 2024 as well! We have hired an Executive Director: long-time volunteer and board member Gina Pickton. Gina brings a great deal of organizational and management experience with institutions such as the Independence Seaport Museum and National Science Foundation. She is focused on building a sustainable organization and implementing our re-imagined mission.
Our trades-education programs, which will connect youth of all ages to careers in maritime and related trades, are growing at an exciting rate. These developments are spearheaded by Sarah Goldhammer, our recently onboarded Director of Education, and made possible through the hard work of our volunteer crew and supportive partnerships with local organizations, high schools, and industry leaders.
Last summer Gazela was invited to Norfolk for the annual Harborfest; this was a great training opportunity, as the ship and the crew were able to “stretch their legs” while remaining in inland waters and admiring the Chesapeake Bay and accompanying tranquil anchorages.
Work has been occurring on Jupiter at a pace not seen in years. Long-time Guild member Chris Simmons has taken on the planning, coordination, and execution of work onboard, and has already made great strides in mechanical repairs, internal and external steel and decking, and has even found time to improve the amenities onboard with the help of a cadre of volunteers. A dedicated fundraising effort for the tug has been ongoing, with the ultimate goal of escorting the battleship USS New Jersey back to Camden upon her return from drydocking at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, reuniting her with the tug that was there to catch her hawser when she was launched back in 1942.
We have now launched our 2024 Annual Appeal to fund the operating needs of the Guild. Last year’s Annual Fund was a huge success, with matching Board contributions; we hope to have the same success and enthusiasm this year, and it starts with you and your donation!