Canadian Yachting December 2017 - 47

become an integral part of the Squadron or District and contribute a great deal to the well-being of CPS-ECP. Deborah
Churchill of the Avalon Squadron, Atlantic District, is one these
special people.
A long-time member of Avalon Squadron, Deborah has always dedicated a great deal of time and energy into CPS-ECP
and for the last eight years has been the Squadron's Educational
Officer organizing the courses, instructors, venues and a host of
other things all related to extending the outreach of CPS-ECP
into the local community of St. John's, Newfoundland. She has
also been active in the Atlantic District serving in several positions up to and including District Commander. Deborah has had
lots of National exposure as well as she is a past member of the
National Nominating Committee and the Editorial Committee.
Deborah is never shy about taking on more work!
Deborah continues to advocate for her Squadron at the Atlantic District level and is now the Secretary. As well, she takes
time to make sure that anyone seeking information about
CPS-ECP gets a prompt, courteous and informative reply to
their inquiry. Congratulations Deborah for a job very well
done and CPS-ECP is so much better for all your dedicated
efforts on so many fronts!
Deborah is pictured bottom of previous page with Cowan
Insurance Group Industry Leader, Programs & Associations,
Cathy Bisbee and Chief Commander Robert Pepin, AP.
Joseph Gatfield Leadership Award
At the 2015 National Conference this award was first given
out to P/C/C Joe Gatfield who had worked very hard in directing the change of course that CPS-ECP had undertaken
in streamlining its new governance structure. This was an
immense task and Joe certainly did a most wonderful job
then and remains a huge asset to CPS-ECP today.
So each year the National Executive Committee sets out to

present this award to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and continues to make long-lasting contributions to CPS-ECP. This year's recipient is Don Griffin, our
recently retired National Educational Officer, from North Shore
Power and Sail Squadron of the Pacific Mainland District.
I have followed Don's work for many years in the Educational Department and recently interviewed him in the
October 2016 edition of The Port Hole. In Don's interview
he expressed that he always felt drawn to the educational
department as "it was a good fit with what I do", and so
over his years with CPS-ECP Don took on more and more
responsibility and became our National Educational Officer
in the Fall of 2014. Don felt that this was his opportunity
to participate at the highest level of CPS-ECP and help steer
the ship into better educational waters.
With much determination and diplomacy Don did just that.
CPS-ECP online courses became a reality and there was a significant review and restructuring of all the courses to cater to
the new boater who wanted shorter courses and less time in
a classroom setting. Along with all of his Educational responsibilities Don also worked diligently with the other officers of
the National Executive Committee to ensure the continued
success of the recent board restructuring and had providing
input into our new website needs and wants.
At the Charlottetown Conference it was quite obvious
that Don was completely taken by surprise to hear his name
announced as the winner of this award, as this award is
determined only by the National Executive Committee of
which he is a part, which shows that even they can keep
a secret. Don received a warm standing ovation for all his
leadership and dedication and there were lots of smiles
around the room both in the audience and on all the faces
of the National Executive Committee. Congratulations Don!
- by R. John Garside, AP, Editor-in-Chief

www.canadianyachting.ca

THE PORT HOLE

Don Griffin received the Joe Gatfield Leadership Award. Pictured here with the 2016-2017 Executive Committee.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting December 2017