Our General membership is in the San Fernando Valley. Our monthly
meetings generally meet on the first Thursday of the month at Galpin Ford, 15555
Roscoe Blvd, North Hills CA at 1900 hours. Scroll down for further information:
United States
Power Squadrons ® (USPS ®) is a private, nonprofit, non-governmental, and non-military
organization of men, women and families who are socially compatible and
have a common love of recreational boating. There are no barriers to
membership on the grounds of gender, race, religion or ethnic
background. USPS is the largest non-profit safety Boating Organization,
founded in 1914 and comprises of some 60,000 members -
Valley Ho Power Squadron is one of the 18
squadrons in District 13 which is one of the 450 Districts comprising
the USPS. The
Squadron is unique in it's close, warm, and energetic camaraderie in
Boating Education and activities.
The USPS Educational Program is diverse and challenging. It offers to
the members the promise of greater enjoyment and safety in their own
boating activities. In addition, the Educational Program offers the
satisfaction of personal accomplishment, and the opportunity to share
with others the knowledge and skills the individual member has acquired.
If you are interested in learning more about USPS, please contact the
toll free national help line 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777). You can
also visit the USPS National web site at http://www.usps.org and you can
visit the FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") page in the USPS
national website at http://www.usps.org/u_stuff/FAQ.html
To find a public boating safety class near you, call 1-800-SEA-SKIL
(1-800-732-7545) What's the First Step?
Enroll in the standard eight-session USPS Boating Safety course or in
the accelerated two-session USPS Boat Smart course. Call (888) FOR USPS
for additional information and for locations and dates of classes near
you. These two offerings meet the boating safety education requirements
of both state and federal regulations.
Completion of either course immediately qualifies you for a significant
discount on your boat insurance. You will also be eligible to join the
United States Power Squadrons and become active in boating-related
activities and additional boating education courses. What Does Your USPS
Membership Mean?
Greater Boating Education, Families Together, Social Events, Community
Involvement, Cruises
Significant programs have been established and continue to be added to
make your USPS membership more beneficial to you. Your membership
in USPS makes you a part of the finest boating organization in the
world, and supports its important mission, that of Safe
Boating Through Education.
Sharing Boating Knowledge
Learn from our experienced instructors.
Advanced Grade, Elective, and Learning Guide materials are
continually updated to prepare our members for the 21st century.
Self-study courses are available on a variety of subjects.
A Network of Activities for You and Your Family
On the Water activities, cruises, rendezvous, sail races, fishing
derbies, and more.
For the relatively new boater - another boater with whom to cruise
Squadron social events, parties, picnics. Dinner dances, speakers
of interest.
Youth programs involve your children in boating. Giving Back to Your
Community
Joint programs with the Department of Natural Resources and the U. S.
Coast Guard.
Participation in various community projects. Boat Shows, National Safe
Boating Week.
Service to NOAA by providing revisions to existing charts through our
Cooperative Charting Program.
Marine Insurance
Most comprehensive boat insurance. Low rates with additional
discounts for educational achievements. Special claims
consideration. Personal attention. Call USPS Boat Insurance
Program at (800) 763-8777.
First USA Visa Card Low and competitive interest
rates. No annual fee.
Cash-back incentives to benefit your squadron. Call (800) FIRST
USA.
Port Captains Program Extensive listing of USPS members to
assist you in unfamiliar waters and cities.
USPS Publications
Timely and informative boating and USPS information received via The
Ensign® magazine. District and Squadron publications.
Federal Tax Exempt Status
501(c)(3) status allows personal tax deductions for selected USPS
expenses
for Squadron, District, and National participation.
Travel Discounts to National Meetings
· Airline discounts available through Delta and American.
· Auto rental discounts and upgrades available through Hertz and Alamo.
USPS Customer Service Center
Call (888) FOR USPS (367-8777) for all your USPS needs.
Knowledgeable and courteous staff to answer your questions and process
your requests.
USPS national web site http://www.usps.org.
USPS apparel and accessories available through Ship's Store.
VALLEY HO History
The birth of Valley Ho Power Squadron took place on January 2, 1959
in the form of a letter to eighty members of the San Fernando Power
Squadron living west of Balboa Boulevard. The motive appeared to be that
the San Fernando Squadron was getting too large and cumbersome to
effectively serve its membership. Therefore, a separate squadron seemed
justified.
A select committee was formed by the San Fernando Squadron to
investigate the establishment of an independent squadron. On May 18,
1960 a formation meeting held at the Canoga Park Masonic Lodge
petitioned the National Governing Board for a local Squadron charter.
At a dinner meeting on May 19, 1960, the first Bridge Officers were
elected: Frank Rider, N - Commander; Jack Adamson, JN - Lieutenant
Commander Executive Officer; Walt Allen, AP - Lieutenant Commander
Administrative Officer; Julio Eisenbruch, AP - Secretary; and Jesse
Haggerty - Treasurer. Jerry Harper, AP was elected to the Executive
Committee.
The name Valley Ho appears to have been originated by John Burks, N who
was inspired, no doubt, by the thought of a crewman, high above the
deck, in the crow’s nest first glimpsing the infant squadron and
crying.....”Valley Ho!”.
The Valley Ho Burgee was designed by Sig Woodjack, AP and accepted on
September 11, 1961. First flown by Jack Adamson, it had been
meticulously hand-sewn by Jeanne Adamson for its historic debut.
This original Burgee today resides in the memorabilia of the Squadron
and is prominently displayed at special events selected by the Squadron
Commander.
Updated: July 09, 2004
Copyright, 2002, Valley Ho Power Squadron
Created: 2-Apr-2002
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