As I write this first Commodore’s Corner, there are so many thoughts going through my mind: thoughts of those who voted me into office and how I can support them, thoughts of what I want for this club now and in the future. I’m excited about 2008 and want to give you a little insight into what my team and I have planned for you. Thanks to PC Kathy Younker and her team getting the business plan well underway, I plan to keep the budgets under control and hold more fund-raising activities, all while having loads of fun.

I was pleased with the turnout at the first meeting/BCS party ... not the game’s outcome, of course, but the party was fun. Over 80 of you pre-registered for the spaghetti dinner at Little Bear Village Golf Club and many more than that came for the meeting and the game. From what I’ve heard, the new venue pleased most everyone. Just as a reminder, we’ll be holding our General Membership meetings here in 2008. After shorter business meetings, we’ll have time for interesting programs that more folks may stick around for – even those who have long drives home! We already have several lined up, but I’ll let Program Chairman John Wargo elaborate in his articles during the year.

Jim Miles will be expounding on his new ideas for racing programs and his plans for improving the pontoon boat. Treasurer Jim Klein and Rear Commodore Mike Gray have begun working on the dock contracts and invoices; they will be mailed shortly. The two of them plan to work closely together throughout 2008 to keep the facility and club accounting reports up-to-date and accurate. Our new secretary Eileen Kolman has already released the minutes from our first meetings; they are being posted to the web site as I write this. I want you all to welcome Gordon Fowler as he moves from Vice Commodore to Freshman Trustee joining Trustees Jim Foreman and Tom Wehrung in the oversight of your club. By the way, Jim and Gordon have already begun work on this summer’s "Rock at the Dock" party. Should be loads of fun.

Debbie Dean has already started talking about new marketing programs she has in mind. Nancy Baker will retain the title Social Chairman; however, she no longer has time to run the Wednesday Night Red Cup Series Dinners, so will reserve her time for the larger club social events. If you’d like to help out, talk to Nancy about what it takes to run these dinner...she has them down to a science! We’d love to see more club members involved! Arbitration Chairman John Mason will also continue his work on the constitution and bylaws. New Risk Management Chairman Rosie McCormick is working with past chairman Bernie Marshall to get up to speed so she can continue Bernie’s excellent work in protecting the club and its assets. Monohull Chairman Christy Davis has already planned an "away sail" to the Cleveland Boat Show. It will be over by the time this is printed, but it sounds like 15-16 folks are going up for a day of dreaming. Multihull Chairman Jamie Diamond has already announced his regatta schedule and will work with Jim Miles on the smooth running of these great events. Because of my new commitments as your Commodore and my continuing obligations as your I-LYA delegate, Chris will be taking over my duties as PHRF Chairman.

We all know what a great job Tom Wehrung and Mary Varvarosky have done with the Adult and Youth Learn-to-Sail programs respectively. They are already planning fun and exciting events for these programs. Spring is not that far away! Unfortunately, this will be Mary’s last year running the Youth program. If you’re interested in getting involved or taking over in 2009, talk to her. She runs a great program and has smoothed out all the ruts, so taking over should be a pretty smooth transition! Melanie Ross is getting ready for the crazy renewal season and hopes to run a program that will bring more folks in and past members back. Brent O’Keeffe has agreed to continue working on “Making Waves,” the club’s monthly newsletter. Brian Ross will continue his excellent and long-time work as webmaster and TwoList monitor.

So some new faces, some who have been around a while. But they are all my team for 2008. We are all excited about working for you and look forward to a fantastic and fun 2008!

See you on the water!

Bob Sheppard
ACSA Commodore