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Change of Watch Ceremony Welcomes
New Leadership to Lake Murray Power Squadron
By P/C Debra Allen, AP
Lake Murray Power Squadron (LMPS) celebrated the conclusion of the old watch year and
the beginning of the new on Friday 4 November at the Lexington Chamber of
Commerce. On hand to help swear-in our new leadership was District 26
Educational Officer Jan Wright, SN-IN of the Tybee Light Sail and Power
Squadron.
Acting on behalf of District Commander John Ozols, AP-IN, Jan recalled her early
days of membership and how Past District Commanders Archie Trawick and Eric Pearson,
both of whom are Past Commanders of LMPS, had
such a positive impact on her desire to become more involved in the United
States Power Squadrons. As Archie had focused on the “Power of One” during his
command year, she said John wanted to take a new approach to that national
slogan to help squadrons and the district grow membership.
This is a volunteer organization and if each one of us reaches one or teaches
one, whether it’s another member, friend, colleague or stranger – this reaching
and retaining will help the organization grow successfully, Jan said.
For Lake Murray 2016 was a year of rebuilding under Commander Jerry Wise, SN who
passed the helm to Janice Ayers, AP and her new bridge for 2017. Jan said she
was excited to swear-in Lake Murray’s third female commander and to mark the
occasion she presented Janice with a regulation black uniform jacket with the appropriate
insignia. Lake Murray Past Commanders Debra Allen, AP and Elaine Price, SN
helped place on Janice’s shoulders the visual mantle of authority represented by
the jacket.
Jan also swore in Lake Murray’s 2017 Bridge: Executive Officer Jeff Langlois,
P; Educational Officer John Edwards, JN; Administrative Officer Edie Godfrey, S;
Secretary Mike Kirk, AP; Treasurer Angela Cooper-Robinson; Assistant Treasurer
Cyndi Langlois; and Member-at-Large Fred Ruinen, JN. Members-at-Large R.J. Becht
and Bonnie McElveen were unable to attend.
Cdr Janice thanked everyone for their vote of confidence in her leadership,
noting with laughter that Lake Murray has its third vertically challenged female
commander in its 53-year history. On a more serious note, she observed that the
bridge members who had rallied to her aid for 2017
are an impressive group with a total of 97 years of LMPS history and experience.
“The mentors I have in this group are stellar and I’m so proud to be a part of
an impending wave of organizational triumphs,” she said, recognizing the
challenges that faced
Lake Murray Power Squadron during the past year.
“Going
through challenges is like the
wake behind a boat,” Janice said.
“It
starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to
swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep
moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. That’s what almost happened to
us and Jerry Wise exited his observatory, stocked up on orange slices, and
stepped up to the helm of LMPS, calming the churning waters and forward motion
continued accomplishing a lot of good stuff. With your help, I want to continue
that forward motion and make more good things happen.”
Janice announced that one of her primary goals for 2017 is a fundraising
project, RAMP IT UP, to prepare for replacement of the ramp at Flotilla Island
when the lake is drawn down toward the end of next year. “Our ramp at our island
home is in desperate need of repair to retain, acquire and better serve our
membership.” She
encouraged all members to step up and lend a hand to members of the 2017
Bridge, who have
taken an oath to lead
Lake Murray Power
Squadron.
“Help them help you.
One year equals 365 opportunities to do something.”
In conclusion, Janice said
that one of her favorite quotes was by Albert Einstein. She quoted: “A ship is
always safe at the shore – but that is not what it is built for.” She continued,
“This means get off the dock or out of your recliner and enjoy this one life
we’ve been given. So, ‘anchors aweigh.’ We’re free and clear now to experience
the journey” as the LMPS ship is officially underway for a new watch year
together.
The Change
of Watch celebration concluded with dessert, champagne toasts, and live music by
2 For The Road Band. Check out the photos below by clicking on the first
one to open a larger format in which you will see Jan awarding Jerry his Past
Commander Plaque and Past Commander Flag. Also during the meeting, LMPS Safety
Officer Howard Pendley, SN was presented his Certificate of Educational
Achievement.
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