September 2002 Newsletter
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Petit Manan Yacht Club
September 2002 Newsletter |
George Arey and Alan Krulisch made the tough call to cancel this year's Hemenway Regatta due to foggy conditions. Fortunately, PMYC members did not allow the weather to dampen their spirits. Alan Krulisch and Kathleen Hart hosted a wonderful hors d'oeurve potluck the afternoon of August 4th.
Wren McMains is developing a website for the Club. All internet users could access the first level and it would contain a general description of the club and current activities such as the new sailing school program. A restricted section would be accessed by members only and would contain the newsletter, pictures and other items of interest. Digital photos may be submitted by members. The restricted section would be accessed by a password. Suggestions are welcome. The password will be determined at a board meeting and distributed to members either at the Annual Meeting or through the newsletter.
Vice Commodore Jane Armstrong has been busy making contacts with members and community organizations to add some variety to our social gatherings. Although the Hemenway Regatta and Fall Canoe Trip have been cancelled, there are plenty of activities to keep PMYC members socializing into the Spring.
September 28th: Connie Greaves will host a potluck dinner beginning at 5:30pm. Please call Connie with your menu contributions. Directions
November 9th: John and LeeLee Schlegel will host a potluck dinner beginning at 5:30, at their home on Fickett's Point Rd in Milbridge. Please call LeeLee with your menu contributions. Directions
Eastport, October 12th (rain date October 13th): Jim Blankman's Fun Tour around Eastport. Includes historic places and "gossip that's ghostly or interesting". Jim will take the group to a picnic spot on the water where he puts on an extraordinary feed: hors d'oeuvres, roasted salsa chicken, potato salad, rolls and dessert--all homemade! Cost: $20pp. Call Jane or Glen Armstrong by October 4th to reserve your spot. Directions
Vice Commodores Glenn and Jane Armstrong have gratiously agreed to take on the arduous task of organizing volunteers. We have heard from many PMYC members willing to participate as volunteers, however they were never called to serve. Fortunately, the Armstrongs will now be responsible for coordinating volunteers. They have identified the following events where volunteers are needed (and greatly appreciated!):
Potluck events: Please consider hosting a potluck at your home for the next season (after July 2003). In addition to the potlucks, there may be a speaking opportunity as some of our PMYC members have interesting careers or have been to unusual places that would be of interest to us all following a potluck. The presentation doesn't have to be long. Plans are being made for the Spring potluck events.
Lobster Bake and Annual Meeting: This event requires volunteers for a multitude of activities: lobster, corn, steak and clam chefs; transporting and setting up picnic tables; and "general roust-a-bouts".
Waterfront: Volunteers needed in April or May 2003 to help put docks in and prepare the waterfront. The sailing school will also need helpful volunteers at the waterfront and at the school itself. Please call Deb and George Arey.
Call Glenn and Jane Armstrong if or when you feel the urge to help out.
I have been amazed by the excitement which the recent EdGE and Narraguagus High School programs have generated in the community.
The Sailing School is continuing its new community outreach program. Beginning September 16th, sailing instruction will be offered to students at the Narraguagus High School. This represents a significant departure from our previous years which limited such instruction to club members. Although the membership approved this new venture, it seems appropriate to give the members a deeper understanding of some of the issues involved. Operating the Sailing School requires the Club to consider the posibility of an accident occuring during the instruction. Currently, the Club has liability insurance to cover this possibility. The insurance is expensive and is a large part of our yearly budget ($2026.85 is the suggested premium). This has required the Board to carefully weigh the benefits versus the liabilities.
The program provides a formal way to learn to sail. Many members, their children and grandchildren desire to participate in this sport and it is a membership benefit consistant with our charter.
During the past year an unusual opportunity presented itself which will allow the Sailing School to become less costly to the Club and, at the same time, greatly benefit Washington County children. Through the Narraguagus High School (NHS), the Club has received a $6100 grant to help establish a sailing opportunity for NHS students. The $6100 will refurbish the Dragonflies (new sails and fittings).
Recent local newspaper reports have generated favorable publicity for the Club. This, however will require more volunteers and additional help from the members but the benefits appear to far outweigh the liabilities. We need to have your input. Let the Board members know how you feel and let's discuss the pros and cons. As a start, her are a few that we've identified:
Pros:
Cons:
George and Deb Arey were invited by Diane Tilton, head of Washington County Economic Development Council, to attend a meeting at UMM for those interested in developing a Marine Aquatic Sports Center (MASC) in Washington County. The MASC would include water sports such as sailing, kayaking and canoeing. This program would be similar to the program developed in Fort Kent and Aroostock County for biathalon skiing.
Program development must be fundamental and goal oriented. Sailing has Olympic potential as well as competitive potential for both highschool and college programs. The other advantages include introducing young people to a sport that develops leadership, team work and responsibility.
Although those attending the meeting were in favor of developing a MASC, there first must be a feasibility study to address funding and development. A future meeting is planned.
Vice Commodore Glenn Armstrong will review the materials presented to PMYC regarding the conditions, responsibilities and steps in becoming a charitable organization. The motion was made at the Annual Meeting and Lobster Bake to further research this subject prior to voting to move forward. Information will be summarized and presented to the membership prior to the next Annual Meeting.
Don Hensler reports that a total of 3 boats participated in the annual PMYC cruise to the West. Deb and George Arey (Morning Mist), Rosalind and Jack Areys (Montya), and Bev and Don Hensler (Guillemot) set sail on August 21st and returned August 30th.
The cruise visited such distant and exotic places as Pulpit Harbor, Mackerel Cove, Tenants Harbor, Perry Creek, Fox Island Thoroughfare, Burnt Island Passage, Somes Harbor, Dyer Bay, The Muscle Ridge Channel, and Eastern Harbor, among other attractions.
We are happy to report that the osprey family still lives in Perry Creek along with a heron family. Seals and porpoise were seen in the bay and it was especially satisfying to see guillemot families still thriving in Buckle Harbor.
The cruise also included a breakdown (Montya) and towing exercises (Morning Mist). She performed outstandingly. Perhaps additional details should be provided over cocktails!
A trip to the East is being planned for next year. Interested members should contact the Commodore with suggestions for places to visit.
An updated Membership list was included with the newsletter. It continues to be updated; the most current version can now be found in the Members Only section. Send any additions or corrections to
http://www.sunriseline.com/pmyc
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