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ABOVE: Debra and her grandson, Eli, sailing on her boat the TEMPUS PUGET.
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Welcome Aboard, Debra Alderman
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We’re proud to announce that Debra Alderman will soon take the helm as the Executive Director of The Steamer Virginia V Foundation. Debra comes to us from the Washington State Medical Association, where she served as a physician society executive director and also managed the group’s associated non-profit foundations.
Debra will lead the staff and our volunteer corps, and work with our Board of Directors executing the Foundation’s missions of restoring, preserving, operating and interpreting VIRGINIA V. She’ll serve as the main contact and spokesperson for VIRGINIA V, as we seek to broaden regional and philanthropic awareness of the ship.
Throughout her career, Debra has been successful gaining support for organizations through non-profit grants, corporate donations and individual gifts. She has worked with a number of boards and organizations – helping them to set and achieve their goals. Debra has a master’s degree in education from Antioch University Seattle, with an emphasis on adult and informal education.
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In addition, she is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.
Debra has been an active member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for six years and is the Division Commander Elect for the organization’s programs and units in the greater Seattle area. As an Auxiliarist, she has served the last five years as Project Officer and lead interpretive guide at the Alki Point Lighthouse in West Seattle. Debra also has a diverse boating history, crewing upon and even owning a variety of classic boats. In addition, Debra is a member and supporter of a number of our neighbors at South Lake Union, including the Center for Wooden Boats, MOHAI and the MV Lotus.
About her new position, Debra says that she is “really looking forward to getting up every morning ready to share my love of maritime and northwest history with kindred spirits, and helping more people to discover and fall in love with the VIRGINIA V.” Debra's first official day will be January 2nd, 2020. As you see her around the office and ship, please join us in welcoming her aboard!
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ABOVE: The VIRGINIA V at Puget Sound Excursion Line's wharf looking East toward the Ballard bridge. The date is April 15, 1969 and the skinny fellow painting the name is your author of this caption, Keith Sternberg. The 1934 pilot house is unchanged since it was built by Lake Washington Shipyard, except for the recent addition of the varnished name board decorated with the house flag of Northwest Steamship Company, which had purchased Puget Sound Excursion Line (PSEL) in February of 1968. Radar has not yet been installed, nor VHF radio. The photo was taken by Chuck Thompson, photographer for the city engineering department, steam enthusiast, and occasional fireman on the VIRGINIA V. I was employed by PSEL from 1966 to 1972, starting as a fireman at $2 per hour and later as deckhand, quartermaster, mate, master, and general handy-man.
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January 10th: Chantey Sing. This group organized by the Northwest Seaport will charm you with their melodies and seafaring knowledge.
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