1. Commodore's Report

Congratulations to our new Fleet Captain, Steve Weiss, and his first mate Jacquie. The “Mac and Cheese Cook-off” at Winslow was a success with Elin Storey winning with a really cheesy dish. Fourteen entrants competed and there were a few bruised egos among the other contestants (losers, I think Elin called us) but all the dishes were pretty much all gone by the end of dinner. I won’t be having mac & cheese for dinner for a while. Steve, thanks again, I’m looking forward to the other Fleet Captain’s events. Get them onto your calendar.

We’re in the midst of a Docks Inspection. We have a two man crew in a dinghy and others that move the boats around and record the data going under the docks to inspect the components of our docks. It is moving along very well and we’re over ½ done. We have had a great member turnout to help in the inspection. You get free breakfast at 8:00 AM if you work. We have found some areas that need attention. Waterfront Construction will repair the affected areas. We look like we’ll be within budget for these corrections. Thanks to all who helped with this and especially the dinghy crew that taps the wood with hammers, while lying on their backs, to check the soundness of the beams, knocking all the spiders down onto their heads.

I keep mentioning The Bilge Pump. This is one of the key ways we communicate with all of you and the last couple of issues were packed with upcoming events. Pick one and let’s have some fun.

For December we have “Breakfast with the Bridge” on the 4th, where you can come and have breakfast, we tell you about some of our projects and where you can ask questions, bring ideas to us and other members in a casual environment. New members, make it a point to come and meet your other club members and get a feel how your club works, also watch your Bilge Pump for news of the “New Member Orientation” after the first of the year.

I’m writing this article on Veterans’ Day and apologize to the veterans that I didn’t thank you for your service to our country at our club meeting last night. I shouldn’t need to be reminded of these things.

Hopefully you get this article in time for the Special People’s Holiday Cruise on the 5th, Captains’ Dinner on the 9th, Lighted Boat Parade on the 10th and 11th, Children’s Christmas Party on the 11th , Christmas on the 25th and all the other Holiday events. I can hear the music now (I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas is a favorite). Last but not least we have our New Year’s Eve Party with a twist (look for the announcement in this issue of The Bilge Pump).

Merry Christmas to all,
George Austin
Commodore