WINDWARD

Newsletter of the Owasco Yacht Club, Auburn, NY

Volume 82, Issue 3 Internet Edition August 2008

Table of Contents

  1. Commodore's Message
  2. Treasurer's Message
  3. Secretary's Message
  4. Social Activities
  5. Waterfront
  6. General Information
  7. Grounds
  8. Buildings
  9. Kitchen
  10. Swimming
  11. Sailing
  12. Upcoming Activities

From The Helm

By Peter Whiting

Commodore

 

 

 

      


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OYC Website-

                  www.owascoyachtclub.com

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


Purser’s Office

By Rich Knaul

Treasurer

       In the last newsletter I listed the new members from August 2007 through early June. Since that time Andy & Kathy Buck and children; Laura & Daryl Schramm-Rikes and children; Bill & Chris Long and grandson; Tom & Kelly Genkos and children; Christian Collela; and John & Tammy Flaherty and children have joined the Club. We welcome them aboard and hope that they have many years of enjoyment at the Owasco Yacht Club. With these new members our membership now stands at 192.
     I receive a number of calls from members wishing to propose a new member and I have to then relay the information to our secretary, Louise Wilson. Please give her a call if you have a prospective member. New member information can be found on our website or in the handbook. Please check the handbook for Louise’s phone number.
     I assume everyone has at least looked through the 2008 handbook. Thank Louise for sprucing up the inside and putting a copy of Janie Darovskikh’s artwork on the cover. Thanks Louise for a great job.
     For a number of years now we have not mailed out the handbook and chit to save money on postage. If you have not picked up your packet at the kitchen window please do so. As of July 17 there were 31 members who have not picked up packets.
     The Board makes every effort to keep the Club in “shipshape” condition. The driveway paving cost almost $12,000 and we have spent another $1500 in redecorating the Club House. Thanks to Jessie and all her volunteer help for their work in the Club House. We have a capital improvement plan that extends out at least 2 years so that we can prepare for big expenses like the paving. A potential big repair bill will be the seawall north of the mole. Some of our bigger expense items every year are: labor $16,000, taxes $29,000 and insurance $7,300 for a total budget of around $100,000. If anyone would like more financial information please feel free to call or email me.
     Not everyone got the word that my email address was changed to (right click on my name below and check properties).
     Enjoy the rest of the summer as it goes whizzing by. The Club is also a great place to spend a fall day. The bathrooms will be open until November 1 unless weather dictates otherwise.

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The Desk

of Louise Wilson

Secretary

       I’d like to say “welcome” to the new members I’ve had the pleasure of working with recently. As Club Secretary, I get to be one of the first officers to have contact with you. I’ve spoken to or emailed many of you, but we haven’t met personally – I hope we can change that.
     In the last Windward I wrote about trying to take a quick snapshot of each member or family. That process began at the opening dinner in June. To date, I’ve got snaps of about half of the Club membership. Many have asked what I’m going to do with the pictures. The plan is to make one “reference” book that will be left in the Clubhouse. It will have the snapshot and the name of the members. It won’t be given out, just left onsite to be used for identification purposes. Some people have jokingly said that we need to wear nametags so we know who everyone is. Obviously, that isn’t something we’d do, but having this booklet may help.
     If your photo hasn’t already been taken, look for the lady running around the club taking pictures. If it’s me, I’ll be happy to shoot you on the spot. (Only kidding). In some cases I may have found your photo in my vast archive of candid shots and used one for you. I know – you HATE having your picture taken. Most of us do, but do it for the good of the Club. And you know you’d probably be better off giving in than having me get creative with Photoshop!

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Upcoming Events

  Kidz Day August 2nd.

  Pre-Great Race Pasta Dinner Aug. 9th, 5:00-6:30 PM

  August Brunch, August 17th., 11:00-12:30

  Bye BYO Beer Blast, August 23rd., 2:00 - 5:00 PM

  August 30th. Juke Box Weekend

  Sept. 20th., After Season Gourmet Dinner


Lakeside Activities

By Jesse Kline and Joan Macholl

Social Directors

       The OYC social season opened with a bang! John Reilly Band gave a very strong performance playing lots of favorites. Father Enwright offered his annual Blessing of the Boats, sharing a heart-felt safety message, followed by the candle lighting ceremony and a moment of silence. Kendra prepared a delicious classic Cornell Chicken with tasty summer sides and fabulous desserts, getting the kitchen off to a great start for the season!
     July 3rd grilling on the deck went well, attendance was a little light since the day was full of rain, but it cleared up, the fireworks were a go, and spirits were high. On Sat. the 5th we revived the old pot-luck supper tradition. With anything "new" I was unsure about the response, but it was undoubtedly a success!
     We had an amazing array of salads and sides, plus meat entrees, and Mary Rita will speak more on that. (I personally would of liked a few more sweets! hint, hint) But, want to thank everyone that made a dish that night, and helped build on OYC's cooperative spirit. While I was on the food line, a member shared that OYC used to compile a cookbook of recipes, please let us know if there is any interest in doing that again.
     After dinner the band "Teenager," that is comprised of "30 somethings" Taylor Price, Terry Cuddy, Beth Cuddy, Theresa Walsh plus Auburn's most renowned rock star Donny Alger, gave an energized performance to round out the holiday weekend! They played 99% original tunes, with a few funny cover songs thrown in. The band dressed to fit OYC's theme, as Gilligan's Island crew with Skipper, Gilligan, the Professor, Ginger & Mary Ann- (My husband Greg and I kindly bowed out of the being the Howell's.) Teenager played for way more than a three-hour tour, and the crowd wanted more!
     The kids were dancing up a storm, right out in front of the band. The vibe was 2nd generation members, which was refreshing to see. We had lots of interest from new potential members that night, so all in all, it was a huge success. Other highlights of the night were celebrating Joanie's birthday, and a few other members' birthdays as well.
     July 13th the Club welcomed Bernard Sweetney, famous jazz musician, and close relative of dele's. He performed for our first Sunday brunch with Dick Howard on the drums. July 26th we welcome the return of Alibi, and “crazy hat night,” which is always popular.
     Thanks to Adele’s organization, Kidz Day is all set for Saturday, August 2nd from 3:30 - 5:30PM. The main event is “REPTILE MANIA” led by snake charmer Robert Felt, which will be followed by an ice cream sundae bar. OYC is asking $1 contribution per child to help defray event costs. Members may bring one guest, and parents must stay w/kiddos 7 years and under to help with supervision.
     August 9th in honor of Great Race weekend, there will be a traditional pasta dinner from 5 – 6:30PM, followed by the Magical Mystery Tour (formerly known as the Remnants) who will return with their Beatles favorites and more.
     The second brunch August 17th is marked by the popular return of Joe Whiting & Loren Barringer. Per Jim’s request, we bumped up Bye’s Beer Blast to August 23rd from 2 – 5PM as tradition; please bring a 6-pack of unique beer and a dish to pass (serving 6-8 pp). After the blast, the (band TBA) will return with their spirited jam band sound.
     Post season, on September 20th Kendra will prepare a gourmet dinner from 5:30 – 7:30PM, and members can bring their libation of choice to share- or not! During dinner Nicole Hoey will perform to add a bit more atmosphere to the event.
     Saturday evening entertainment runs from 7 - 10PM, with the exception of the Great Race event which is scheduled a bit earlier to accommodate those that actually compete! Sunday brunches run 11AM – 12:30PM with entertainment from 11:30AM - 2PM. As usual, look out for the reminder postcards with more details, or check the website.
     Please remember to sign-up for dinners, there are sheets on the buffet in the Clubhouse, or you can call the kitchen at 252-7850.
     Switching gears to the decor front, I created a lost and found box, in a nautical chest near the concessions window. If you are looking for items that were left behind, please check there, and also if you find items, please leave them in the box. The den is definitely being used now, so please make sure you and your children leave it in good condition for the next group to enjoy! Another nautical chest is there for games, books, and magazine storage.
     I'm happy to say, Phase I of the redecorating is complete, and Phase 2 will hopefully include installing a new tile floor, repainting the outside of the Club, and building a bar.
     My idea for the top of the bar’s surface is to create a collage of the OYC’s history, fond memories and members’ images. If you have special photos you would like to submit- copies only please- mail them to 165 Van Anden Street, or e-mail them to me by clicking on my name below.
     Feedback regarding Phase I has been extremely positive, I am happy to share! I've met many new people in the process, and want to thank everyone that has given the committee and I kudos. We really appreciate the compliments.

Thanks,


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OYC Boatlift Wait List

Click Here to See the Boat Lift Wait List


On The Waterfront

By Ralph Estrich

Waterfront Director

       Please use the sign out book for recreational club boat use. Please use the sign out book (across from kitchen window). Then report to the lifeguards before you leave and when you get back, and finally sign back in after the equipment is put back. An attached water proof whistle is a good safety precaution for all ages, the lifeguards control 3 whistles for club boat use.
     Please report any problems you have with personal property to Joanie, the Stewart, and to any of the 4 board members or the director specific to that area.

Tips and Reminders:

  • Visitors that ‘boat in’ to visit members are asked to leave their boats on
    the windward side of the North dock. Also be considerate of spacing when parking your boat.
  • When Parking for Events, be considerate of the members that trailer their
    boats by not parking in their assigned spots or in the launch ramp turnaround. This has
    been a problem for the last several events. This is a stated club policy. Any damage to
    the boater’s boat, trailer, or car is your fault not theirs if you chose to park incorrectly just to save steps.
  • Keep your boats clean weekly- inside and out. Shore craft owners should empty the
    water so mosquito larvae don’t grow in the rainwater.
  • Boaters and picnickers please leave the shore area cleaner than you found it.
    Yellow floats just off shore are for all members to rig or unrig their boats so as not to
    damage a neighbor’s boat. Beneath the float are lines to attach to your craft, also good for
    ‘parking’ your boat for a short time.
  • Bring and wear your life jackets!
  • Adults are to monitor their children using recreational club boats.
  • Rowboats at the North and South docks are only for use by boat owners with moored
    boats. These are not recreational club boats.
  • Please be willing to volunteer to help out club directors with a few minutes of your
    time even if you’re up there to relax.
  • Any questions or concerns you can call or email waterfront director from webpage links.

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    Grounds

    By Tom Graber

    Grounds Director

     

     

           No Article this Month

    Suggestions,problems, ideas, Call me. 255-3662.

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    Inside The Buoys

    By Ellen Cotter

    Swimming Director

           We’ve had such interesting weather this season, haven’t we? We all know these hot days are good for spending in, on, and next to water, but have you been treated to the magnificent display of an approaching thunderstorm? One recent evening a good strong one took its time coming in from the west, and the lightning show was fascinating. Long strong bolts were dropping down from the sky on the other side of the lake in twos and threes, and finally the wind picked up and sent us all scuttling into the safety of the Clubhouse. The rain came down in sheets for a few minutes, and water gushed from the roof. Then suddenly it was gone, and the sunset was peaking through what was left of the clouds. It can be breathtaking here sometimes.
         On a completely different note, you may have noticed a couple of changes in the swimming area. Our new lifeguard chair has arrived, and the lifeguards are pleased with it. The weed digester made its way along our shore recently and came into our swimming area, as well as along the north and south docks. (The driver of that monster is a real expert; he could drive that thing within inches of the end of the swim dock.) It’s good to get help with that job because it is one of the harder lifeguard responsibilities.
         A few reminders for swimmers: By order of the Board of Directors (and posted on the signs in the swimming area), (1) no flotation devices are allowed in the raft section. Swimmers must be competent and confident enough to be in the area without flotation. Please feel free to bring inner-tube-type flotation, swim noodles, and personal rafts into the shallow and middle sections. (2) Swimmers under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or mature designated caregiver when in the swimming area. (3) The maximum number of swimmers (of any size) allowed on the trampoline raft is 4; only 2 may be bouncing at a time. (4) Swimmers must heed the orders of the lifeguards.
         We will be losing a couple of our lifeguards in August to the beginnings of their college careers and other opportunties too good to pass up, so we will need another guard or two to take us through Labor Day. If you know people out there who are available and interested, please send them my way (255-0045 or click on my name below).
         One more thing: the hot box and the two sets of stairs are in need of staining when the official summer season ends. If you’re available to help with/do the job, please let either me or Joanie Macholl know. Remember: This Club is all of ours; we keep the dues affordable by doing a huge share of the work ourselves. If you were unable to contribute your share at the spring Clean-up Day, please step up. We need you.

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    Sailing

    Jim Kusche

    Sailing Directors

           Well its mid summer and everyone’s gone sailing, right? Actually, I think more people have gone this year than ever. Racing participation is down a little, especially on Weds evenings but the sailing lessons have more than made up for it. Bob Sloan and his helpers, Marty and Nancy Fefer, have done an excellent job with the kids’ lessons again this year. The Bob Sloan era has begun. Based upon interest, Bob added (4) adult evening sessions this year that just wrapped up. The adults learned to sail on the sunfish and many went out the first two nights on Jack Cavanaugh’s Capri 22, with trusty crew John Hogan. Unfortunately, the wind the last 2 nights didn’t cooperate for the Hobie 14s but we covered the setup and basic sailing techniques. All the sailors owe Gary Robertson a thank you for getting the Wells’ boats again this year. Based upon the large turnout the lessons would definitely have taken a hit this year if we didn’t have all the boats. I hope I got everyone, but from the list below you can tell it was a great success. Thank you Bob!
         Junior participants: Sasha and Sofia Darovskikh, Chrisy, Jim, Cath Macholl, Jacob, Matt, and Josh Whiting, David and Marissa (lifeguard) Rescott, Luke and Christian Colella, Ryan Coye, John Clay, Preston Chaffee (lifeguard), Mykala Moody, Mallorie Dygert, Kennedy and Laiken Wilson, Clay Murray, Tyler Mason, Brigid Cotter, Olivia Genkos. The young adults were Sam Chindamo, Ann Sloan, Zinc LaDouce, John Scullin, Judy Coye, Carol Henry, Jim Sigourney, Larry Liberatore, Margaret Murray, Don and Kathy Walawender, and Sue Alexander. I hope I got everyone!
         The Col. Peet July 4th regatta started out Fri with pretty light wind but we managed to get off 3 races. Sunday’s scheduled race to the buoy wasn’t possible due to NO wind and the postponement to the following Sunday tanked also due to the storms. We’ll finish it sometime.
         It’s great to see all the sailing activity from the lessons each year. Last year the activity seemed to continue thru the summer, now with some of the grownups getting familiar I hope to see some of you out there.

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    The Galley & Ship’s Store

    By Mary Rita Carnicelli

    Kitchen Director

     

     

     

    Galley

          The Home Page of the club website has Kitchen information available. The window menu can be found by clicking on to the picture showing catsup bottle,hot dog etc. The home page also lists the menu for a specific social event. It can be found on the Calendar Page Of Coming Events. Select and click on to the event date and the menu will appear if there is a special menu for that date.
          We had many positve comments about The Opening Night buffet, Blessing of the Boats by Fr.Jim Enright, The John Reilly Band, and The Fire Works and Deck Party. The Member Dish to PassParty offered a variety of several delicious and special dishes. Several members commented that they welcomed this event's return . July also featured a brunch with music by Bernard Sweetney and Richie Howard, as well as the Fjitas Buffet with the Alibi Band. The August Calendar food agenda looks interesting with a pasta dinner,brunch, and a dish to pass with the BYOB beer blast.

    Ships Store

          The Ship's Store has some news. Ginny Androsko will be overseeing the ordering of Club Logo Products and is planning a display area. Contact Ginny at 253.3803 for information to buy or order. Our present inventory is limited,however Ginny is planning to get the products on display. She has ideas and is excited to update and revitalize "the store".Thank you Ginny for stepping into this project.

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. WE ARE WORKING ON THEM.

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    Al

    Home Port

    By Al Kalicki

    Buildings Director

     

     

            Nothing This Month

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    Owasco Yacht Club Inc.

    Yacht Club Lane

    Auburn, NY 13021

    Phone Editor:(315) 252-3949

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    Grammer and spelling errors are those of the individual authors.

    Last Revision: 7/23/08