Commodore's Letter for June
John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963),
Speech given at
Welcome to the summer sailing season. While the lake level is high (1129.00) and more rains are predicted for this week, it hasn’t detracted from the popularity of the club. I saw many faces this past weekend, some who have not been seen for over a year. Welcome back to your sailing club.
Last Wednesday, the southern shore anchor on dock 5 broke free. The large hickory tree’s root system had become saturated under the high waters; it could hold no more! Compounded with a week of unseasonably strong southern winds, the tree was pulled out by the roots. Imagine the force. I want to offer my thanks to those who participated in mending the broken shore cable: Dave Vanselow, Bruce Smith, Mike Gray, Tom Jones, Bryan Carr, and my son Dominic who all worked well after dark to remove the old tree and find a suitable replacement. The dock was pushed back into place and secured. Unfortunately, the upright for the dock’s electrical system was ruined and will need to be replaced. Hopefully we can restore power to the dock quickly. On Saturday the tree was towed up the ramp and will be used for firewood.
Last Friday and Saturday, Bruce Smith, Jimmie White, Dominic Mangione, and several others, worked to create a fantastic outdoor shower enclosure. Made from aromatic cedar fencing and melding of Ozark and Yankee engineering, we have a great outdoor shower. It’s complete with a door, changing area, shelving, and pegs to hang clothing. On Sunday morning there was a steady stream (pun intended) of refreshed sailors who approved of the new shower. Great job guys! The cedar fencing will eventually continue for the length of the building. When the weather is nice, I want to encourage everyone to use the outdoor shower as that will save the club in waste water haul off fees.
Several “early birds” were up and cleaned the club’s pavilion and club house Sunday morning. Thank you! These members did a great job cleaning up and leading by example. If you have a few minute and see a trash can that is full, please take some time to empty the containers. It really is everyone’s job.
Ted Willis and company assembled our ice maker this weekend. With the addition of a bit of electricity we should have a working ice machine in the coming weeks. This is sure to be a plus at the club as the hot months of July and August are quickly approaching.
The Spring Sailing Series finished on a very windy Sunday afternoon; the results are posted on the web. With steady southerly winds around twenty five knots and occasional white knuckle gusts into the thirties, several boats started the race. There was some attrition primarily due to equipment failure. Congratulations to team Dreamer who after a dismal start to the season took the lead and never looked back. With 6 back to back wins, they clinched the title for Spring Series champs.
Summer Sailstice is on
July 5th will be our next official
event at the club.
On Saturday, with a skippers meeting at
In August, we’ll revive the Dive-In movie. Club member Mike Fagan from AV-Services has agreed to provide the sound system, projector, and screen. We’ll set up and have a movie on the ramp. Members can get a float and enjoy the movie while staying cool. Be sure to bring the kids as we’ll start the movies with a kid-friendly hit! For those who stay up late, we’ll have a moving with a sailing theme!
Many thanks for your support as commodore this year.
Mike
Commodores' Letter for April
First, the board of directors and
I would like to offer sincere thanks for those who participated
in the first of three work day events at
Here are some of the accomplishments completed by club members on Saturday. Several members worked on Dock 4 winches; the winches required removal from the docks and welding to insure that the cables moved freely.
Lots of general clean up items were accomplished including cleaning the kitchen in the pavilion, as you might imagine the refrigerator was particularly nasty and required cleaning. The sugar shack sparkles too!
A new electrical supply line was run from the club house to the pavilion; this insured a more reliable power supply for the pavilion. Also an additional outlet was added to assist boaters on the ramp with additional power.
We had two tractors working most of the day. They began working on some drainage problems at the switch backs and continued down to the club grounds. This insured that after the heavy spring rains we will have ameliorated some our run-off problems.
New mirrors were hung in the bathrooms of the club house in preparation for having the remaining fixtures installed. Toilets should be functioning soon.
The start of some terracing near the top of ramp and nearest to club house got off to a great start. Expect to see some flowers planted soon as we begin working on some landscaping issues around the club.
Several members worked much of the morning on dock ramp extensions. As most of the docks are pulled in as close to shore as possible, plywood ramps were built to help members get on the docks with dry feet. As in years past, the water may stay high for several months. These ramps will be very useful.
The new waste pump was mounted on the old committee boat becoming the “sugar boat”. It will eventually be moored.
The retaining wall below the dry storage lot has been finished and looks great.
It’s difficult to name everyone who helped on each project. Suffice it to say that you know who you are. Currently, Jimmie White is charged with the development and management of work day projects. He sends a special thank you to all that participated in this work day.
Members should see some “green” changes at the club. Using compact florescent bulbs is just the beginning to the club’s commitment to “go green”. The board of directors recently approved and purchased recycle bins. In the past we’ve only recycled aluminum. Moving forward we’ll begin recycling glass and plastics. As we see how this process is utilized we may expand.
As I mentioned in my previous
letter, the costs for waste haul off will be about $.20/gallon.
To offset this cost, the board of directors agreed to purchase a
grey water recovery system in the club house.
This system will collect, filter, and chlorinate grey
water from sinks and showers.
This water will be used to flush toilets.
This new system will be installed in the next few weeks.
Investing in
Next weekend, April 7th and 8th are going to be busy at the club. On Saturday morning we’ll have the “Swabmeet” a place to buy, trade, or sell your sailing or boating related items.
On Saturday afternoon, we’ll have the 1st Annual Commodore’s Chili cook off. The club will provide silverware, sample bowls, regular bowls, chili accompaniments like sour cream and cheddar cheese and beer.
The rules are simple. Any one can enter; all you have to do is make your favorite chili recipe. Make it hot, not, or in between. Be ready to serve around 3-4 in the afternoon. Everyone who attends will receive 5 votes; they get to choose how to spend their votes. First and second place prizes will be awarded.
Sunday we’ll have the second race in the Spring Series. Since the last race was called due to stormy weather, everyone can still get a fresh start for the season. Let’s race!
One more housekeeping issue, if
you celebrated the
Remember, you make
Commodore’s Letter for January
“There is
nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply
messing about in boats.” (Kenneth Graham, The Wind in the
Willows)
The conclusion
of holiday season for many sailors represents another “trip
around the sun”.
They pass like birthdays and anniversaries and mark the passage
of time. Although
time is a constant, the older I get the more it seems to pass
quickly. Our
lives are busy, double booked, with a constant barrage of to-do
lists, errands, and work schedules.
These make me look forward to peaceful days spent on the
lake in pursuit of relaxation and enjoyment.
As the weather begins to warm and melt the cold darkness
of winter, I would like to encourage you to mark your calendar
for time spent messing about in boats.
The Calendar of
events has been approved and published.
I would encourage you to watch the website for changes.
Among the many events scheduled for this year, we have
added some educational opportunities.
Tom Unger will be heading up the education committee for
2008. On
Many members
took the time to fill out the surveys before Christmas.
Many of you requested more social and education events.
On
The weather is finally cooling off and in a few weeks we’ll be reminiscing about all of those nice temps and balmy breezes that let us sail in comfort through September and October, but the club campfire and fall colors and autumn winds are also good reasons to come out to BLSC whenever you can.
As we recently held a board meeting in Fayetteville, a bit of an update is in order...
The clubhouse situation is looking up, with notice that the holding tanks for the septic/sanitation system are built and work should begin very soon. The HVAC compressor is installed and the electricity for that and for the new (new to us) ice maker will also soon be up and running ( thanks to Dave Midyett for finding this machine for us). Plans are to locate it under the clubhouse where ice will be made, then bagged and stored in the outside freezer for sale). Satellite TV (Direct, most likely) and WiFi will soon be installed as well. With any luck, the clubhouse will be ready for our Christmas Party.
The Christmas Party/Annual meeting. A committee consisting of Judi Walker, Myria Allen and Deborah Hartwell has been hard at work planning for this event. It will be held Saturday evening, December 8, at the BLSC clubhouse. A great catered meal with entree’
choices for everyone will be served. There will be decorations, music, door prizes, and a short annual business meeting. When you receive your invitation please RSVP along with your check, as last-minute reservations and walk-ins may not be able to be accommodated.
There are some 20 or so individual members who have not met their minimum workday requirements and who will be receiving a letter regarding that early in November. If you
have any question about this issue, please direct it to me, as this policy of requiring participation in a minimum of two workdays in 2007 we had five! or paying a facilities fee of $100. This has been well publicized throughout the year and the board stands firmly behind enforcement..
The board welcomes into the club, returning after years away in Washington, Tom and Connie Jones. Tom is one of the original members of the club. Please help me welcome them back on the active roll at BLSC. The couple sailed aboard Mike Green’s boat during the regatta recently and were treated to Seattle weather; they had a blast.
The board voted to approve a competitive bid for electric work to be done by Bert Jones Electric. This project will start immediately and install electricity to the new Dock Two. As time and money allow, additional projects will be completed to completely upgrade our electrical system and provide for future growth.
The board was pleased to approve by vote and announce that the proceeds from the NEBCO Regatta were such that BLSC was able to present a check for $4,500 to the firefighters of NEBCO. Thanks to all of our members who contributed or helped in making this event a great one, enabling us to increase the amount by $500 given to NEBCO (the previous two years the amounts were $4,000 each year).
If you ordered one of the BLSC logo polo shirts, they are in and available at the club from Vice Commodore Bryan Carr. Due to a mix-up with the supplier, only the steel-colored shirts are in the dry-mesh fabric, and the rest are in pima cotton. So, the steel shirts’ price remains at $20. However, the cotton shirts will be sold for $15 apiece. Extra shirts were ordered in three colors and in men’s and women’s sizes and styles Please pick up a couple of these good-looking shirts from Bryan.
In order to encourage more participation in our racing program, a no-pressure primer on racing starts and protocol, along with some hands-on demonstrations on the water, will be conducted Sunday, Oct. 21,at the club by the Race Committee and others about 10 a.m.. If you are interested in getting comfortable with "starts" and seeing racing tips and rules’ application in action. Please contact Bruce Smith, Jimmie White, Bryan Carr or Jay Havens or just show up. These guys are experienced racers who can help you get started racing, enjoying the thrill of sailing and your boat even more.
BLSC’s financial situation is excellent, with all bills paid. and money in the bank .thanks to
the prudent management by Treasurer Tom Unger and your board of directors.
The board encourages nominees for all positions in the officers/board election for 2008 (you’ll be receiving a ballot in early November). All regular members in good standing are eligible for nomination and we welcome anyone willing to volunteer for a spot on the board. This is a working board, with each member of it to be assigned a specific responsibility throughout his/her term. Write-in candidates are permitted on the ballot and you may submit a candidate’s name (with prior consent obtained from that individual) for the office of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer and two at-large board positions (who each will be assigned roles dealing with facilities/grounds/dock management) to any current officer or board member. The immediate past commodore automatically serves a one-year term on the board.
Last, but importantly, you will be receiving a mailing no later than the first week of November, containing the above-referenced ballot as well an invitation to the Christmas Party, .a Member’s Waiver form that we request that you sign and return to us for our files and, for those who did not meet the minimum workdays, a $100 facilities fee statement. Please cooperate in returning all requested forms, information and payments. If your contact information is out-of-date (phone, address, e-mail, etc.) please include correct that.
On the docks or on the water, around the campfire or at the pavilion.....we look forward to seeing you at your BLSC. Fair winds.
Another fantastic NEBCO Regatta is in the club’s log book, and a big thanks goes out to some members who helped make it all work: Bryan Carr….Brenda (and Megan) Taylor…Dawn Wall…Jay Havens and Lesa…Judi Walker….Steve (and Selena) Holland for the superb Low Country Boil…Jimmie and Sue White…Doon Muelbach and Jesse Johnson….and the guys from NEBCO and the fireboats. Plus, all of you who helped secure sponsors and door prizes…..and bought merchandise. Then, there was lots of participation in the regatta itself, with 27 boats registered…all of which helps the bottom line of our fundraising effort. Lisa Christian ----one fine musician and outstanding entertainer ---sang her heart out for (and with) the crew, far into the night. The new clubhouse got christened early (along with the new tables and chairs) as attendees dined comfortably, out of the rain and cold, inside. So far, without all of the receipts in, the proceeds from the regatta look solid, and we should be able to match the last several years’ donated amounts to NEBCO.
Dock Two is virtually completed, with the exception of the electric….and there should be some progress on that soon; it is our priority. Then we’ll move into implementing the various other objectives in our overall, club-wide master electric plan. A used ice machine has been purchased for the club, and should be operational in a couple of weeks, along with satellite tv to capture football games and weather. Plus, the old sugar shack is history, with the tank pumped out and then filled with crushed limestone (as required by the state health department)….and now the huge old smoker (which Steve Holland donated to the club) rests proudly where once the ss stood (we can do without any snide comments, in that regard). The ways has been cleared to install the septic/sanitation system and further work should begin on the installation of the holding tanks soon….followed by the finishing touches inside the clubhouse. Perhaps you noticed that the new ac/heat pump condenser has been installed, too…………more progress.
On a disappointing note, we had a SPARSE turnout for the Sept. 8th workday, traditionally our best attended and most labor-intensive workday of the year in preparation for the regatta. ‘Tis a shame that so many folks chose to let so few members do most of the work in readying the club for our one and only fundraising effort. If that sounds a bit “preachy”……you’ve got it! The club has grown too large, with too many regular chores and maintenance issues, to continue to depend on the same handful of loyal members carrying the load for the entire membership. Hence….the $100 facilities fee that will be charged in December for those who did not make at least two workdays this year. There’s a sizable number in that category. Unpaid facilities fees will be treated just as we treat unpaid dues.
But……there’s another opportunity this Saturday to make up one of the two missed workdays. Come on out, from 9 a.m. until the projects are completed (no later than 2 p.m.).
We have a few projects on the docket. Dress for the weather and the work (bring a weedeater, if you have one….chainsaw…..gloves, boots, etc.). No lunch served.
The only other way in which to get workday credit is to tackle an approved project to do on your own and have it done by the end of October ----contact me for information and an assigned project.
There are still a handful of the new-style BLSC hats available ($12 each)…and most sizes of the Jolly Beaver retro Ts at $10 each, plus a few club burgees at $15. For those of you who ordered the BLSC polo shirts, they are in and will be at the club Saturday for you to pick up: $20 each. There are a few extra in various sizes and ladies/mens’ styles and colors to be offered on a first-come-first-served basis, with all actual orders from members filled first.
Remember, also, that the second race of the fall series is this Sunday, September 23…..and make sure you have set aside Saturday evening, December 8, for the annual meeting/awards ceremony and club Christmas party in the new clubhouse. Judi Walker and Myria Allen are planning the festivities and will have more details later.
See you at the club…..on the docks….or on the water! Dv P.S. If you are interested in running for a position on the board, please let me know. We welcome all serious nominations for the election to be held later this fall.
Commodore's Corner September 1, 2007
SCUTTLEBUTT from
the Commodore - August/September
Your trusty board
has had several meetings since last I communicated. There is a lot of
action happening past and future at
The new Dock Two
is nearing completion, a bit later than all of us had hoped. There have
been some setbacks dealing with the dock company, but it should be
finished by Friday, August 31st.
The electric is another matter but that work will begin shortly
after Labor Day. This is part of an overall project to upgrade our
entire electrical system at the club.
Dock Two is our first priority.
Regarding the
clubhouse, the new HVAC system should be installed by the middle of
September in time for the regatta. There are new folding chairs and
tables in the clubhouse we should be able to offer some indoor dining.
Finishing the clubhouse is a major priority.
As many of you know the primary holdup is securing a permit for
installing the sanitation system. This must precede the finish plumbing,
kitchen installation, bathrooms and showers.
Hopefully you will see some progress in that regard very soon.
We’ll get there, and we WILL hold the Christmas Party there on
December 8th.
The plans for the
Sept. 15th NEBCO Regatta are finalized. You should have
received a copy of the registration brochure via mail. A number of
members are working hard to make it all happen successfully.
It’s going to be a downright fantastic event, with two fleets
sailing for honors, a Chef Steven-prepared Low Country Boil (with Gulf
shrimp personally escorted up here by Steve) the musical styling of Lisa
Christian; she is coming from South Florida to perform. For the regatta
winners we will have trophies, door prizes, a raffle, plus some suds,
and tons of fun.
It’s up to
you to make it all work ---so get some sponsors signed up and talk to
folks about donating to our door prize treasure chest (new condition,
value of at least $25, please) and, most importantly, register for the
regatta or ticket packages THYSELF.
Remember that the “value date” for discounted prices is Sept. 8th.
Vice Commodore Bryan Carr has designed a retro Jolly Beaver
souvenir tee-shirt and we will have some new
In preparation for
the regatta please remember that the last official workday of the year
is set for Saturday, Sept. 8th.
It is important that we have a big, hard-working turnout to get
the club spruced up for the regatta. That means that we expect YOU to
lend a hand.
Over the years
we’ve depended on a handful of loyal members to do the work and make the
repairs. While none of these members complain is not fair for them to
continue to carry the load. There is simply too much to do as the club
grows larger. This year, of course, we are requiring members to
participate in two of the three official workdays or be subject to a
$100 facilities fee at the end of the year.
I urge you to get your workday credits in just for the good of
the club we all enjoy so much.
Please bring hand tools,
power
tools, garden rakes arbor saws, chainsaws. Weed-eaters, a shovel,
pick, gloves and cleaning
supplies. Remember to
for
the weather and work, there are lots of weeds, rocks and insects, so
come prepared.
The club will
provide lunch and plenty of bottled water.
Five new
individuals/families have been approved for membership in the club:
Mike and Mary Gray, Lost Bridge Village, Ericson 25; Mike and
Martha Kaufman, Springdale, C&C Wave 26; Christy and Larry Wagner,
Cassville/Overland Park, KS; ; Farris and Tina Merritt,
Hunter 26.5; and
Debra Litle (former member, rejoining club).
Please welcome them aboard and help them out as a crew of members
did in rigging and launching a new member’s boat last Saturday. There
are also several other couples taking a close look at the club and
considering joining soon; they comment in visiting on the facilities we
have for boats and the clubhouse, Everyone is most impressed by the
friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
A couple of
housekeeping notes.
The
pavilion and club grounds is an ongoing problem and without each doing
his or her part it will not be solved.
Please keep the kitchen clean, including the grills and do not
leave perishable foods in the fridge.
Please let us know when essential supplies are low. Pick up and
recycle your aluminum cans. Line the trash cans and fasten lids securely
Turn out the lights, lock the doors, and secure the gate upon leaving.
A reminder, to sign
up at the pavilion if you want to use the club trailer/ramp Please limit
to a two week maximum on the ram.
Also remember it is important to courtesy call any members on the
list ahead of you.
Lately,
the ramp has been very busy.
Finally…..some important dates*: Sept. 1 – Arkansas Cup #3
Sept. 3 – Rambo Regatta
Sept. 8 – Workday (starts
Submitting your regatta registration at a discount.
Sept. 9 – Fall Series #1
Sept. 15 – NEBCO Regatta
Sept. 22 – Makeup workday opportunity-contact the
Commodore for specific assignments.
No lunch.
December 8 – Annual Meeting and Christmas Party
·
For further info, check out the website
or contact Bryan Carr or
As always your
board thanks you for your support of the club, and we look forward to
seeing you on the water, at the dock, or around the campfire.
And welcome your
input and suggestions.
Fair
winds!