Flotilla member at home on water

By JEAN HAYES, Times Staff Writer
Published October 23, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Joanne Fessel serves as the public affairs officer for the Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 15-8. [Ron Thompson | Times]

How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

I've lived in Spring Hill for five years. I was raised on Long Island, in Farmingdale Nassau County, and raised my children on Long Island. My grandson was born here in the Sunshine State.

Who are your family members?

I have 28-year-old twins, Michael and Cheryl Graham, a 23-year-old daughter, Heather Graham, and a 4-year-old grandson, Jordan Alaimo. And of course, my husband, Dave Fessel. My parents are retired and live in Homosassa. One of my sisters lives in Tampa; the other one lives on Long Island. My husband and I have Jordan here in Florida while my daughter Heather and her fiance, who just moved back to New York, settle there. It will be very hard for me when he goes to New York permanently.

Tell us about your career.

Before moving to Florida, I worked for Consolidated Aircraft Supply in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. My real career was raising my three children as a single parent. The pay stinks, but the benefits are great.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

I am the public affairs officer for the Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. The auxiliary participates in all Coast Guard missions authorized by Congress, with the exception of direct law enforcement and military action. We conduct missions on the water, in the air and on land.

We conduct safety patrols and search and rescue missions on our waterways, assist the Coast Guard with Homeland Security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities.

We are always seeking new volunteers who want to contribute their talents in the areas of Web design, information technology, public affairs and many other administrative roles. Flotilla 15-8 is one of the largest flotillas on the west coast. Our safe-boating educators are excellent, and no matter how much you think you know about boating in Florida, all you need to do is take one class to realize that there is so much you still need to learn. I'm very proud to be part of this wonderful organization and also to represent our flotilla family as their public affairs officer.

Also, my parents are members of the West Citrus Elks Lodge, and I volunteer at some of their functions.

Do you have special hobbies?

I enjoy anything to do with the beach or my dad's boat up on Long Island. Our last trip on the boat was to Martha's Vineyard. We had two weeks of great weather and had a great time. I also enjoy restoring wooden boats, but don't have much time for that anymore. My grandson and my German shepherd, Sammy, keep me pretty busy. I also spend a lot of time helping my mom and dad at their home. Once Jordan leaves for New York permanently, I'll be looking to go back to work.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

My favorite thing to do in Hernando County is being with my friends from the flotilla and planning the special events that the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be represented in. I also like the restaurants and going to the movies. When I lived in Hernando Beach, we took the boat out a lot, but when we moved back to Spring Hill, we shipped our boat up to New York to "live" at my sister's summer home out in Greenport. My husband takes Jordan bowling on Sundays at Mariner Lanes.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

A TGI Friday's restaurant. I miss TGIF on Friday nights back home. And a mall, of course.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

I've been told I make the world's best chocolate chip cookies and mashed potatoes. I also send care packages to the soldiers overseas.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified October 22, 2007, 20:55:25]