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
