Detroit

STAHLS AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTION

First Stop on the Progressive Merit Mark Party

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P

DPS MERIT MARK RECOGNITION

Lt Dara Brooks, P

Our Merit Mark Party was planned this year by P/C Gail Graham,

S our 2018 Commander. As per our tradition the Merit Mark is

awarded to a member for substantial personal effort in furthering

the interest, programs and objectives of USPS, and of course our

individual squadrons. Each member, having gained multiple skills

throughout a lifetime has something substantial to share even

when they don’t realize it. In any squadron there is a need for our

members, who are all volunteers to chair a committee, bring in

volunteers, manage materials, keep records, communicate to the

masses and lead the organization. Each and every role is im-

portant to the whole and as testament to that importance is hon-

ored in the form of a merit mark earned for the year.

Our P/C Gail took it a bit farther by preparing a celebration that

will long be remembered by 2018 merit mark awardees. Hosted

at Chesterfield Twp.’s Stahl Automotive Museum where their au-

tomotive collections (from vintage ice machines to stage coaches

to replicas to the real thing); their music machines (from organs

to violino and everything in between); and their vintage gas

pumps, signage and memorabilia made for a walk through time.

Our cover photos taken by DPS Photographer LeRoy Strey, P at-

tests to a time well had. From the top left we have John and

Cheryll Nelson enjoying a photo op in the Museum’s 1910 Ford

Model T Pickup Fire Truck. The Museum’s policy of allowing visi-

tors to take in seat photo ops made for more of a hands on expe-

rience.

In the top right Peggy and Al Schwaller along with Joyce Strey

enjoy a moment together amongst the vintage machines. And of

course no event is complete without the infamous group picture

that shows the happy faces of members recognized for their con-

tributions (not all recipients were able to be present) to our

squadron.

P/C Gail was especially taken with the room filled with the floor

to ceiling computerized musical instruments. The original organ

from Mr. Wurlitzer’s home was featured in the automotive sec-

tion. The Museum treated the group to a session by an profes-

sional organist who was hired to make Mr. Wurtlizer’s organ

sing!

The dinner at Louie’s Chop House was the finale of the day, en-

joyed by all because of their delicious food and elaborate menu

selection. Each merit mark recipient ordered directly from their

premiere luncheon menu.

The members of the

Detroit Power Squadron would

like to express our gratitude

to the countless men and women

who have given of their time

and energy to take on assign-

ments, work on committees and

take on leadership roles.

We would especially like

to say thanks to those

who have served us

in the past year.

Commander Wendy Caldwell, P and our Merit Mark

Party Hostess P/C Gail Graham, S

Detroit

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P

Detroit

As the leaves are turning

into a blaze of fall colors

and we approach a new

season, I'm reminded that DPS will be entering a new

season of leadership, new Bridge officers, Board of Di-

rectors, and new members, which leaves me with a

sense of hope and excitement for our future.

Two words comes to mind as I reflect over the past three years of service on our Bridge; GRATEFUL and

THANKFUL, (and not just because Thanksgiving

is just around the corner!). I am GRATEFUL for having had the opportunity to serve and represent such a fine

organization in USPS.

I am GRATEFUL for opportunities to Engage, Learn,

and Connect at Annual Meetings, Governing Boards,

and Conferences. The seminars provide important in-

formation in moving our squadron forward, the friend-

ships made with other squadrons across the country

help cement our commitment to one another in ad-

vancing boating education and safety, while having

loads of fun and laughter along the way!! Even if you

are not on the Bridge of a squadron, I would

encourage you to attend some of these events, there is

much to learn and great people to meet! The bonus is

the "down time" after meetings to explore the sites and

taste the local cuisine of the different cities in which

you're in!

Take a course! I earned my Piloting grade this year

and enjoyed the fellowship of other students, many of

whom became new members! (Was it the cookies and

candy I brought to class??) Making connections is im-

portant, whether by food or conversation....and we

enjoyed BOTH!

I am GRATEFUL to have attended the Change of

Watches and Commanders Balls throughout D/9. Be-

sides resulting in widening my waistline, it has also

widened my perspective! As a former teacher, I enjoy

being on a learning curve! I have enjoyed networking

with others because it provided great insights into

what we share in common such as our successes and

challenges as America's Boating Club.

I am especially THANKFUL to all the members of DPS

who willingly sacrificed their time and energy to teach

courses, proctor, assist at Boat Shows, perform VSC's,

host Hospitality Rooms at conferences, serve on vari-

ous committees, organize rendezvous, and work our

fundraisers the Jet Express and Texas Hold 'Em . To

our new members, please 'Come On Board' in any of

these ventures for 2020!. You each have a skill set that

would be valuable to our organization!

To my Bridge, BOD, and membership, if this year was a

success to you, pat yourself on the back! Together We

Achieve More! (T.E.A.M)

I am THANKFUL for the commitment to excellence

exhibited by our Bridge and BOD in serving DPS. A

special "Thank You" to our Past Commanders for their

advice and support in helping me maintain my True

North in leadership.

I am THANKFUL to our new members who have

stepped into new positions on committees and our

BOD for 2020. It was a pleasure to swear some of you

in at our backyard Meet and Greet in August as well as

have you attend some of our rendezvous. Learning

your stories is always a highlight for a commander!

I am so GRATEFUL and THANKFUL to have been able

to serve all of you in this 2019 Season and I look for-

ward to supporting and assisting in the years ahead.

In deep appreciation ,

Commander Wendy Caldwell, P

Season of Change

Commander’s Message

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P

Detroit

God our Father,

we are grateful for your many gifts.

For the gift of life and those with whom we share it.

We are grateful for talents received from your hands

and we are especially grateful for our incoming Commander, those that make up our Bridge, Board of Directors,

Committee Chairmen and members.

We are grateful for their willingness to serve.

Give them strength and courage

to meet all challenges

and guide and direct them as they take the helm.

Unite us as brothers and sisters in fellowship

and cooperation.

Amen.

Lois M. Nehmer-Schiff, N National Chaplain

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P

Detroit

Detroit Power Squadron NOMINATIONS

We, the undersigned, submit the following proposal to the general membership of the Detroit Power Squadron

for the bridge and the Board of Directors for the period beginning December 4, 2019 through December 2, 2020.

For the position of Commander: Albert W. Schwaller, JN-CN

For the position of Executive Officer: Darlene Weber, AP

For the position of Squadron Education Officer: P/C Vincent A. Cooley , JN

For the position of Assistant Squadron Education Officer: Charles Fishman, P

For the position of Administrative Officer: Delphine S. Cooley, S

For the position of Treasurer: Anthony P. Drewek, P

For the position of Assistant Treasurer: Marlene T. Drewek

For the position of Secretary (Pro Tem): Margaret A. Schwaller, AP

For a two-year term to the Board of Directors: P/C Wendy Caldwell, P

For a two-year term to the Board of Directors: P/C Douglas R. Rocho, P

For a two-year term to the Board of Directors: Mark Clark

For a two-year term to the Auditing Committee: Pam Yirovec

For a two-year reappointment to the Auditing Committee: Joan Broadwell, P

For a three-year term to the Nominating Committee: P/C Wendy Caldwell, P

Completing their 2nd year terms to the Board of Directors are:

Michael J. Murphree, P and P/C Daniel J. Bodnar, JN

There are no new additions to the Rules Committee where

P/D/C Bryan Bartlett SN is reappointed to a three-year term.

Respectfully submitted,

P/C J. C. Tatham, SN and P/C Norma Gail Graham, S

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P

1) Kid Friendly Table 2) John Nelson, Joyce Strey & Marge Tatham 3) Commander Wendy Caldwell, P; P/C Dave Caldwell, JN;

daughter Jackie and grandsons 4) Youth attendees 5) 4 legged friend joins the party 6) Joanie Stoll and Cheryll Nelson.

2019 FROSTBITE

Detroit Power Squadron & Mt. Clemens Power Squadron

Poster Compliments Al and Peggy Schwaller

Detroit

Detroit

STEAK & CORN ROAST

1) Banner 2) Lots of corn 3) Shucking corn 4) P/C John Broadwell, S 5) Debbie from GPPS with Cdr Wendy Caldwell & Brody

6) Collecting bean bags 7) Mike & Jonelle Murphree, Al & Peggy Schwaller 8) Preparing to dig in

Detroit Power Squadron Dumping Grounds Editor: Lt Dara Brooks, P