| Volume 83, Issue 1 | Internet Edition | June 2009 |
Table of Contents

     As most of you know,in mid April I had emergency heart surgery.....aortal disection(John Ritter diagnosis). My aorta decided it wanted a vacation from my heart. I am ELATED to be here writing to you and welcoming you to another beautiful season at our Club. Thanks to the OYC Board who all stepped up to get this season up and running smoothly.and to all who visited,sent prayers and cards of encouragement. All APPRECIATED so very much. I am to make a complete recovery......a long one....I am about 85% now and having the most difficulty NOT multi-tasking and resting every couple of hours. I am making a quicker recovery than most patients but you will notice that I will need help with lifting and balance.So give the old gal a hand even if she refuses your help.She is stubborn.Nuf said!
     We have DAUT'S RESTAURANT doing our kitchen. How about that!! There will be major changes in how the kitchen is run to ensure success for Kevin and Bridgette. You will be informed in plenty of time of the changes .....make certain you know them as they are FIRM and we don't want you to be disappointed because you didn't reserve in time.Prices will be in a range so that all might attend... food will be simplier at times but of the HIGHEST QUALITY. Check it out...you won't be disappointed and proud to bring guests. We do need more new membership to keep up repairs and everyday running of OYC in a timely manner.
     Postings of events and new procedures will be in our YEARBOOK,on line, in the WINDWARD ,mailings, and Club postings. There is NO REASON to not know what is happening at the Club.Your Board realizes that communication is the Key.
     The Board has workrd all winter long to be certain that things will run smoothly this season.....it's work that takes many hours of planning,tracking people down, getting estimates,phoning,writing, e-mailing and snail mailing...we have a hard working group so give a thanks shout out when you see them.
     I am looking forward to an especially beautiful season with one and all working together for our Club. Ideas grately appreciately, as are volunteers.
As ever, Adele
See you on the Water,
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Available On Line Through Our Website-
Member Information Update Form (electronic submission)
Prospective Member Form (Paper form)
Private Party Reservation Form (Paper form)
Membership List & E-mail Links
Present & Past Issues of the "Windward".
Member password: xxxxxxxxx
Club Kitchen Phone # 252-7850
Club Pay Phone # 252-9927

     New members since late last summer were Frank and Deborah Netti and children, Bob Shaw, Pam and Brian Brundage and children, and Nikkia Borowski. We welcome them aboard and hope they have many years enjoyment at the Owasco Yacht Club.
On a less positive note we have had nine resignations and six requests for a leave of absence and there are seven members (as of June 10) who have not responded to repeat requests, to mailings, phone calls and emails. As most of you know dues were due by May 31. When we ask for the first half of dues or resignations by March 31 it is for a reason - so the Board can plan and budget accordingly. There are also other activities that your volunteer Board needs to do to be ready for the opening day in June and all we ask is that you help us do our job. The 2009 Handbook is a very big job to get ready for delivery at the opening party. It makes our job a lot easier when every member has paid his dues by May 31. Our membership stands at 184 (177 if we don’t hear from the seven members mentioned above). The ideal budget number is 200 so continue to inform your friends that there is space available to the best-kept secret on Owasco Lake.
Remember, the treasurer is responsible for maintaining an accurate membership list, including names, addresses, phone numbers and emails. I can only do that with your help. Please let me know when there have been additions to your family and when a son or daughter has left the nest. Since I very seldom receive word when a child is over 21 and has finished college I usually drop them after their 21st birthday. Also if you reach the age of a senior member please let me know, I have learned my lesson not to ask.
At the end of the summer I receive from the waterfront director a list of members who have had boats on shore, a rack, a mooring, or a trailer and I compare that with what I billed in the spring. I have no way of knowing if your boat was there the whole summer or just one day so please keep the waterfront director informed which boat is yours, when you placed it, and when you removed it.
After much delay the new seawall to the north of the mole was completed during the coldest days of the winter. The area was graded off with gravel just in time for spring cleanup. That project cost us $20,000. The gabion baskets that were there encroached on our neighbor by eleven feet. They had to be removed in the process of constructing the new wall. Also at spring cleanup nineteen of the twenty new picnic tables were completed under the direction of Tom Graber and his eager crew. That project cost almost $3,200 or, $160 per table.
Many times during the year members will ask “if the Club is tax exempt and can they make tax deductible gifts to the OYC?” The answer is no to both questions. The OYC is a non-profit corporation (IRS designation 501 (c) 7) and is not liable for income taxes but must pay property, school and sales taxes. The Club has to file a 990 form with the IRS each year in May. The form is open for public inspection and is available on the web under Guide Star. It usually takes about 3 or 4 months to appear on line. Prior years are also available. Hobie will post a copy on the Club web site. If you have any questions on the 990 form or any other Club financial information please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thanks for your help and have a super, happy and safe summer.
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     We’re lucky to have such a beautiful spot on Owasco Lake to call our own. But it doesn’t come without a lot of effort from many people. The Board of Directors has worked hard all winter making arrangements for upgrades, repairs and maintenance. The most significant was the long awaited repair of the seawall that was done in March. It was a huge undertaking but was much needed. The Club constitution and bylaws were slightly updated and approved at the annual meeting in December. Board members have spent many hours taking care of the accounting, tax affairs, and general fiscal well-being of the Club on our behalf, as well as finding a replacement to operate our kitchen.
     The fall and spring cleanup days were well attended and with a little combined effort, a lot was done. We now have 20 new picnic tables to go along with the new grills that were added last year. There are still many people who don’t participate in these events. Even if you can’t join us on the particular workday, there are always small jobs that you can contribute some time to. Just talk to any board member, and we’ll be happy to tell you how you can lend a hand.
     We’d like to welcome new board member and swimming area director, Laura Rieks. She’s getting her feet wet, literally and figuratively taking over the swimming program from Ellen Cotter. We welcome back Adele Keegan as Commodore. Due to some medical issues, she will be sharing some of her duties with Jim Kusche, the Commodore Elect. Jim Bye (yes, the guy who does the annual beer tasting) has joined the board as the new Social Director and will work with Joan Macholl and Adele to bring you a summer packed with entertainment and events for our enjoyment.
     As most of you know, another new addition is Daut’s Restaurant running our kitchen. We’re all looking forward to the great food and service the Dautrich family will be offering. The 2009 Member’s Handbook will have details on hours of operation as well as reservation information. We hope you’ll join us in patronizing Daut’s.
     I will continue to harass each individual or family membership to have a photo taken. It will be used for a membership photo ID book that will be left in the clubhouse for reference purposes. More than a third of you have participated (I admit some of you were shamed into saying yes), and I hope to increase that percentage this season.
     And speaking of photos, on a sad note my trusty camera was laid to rest in December after taking literally thousands of photos. But not to worry, Santa brought me a new one complete with a 4 GB memory card!
     So when you see us, please stop, smile and say formaggio!
Louise
 
 
 
Opening Day
Saturday, June 20th.
1st Ladies' Day
Wednesday, June 24th.
Friday Night Dinners Begin
June 26th.
First Brunch
June 28th.
Sailing Lessons Start
June 29th.
Fireworks and Deck Party
July 3rd.
Magical Mystery Tour Performing 7-10 PM
July 4th

     We have booked some great bands for the brunches and dinners at the club this season. there will be some impromptu events planed too so watch the bulletin boards for events. card tournaments, Yatzee tournament, beanbag horseshoes, golf outing, kids fishing day, biggest belly flopper contest (for all ages) maybe a night at the ballpark and a wine tour in the fall. . I am retiring on July 31st so you don't know when I may have something pop up at the club in august. Don't forget beer blast Sept 6th. we can always get some practice in for that before hand.
Your Social Diretor
Jim
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OYC Boatlift Wait List
Click Here to See the Boat Lift Wait List
     The new waterfront board in the breezeway by the grills will have a graphic for the boat owners,
and updates as the season goes on.
     Members wishing to use a club boat need to sign the boat out in the notebook across from the kitchen window and notify the lifeguards on duty. After using the boat, members need to check in with the lifeguards and sign the boat back in using the notebook.
     Personal identification for property left on the waterfront is important: Please label all of your belongings at the club! Personalized OYC stickers can be picked up on Opening Day before the dinner or by making arrangements with me. Stickers should be used to ID: boats, trailers, mooring balls, and hoists. Permanent magic marker should be used to ID shore skids, sailboat parts, and mast tubes with owner’s name and OYC.
     Mooring owners need to check their shackles for replacement above and below in spring/summer. Local divers can be contacted to dive on your bottom weight- chain connection to check its structural integrity– get it done before the waterweeds make it too hard to see down along the lakebed that has covered your weight with sand or muck. If your chain line is too heavy from zebra mussels, there is a diver for that. If your chain line is resting on the bottom and is being worn thin from sand abrasion and rust, there is a diver for that. All mooring owners should shorten their mooring chains as the water levels drop during the season so their boats will stay a safe distance away from neighboring boats.
     If you have boats, lifts, and other nautical items for sale, bring your notice and a tack and put it in the display case at the club. Do this by lifting the front Plexiglas back toward you. Members enjoying picnics or walks around the club will stop and look.
     I want to thank the club members who helped out with all the waterfront projects and upkeep this past season. I continue to need your support. To lend a hand, e-mail me or call me at 253-2935.
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Suggestions,problems, ideas, Call me. 255-3662.
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     It’s shaping up to be a great season for the swimming program at the club. We are fortunate enough to have all of our lifeguards from last year returning this summer. Preston Chaffee will continue his duties as head lifeguard. Also returning are Mallorie Dygert, Tiffany Kline, Chelsea Leone, Sean McNamara, Marissa Rescott, Kelsey Roe and Justin Sawran. We also have a few people, currently getting their certifications, interested in getting their “feet wet” and guarding part-time. The guards all have Lifeguard, Waterfront, CPR, and First Aid certifications, so they are on duty to assist members with injuries received anywhere on the grounds. Remember to thank them for all the work they do getting the swimming area ready before Opening Day.
Our guards will be on duty from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. during June (after the official Opening Day) and August and from 11:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. during July. Swimming lessons will be offered by a certified instructor/lifeguard for two weeks during the season as well; look for information and sign-up sheets in the Clubhouse.
     Please keep in mind that our guards are on duty for our swimming safety. All our swimmers must heed the warnings of the guards and follow Club rules as they are posted. Parents must accompany children under 12 years of age to the swimming area. There is no diving from the dock or the trampoline raft…the water is too shallow for safe diving. The number of swimmers allowed on the trampoline raft is up to the judgement of the guards, but we allow only two people to be bouncing at one time. Swimmers are not allowed to jump off either raft from the side farthest from the lifeguard chair; they’re not able to see swimmers in the water on that side. The guards will be taking mid-shift breaks as needed (one per shift) and will post a sign at the top of the stairs leading to the swimming area when they are not on duty. Swimming is not allowed when a lifeguard is not on duty.
     I’ve been nominated to take over the position of Swimming Director this year. After all of Ellen’s hard work and dedication in this position she deserves a break. (Although she’s still been busy as ever helping me along!) Our family joined last year and we enjoy every moment here…we live so close we can’t believe we didn’t do it sooner!
     I’m looking forward to another great summer at the club. If you have any concerns or questions during the year, please let me know. I can be reached by phone (729-1825) or email (llschramm1@gmail.com). Here’s hoping for a nice long, hot summer!
Best,
Laura
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     It won’t be long now. I went for a short sail Sunday in a very light breeze, perfect for getting the cobwebs out. The plan is to start the racing schedule Memorial weekend. It’s a little early this year so we don’t have much time to get those covers off.
     We are going to continue the same Sunday format as last year with the Flying Scot, multihull, and big boats classes. As it gets a little warmer it would be nice to re-incarnate the stained glass Laser trophy with some of those new laser owners we have. Wednesday night fun series will be begin June 3. Weds nights are some of the most fun times to sail I think. Everyone is always welcome for crew or your or a club boat.
     Bob Sloan is running the Sailing lessons again this year and from the responses last year I sure will be well attend. Adults evening sessions are also planned. Details will be posted on the web pages and in this newsletter so let Bob know about attendance early and give him a hand if you can.
Click Here For Lesson Information
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      We welcome Kevin and Bridgette Dautrich and staff to manage the kitchen this season. They are the owners of Daut's Restaurant at 10 East Genesee Street. The OYC kitchen will be open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday). Hours will be posted.
      There will be a special menu offered for Friday night dinners.
      The Opening Night Bufffet will be held on June 20th (5:30-7:00pm). The evening includes the traditional Blessing of the Boats by Father Jim Enright and music by the John Reilly Band (7-10pm). The menu and price will be posted.
      The Ladies Day Luncheons are on Wednesdays and are a popular event. Many find card games a favorite form of entertainment while others prefer to visit with members and guests. The weekly menu will be posted and reservations should be made by sign up sheet or phone.
      Please see the social calendar for other upcoming events. We look forward to an enjoyable season!
     
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      Unfortunately my second term as Building Director was not meant to be. Due to pending back surgery,
I am physically unable to fulfill my duties, and therefore, must resign. As of this writing (6/12/09) the position is vacant
and the club is looking for someone to replace me.
The Building Director oversees the maintenance and/or capitol improvements of all club-owned buildings. The job requires some knowledge of construction, the physical ability to perform some of the work and social networking to find and recruit member volunteers. For economical and liability reasons, the club emphasizes that maintenance and minor construction be performed using the talents and skills of member volunteers. However, in the case of projects that are beyond the ability of our members, or for safety reasons, the Building Director will seek bids from professional contractors.
If any member is interested in this position, please contact our Commodore or any board member.
I have enjoyed my time on the board and working on improving our club. I hope to see you all this summer at the many social events that OYC has scheduled. Have a good summer.
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Owasco Yacht Club Inc.
Yacht Club Lane
Auburn, NY 13021
Phone Editor:(315) 252-3949
To Email Editor:
Grammer and spelling errors are those of the individual authors.
Last Revision: 6/15/09