Dear BLSC Members,

We’re just weeks away from having pleasant weather to sail. Mike Carron and Rich Harper have put together a racing and social calendar which is posted on the new BLSC website. We include the work days on the calendar and this year I have set some of our board meetings on an activity day at the club. Hopefully, for those of you who might be interested, this will provide you more convenient access to address the board on any issues which concern you. I would ask that you contact Rich Harper or me to be placed on the agenda if you wish to present an issue to the board. Our first work day is April 6 with our first race on April 7. The April board meeting will be at the club on April 6 following our work day and lunch.

The Board has set budget priorities for 2013 which include the completion of the waste pump out system and an initial phase of the landscaping plan discussed at our annual meeting in December. We are also replacing the toilets in the club house and the board has authorized me to purchase a bbq smoker.

I found one which had been used at a no longer in business, bbq restaurant in Lincoln. The smoker has a capacity to cook over 50 racks of ribs at a time so get ready for more club sponsored cookouts. I’m having a new jack installed on the trailer and a couple of tires replaced before I bring the smoker to the club. We have budgeted for safety items on the docks, life rings and fire extinguishers. These items are for your and your family and guests safety so please advise a board member if you notice one of these safety items missing, damaged or non- functional. Finally, we have budgeted for a sail folding area extension to dock 5 since we added several slips to that dock. This is presuming Corps approval of the modest addition.

Please remember to get your proof of liability insurance to Tom Unger to avoid becoming a “member not in good standing” and jeopardize your privileges at the club. If you own a boat 25ft or less, your homeowner’s policy may provide coverage and you would not have to purchase a separate policy for watercraft liability.

As I stated at my installation as Commodore at the December meeting, let’s live and play in peace as a sailing community at BLSC. While we all will not be close friends, we share a love of water, outdoors, boating and sailing and that shared interest should at least create some charity and goodwill in our treatment of fellow members. If you have issues with or are offended by a member’s conduct, please let me know, but also recognize that we are a social club and conduct is to be judged in that setting. However, no member or guest should have to tolerate aggression and vulgarity directed toward them or in their presence which to make their enjoyment of the club and its facilities uncomfortable.

I hope to get to know all better this coming year and trust my service as Commodore will be satisfactory to you. Let’s plan on having a great 2013 season. Your attendance is required if you are to enjoy the club.

See you at work day on April 6,

Joe Benson