WINDWARD
Newsletter of the Owasco Yacht Club, Auburn, NY
| Volume 82, Issue 3 | Internet Edition | August 2008 |
Table of Contents
 
 
 
      
Click on Name to send e-mail.
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
 
     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.
Click on name to send e-mail.
 
 
     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!
Click on name to send e-mail.
  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
 
     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,
Click on name to send e-mail.
Click Here to See the Boat Lift Wait List
 
     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:
Click on name to send e-mail.
 
 
       No Article this Month
Suggestions,problems, ideas, Call me. 255-3662.
Click on name to send e-mail.
 
     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.
Click on names to send e-mail.
 
     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.
Click on names to send e-mail.
 
 
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. WE ARE WORKING ON THEM.
Click on name to send e-mail
 
 
 
        Nothing This Month
Click on name to send e-mail
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: 7/23/08