Bilge Pump: October 2007
1. Commodore's Comments
It is an honor to serve the members of this Club. I hope that in the coming year, I can add something of value as the many Commodores preceding me back to 1916 have done.
The members who have agreed to fill vital roles on various committees this year deserve our thanks. You will improve the Club for all and have a good time doing it. The members who contributed their efforts this past year also deserve our thanks.
I want to thank Dale and Susie Roberts and Ed and Elaine Jennerich for stepping into their respective roles as Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore. Thanks to Eric Wood and John Rogers for sticking with it. The bridge members have committed to communicate with and support one another. They have my full confidence and we are going to be a great team.
Some people talk of a Commodore's legacy. I have been asked what I want my legacy to be. I prefer to think instead of the legacy of this club. I don't think of legacy as things bought or built. Those things wear out. In its 91 years, the club has changed locations several times and had different club facilities. But the club itself moved forward, grew and developed not on its physical assets, but on the positive attitude and spirit of its members. This club we enjoy today could only exist due to the willingness of past members to build things that would long outlive them and to plan for the future beyond their life spans. If they could see and sense the pulse of the club today, would they regard us favorably? And what of those members yet to come? Will they honor our memory, thanking us for what we build for their time? If as a result of our members' efforts this year, the answer to these questions is yes, that will be a legacy.
In selecting volunteers to head the various committees, I sought members who have a healthy positive outlook and a forward-looking sense of pride in our club. I believe we are blessed with volunteers who are not asking what they can get out of the club, but what they can give. Every person in this life can make a unique contribution. Having potential but not using it is not a life, or a moment, or an association well lived. It is my hope that more will come forward and share the rewards of involvement.
After our members' hard work creating this club comes the payoff. The yacht club is about FUN and we have a busy social year ahead. By the time you read this column Dave ("I guess buying the food qualifies me to be called event chairman") Krows and Dean Lentgis and his master band of Greek chefs will have pulled off a successful Past Commodores Friday night social. Chairman Al Reiche and Parade King Nick Castrow and many volunteers will have made a fun-filled First Annual Closing Day. October brings us the Commodore's Ball early in the month (it's really about the members) and the Scotch, Steak and Cigar event chaired by Mark Vanderwall towards the end of the month. November and December are packed with events as well. But wait, there's more! January brings "Martini Madness", February the Sweethearts Dinner and on and on. Fleet Captain Paul Grimm plans a number of great cruises by land and by water. The Queen City Players are likely cooking up a doozy for the Bremerton skit. These are just a few of the fun events.
A couple of minor changes on the business front. A number of members have asked me to close the bar during meetings so that more members will stay through the meetings. I am going to do this, closing the bar at 1945 hrs. The bar will not reopen until after the bell sounds at the closing of the meeting. Some will see that as a negative, some as a positive. For those who see it as a negative, the upside is that after the meeting, the first round is on the Commodore and each member then in attendance will get a chit for that round on their way out. I will also ask that no BYOB go on in the clubhouse during the meetings.
Next, WIN-WIN! Many have an idea about what's wrong with the Club. That is negative. So what can you propose to make it better? That's positive! Here is your chance. Propose an idea that will make the club better for you and improve the club (a WIN - WIN). Here's the deal: the idea has to be presented in writing and be complete, be legally permissible within the Club Bylaws and Rules (remember house alterations have to go through the process), explain why it is a winner for you and the club, and be financially feasible and approved by the Bridge. If your idea is adopted, you will get one free breakfast, lunch or dinner and the thanks of your fellow members.
Finally, oceans of gratitude to my wife Cammy Mowery. Without you, none of life would be this much fun.
Bill McGillin
Commodore
2. Vice Commodore's Report
I am honored to be your Vice Commodore this year, and with help from our Commodore, Rear Commodore, and the vast array of committees that make this club function, I am optimistic that I will carry out my duties as the past Vice Commodores have done for over ninety years.
One of my responsibilities as Vice Commodore is overseeing moorage. It is one of our club's most coveted benefits, and therefore, its operation is close to the heart of many, if not most of our members. Past Commodore Scott Grimm is our Moorage Chair this year and he has assembled many of last year’s committee members to serve this year as well. We will ensure that the moorage rules are adhered to with regards to slip assignments, wait lists and sub-assignments. The difficult question of "storage boats" will be revisited as well.
Queen City Yacht Club's docks are clearly an asset that is not only immensely valuable to current members, but it is an asset that needs to be protected to ensure that it remains in top condition for future generations to enjoy as we do now. Randy Garvie has agreed to be the Docks Chair and looks forward to working with his committee on various projects that are planned for this year. He has members that will be serving on his committee, but if you are looking for a way to serve your club, he can always use your help and expertise.
House is the third area that I am charged with overseeing, and I am truly blessed to have Jim Damery chairing this committee. As you probably know, his experience with House is very extensive, and I expect that he will make his job look effortless, but we all know how much he puts into any projects he gets involved with. If I was ever inclined to skydive out of an airplane, I would want Jimmy to pack my parachute! Another important part of House is the Club Manager, and Jess Hill will be duplicating the excellent job he did last year and I look forward helping him in any way that I can.
The final area that I am responsible for is Outstations. With Eric and Barbara Wood as the managers of the Winslow Outstation, we are in good hands. There are always projects in the planning stage or ready to be carried out, and volunteers are always welcome. One big project that will be undertaken this year will be rebuilding the “transverse” dock. While on the subject of Winslow, I would like to thank Diane and Terry Carlisle for the wonderful event they put on over Labor Day weekend. Everyone, including seventeen dogs, had a great time. Also, it was impressive to see at least a dozen Past Commodores enjoying the weekend.
Dale Roberts
Vice Commodore
3. Rear Commodore's Report
By the time you read this the Change of Watch will have occurred. I'd like to thank the membership for placing your confidence in me by electing me as your Rear Commodore. When I retired from university administration, I had expected to relax and go sailing as much as possible. However, when presented with the opportunity to give back to QCYC in such a meaningful way, I couldn't turn my back and I enthusiastically look forward to contributing whatever talents I have to the major challenges facing the club. Challenges also present us with opportunities and I trust the membership will constructively work with me in fulfilling my duties.
Speaking of my duties, the Rear Commodore is responsible for the areas of grounds, security and membership. I'm fortunate to have three very capable individuals assisting me. With regard to grounds, Linda Roehl has agreed to be our Grounds Chair. Linda brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to her role. I think it's fair to say that the club grounds have grown beyond our expectations this year! One of my goals is to find a long-term solution to the constant (and dangerous) north hill. I've already begun some very preliminary discussions with a landscape architect to identify solutions. Of more immediate concern, however, is the current state of the grounds. To that end, we are having a major grounds clean-up on September 22nd and I hope as many of the members as possible can help restore us to a landscape we can enjoy – come and spend as much time as you can. We need your help. Full details are on the web site and in the Bilge Pump. See you then!
Security is in the very capable hands of Dick Geving. Dick previously served as Security Chair so he knows the strengths and weakness of our current system and he's been helping me to get acclimated. Over the course of the year, we'll be making some upgrades which will improve our current security system and increase member safety throughout the club's property.
Mark LaFountaine has agreed to continue his fine work as Membership Chair. Obviously, it is vitally important that we continue to increase our membership in order to stay economically and socially viable as an organization. New members bring us new enthusiasm, ideas and personalities which keeps the club vibrant. Not to be crass, but new members also represent significant financial resources for the club. We currently have vacancies for approximately 30 new members. This represents $90,000 in initiation fees, not to mention annual dues for the length of their membership. This is a revenue stream area we should all strive to address – REMEMBER, the #1 reason people don't join organizations is that they're not asked to join! Please ask … and let's get back to our full membership of 400 active members!
On a personal note, Elaine and I are looking forward to meeting and socializing with as many members as possible. While we can't lay claim to knowing everyone at the club, we want to do our best to correct that situation. I'm looking forward to a productive year as Rear Commodore and I invite you to join me in doing our collective best to support our club, our officers, board members, committee chairs, social events, and yes, our work parties. I'm excited and looking forward to working with each of you as we start the New Year.
Fair winds,
Ed Jennerich
Rear Commodore
Bar Report
The bar was kept open for Friday Lunch through out the summer down time. Willie did well with the lunches and we did better than hoped at the bar. The new liquor license endorsement that allows us to have up to 40 non-club events with the bar open, has been a great success. More and more people are taking advantage of the endorsement and utilizing the bar rather than obtaining a Banquet Permit and scurrying around to get their own alcohol. The average bar bill for a party of 100 is approximately $650 to $700. If this sounds like a good way to go when you rent the third deck of the club, ask me about it. If you have special needs, we can also work with you on that. You can have a no host bar where we sell tickets as normal. Because non-club members will likely be in attendance, we are willing to sell single sheets of tickets and/or we will buy back any full sheet of tickets. If you have a host bar where you are footing the bill, we use a tally sheet. We place a tic under each price drink served and tally it up at the end of the night and invoice you.
Typically over the past couple of years Willie has ceased providing Sunday Brunch due to an apparent lack of interest. Last year Willie & I agreed that it would be interesting to provide Sunday Brunch during football season; with menus such as Eggs Benedict. What goes well with Eggs Benedict? Why a Bloody Mary of course. Therefore we also had the bar open and both Willie and the bar did fairly well. As a result, we have decided to do the same this year. Willie will serve Sunday Brunch through out football season from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The bar will be open during these times as well. Our thought in talking with members is that the bar will close at 1:00 because some members like to BYOB and watch the Seahawks. The bar cannot be open if BYOB is occurring and vice versa. If you would like to see the bar open for a longer period on Sunday, or if you would like to host a football party by bringing your own food or, having Willie prepare it, send me an e-mail and we can work out the details.
Questions and input are always welcome.
Thank you
Jess Hill
Club Manager
Closing Day
Commodores Ball
Cooky's Corner
If you’re looking for something new and different to serve as a side dish, try this quick and easy recipe. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and will even please your guests at a dinner party. Goes great with simple roasted chicken and a green salad. This serves about 4 people, can easily be doubled.
Artichoke Gratin
- 2 cans artichoke quartered artichoke hearts, drained (do not use the marinated artichokes that come in a jar)
- 1 can Italian style stewed tomatoes sprinkle of cayenne pepper
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spray a medium casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix drained artichoke hearts and the undrained tomatoes together in the dish. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper – just a little will do. Top with grated parmesan cheese and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese has melted.
Bon appetit,
Shirley Renfrow
Fishing Derby
The September 2007 QCYC fishing derby was again another successful weekend, with 10 boats and 24 fishermen and ladies. The winning fish 8lb 4oz was caught by Michael St Peters which was a guest of Dave Nelson.
I want to thank my wife, Donna and our son Phil and his wife Tina for putting on our Saturday night steak dinner, also want to thank Barbara and Sherry suggestion to fry up some remaining onions we had to go on the steaks, for the few that got some they were great. I also want to thank all who helped in the kitchen and with the clean up. We served 38 dinners.
There was a prize for everyone not only the fishermen and ladies but also for our entire dinner guest. Prizes were donated by the following advertisers and members, CSR Marine Inc., Yacht Performance, Jenson Boat Yard, Larson, Canal Pacific Fiber Glass, Boaters World, Fisheries Supply Inc., Queen City Plating(Richard Frisch), Wolfe Marine(Dave Nelson), Blanchard Auto(Bob Yates), Lynnwood Honda(Craig Joyner), Bellevue Vacuum (Bill & Sandi Clever), Ad Sign & Design, Ships Stores, Betty Anderson, Dennis Roehl, Stephanie Weiss, Tim Decook, Knudsen’s, Montgomery’s, Fleet Captain( Dick Storey) and the Damery’s . A special thanks to Tim Decook for all the weighing to help finalizing the outcome of the derby and also for all the help in the kitchen.
Congratulations Dave, you win!
We will be looking forward to you carrying on the 2008 fishing derby.
Jim Damery
Derby Chairman
Fleet Captains Report
The Fleet Captains would like to acknowledge all the fellow Queen City Yacht Club members who helped so much during our year. As any of the other event chairmen know there are countless hours spent before during and after the events to give the members of this club a reason to get the boat away from the dock, use our facilities, get acquainted with new members and proudly wave our burgee. This past year the position of Fleet Captain was shared by Captains’ Storey and Austin with most of the function preparation done by our 1st mates, Elin and Nancy.
Our cruises included Halloween where we decorated the outstation, had a pie making contest, made only a few small children cry, (thanks to Jim Hess as a Gorilla and Dan Wilshin as creepy raingear man).
The Apple Cup at Kingston Cove Yacht Club, with a great game and burger bash put on by the Kingston Yacht Club and a raffle with lots of great prizes as well as bagels and smoked salmon for breakfast on the dock.
Presidents Day where we found out, with a little game of Jeopardy, that even with the answers on the walls, our club doesn’t know much about our Presidents.
St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish dinner put on by Willie at the in-station and a huge raft in Andrews Bay with Jim Hess and Jess Hill grilling some terrific sandwiches, lots of green beer and wine and we really tested Bill Bresslers’ patience with 45 people on his boat during the raffle drawing.
The Big Brother Cruise with the Bremerton Clan, great burgers and lots of fun in the dingy poker run.
Last but certainly not least was our week long summer cruise with Oak Harbor Yacht Club giving us a great burger sendoff, a 22 boat raft in Blind Bay with beer and wine delivery to the raft and fun for all. We held the marina at Rosario hostage capturing all the slips on the dock with 28 boats. We fed 65 people a great champagne breakfast. The champagne was provided by the newlyweds Richard and Gayle Frisch, we served eggs cooked by George, Dick and Past Commodore Rich McCroskey, as well as fruit prepared by Heather and Andrea Schock and pastries from the Island Market picked up by Steve Weiss. The tables were decorated with quilts and flowers by MaryLouise Alving, Louis Stetner and Christine McCroskey The dock master at Rosario was a great help as we borrowed his car many times to secure the supplies for the various meals to be provided.
Next was Deer Harbor where we took over nearly all the slips on our dock and a few others. We had 38 boats and served 85 steaks on the dock. We had corn shuckers, potato cleaners and two great barbecuers—Tom Youngs and Rear Commodore Dale Roberts. We held our oyster, crab and clam feed on the dock at Deer Harbor as well, serving salad, garlic bread, 10 pounds of clams, 20 dozen oysters and crab provided by the fleet. The oysters and clams were secured by Howard Klock, Dan Wilshin, George and Dick—with a potential speed violation in Roach Harbor they traveled from Deer Harbor to Wescott Bay and had a great time doing it. Deer Harbor was lots of fun and some of you had a lost day at Deer Harbor as eye openers were served until nearly dinner—you know who you are. Lastly we traveled to Lopez Islander Resort where we continued to crab and had a great last night party at the restaurant with prime rib dinners and fun for all.
There were so many people who helped us during this very successful cruise and the year. We must mention a few, Commodore Yates and Crystal, Steve and Jackie Weiss, Dan and Marilyn Wilshin, Rear Commodore Roberts and Susie, and the Queen City Singers with a song written to celebrate our summer cruise by Christine McCroskey and performed by Misti Allison, Tamara Hillmann, Craig Ranta, Christine McCroskey and Andrea Schock.
Thanks to all who helped us have such a great year.
Captains Dick Storey and George Austin
Fleet Captains Summer Cruise
Enjoy a few photos
View more more photos from this event in the Photo Gallery
