1. Commodore's Report
Happy New Year!
I have to take time to thank my wife Nancy for all the decorations she made and the party coordination for our New York, New York New Year’s Eve party. The New York Deli made authentic grilled sandwiches and several side dishes that appealed to old and young. We had dinner, danced, watched the ball drop at midnight, Eastern Time, with a glass of champagne and I was home in bed by 11:00. Your Vice Commodore was out with the late night crowd, Myers and Hills, watching the Space Needle fireworks till 1:30 AM on Lake Union. Don then helped to clean up at 9:30 while Judy tried to sleep in. It may have been their new dog, Guido, that got Don up. Thanks to all the decorators and attendees. I’m sorry we sold out and had to turn some of you away, so get your reservations in early next year. Don and Judy Wilson (your next Commodore) always have a good party.
Has anyone noticed that around Christmas there’s a big boat (Windy I) that seems to be bristling with lights? Well congratulations to Kent and Carol Soffel for the “Best Lighted Boat” award for the 4th time from Argosy Cruises. He says he’s working on more and more lights for next year, maybe another generator?
Our Fleet Captain took us to the Garage (when I was a kid this was a bad thing) where 32 bowlers and a few spectators laughed and cried over how really bad we are at bowling. It was great fun. Look for one of these events in The Bilge Pump, on-line or see the flyers posted around the clubhouse and attend. I know this is way early but get your name in on the summer cruise. I predict sunny skies and calm breeze (sorry sailors), good crabbing and fun on this cruise. Contact Steve Weiss.
The new recycled oil tank is here and usable. It’s only for used oil, no antifreeze, bilge water, gas etc. We placed it by the laundry room so it sits on concrete, and we’ll be able to see any spills. A reminder that all the parking lot drains by the water actually drain into the lake, so no pouring of anything into them. We have some filter material in these drains to catch dirt and debris, but please don’t pollute.
The Boat Show will be over by the time you get this but then we have an open house on Feb 19 to get the invitees to see our clubhouse and meet some members. Come and help greet these people who are looking for a great club to join. See Chris Benson’s article.
The Nominating Committee, consisting of P/C Ed Jennerich, Board Chair Tom Johnson, P/C Bob Yates, Board member Barb Wood and Captain Mark Vanderwall, are starting their quest for the new Rear Commodore and two Board positions. If you have some ideas give them to one of these members. They will go through the selection process and bring the names for your vote before we take our summer break. Look for the notice.
It’s early but Opening Day is coming. Salish Sea is the theme. Dave and Michelle Bedner have volunteered to let us decorate their boat again and Paul Grimm will help someone who has a great idea about decorating for this event. I have started to receive requests for moorage for special need boaters during this event and if you know you’ll be gone during this time please let us know.
We are going to be having Port Orchard Yacht Club use our in-station reciprocal dock on Memorial Day weekend. They had been going to Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club but that is a black-out date for them now and we’ll all be at Winslow that weekend.
Don’t forget the Sweethearts Dinner by the Bartons on Feb 12th and the Underground Tour by the Fleet Captain on Feb 19th.
If you haven’t been to a club meeting in a while we’re having entertainment at the second meeting of the month for the next few months plus there is discussion about the future 520 project, our electrical system work, other upcoming events and projects. You also can’t get a beer for $1.00 anywhere else and the bar needs your money (that’s what Andy says).
I look forward to seeing you.
George Austin
Commodore
