Propeller Club of Paducah Announces 2022 Maritime Day Ceremony
Propeller Club of Paducah Announces 2022 Maritime Day Ceremony
Honoring the Maritime Person and Port Person of the Year, memorializing those who have lost their lives in maritime service, presenting two scholarships to local youth, and making a special donation for tornado relief efforts.
The International Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Paducah marks May 21, 2022, for this year’s Maritime Day Ceremony and Merchant Mariner Memorial.
Chartered on May 6, 1946, this organization supports and promotes the maritime industry and its allied industries across all ports and waterways of the United States. Locally, the Paducah Club serves the four-rivers region and has 151 members representing 78 associated businesses.
This year, the Club will recognize Chad Pregracke as Maritime Person of the Year. Mr. Pregracke is the founder and president of Living Lands & Waters, a 501(c)(3) environmental organization that was established in 1998. His vision has grown Living Lands & Waters to be a successful river cleanup organization serving hundreds of miles of river. Most recently his organization has been assisting with disaster relief efforts on Kentucky Lake after the destructive long-track tornado strew debris and trees upon the shoreline and waters.
Tim Cahill will be recognized as our Port Person of the Year. Mr. Cahill serves as the Executive Director for the Paducah-McCracken County Port Authority. The port’s capabilities include handling containerized, break-bulk, and bulk cargoes as well as storage and warehouse facilities. The port is currently serving an important role where construction of portions of the new Cumberland River bridge are taking place.
The Club will present a donation to the Community Foundation of West Kentucky. The $17,500 donation will be accepted by Tony Watkins, Executive Director of the Foundation. The Propeller Club of Paducah’s donation includes funds donated by individuals and other Propeller Club ports from around the nation.
The Club is happy to continue our scholarship program, and this year’s recipients are Madeline Yates (McCracken County High School) and Sidney Hubbard (Livingston Central High School). Each will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Scholarships are funded through hole sponsorships at the Club’s annual golf outing.
The final segment of the ceremony will be the Merchant Mariner Memorial. During this time, we will reflect upon and remember merchant mariners who lost their lives in service to the country and to the marine industry. A memorial wreath will be placed upon the Ohio river by local U. S. Coast Guard personnel, followed by the playing of Taps.
The Maritime Day proceedings will begin at 9:30 A.M. (Central) with social time (coffee and pastries provided) and a ceremony beginning at 10:00. The ceremony will be held at the Seamen’s Church Institute – Center for Maritime Education, 129 South Water Street, Paducah, Kentucky.