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Peterborough Power & Sail Squadron is proud to announce that Squadron member Jean Hamilton, SN from Houston, Texas, has been elected as the National Secretary of United States Power Squadrons (USPS), the first female to hold a National Bridge position in that organization’s 97 year history.
Peterborough member and CPS National Administrative Officer Catherine McLeod was on hand in Orlando Florida in February 2011 for Jean’s induction into office and was part of the standing ovation that greeted Jean when she was presented with her flag of office following the Change of Watch. Catherine also presented Jean with a Peterborough Longevity Pennant from the Squadron as a congratulations present and brought her congratulations and best wishes from Squadron Commander Susan Mellow.
Jean attended her first Squadron Rendezvous in Florida with her father who was a member of Jacksonville Sail & Power Squadron and her family continued its involvement in other Squadrons over the years. She chaired a number of committees in Houston Squadron, taught boating, elective and advanced courses and served as the Squadron Educational Officer. At the District level she served as Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, and District Commander. Nationally, Jean chaired the Weather, Cruise Planning, and Environmental committees before serving as Assistant National Secretary. She is a life member of USPS and has 25 Merit Marks.
When Jean was pledged as a member of CPS at the National Conference held in Sherbrooke in 2009, she chose to join Peterborough Squadron due to her friendship with Catherine.
At the USPS District 6 Spring Conference in Rochester NY in March 2011, the USPS National Administrative Officer Robert Baldridge, SN and his wife Nancy Baldrige, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, expressed the desire to join Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons.
Catherine was attending the event and arranged for a pledging ceremony at the Saturday evening dinner and Change of Watch for the District. When asked what Squadron Robert and Nancy would like to join, Nancy said, "Why, Peterborough of course." Robert joined USPS in 1976 as a college sophomore. He taught Seaanship and served on several committees and held various Bridge positions prior to becoming Commander of Baton Rouge Sail & Power Squadron. He still serves the Squadron as Newsletter Editor and Chair of the Operations Training Committee. At the District level, Robert served as Computer Systems Chair, Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, and District Commander. Nationally he worked on various committees prior to becoming National Secretary and then moving into his current position. He is a life member of USPS and has 28 Merit Marks. Robert and Nancy have two sons.Catherine will make sure Robert and Nancy have a Peterborough Longevity Pennant to fly on their Sea Ray.
Our fourth new member, inducted at the same time as Robert and Nancy, is Past Commander John Burns, from Phelps NY who joined Iroquois Sail Power Squadron in USPS District 6 in 1985. John has served in many positions including Squadron Commander and has worked with the District for the past nine years as the USPS-CPS Liaison. He is the wonderful person who keeps neighbouring Canadian Districts informed of details of District 6 Spring and Fall Conferences as well as summer Rendezvous events. John has 26 Merit Marks and is a Life Member of USPS.
Peterborough Sqauadron is also proud to have the following USPS members as members of our Squadron:
P/D/C Chris Terinek, SN, Red Jacket Squadron, Sodus Point NY
Marti Tertinek, P, Red Jacket Squadron, Sodus Point NY
Cdr Dick Sheehan, P, Commander Red Jacket Squadron, Sodus Point NY
Kathy Sheehan, P, Red Jacket Squadron, Sodus Point NY
P/D/C Will Kirnie, SN, Seneca Squadron, Louisville NY
Elizabeth Kirnie, Seneca Squadron, Louisville NY
