1. Commodore's Report

October was a month for the newbies: new Rear Commodore Bob Stettner, Board Members Gordy Foote and Barb Wood, Planning and Finance member Mark Weiss and with them came our new budget for the year. We’re in good shape for 2010-2011. We will have the last section of the new Winslow dock in place around February/March and that’s the big ticket item for this year. P/C Doug Obrien was at the outstation recently and remarked how great the clubhouse and docks look. He was part of the crew that built it, so that’s a great compliment to our continued maintenance and vision as to its use.

At the first meeting in October the new commodore selects the Nominating Committee for the year. P/C Ed Jennerich and Board Chairman Tom Johnson automatically move into one of five positions and I select three. P/C Bob Yates, Barb Wood and Mark Vanderwall have accepted these positions. They will make an experienced and diverse committee. This committee will have the opportunity to select the next rear commodore and other openings during the year, so if you have any suggestions please contact one of these members.

November starts out the holiday season and our club will be in full swing. We won’t have a meeting on Nov. 24, as Willie will be in California. If you’re going to the Outstation there usually is a group that puts together a big meal. Barb Wood may be able to tell you who to contact. Our Fleet Capt. Cruise to the Tree Lighting in downtown Seattle is on the 26th, and please come and help decorate the clubhouse for Xmas on the 29th.

December we have Breakfast with the Bridge on the 4th, Special People’s Holiday Cruise on the 5th, Children’s Xmas party on the 11th, Lighted Boat Parade on the 10th and 11th, Xmas on the 25th (with lots of goodies in your stockings, Christmas music and family/friends together), removal of the Xmas decorations on the 28th and Dec. 31 a New Year’s Party (see flyer).

Secretary Eric Wood has agreed to head a committee to research outstations for the club. There are some opportunities and he will present these to Planning and Finance. Our existing Ganges lease will expire next spring and its cost and use is the inspiration for change. Thank you to Ron Dawson, who has previously chaired this position and will be working to provide Eric with the history of these leases. If you have suggestions please email Eric.

The theme for Opening Day 2011 is “Salish Sea” (the new name for Puget Sound and San Juans). Paul Grimm has agreed to assist someone who wants to chair the decorating committee for this event. He says the boat size greatly influences the effort required. I still chuckle about “Cows in Space” from last year. Dave and Michelle, how about this year?

For the “snow birds,” thanks to those who were so helpful this summer and we’ll be thinking of you when it’s cold and rainy up here.

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

George Austin
Commodore