Notes from Strategic Planning Committee Ed Stemmler
A small group of dedicated Guild volunteers recently begin planning the next five years of Guild progress. The Board supported group, comprised of Ed Stemmler, Lynn Yonally, Zach Stevenson, Nick Horvath, and Marston Black, met with facilitator Mel Szarek to start the committee process on September 16th. We met at Nick's house out in West Chester. The first day went well, with the team agreeing on ground rules - decisions by consensus, respect each other's contributions, serving fully and honestly.
By the end of the day, we had certified the Guild's mission: "To Preserve and Operate Historic Vessels" and agreed on four major Program Areas that the Guild needs to focus on: Ship Preservation, Ship Operation, Education & Community, and Guild Development. The Program Areas are very interdependent - the team found that each Area relies heavily on the others.
The process continues to move forward in a positive manner. The Planning Survey has yielded an incredible variety of suggestions and approaches from our Guild members and the community. Thank You! The volunteer PR & Development Committee has also been working on a Guild Values statement.
The Strategic Planning team wrestles constantly with the temptation to solve problems and suggest actions. Thankfully, the original ground rules guide the conversations, keeping the focus on the strategic rather than the tactical. The team has met frequently since September, working weeknights to further expand the Program Areas into strategic goals and objectives. Eventually, the objectives will be further clarified by ad-hoc or standing committees.
It is our intention to present the high level Program Areas, Goals, and Objectives at the November 28th Annual Meeting of the Board.
|
More on Haunted Ship:
Friday, October 26th (the night of a full moon!) through Wednesday, October 31st on Penn's Landing at Market/Chestnut Streets.
Friday and Saturday haunted shows run from 7-11pm,
Sunday-Wednesday night shows run from 7-10pm.
On Saturday, October 27th, a special children's matinee will be available from 1-5pm.
THE SHOW:
"Ghosts of Gazela: A Halloween Mystery." Haunted Ship volunteer and script writer Steve Nikazy is sure that it will engage everyone, from the smallest sailor to the most seasoned captain
For Haunted Gazela, adult admission is $8 and children (under 12) are only $5
Public parking can be found at Market Street and Penn's Landing.
Crew is needed to help set up the show Sun. Oct. 21 - Thurs. Oct.26.
"Tear Down' will be after the final show on Thurs. Nov.1 and Fri., Nov. 2. All sets, etc. will be cleared and stored for Intensive Crew Training taking place on Sat. Nov. 3 at 9am. If you can help please let the office know.
|
Crew Coordinator Update from Lenore Khan
It's been great to see the enthusiasm of so many crew as we put some of the ideas generated at our crew meeting into action. In other parts of Small Stuff you will be reading about the plans for hands on crew training and the long range planning initiated in a joint committee of crew and board members. We are planning a crew meeting in November 28 after Haunted Ship to discuss the long range plan and get input from crew. You are also encouraged to return the crew survey by e-mail or snail mail so we get an idea of crew priorities as the Guild moves ahead.
September 29 was crew recruitment day. Approximately seventeen (17) people attended the recent Guild recruitment event at Penn's Landing. Many of the attendees were invited to the event by current crew members. Additionally, participants learned of the Guild through use of the Internet, reading an event advertisement in a local newspaper, and by walking past the Gazela at Penn's Landing. Several new memberships were generated. Attendees were varied in age - reflecting a cross-section of the existing ship crews.
After the new crew were identified at that event, we plan to create mentoring groups with level 2 crew teaching basic skills to new members. If you haven't passed Level One yet and would like to be in a mentoring group please let me or one of the training committee members know (or e-mail the office). The training committee members are Nick Horvath, Francisco Franqui, John Laurino and Ed Stemmler.
|
Meet Francisco Franqui: Volunteer Trainer
I'm currently employed as a Clinical Care Manager supervisor for Community
Behavioral Health (best described as an HMO created by the city of
Philadelphia, to manage the behavioral health needs of recipients enrolled
in medical assistance). I came to the continental United States at the age
of 18 to pursue college studies in Geography. I got a Bachelors degree in
1987 from University of Wisconsin, and planned to enroll in graduate
school. However I decided instead to take "some time off" and do community
work in inner city Chicago, and later Philadelphia. I worked with a very
wide range of people, from counseling inner city high school students, to
case management for adults struggling with HIV illness. I eventually got
my Masters degree in Social Service from Bryn Mawr College in 1997, leading
to my current work in the field of psychiatric social work.
My upbringing in the island of Puerto Rico resulted in my life long
fascination with the sea, but paradoxically only provided sporadic
encounters with the world of sailing. In Latin America, the opportunities
to sail are few, and often requires a comparatively significant financial
investment. As a consequence, only the privileged few ever get a chance to
sail. The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild is one of the few
organizations that opens this world to everyone, regardless of their
financial means. I believe that tall ship sailing remains very relevant in
our modern world, not just because it provides a window into our maritime
history, but also because it offers a chance to experience the meaning of
team work and commitment in a real life situation.
I joined the training committee not because of any extensive maritime
experience on my part, but rather the opposite. A major challenge for
Gazela will always be our ability to attract, and meet the training needs
of an ever changing influx of new members with diverse backgrounds. I
consider the training curriculum an essential part in the retention of new
members, particularly those like me, without a prior maritime background.
|
Jupiter News: Ralph Onesti
JUPITER's Lewes Delaware Trip ... 10/5-10/8
From: Ralph Onesti Well...we're back. All in all, on a scale of 1 to 10, the trip was a 48.
We had 11 crew make the trip down: Bobby Flemming, Ann Preston, Bill Wiley, Doug Reese, John Gerry, Jack Gifford, Gretchen Raichle, Lew Hemmer, Robin Schimpf, Susan Hill, Ralph Onesti
Kimberly Wiley, affectionately known as 'Retail Rita' (she hates that, but she's soooo good at it!)
Deby Reese, affectionately known as 'The Hawk' drove down to help.
The trip started on Friday at 0730...no...actually it started before that with Scott Rickards making sure all deck properties were right and we had a ground tackle set up for emergencies...there's that dedication...he did all that knowing he couldn't make the trip (again)...being an adult is a tough thing.
With the water tank filled and the boat given a clean bill of health by Chief Engineer Gerry, we departed the North end of Penns Landing's wall at 0730. We had planned to arrive at Lewes at 1730, when in all actuality we made it there by 1755. I lost the bet.
We pulled into Roosevelt Inlet eyeballing where we would have to stay on Sunday and slowly made our way up the canal to the Lewes (pronounced lew-is by the way) City dock where we were met by the Mayor, the police, and Marty Whitaker who is now the Lewes Dock Master. At first we thought we were being arrested...but it indeed turned out to be a greeting party from the town with blasts from surrounding vessels to signal our arrival.
We did manage to snag an ensign from the Mayor along with some other goodies. The ensign went up the mast immediately and flew all weekend.After making the boat fast to the dock, we readied ourselves for the long day ahead of us on Saturday. Saturday brought with it an early morning rise, fresh coffee and breakfast fare from the galley, which by the way brought "visitors" sniffing, from other vessels like the A J Mirewald out of Bivalve, NJ, which was also on display.
Open ships all day brought 2 new crew sign ups with the promise of 3-4 more. We had over six hundred visitors who marveled at Jupiter, and buried her likeness in the beg bucket with ones, fives and change...we did well!
On Saturday evening after the close of open ships, we had a show by the City of Lewes with the traditional lighted ship parade. It was impressive to say the least. Several local vessels, dripping with multi-colored lights made their way up and down the canal. The announcer on shore talked about each ship. However, the speech which included Jupiter was first, and it went on for several minutes...we all got the warm fuzzies (and returned the compliment with a salute from Jupiter's horn).
After the show and the fuzzies, the town held a Captain and Crew party for all of the participating vessels.We had to turn Jupiter 180 degrees to head back up the canal to the University of Delaware's Marine Sciences Center. There they held Coast Day, which differed from Lewes' Boast the Coast day the day before.We had to back the old girl starboard to into a comfy little hole they left for us .Again, the crew readied the boat for the onslaught of admirers (approximately 1400).
We worked like a well oiled machine. It was interesting to note the lack of discussion among crew as all just seemed to know what to do. I'll credit Gretchen's TCT training on the way down for that one.
Oh, and just to mention, "on the way down" Gerry's work party trimmed Jupiter in her new perimeter lighting...I think we received more admiring comments about the results of that effort than the vessels in the light boat parade...she was indeed impressive!
At the end of the day...we ate...and ate...and...oh you get the picture. This night being away from town, we all hung out on the boat...and partied...a fun night to top off a fun event..."lots of hard work...but we had fun".
Monday morning we left at 0800, right out the Roosevelt Inlet. This time it was Captain Wiley who got us through the trip, and a fine job of it too!The trip home was a bit more relaxed, but fighting the tide for seven hours did manage to slow the old girl up. Again, we wanted to get home by 1730, but the current saw to it that 1930 was more suitable. We arrived in the dark, nav lights complimented by Jup's new perimeter lighting, where Captain Wiley spun us around, put her starboard to on the North wall, and with Robin on 4 and John on 2, we put her up in record time...we are getting better!
With the boat unloaded we had a short...and I mean short debriefing, with hugs and congratulations all around.
Our next gig will be the Santa run again this year with possibly a new twist to the crew. Stay tuned for more info! Thanks to all! RJ
|
Crew Survey
To help facilitate the strategic planning process, the guild community was asked to fill out a survey that would be used to help the committee members. This survey has garnered very constructive thoughts and these are being taken into account in the process. If you haven't filled out a survey, please do so using the link in this newsletter. The survey will be closed in mid-Nov. so the results may be tallied and a report given at the Guild meeting the end of Nov.
At this date some of the statistics are as follows:
Number of responses: 65
Participants with more than 5 yrs. experience: 58%
Participants over age 40: 75%
This survey is a very important tool being used to get your view on what is important to the Guild, both ships and our future. Please take a few moments to fill out yours.
Guild Planning Survey |
Development and Public Relations Committee Report
By Zach Stevenson
The Development and Public Relations Committee works diligently to generate funds supporting the mission and enhancing public awareness of the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. The committee consists of intrepid volunteers representing diverse backgrounds. Collaborating as equals towards a common goal, the committee members have expertise in grant writing; donor cultivation; event planning; costume design; graphics design; communications; website content development; strategic planning; program development; education; sailing; ship preservation; maritime history; wood working; engineering and ship operations; office administration; volunteer coordination; and merchandise shipping logistics. Meeting on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM at the Guild Office at Penn's Landing, the committee has some exciting fundraising initiatives underway.
This month the Haunted Ship fundraiser will attract visitors from throughout Philadelphia. Several merchandise items will also be produced for sale to coincide with the upcoming holiday season. Proceeds generated from the sale of the items will be used to support the Guild. Efforts are also underway to update the Guild brochure and website. The updated guild brochure will be used in ship tours and outreach events to provide information on the Guild and help generate program funds. A funding solicitation letter will be circulated in spring 2008 that includes the updated brochure. Additionally, the committee has played a leadership role in the development of the Guild strategic planning process. A forthcoming strategic plan will help define the Guild's priorities and be used to generate funds for focal programs. The committee works to refine guiding principles for inclusion in the strategic plan - values that will help measure program success and promote the Guild in outreach efforts.
Looking ahead, the committee works to prepare for a gala outreach event in fall 2008. The outreach event will showcase the accomplishments of the Guild, highlight our service and commitment to the City of Philadelphia and its people, and publicly unveil the Guild strategic plan reflecting the aspirations and experience of the crew and board while charting our course for the future. The event will provide a unique opportunity to promote the Guild and develop new relationships with members of our community to support the Guild and its mission. The committee seeks corporate sponsorship for the event to help offset the cost for outreach materials, food, and entertainment. To learn more or to become involved in the Development and Public Relations Committee please contact Zach Stevenson at zach.stevenson@yahoo.com or call the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild directly at 215-238-0280. |
CREW TRAINING
From the crew meeting in July, an initiative was put together to improve training and retention of Gazela's crew. This new program is a reconstituted mentoring approach, where a new member is assigned to a group of 4-5 people seeking Level I training. The mentor, a senior member of Gazela's crew, is responsible for teaching Gazela's Level I skills as well as serving as a social contact during the member's early months in the organization. The process is intended to be similar to a watch leader familiarizing a watch on board the ship.
The smaller group will have more flexible scheduling, allowing groups to set their own timetable and location. The content of the courses follows the chapters in the Gazela crew manual. The rigorous examination will still be administered by Bill Foden, Fran DeCurtis, or Nick Horvath. It is the training committee's hope that this approach will greatly improve the process to bring our volunteers up to a common operational standard.
Crew members who have agreed to mentor are:
Rob Sawyer, Bobby Flemming, Danie Martin, Deb Peretz, Marcus Brandt, Lynn Yonally, Bill Foden, Ed Stemmler, Fran DeCurtis, Nick Horvath
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT NICK IS ALSO LEADING AN INTENSIVE LEVEL 1 CREW TRAINING ON SAT. NOV. 3. Please arrive by 9am sharp, ready to begin with your manual. |
Merchandise Available:
We are again selling a 2007 PSPG Calendar by order only. This includes pictures from this year and last. If you would like to place an order for one please contact the office or Lynn at foretekyonally@rcn.com. The price is $26.
Crew members have also requested a work sweatshirt for the winter season. You may order one through the office or Lynn for $35. They will be grey, heavy weight with a hood, no zip.
A different line drawing of the Gazela will be on the back with the G 1 on the front pocket area.
John Gummere is doing the design.
Orders should be placed no later than Nov. 21 in order to have them ready for the General Crew meeting on Nov. 28.
We also have lots of t-shirts, postcards and posters still available in the general merchandise if anyone wants some for Christmas gifts for relatives.
|
ANNUAL GUILD MEETING NOV. 28
Throughout this newsletter several references have been made to the important Guild meeting taking place on Wednesday, November 28 at 6:30 pm. The meeting is the formal Annual Meeting of the Board, when elections of new Board members and officers takes place. While the voting rights are limited to standing Board members, we're encouraging our members to meet the Board and learn more about the exciting progress being made by volunteers throughout the organization.
The agenda for the evening includes a variety of presentations from committees and representatives; specifically reports from the Strategic Planning Group, Development, Executive Committee, and results from the Planning Survey.
Please make every effort to attend. Due to the expected attendance, a suitable location is being pursued. |
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
SAT. OCT. 20 Am: Ship's work 1pm - 5pm Wedding (crew needed in uniform)
SUN. OCT. 21 Set-up for Haunted Ship
M-W OCT. 22-24 Set-up for Haunted Ship
THURS. OCT. 25 Haunted Ship Dress Rehearsal
FRI. OCT 26 - WED. OCT 31 HAUNTED SHIP!
Th- FRI Nov. 1-2 "Strike" and clean-up Haunted Ship
SAT. NOV. 3 :9AM (SHARP!) Intensive Level 1 training
6PM Crew Dinner on Gazela (bring food to share)
SUN. NOV. 4 DOWNRIGGING BEGINS
TUES. NOV. 6 Development and PR Committee Mtg. 7pm
SAT. NOV. 10 Downrigging
SUN. NOV. 11 Downrigging
SAT. NOV. 17 Downrigging
SUN. NOV. 18 Downrigging
WED. NOV. 21 All merchandise orders for calendars and sweatshirts due
THURS. NOV. 22 THANKSGIVING
WED. NOV. 28 ANNUAL GUILD MEETING 6:30 ( ALL CREW MAY ATTEND)
Upcoming in DEC.: GAZELA; winter cover on and winter work begun
JUPITER: Santa run
GUILD: Committees working on strategic plan and development |
|
|
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS SUMMER-FALL 2007!!!
Anastasia Bachmanova, Alexandra Beitz, Madeleine Beitz, Noe Bunnell, Victoria Cahn, Gregory Cantwell, Renee Cantwell, William Cozzens, Joseph DeLacy, James Dicker, Charles Gefvert, Nancy Gefvert, Phillip Hamilton, Benjamin Hernandez, Robert Hughes, Marie Jordan, William Kingsbury, Lisa Marie Lucas, Alyssa Pettway, Debra Reese, Patricia Rulli, Joseph Schuck, Louis Secreto, Thomas Speers, Suzanne Speers, Keven Sperling, David Vadovszki, Shirley Woodson.
28 NEW CREW MEMBERS SINCE JULY!
|
|
