Bilge Pump: March 2008
1. Commodore's Comments
Rites of Spring
Writing this on a gray day in February, it’s hard to imagine Spring just around the corner; but here it comes! I hope all of our members will come join in the fun events we have planned from here on out. Whether work or play, it’s all a fun way to get to know your fellow club members and refresh your association in our club. After all, why belong to a club if you don’t enjoy what it has to offer?
A Huge Thank You
Captain Bob Marcelynas and his lovely bride Steffie turned out one of the finest Sweetheart’s Dinner events in memory. They worked very hard to find the right balance of food and entertainment, while keep the cost affordable to our members. More than 80 people attended the dinner. Thanks also to Carol Soffel for her hard work on decorations and to the ever-surprising Office Manager Jonelle Lind for her help and artistic talents in making these events work so well.
We Are Smoking!
Thanks to Kruger Propeller and Captain Geving we now have the most whiz-bang full-sized meat smoker—the kind mounted on its own trailer. Kruger Propeller is a true friend of Queen City and worked out a deal with Dick that was impossible to pass by. We will be able to use this at both the instation and outstation. The unit should be here by the time you read this, and I am sure it will spawn the barbeque ribs and chicken battle as to who does them best.
Super Party
Speaking of best barbeque battles, we had a little taste of things to come when Captain Geving and P/C Dave Krows organized a Superbowl party. Since our new smoker was not yet available, Kruger Propeller came to the rescue and loaned us a junior model. Geving and Krows were mildly complementary of each other’s method of smoking ribs and chicken, qualifying their praise with suggested digestive aids. I was forced to try both and stayed as neutral as I could but have to admit I liked both the best. The rest of the feastings were pot-luck and pretty awesome, including Jess Hill’s ‘best in the world chili’. We had a good turnout and a lot of fun. Although he was unable to attend, P/C Montgomery won the big board at the end of the game.
Shaken Not Stirred
Again thanks to Scott and Tracy McPhee and your wonderful crew for the great Martini Madness party. Your creativity and hard work made this an absolute blast. The party was well attended—and by the way there was no dress code—I wore my Tropitini shirt.
Upcoming Fun Events
In March, we have the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner March 14, followed by the St. Patrick’s Cruise that weekend. At the General Membership meeting 26th, the Admirals and Admiralette from SYC will be on hand for our annual Opening Day visit. Be sure to make that event and get your Opening Day pin. April brings us the Tacoma Yacht Club Daffodil Festival, which is on the calendar as a Fleet Captains Cruise—make your reservations early; it’s always a great party—let’s make a QCYC presence known and support our fellow club.
New QCYC Website
Just a reminder, Kyle Bixby has developed an all new QCYC website which he will preview at the March 12 General Membership meeting. I hope you will come find out what it’s all about.
Technology
Chairman Craig Ranta and his crew have finished replacing the balky security computer. Captain Dick Geving is thrilled that he can now access the system from home—no more callouts in the dead of night.
Voting by Mail
A number of members have responded to my query whether we should allow members to vote by mail. A number have said yes, and an equal number have said no. The positions are: a) that all who pay should vote; and b) only those who attend meetings should vote. Security (voter fraud) was also raised as an issue, but that can be prevented. If anyone wants to develop this issue further, please contact bylaws chairman Scott Grimm for details on what is required.
Bill McGillin
Commodore
2. Vice Commodore's Report
Phase one of our dock inspection program took place in January and after careful analysis of the inspection findings, a triage of sorts was done to determine what work was most critical for our Dock Committee and Waterfront Construction to undertake in February and March. Weekends for Junior Officers can be busy with club and Grand 14 commitments, however, I was able to participate on one of the four inspection days. It is quite a process to witness and I was impressed with the level of thoroughness that each structural member was inspected. Despite being done in the midst of winter, it seemed that everyone who participated had a good time. The following members were involved with Phase One: John Strong, Jim McFadden, Steve Driscoll, Bill Conley, Alan Bender, Randy Jamerson, Tom Youngs, Rick Sweezey, John Alving, Pete Clarke, Dave Svendsen, Diede Janel, Randy Garvie, Kendal Hilden and Kathy Fish. Heading up the whole program is Art Mauldin, whose dedication and attention to detail made this all possible. We all owe him a hearty thank you!
On the third level of the clubhouse, the fireplace gas log was replaced. Thanks to our House Chair, Jim Damery, it now operates safely and flames are more visible. It’s too bad that the Commodore and Secretary block the view of the fireplace during the general meetings! Coffee drinkers don’t forget to contribute to the coffee fund. The donation can is located on the round table near the phone on the main level.
The second half of the spider eradication program will happen in March or April. Check the website for a specific date and further information. Mark you calendars for the Outstation work party on Saturday April 6th. This is really a fun event, and many members just ride the ferry and walk to the clubhouse. No special skills or tools are needed. Also, our Rear Commodore Ed Jennerich and Elaine, and Susie and I are planning the Queen City Yacht Club’s Junior Officers Ball, to be held Saturday May 31st. Grand 14 clubs take turns hosting Junior Officer’s Balls, and this happens to be our year to host one. The other clubs get to see what a great facility we have. More information will follow, but it should be noted that all of our members are encouraged to attend.
Finally, a By-law Amendment will be going to the members soon. The issues involved are deeper than they first appear on the surface. If passed, its consequences are long term and for the first time in nearly ninety-two years, it defines a decidedly different role for the bridge. Please consider its full ramifications.
Dale Roberts
Vice Commodore
3. Rear Commodore's Report
As winter slowly, very slowly eases into Spring we’ve begun to tackle some of our outdoor projects at the Mainstation. February 9th witnessed a very successful Winter Grounds Clean-up under the very capable leadership of Chair Linda Roehl, assisted by Joie and Denny Roehl. Thank you Linda, Joie and Denny. There were a total of 35 people who spent the morning weeding, planting and generally getting the grounds ship-shape. In addition to Linda, Joie and Denny, I’d like to thank Chris Benson, Laurie Castrow, Yvette and Walt Doolittle, Chuck Gould, Virginia Harris, Dianna Klineburger, P/C Dave Krows, Jan and Mark LaFountaine, Jim McFadden, Scott and Tracy McPhee, Robert and Pam Murphy, Irene Nelson, Jeff and Suellen Purvis, Susie Roberts, P/C Ron Rolstad, Tim and Nadeane Rutledge, Dave Svendsen, Richard Thymian, James van Wagenen, Jill Williams, Don Wilson, Tom Youngs. (My apologies if I’ve missed anyone). A special thanks goes to V/C Dale Roberts for helping me with the dumpster enclosure—the frame is complete and we’ll be completing the siding portion in the near future. I’m in the process of obtaining quotes for the chain-link gate portion of the project with a goal of having a much nicer appearance to our dumpster sites prior to Opening Day. If you were unable to help this time mark your calendars for the Pride of Queen City April 26 from 0830 – 1430 with a thank you dinner following at 1730. This is a great opportunity to help get the Clubhouse, grounds and docks looking great before Opening Day and to also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Club members.
The 2008 Seattle Boat Show is now history but in the process we made a little history of our own. Due to the efforts of Membership Chair Mark LaFountaine, QCYC had a physical presence at the Show. Thanks to NMTA, QCYC, along with other interested Clubs were given complimentary space for a booth in order to attract new members. We ended up sharing space with West Seattle and Edmonds Yacht Club. This opportunity was provided by NMTA at the last minute but, thanks to the hard work (and a lot of personal time) Mark was able to make it happen. We’ll hopefully have more lead time next year and we’re currently de-briefing on how to maximize our time and efforts for the 2009 Show. If you have any suggestions, please pass them along to Mark or me. I’d also like to give a big Thank You to Chuck Gould who inserted our membership brochures in the free copies of Nor’westing he distributed at the show. Let’s all keep working to attract new members – there are still 33 slots to fill!
The new security computer has been installed thanks to the efforts of Dick Geving and Craig Ranta. Thanks guys. This will prevent some of the problems we were having earlier this year and also provides remote access so Dick doesn’t have to get up in the middle of the night and drive to the Club to fix things. Dick is very happy about that! We’re also working on a few security upgrades to the Bar area.
As you can see, it takes many hands to keep the Club running smoothly. QCYC is fortunate to have so many members who step up to make this the great Club that it is! Thank you all.
Fair Winds,
Ed Jennerich
Rear Commodore
Children's Easter Party
Coastal Explorer Class
Another Coastal Explorer class will be held on Wed May 7th on the upper deck of the Clubhouse at 6:30 PM. It will again be taught by Jeff Hummel and will include all the info on the new upgrade. You can check it out yourself at
http://www.coastalexplorer.net/
You also can participate in the beta testing now underway.
Cooky's Corner
Someone asked me recently what is my favorite dish to make for a dinner party. This is definitely it. I got this recipe years ago from the Silver Palate cookbook and have made it many times. It is always wonderful and makes a spectacular party dish. It feeds a huge crowd and goes great with rice and a vegetable. You can serve it family style, just put everything on large platters and let everyone dig in. Another reason it is a great party dish is that you must put it together the day before, so there’s no rushing around at the last minute. Don’t leave out the prunes! They really make the dish.
Chicken Marbella
4 chickens, cut in pieces (like for frying)
1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
1/4 cup dried oregano
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup pitted dried prunes
1/2 cup pitted green olives
1/2 cup capers
6 bay leaves
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white wine
Combine everything but the brown sugar and wine in a big ziplock bag or a large dish and marinate overnight. This is essential. Place the ingredients of the bag or dish (do not drain) on a large baking pan and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Pour the wine over everything. Do not cover the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until chicken is done, basting and turning chicken over a time or two. When done, place chicken on large serving platter and pour what is left in the pan over the chicken to serve.
Bon appetit,
Shirley Renfrow
Fleet Captains Report
Greetings from the poop deck! The Bremerton Heavy Weather Cruise proved again our ability to walk away with any trophy even if we have to walk away with the trophy. Without a doubt, by audience reaction and laughter to our “Square Dance of the Burgees”, we won the hearts and minds for originality and humor. Sometime during the later festivities, however, a recent membership inductee into Bremerton Yacht Club absconded with the Rubber Clam Gun Trophy. Granted this individual is related to P/C Krows and may have some sentimental affinity for QCYC, his actions were without the authorization nor knowledge of the QCYC Bridge and/or it’s appointees. I would personally like to extend my sympathy to BYC, who are always gracious hosts and an asset to the boating community, for their loss. I do know that Hemingway(the alleged perpetrator) was severely traumatized by his abduction by members of BYC and may still harbor some ill will toward them. In fact he has declared a Baboon Jihad. Tensions have raised the war alert to DEFCON 3. Stay tuned for future developments. I suspect that this will peak at the Big Brother Cruise in June. As a side note, some nefarious individual replaced the BYC burgee on the top of their clubhouse mast with our burgee. Nice work CC!
Coming up shortly is the St. Patrick’s Day Cruise to Andrews Bay March 14th – 16th . Details are included in the enclosed flyer and will be posted around the club. Turn your Irish friends green with envy or invite them along. Erin-go-braugh. Less is not more!
April 18th – 20th we will cruise to Tacoma for the Daffodil Festival. TYC put on a show to beat the band so plan on attending.
Smooth sailing, happy bunkmates, and clear skies.
F/C Paul Grimm
House Report
A larger and newer First aid kit has been added to the galley across from the freezer, many more items to choose from for any type of injury. Also a new first aid kit has been installed in Cummins hall. The house committee has set up a house condition list posted next to the walk in refer. For listing any problem or condition that might occur in the house. So if a problem or condition exists please write it down. The house Comm. meets every Tues. to work off any problems. This way will help keep our club in good condition.
House Chairman
Jim Damery
In Memoriam
Knapp, Russell Harley 1922 - 2008
Captain Russ Knapp passed peacefully on Jan 30, 2008 at age 85. Russ was born Sep 5 1922 in Riverton, WA and grew up there, graduating from Foster High School. Russ and Kacey actually met when she was about 10 years old through their parents who often enjoyed social events at the Riverton Masonic Temple. Kacey remembers she first became aware of Russ when she noticed a shiny new bike parked on his porch and asked her parents who owned that! Russ’ Dad owned the local Ford dealership and also a Flying A gas station so his family always had a new Ford to drive but Russ drove his Model A cars through his college years. After high school, Russ worked for his Dad at the dealership and gas station and also drove a school bus route. He then went to work at Boeing in the drafting group for three years.
Russ served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 1944-1946 and was assigned to a cartography group because of his drafting experience. His unit mapped Europe through North Africa during for his three years of the war. He was discharged in June of 1947 and entered UW Engineering School that fall.
While Russ was in school at the UW, Kacey was teaching Jr. High Art classes in the Foster school district. Russ and Kacey were married in 1948 and lived in Burien where they started their family two years later with the birth of their daughter Gail. They moved to Normandy Park after their son Ted was born in 1953 and the birth of son Scott followed in two years.
After receiving a BS ME from University of Washington in just three years, Russ began a 33 year career with Boeing Military & Space. He worked various engineering jobs and as a program manager. Based primarily in Seattle, in 1964 Russ moved his family to Huntsville, AL to work on the Saturn V program as part of the Boeing team that helped design, build and provide systems management for NASA. The first manned Saturn V sent the Apollo 8 astronauts into orbit around the moon in Dec 1968. In July 1969, a Saturn V launched the crew of Apollo 11 to the first manned landing on the Moon!
After returning to Seattle in 1972, the family moved into a house in Gregory Heights. Russ worked on various Boeing programs and then was assigned to the Boeing Jetfoil program. Russ and Kathleen spent several years in Gerrard’s Cross near London selling the Jetfoil before his retirement from Boeing Marine Systems in 1984. Russ had a lot of good stories about his assignment in England that he shared with many of his QCYC friends.
In addition to Queen City YC, Russ and Kathleen have most recently been members of Glen Acres Golf Club. Russ was a Mason, an avid boater, private pilot, marksman, flying model builder and U.S. history buff. Foremost, Russ was a much beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Russ joined Queen City in 1982 and became a Life Member last year. Upon joining, Russ became an energetic participator in club activities especially after his retirement from Boeing in 1984. Over the years Russ served as Chair of the Grounds Committee for 2 years, Chair of Family Visitation for 4 years and advertising Committee Chair in 1997 ( Kacey served on the Memorial Fund Committee from 1994 – 1997). But having done all those jobs, Russ’ favorite activity at QCYC was his extraordinary interest in and participation in Predicted Log Racing! Al Smith has complete records taken from 100 predicted log contests for North Sound contests for the period from 1989 through 2003 and writes:
“Russ Knapp participated in 78 of those 100 contests. The record indicates he won the 1989 Rainier/Poulsbo race and the 2000 QCYC 1st of the Season. It also shows that he scored in the top 5 racers in 24 of those contests. Russ was a dedicated and skillful contestant, at least part of the reason being, I am sure, is because he was one of the most organized men I have ever known. It might also be noted that I have never known of a time that Kathleen did not accompany and participate with him in the racing. He was a long time good friend whom I will surely miss.” From 2004 through this past 2007 season, Russ & Kacey were avid contestants and were “honorary” winners of the 2005 Stimson, placed Second overall in the 2005 Filucy Bay race and Russ and Dick Timmerman won the 2006 NAI contest! From 1998, Russ was a member of our QCYC/SYC Challenge Race Team, or Racemaster, 8 times! We usually won the contest when Russ was on our team.
For the 2007 season, Russ and Kacey entered four (4) N. Sound contests, three (3) S. Sound contests and the ICR out of Anacortes. They finished 4th in the FOS, 5th in the Eagle Harbor and finished 9th Overall for IPBA North!
Russ & Kacey owned the “Karu” a 34’ Mainship for the entire time of his membership. After years of log racing, it is one of the most recognized boats on Puget Sound.
Russ is survived by Kacey, his beloved wife of 59 years; daughter Gail Merrick (James) of Stanwood; sons Edward (Ted) Knapp (Lanette) of Enumclaw & Scott Knapp (Debbie) of Mukilteo; 5 grandchildren: Dillon & Alex Merrick; Sarah Knapp; Randy & Teresa Knapp and Russ’ sister Phyllis Storvick of Normandy Park.
Ware, Ray 1916 – 2007
Captain Raymond "Ray" Ware, born July 3, 1916 in, Spokane, Washington passed away peacefully, October 28, 2007 in Seattle at age 91. Ray, the son of a military officer, grew up in many different regions of our country including Texas, Washington, Hawaii, and other states as his father was assigned.
After graduating from high school, he came back to live in Spokane where he worked as a federal employee of the CCC building federal projects such as National parks. It was in the CCC that Ray learned many of the trades that he worked in for much of his life, especially as an electrician. After the depression, Ray was married to his first wife and worked in Spokane as an electrician. They had two daughters and one son. In the fifties, Ray moved his family to Lake Forest Park.
In the Seattle area, Ray again worked as an electrician and eventually went to work at Boeing. Ray was a fifteen year employee of The Boeing Company as well as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 64 years. He retired from Boeing in 1978. He also belonged to the Lake City Elks for sixty three years and was a member of the Elks YC for several years.
After a divorce, Ray married his second wife Jan in the seventies and they became avid boaters.
Ray joined Queen City in 1980 and became a lifetime member. When he joined, Ray owned the “Jan Ray”, a 29’ Owens. He and Jan were active participants in the club and cruised many years to the San Juans, Gulf Islands and South Sound. Jan worked at the telephone company with a close friend Cathy Dahl who later would help Ray care for Jan after Jan was diagnosed and bedridden with cancer. Jan succumbed to cancer in 1985.
In 1986 Ray married Jan’s, and his, close friend Cathy. Cathy and Ray spent 21 years happily married. In 1988, Ray sold the Owens and bought “The Last Hurrah”, a 40’ Cruise-A-Home with twin 225 OMCs. Ray and Cathy would attend Opening Day weekend at Queen City where they spent great times with their many boating friends. They would then leave Seattle the week before Memorial Day on "The Last Hurrah" and cruise Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands returning the week after Labor Day. Their favorite cruising grounds were the south Puget Sound destinations including Tacoma, Olympia, Jarrell’s Cove and Fair Harbor Marina. Often they would spend several days or even weeks “home basing” at Winslow enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Queen City members. Having a car at the outstation, they would often take day trips to Kingston, Port Townsend, Sequim and other interesting destinations and visiting favorite restaurants.
Cathy remembers fondly the times out cruising when they would meet the Jim Bradys, Lloyd Vospers, Roy Gustafsons and Jack Dahlquists. Ray loved to work on boats and in the ‘90s replaced the engines and generator in the Last Hurrah. He had replaced the engines in the Brady’s “Tons of Fun” in the mid ‘80s so he was very knowledgeable Cruise-A-Home mechanic. He often helped other members with their boat projects.
Ray and Cathy enjoyed Friday lunches at the club and attended every Friday if at all possible. After Ray encountered health problems, Ray and Cathy donated the Last Hurrah to the American Cancer Society in 2006.
Ray is survived by Cathy his loving wife of 21 years, his nephew, Denny Behrend (Gayle) and a son and two daughters from a previous marriage.
Laughlin 2008: March 25-27
It’s that time again to begin planning our annual trip to Laughlin, NV! Mark your calendars…we’ll arrive on March 25 and depart on the 27th. For those of you who have attended this annual party you know what fun it is! For those of you that have never been you’re missing a terrific time! Laughlin isn’t just about gambling. It’s a chance to visit with our “snowbird” friends from California and Arizona and take in the sights! Laughlin offers boat rides,(both jet boats and paddle wheelers) ghost towns, tours to local dams and walks along the river. They also have a several golf courses and even a bowling alley! And gals, there’s an outlet mall right across the street from our hotel! Plus if you’re really adventuresome jet skis are available!
The only planned activity is a cocktail party each night at 5 PM in the Montgomery/Cooper’s room where we offer goodies to consume and spend our time talking about where we been, what we’ve seen and who the latest big winner (or loser?) is. There is a slight charge for the two nights of parties to cover the cost of the food. We have a raffle on the last night and wait til you see what we have for prizes!
This year we will be at the Aquarius Hotel again because they offer us the best party accommodations in the area! The cost per room this year is $27/night. Slightly higher than last year because the following weekend the rodeo is in town. (So if you want, you can stay around for that, too!)
To make reservations call the Aquarius Casino Resort
1-800 662 5825 and ask for Group Code C-QCY08
In order to receive the group rate all reservations must be booked by March 11, 2008.
For questions call Lynn & Kathy Montgomery at
206 276 7185
Or 206 437 3979 & Chuck & Dorothy Cooper
425 204 8828
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
