 Commodore's Corner
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We just got done with the biggest “off water” weekend of the year, our Commodores Dinner on Saturday and Sunday’s Annual Stockholders meeting. They both went very well. However, I needed a couple of Motrin on Sunday afternoon and ended up in bed before the football game was over.
The Annual Stockholders meeting is mostly a discussion of the club’s fiscal position coupled with the election of officers for the following year; all business. On the other hand the Commodores Dinner is a great fun event, with a lot of yearly awards, gentle banter and laughs; all fun.
One is duty, one is enjoyment! I choose to write about the fun, go figure.
While from year to year, the cast of characters attending the dinner changes a little, there are always those friendly smiling faces and “usual suspects” enjoying themselves; gotta love it! Every year the Commodore has the impossible task of deciding who should get the Annual Awards. I took the easy way out and gave everyone who contributed above and beyond an award certificate. That by no means diminishes those award winners‘ contributions to our club’s success nor is it intended as a slight to those who chipped in a little!
This reminds me of one of several life lessons I learned in the Navy, most of which I don’t think appropriate for these pages. There is one lesson that comes to mind however that can be printed, and relates to the yacht club, it follows. In Dive School, during physical training, a squad of us would pick up a short but very heavy length of telephone pole, hold it over our heads and on command begin to pump the weight up and down, left to right. What I learned was, if only one man fell out, the rest of the squad struggled and in short order dropped the pole. Surely, this was meant to be not just physical strength exercise, it was a team builder for sure, that damn thing was heavy.
“Here he goes off on another tangent” you say and “how does this relate to our club,” you ask? Well, here’s how I see it. We are a club of volunteers and doers, some do more because they can and want to. However, everyone’s contribution to any need at the club is important. (That pole got really heavy)
I have had conversations with members who had ideas on how to improve some aspect of something we did. I always say “great idea” we can use your help to interweave that into the next … (whatever it is). Most of the time there is a positive response; every once in a great while not so positive. But that’s OK too at least the thought was there.
Example: at the Stockholders meeting a couple of folks thought there should be a long-term, environmentally sound plan for our waterfront. There is, but we keep putting it off due to the cost. I suggested to these member/stockholders that they become a part of the waterfront committee and work through the process to make recommendations and accomplish the task. After the meeting they both approached the Waterfront Committee chairman and volunteered their expertise; Great outcome!
RHYC needs both physical and thought volunteers! People say, “There is nothing new under the Sun,” but sometimes there might be. No one can think of everything.
I will leave you with this: it takes a lot of effort to run our club. Even an effort that you may think is too small, is not! Come on in the water is fine, everyone is included as much as you want to be.
Dawn and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Great Healthy and Joyous New Year. I look forward to seeing you all at the club (of course after my winter trip to a warmer climate.)
Lee Urbani
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The following members received the Sportsmanship Award:
Lance Williams Furthering Club Sailing at RHYC
John Maceilag Always being available to PRO a regatta
Sandy Sponar Promoting O/D sailing regattas
Joe Skinner The most successful Regatta season ever
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Commodore Urbani presenting the Sportsmanship award to John Macielag
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The following members received the Commodore Appreciation Award:
Mikey G. For his service to the club. First Employee to ever receive one.
Jack Deiss For always being in the background getting things done
John Carey For his hard work and dedication to fixing problems
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Commodore Urbani presenting the Commodore Appreciation award to Mikey G.
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Commodore Urbani presenting the Commodore Appreciation award to Jack Deiss
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The 75th Anniversary Award was presented to theThe RHYC Social Committee
Heather Byrne, Chair
Diane Atlas
Dawn Sutton/Divito
Marcia Deiss
Sara Gifford
Julie Reeves
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Commodore Urbani presented The 75th Anniversary Award to The RHYC Social Committee: Heather Byrne, Chair, Sara Gifford, Dawn Sutton/Divito, Julie Reeves, Marcia Deiss, and Diane Atlas (not pictured)
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RHYC Sailing School Awards
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The James S. Troutman Award 2014 was presented to Will Sunkler. This is a perpetual junior sailing award given at the RHYC Commodores Dinner. It is presented annually by the RHYCSS to the high point junior sailor with the most competitive spirit in CBYRA (Chesapeake Bay Area) regattas.
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Connie Ranney, Volunteer Director of the RHYCSS, presents The James S. Troutman Award 2014 to Will Sunkler
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The Mr. Chuck “Pull the tiller to you!” Award 2014 was presented to Noah Macielag. It is awarded annually by RHYCSS to the RHYC Sailing School Junior Sailor who shows the greatest potential or improvement in sailing for the summer.
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Connie Ranney, Volunteer Director of the RHYCSS, presents The Mr. Chuck "Pull the tiller to you!" Award 2014 to Noah Macielag.
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The Stradley Award – Achievement in Junior Sailing 2014 – was awarded to Kyle Mezrow in his absence. It is presented annually by RHYCSS to the junior advanced sailor that exhibits the most spirit and love of sailing. The Stradley is given to the sailor without winning 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their class, but who will be encouraged to continue sailing.
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Presentation of the feather by Gabrielle and Noah Macielag to Commodore Urbani. The feather is given annually from the Sailing School to the Commodore as a symbolic token of appreciation for the RHYC's continuing support of the RHYC Sailing School.
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The Commodore is seeking a volunteer to co-ordinate the club sail racing program. This program is for casual Sunday racing on approximately 8 dates during the summer. This program has been an important part of the tradition of the club and should be continued. If you have interest in working with this program please contact Commodore Lee.
Joe Skinner
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Regatta Committee 2015 Season
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The 2014 regatta season was a great success, and the best way to continue is to plan for 2015. This proposed schedule is for a full season of events for sailors and power boat drivers, both members and guests. Watch for further announcements and consider the opportunities available for volunteers.
Joe Skinner
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A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS!
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Wow! Has it really been a year since the Club’s current Social Committee came together?
What a fantastic year this has been, many hours of planning and work that made it full of fun and well worth it for the Social Committee members!
Speaking for those that have worked during the course of the year, we were very appreciative and I might add surprised upon receiving the YC’s 75th Anniversary Award from the Commodore at the Annual Commodores Dinner. Of course the year could not have happened without the support of the Commodore and of your entire Board; thank you!
Our Manger Mike and his staff were an integral part of this success, their cooperation and enthusiasm was outstanding as we worked as a team. Did you see those hors d’oeuvres at the Halloween Party, a ham and cream cheese skull, really? An additional thank you goes to members Debbi Campion, Susan Bowles, Ali Skinner, Kathy Molnar, Lisa Butler, Heather Ransom and Amy Manley for their help with some of the bigger events. Next time you’re at the club don’t forget to mention and receive your award, which was any beverage of your choice on the Commodore! Thank you to Dawn Urbani for her posts on face book.
But, most importantly without all of you, the members, who attended and supported these events and encouraged us with your positive feedback, we would not have had such a successful year. From all of us to all of you a very big thanks!
We look forward to your continued support in 2015 and an even bigger and better year.
A happy and healthy Holiday Season to all.
Sincerely
Heather Byrne, Julie Reeve, Sarah Gifford, Diane Atlas, Marcia Deiss and Dawn Sutton
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Upcoming Events
Holiday Cocktail Party
Saturday, December 13
6pm to 8pm
Seasonal Hors d’oeuvres
Poinsettia Cocktails
Members are asked to bring their favorite hors d’oeuvres to share.
Holiday headdress contest!
$12.00 per person
No Log Canoe Menu!
We will be collecting, for distribution to needy local families, NEW hats, gloves and scarves.
Please RSVP by 12 noon December 10th
Email social@rockhallyachtclub.org or
Call 410-639-2182
Last Club Night before Christmas
Friday, December 19
6pm
Log Canoe Menu
We will be collecting canned goods for Rock Hall Food Bank.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Holiday Cocktail Party - Saturday, December 13 at 6 pm
Last Club Night before Christmas - Friday, December 19 at 6 pm
Celebrate National Pie Day - Friday, January 23
Mardi Gras Party - Tuesday, February 17
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Attention Members - Save on 2015 Dues!
Pay your next year's dues by January 15, 2015 and receive a substantial discount on the cost. General membership for married couples is $700 until January 15, 2015 and then rises to $775. Individual Membership is $475 until January 15, 2015 and then rises to $525.
Checks may be sent to the club's PO box or paid at the bar by credit card or check.
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DONATE YOUR POWER or SAIL BOAT
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The RHYC Sailing School is a 501c3 educational public charity. Boat and related equipment donations help us to provide sailing scholarships for children and offset costs of new equipment and repairs. We provide a donation receipt. Contact rhycss@gmail.com or call 410-775-TACK.
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RHYC Sweatshirts FOR SALE!!!
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Rock Hall Yacht Club snuggly warm sweatshirts make great Holiday gifts. Order now - they take about 2 weeks to arrive. Don't miss out for the Holidays.
Small to XL $25.00 plus tax
XXL to XXXL $30.00 plus tax
Place your order at the club or contact Diane Atlas at merchandise@RockHallYachtClub.org
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RHYC HUNTERS
The Club has a new off-shore blind and an additional on-shore blind. Both are available to Club members for use during this year’s hunting seasons.
If you wish to reserve a date, Bill Bernhard will be keeping a calendar for the Club. For reservations, required qualifications, instruction or any other questions contact Bill Bernhard at hunting@rockhallyachtclub.org
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DECEMBER CLUB HOURS
Friday 4 - 9 pm
Saturday 12 - 8 pm
Sunday 12 - 5 pm
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Please remember to check your email for This Week at the club ... to get updates and specials. And don't forget our Facebook page, website and calendar!
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