FLAGSHIP NIAGARA LEAGUE
ANNOUNCES FIVE-YEAR PORT AGREEMENT
WITH PUT-IN-BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AND CREATES TRAINEE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
SUPPORTING THE CADETS AT THE MARITIME
ACADEMY OF TOLEDO
Erie, PA – The Flagship Niagara League (FNL) is excited to announce a new partnership with The Put-In-Bay Chamber of Commerce. FNL and PIB Chamber of Commerce have inked a five-year port contract that will insure that The U.S. Brig Niagara will be sailing to PIB through the year 2020. This excludes 2017, when Niagara will be taking the season off for the mid-life refit. “Put In Bay is a natural fit into our history. We’re excited to have them as a port partner over the next five sailing season,” said Shawn Waskiewicz, Executive Director of FNL. Ty Winchester, President of PIB Chamber of Commerce, said, “We’re looking forward to our five-year partnership with The Flagship Niagara League and U.S. Brig Niagara on the third weekend of June through 2020. PIB celebrates our important shared maritime heritage that is manifested in the Niagara and its ongoing mission of education and sail training.”
FNL is also launching a $30,000 scholarship program; “Scholarship Trainee Cadet Fund for The Maritime Academy of Toledo.” FNL is contributing the first $10,000 for this program and will be looking for matching funds, private donors, and corporate partners to raise the other $20,000. This fund will pave the way for 20 cadets to go through a two-week trainee program in 2015.
The Maritime Academy of Toledo is one of the most unique and innovative tuition-free public schools in the country – integrating nautical/maritime themes and experiences across the curriculum to educate students in grades 5-12. Cadets are challenged to achieve academic excellence and develop leadership skills in preparation for college and the world of work. “We were thrilled to hear the news. This is a great opportunity for our cadets, who could never have done this program without the financial assistance of FNL,” said Thomas Shafer, Superintendent of The Maritime Academy of Toledo. William Sabatini, Captain of U.S. Brig Niagara, said, “On behalf of The Flagship Niagara League, I can’t wait to work with the cadets of The Maritime Academy of Toledo. They understand our program and it’s a natural fit into our mission.”
FNL is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit educational associate organization of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, chartered to facilitate citizen participation and operation of the U.S. Brig Niagara and its home port, Erie Maritime Museum. All proceeds benefit the Flagship Niagara League.
For more information on becoming a private donor or if your corporation is interested in sponsoring a cadet, please call Shawn Waskiewicz at 814-452-2744 x202 or email: shawnw@flagshipniagara.org.
Put-In-Bay Partners:
Blanca Stransky, Superintendent Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Larry Fletcher, Lake Erie Shores and Islands
Peter Huston, The Perry Group