3. Rear Commodore's Report
Christmas is over and the New Year has sprung. We had a fun Lighted Boat Parade with snow blowing and adult beverages for everyone, then our real snowstorm creating chaos in Seattle. Thanks to the dock crew for keeping an eye on everything, I checked our boat a couple of times and tried to get some snow off before the next round but it was coming down faster than I could get it off. I saw a few tops and biminis that needed to be cleared. The covered boat slip roofs held with some concern that with the snow on them and if it were to rain then we may have had a problem (make sure your insurance is up to date).
On Jan 10th Steve Weiss, John Strong and I helped Art and his dock crew do some cleanup behind Cummings Hall. There were many years’ accumulation of wood, steel, plastic and concrete of all types and we filled the big dumpster. There is more to be disposed of so if you have a favorite item stored behind any of the buildings you need to contact Art about it ASAP. The Boat Show will have passed by the time you get this, so if you have a prospective member it will be time to have them come to the open house (see Chris Benson’s article).
Grounds – February 7th 2009 (already) we have our next grounds cleanup from 9:00 to 12:00 am. Bring your rubber boots, pants, gloves, rain hat and weed bucket. Schedule April 25th for the next Pride of Queen City cleanup and planting, we have a great turnout for this and new plantings and spring weather make this a popular event. Linda Roehl will be looking for commitments (email her at lroehl58@hotmail.com) so she can divide up the work. Our club looks terrific after all this work and by then we’re just a week away from Opening Day.
Security – P/C Grimm has been our security chief this fall and has been working with Rod Hilden for a change of watch. This occurred when Rod received the keys to the keys on Friday Jan. 9th. Rod has lots of new ideas, so make sure and talk to him about any concerns.
Membership – We have openings for 25 new members and the boat show will done by now and we will have an open house on Feb 21 for prospective members. Remember there is the yearend raffle for $1,000.00 for those who bring in new members. Remember our Vice Commodore’s famous saying, “the number one reason people don’t join an organization is that they aren’t asked;” so ask the prospects to join. Our outstation at Ganges is still in negotiation, The average cost per night is pretty high (it would help if all the boats who stay there would sign in, more nights logged means less cost per night, making the cost more palatable) and we need to have Winslow, Deer Harbor and Ganges to attract new members, give current members places to go and meet prospective new members. We are a first class organization. Be proud to fly your burgee and have fun boating.
George Austin
Rear Commodore
