Article by Columns
Our local Ocean City Maryland US Coast Guard Auxiliary has partnered to create a coloring book to raise dock safety awareness in children. Auxiliarist Dan Collins was contacted by Mr. David Thomas, a grandfather who had lost his young grandson Noah as the result of a dock incident in Norfolk, VA. As an artist, David created the initial publication and was funding printing and distribution locally. Once Dan heard the story and David’s vision, he rallied behind him and coordinated with the local USCG Auxiliary to gain approval to print and distribute it broadly here. A couple samples pages are printed below.
Since the Auxiliary is a nonprofit and further restricted by its affiliation with the US Coast Guard, they need to secure grants, donations or other funding to finance the printing. Initially Dan reached out to Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza for help securing funds. She thought of the Ocean City Marlin Club Crew of OC as they are a 501(c)(3)public charity dedicated to the promotion of safe boating, fishing, conservation and the education of youth in those activities. Susan Seifert was the initial contact point and the Crew quickly came to support the idea, agreeing to fund $1,350 which should allow for over 1,000 books to be produced. Pictured here are auxiliarists Dan Collins and Maureen Hoffman accepting the donation from Marlin Club Crew of OC members Susan Seifert, Elaine Mott, Nancy Kalin, Jodi Danzi and club President Ryan Freese. They hope is that the publication will gain momentum and Coast Guard approvals to be distributed nationally.
