Meet Our Bridge...2012

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	Commander: Cdr William C. Benny, SN Denise and I moved to Edgewater in 2001 after taking early retirement from the Social Security Administration in Maryland where we were programmers.  I substitute teach at New Smyrna Beach Middle and High School.  I also taught aikido for 13 years and had a dojo in Edgewater for a while.  After fishing from the local docks we purchased our Boston Whaler in 2003.  Did I mention I love to fish the backwaters of Edgewater?  Being new to boating, we took the BoatSmart class. We joined Ponce Inlet Sail and Power Squadron because I wanted to take more classes on boating and we like the people we’ve met in the squadron. In addition to taking boating courses, I’ve been assistant squadron educational officer for 2 years before taking on the job as SEO.  I am also a vessel safety examiner for the past several years as well as a Boat Operator Certification (BOC) Certifier.  I have been SEO for the past 5 years and I recently reached a goal that I set for myself upon joining the squadron.  I completed all the squadron courses and obtained the grade of Senior Navigator (SN). Being a goal oriented person I know that it is time to set some new ones.  I have decided to give back to the squadron by teaching some of the squadron courses since we are currently short of instructors. Also, I want to complete the various levels of BOC.  I completed Inland Navigator (IN) in 2010.  Remember, you are never too old to learn something new.  This is especially true in the boating world.
	Executive Officer:  P/C Don R Woods, AP Martha and I re-located to New Smyrna Beach from St. Petersburg/Clearwater area in the summer of 2000; nearing planned retirement and looking to get away from the "big city", we purchased a golf villa in Sugar Mill, becoming full-time residents Christmas 2000. I hold active real estate broker licenses in both Florida & North Caroline. I hold a fifth-issue USCG license for Master Coastal Waters - 100 Gross Tons and a FCC Commercial General Class (formerly First Class) Radiotelephone license with RADAR endorsement. One of the few native Floridians (AKA "cracker"), I grew up in the Polk County’s Lakeland highlands and attended Bartow High School before joining the US Navy for adventure and a technical education. Post-military education accomplishments include a BS from Rollins College, Winter Park, majoring in science and mathematics and post-graduate courses in business administration, and numerous career-related courses. I pursued a technology career. I purchased a 24’ cutty-cabin I/O in 1972 and subsequently took the Orlando Power Squadron’s Boating Safety course; joined the Orlando Power Squadron in Jan 1973, and served as Squadron Cdr in 1978; traded to a new Tiara 25’ fly-bridge cruiser in 1978 and to a 42’ Present motor yacht in 1989. Prior to re-locating to Tampa Bay Area in 1992, Martha and I were members of the Seminole Squadron for a short time; then transferred to the St. Petersburg Squadron in January 1993. I served several years in St. Petersburg as squadron Radio Technical Officer and participated on the district and squadron Computer Services committees. While in St. Petersburg, we sold the motor yacht and later purchased a 30’ Searay Weekender twin I/B. Now “boatless in New Smyrna”. Shortly after moving to NSB and subsequently following a press release in early 2001, with our photo announcing our joining a local firm as Realtors, I received a call from Linda Allen asking if I was the one she knew from Orlando PS and soliciting us to join Ponce Inlet Squadron.
	Education Officer: P/C Robert Johnson, AP My wife and I purchased our home in Port Orange in 1989 and moved here in 1992. I retired after 20 plus years as a service manager for a large VW, Porsche, and Audi dealer. After racing on one of Long Islands short tracks I sold my race car; a promise I made to my wife if I ever won the track championship, which I did in 1973. Having no hobby, I decided to purchase a boat, a 30' Pacemaker. Being a real novice I figured it would be smart to take advantage of the USPS boating course, which my wife and I did in 1974. After successful completion I was invited to join the Great South Bay Power Squadron, which I did in 1974. I first served as public relations officer, then Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, and Commander. During my time in the GSB squadron I sold the Pacemaker, bought a 33' Ulrichsen, and then a 32' Luhrs; which I sold before moving here. I've owned three more boats since moving here and presently operate a 24' pontoon boat named Family Affair. I have served Ponce Inlet Squadron as Secretary, Education Officer, Executive officer, and twice Commander. I now assume the office as SEO again for 2011. It has been an exciting 36 years and we have made many friends from all over the country. This will be my 36th year as an Instructor for the Public Boating Class.
	Administrative Officer: Lt/C Lora E. Moses Having lived in Florida for 53 years, I am almost a native. I joined the U.S. Power Squadron as a regular member in 1984. My late husband was very much evolved for years as an original member of our squadron, so it was natural for me to get involved also. We have had many wonderful years of boating & fishing all over Florida, north on the Intracoastal Waterway to Jacksonville, over to the St. Johns River, stopping to anchor for the nights. Trailering down to the Keys for Mai Mai, then over to our West Coast to Homosassa and Steinhatchee to dive for our limit of scallops each year. Through the years camping and boating over to Suwannee and exploring all the rivers in the region too. I was most happy to be his “First Mate” on our boat and also as he ascended the Bridge. The United Power & Sail Squadron is a great way to meet people who have the same interest in Boating Education and Safety, plus all our social activity involving boating. For the past 30 years my main interest has been boating – other interest are traveling, gardening, children & grand children and of course to help our squadron in any and all areas.
	Secretary: Lt/C Myrna Courage, S The Courages came to the US from Canada in 1967 and gradually moved to Florida via Michigan and Washington DC spending the last 30 plus years in Gainesville. Four years ago we transitioned from weekenders to full time residents of NSB. At that time we purchased our first boat and learned that boating with friends was not the same as owning and piloting your own vessel. With assistance from the Power Squadron classes and members, we have extended our boating goals from making it to JB’s and back to thinking of boating as far a St Augustine via the Intracoastal. I use the term "we" as Ken is the captain for these endeavors and uses the GPS for tracking our routes. In addition to boating my interests are traveling as far and often a possible, gardening, grandchildren, Gator football and reading with relative emphasis rotating among the former. My specific squadron goals for the year are to work with other squadron members to support publication, distribution and financial viability of the EnLIGHTener and to contribute to the public visibility of the squadron's educational opportunities and public events.
	Treasurer: Lt/C Denise Benny Originally from Maryland, I grew up on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. I have been boating for over 50 years but except for some fishing courses, had never taken any formal boating education until joining the Power Squadron in 2003. Not only were the Squadron courses I've taken informative, but they were fun! I highly recommend the Skipper Saver course to any women who go out on the water. If you're not the primary boat operator, it's a good idea to be prepared in case something happens and you need to pilot the boat. After taking an early-out retirement from public service and moving to Florida, I began a second career in banking so the Treasurer position was almost inevitable. I am grateful to the Ponce de Leon Squadron for the opportunity to serve in this position.

webpage updated 02/02/2012