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Cat TalesDecember 2004 |
Rich Miller, Commodore
2004 is rapidly coming to a close and with it my year as Commodore of the club. We held the traditional passing of the flags at this year’s Christmas Party, and your new incoming Commodore, Al Lohman, and Vice Commodore, Pete Bruzik, will be taking the reins of the club in January.
I wanted to use this opportunity to thank my fellow officers for all of their hard work and dedication and their contributions to making this a great year for the CCYC. Al Lohman, Diane Benyus, and Mike Davis went the extra (nautical) mile to keep our ship of state on a perfect point of sail, and I appreciate all of their efforts. By extension, I should also thank Vicky Lohman, Rich Schatz, and Bev Davis for being a vital part of the team.
One person who works behind the scenes and always does a terrific job is Sue Dennison. As our historian and award-maker-in-residence, I wanted to thank her for her guidance in running the club and her creative work on the club awards this year!
Last but not least on the thank you’s, I would be in serious trouble if I left you out of my thanks, Claire, for your support and hard work. You have been a good sport as I’ve used our misadventures and experiences as creative inspiration for these columns over the past year. If you don’t throw me overboard before next summer, I’m looking forward to another year sailing with you!
Speaking of Christmas parties and awards, thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the holidays with us at Waite’s Landing. We shared in great food and drink, and we managed to get through the Christmas gift exchange game without mutiny or hostilities breaking out. Rod and Pat Waite opened their home port to the club and put on a tremendous party this year. Thanks for your hospitality. You can read all about this year’s awards inside.
I hope everyone is looking forward to another great year in 2005. We have had a great response to the call for membership renewals for next year, and it looks like the club is in great shape to sail into the new year. After a year in which we were introduced to such wonders as Jello shooters, potato pancakes, super anchors, yards of crumb cake, bugeyes, rum cake, Sunday brunch on the water, and members old and new, I can’t help but think that we can carry the momentum into next year. Keep those renewals coming in and let’s keep our club strong in 2005.
That’s all for now. We’ll look forward to seeing you on the Bay in ’05. Smooth sailing.
As Commodore Rich mentioned, we gave out the awards for 2004 at the Holiday Party. For those of you that missed the presentation, here's a recap:
Shadow Box and Key
Mike Davis. The key to our CCYC community for our most dedicated member.
Salty Dog
Gerry and Jeanne Helldorfer, for attending the most raft ups.
Super Rookie Sailors
Brian, Hsiao, Grant and Julia Smith. Our “Rookie of the Year Award” for first year members who contribute to the club.
Special Achievement Pin
Grant Smith, for his achievement sailing Chili Breeze to the Halloween Raft Up.
Bugeye Award
Pete Bruzik, part of the Swan Creek Survival Group, for breaking off the raft early.
Anchor Award
Mike Davis, for being the anchor boat at raft ups.
Hostess Pin
For Bev Davis, for being a gracious hostess at the events where Ayewash drops the anchor.
Dynamite Award
Gerry Helldorfer, in recognition of the “Big Anchor.”
Hostess Pin
Jeanne Helldorfer, for being a gracious hostess at the events where Ragtime drops the anchor.
Commodore Plaque
Rich Miller.
Vice Commodore Plaque
Al Lohman
Treasurer Picture
Diane Benyus
Secretary Picture
Mike Davis