Marinas International Presents Two Scholarships in Cooperation with Two Statewide Marina Associations

November 28, 2012, Houston, TX – Two high school seniors from Kentucky and Tennessee recently received inaugural $1000 college scholarships funded by Marinas International and co-sponsored and promoted by their respective state marina associations. The presentations were made at the joint marina associations statewide annual conference earlier this month.

The inaugural “Gary Sharp Memorial Scholarship,” named in honor of former Kentucky Marina Association Board Member and Marinas International Manager Gary Sharp who passed away in 2009, was presented to Griffin D. Donaldson of Eddyville, KY.  Donaldson, a dockhand at Eddy Creek Marina the past two years, plans to attend Murray State University and major in elementary education/special education.

The “Reece Nash Scholarship,” named in honor of former Tennessee Marina Association Board Member Reece Nash, also deceased, was won by Logan A. Smith of Bristol, Tennessee. Smith, a dockhand at Laurel Marina & Yacht Club in Bristol, plans to attend East Tennessee State University and study computer engineering.

“The board of directors of both the Kentucky and Tennessee marina associations and Marinas International are very pleased to establish and present these annual scholarships to deserving students,” said Marinas International Vice President Mark Stafford, who envisioned and championed the scholarship program. “We were very pleased with our associations’ first year efforts, as well as with the quality and caliber of candidates. We are pleased to give back to our respective communities and to recognize the achievements of outstanding young people in these markets.”

The scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Candidates must either be an immediate family member (child or spouse) of the statewide marina association, or must be an immediate family member of an individual currently employed by a member in good standing of the respective association. Candidates are also judged on good work ethics, school attendance, civic and extracurricular activities and leadership skills; candidates each submitted 500-word essays detailing their interest in the marine industry.

“We look forward to continuing to build upon these programs and continuing our efforts to help support the educational programs for deserving students associated with our marina families,” said Stafford.

ABOUT KENTUCKY MARINA ASSOCIATION

The Kentucky Marina Association has gained recognition throughout the state as a spokesman for the marine industry. Since its inception in 1976, it has served to provide an organizational structure for owners and operators of marina enterprises who are helping to meet the public’s demand for recreational opportunities through private commercial recreation activities, services, facilities and areas. For more information, visit www.kentucky-marinas.com

ABOUT TENNESSEE MARINA ASSOCIATION

The Tennessee Marina Association works with sportsmen, boating and tourism organizations and with public, state and national organizations for the betterment of recreational boating. As a spokesman for the marina industry in Tennessee, TMA not only provides a strong voice for marina issues, but also provides and maintains an open line of communication between its membership and federal and state organizations in an effort to work together on issues of mutual interest. For more information, visit www.tennesseemarina.com

Mark Stafford (right) presents Griffin Donaldson (left) with the “Gary Sharp Memorial Scholarship”

New Jersey Marinas Survive Hurricane Sandy

Thanks to the immediate actions of the Marinas International Emergency Response Team following Hurricane Sandy, the Manasquan River Club and Crystal Point Marina facilities are open and operational. Although New Jersey has been in a state of emergency, we have been able to clear the tangle of boats and provide their owners access.

Manasquan River Club took the brunt of Hurricane Sandy, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of Marinas International staff the marina is operational again. In preparation for the hurricane, Brian Cosgrove (Marina Manager) and his team moved approximately 100 boats from the water to upland storage placing the boats on jack stands. Unfortunately, Sandy was stronger than expected. The 8’-10’ tidal surge came over the sea wall and knocked many of the boats off of their jack stands leaving large boat clusters and piles of debris all around the marina. The marina office was flooded with several feet of water and many of the docks were destroyed. Cosgrove stayed overnight at the marina to try to save what he could, wading through waist deep water to get to his truck where he spent the night.

Immediately following the storm, Marinas International Emergency Response Team was on site ready to work. Managing Partner Bob Faflik, and Vice President of Operations Gilbert Welch arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday to begin onsite cleanup, working alongside Brian and his staff. A 100 ton crane also arrived on site to help conquer the daunting task ahead of them. After several days of hard work, 102 boats which had been tossed about the yard, had been put back on their stands for customer and insurance inspection. Temporary office trailers will be onsite so that day-to-day operations can continue without further interruption. Prestige Yacht Sales, a tenant on the property, will also have temporary facilities to continue day-to-day functions.

We are open and ready to accept new members for winter storage at Manasquan River Club and will be rebuilt better than ever for next summer.

If you are having trouble communicating with one of the marinas please don’t hesitate to email us at info@marinasintl.com or call the number shown below.

Crystal Point Yacht Club & Manasquan River Club

Brian Cosgrove Mgr. 732-575-3818