I cannot begin to tell you how fast the days fly by when you mark them by writing articles for the Binnacle. It would seem just as I lay my pen down its time to pick it back up again. Mind you I am not complaining. For those of us that are not retired the passing of Monday to Friday needs a bit of expediency as we contemplate what our weekend will bring. A funny anecdote by our Past Commodore Dick Coughlin was that he only knows its Sunday by the larger than normal newspaper in his driveway. So there goes the benefits of retirement; the lost sense of time.
July 4th weekend I found myself at the Tiki Bar during the party where I met a new member couple. We quickly discovered our common interests as we both work in government. The wife is an avid blogger (To write entries in, add material to, or maintain a weblog.) spending a good amount of time commenting on various subjects both locally and nationally. They come from
I don’t want too spend much time repeating what Vice Commodore McCoy mentioned but folks, animals are not permitted in the Tiki Bar, pool area or the Club House. I would rather not have to add “No Pets” signs next to the “No Smoking” signs we already have so please leave your pets at home. State law prohibits animals other than seeing-eye dogs or service dogs from being in a food establishment. One last thing about the pets, if you bring it in one of those cute little purse lookalike bags… yeah that’s not allowed either.
It was mentioned at our recent member assessment that there are members who would like to be more involved in the various committees we have. First let me list for you the various committees.
Executive Committee
This committee is composed of the Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore and the Immediate Past Commodore. This committee acts on behalf of the board in those times when decisions need to be made in between board meetings.
House Committee
This committee is responsible for general supervision of the clubhouse and club activities, establish policies and procedures and provide guidance to the Club Manager. In a nutshell they take care of the food and beverage part of the club.
The Vice Commodore chairs this committee along with his/her chosen committee members.
Docks and Fixed Property Committee
This committee is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the docks, clubhouse and all fixed properties of the Club.
The Rear Commodore chairs this committee along with his/her chosen committee members.
Finance Committee
This committee is responsible for advising the Board of Directors of the financial health of the club. They prepare budgets and oversee collections, investment of Club funds and bookkeeping.
The Treasurer chairs this committee along with his/her chosen committee members.
Credentials Committee
This committee is responsible for reviewing applications for potential members to our club as well as investigating complaints in regard to conduct of its members. The Commodore selects the chair for this committee who then selects four additional members.
Bylaws and Charter Committee
They are responsible for proposing changes to the Board of Directors to our bylaws and charter.
Entertainment Committee
They plan and execute the social activities for the club.
Yachting Committee
They plan all of the yachting and boating activities for the club.
Membership Committee
They are responsible for all things “member” including the membership list, introduction of new members, billing of dues, etc.
Planning Committee
They are the soothsayers of the club with a responsibility for seeing where our club wants to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. They make plans and offer suggestions to the Board of Directors for potential future projects.
Grievance Committee
This committee is the connection between staff, management and members. They address issues with employees according to our employee handbook.
Whew, until I wrote it all down I almost didn’t realize just how many committees we have. Okay so the big question is, “How do I get on a committee?” Well first identify which one you are interested in. Then speak up. How in the world would anybody know if you don’t ask?
Let me break it down for you.
House Committee, Rear Commodore Scott Gutauckis. With any luck I will be in charge of the House next year. If you want on the House Committee let me know. Qualifications are… well if you are reading this you are qualified. Actually you also have to be willing to have an opinion and be willing to state it.
Docks Committee, Secretary Bill Masters.
Finance Committee, Treasurer Patty Underwood
Credentials, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Bylaws, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Entertainment Committee, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Yachting Committee, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Membership Committee, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Planning Committee, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
Grievance Committee, Vice Commodore Lynn McCoy
I can tell you that we have been talking a lot lately of the lack of new faces on the committees. New faces breed new ideas. If you want to be on a committee you should be willing to offer input. Believe it or not you are encouraged to speak up!
Oh and if you look in your membership handbook you can of course find the contact info for each of the above mentioned people.
Now some of you are wondering about getting on the Board of Directors. Well, you are going to have to put some time into a couple of committees before you are likely to get on the board. So start with a committee or two and work your way up.
I think that’s it for this month. If I keep writing we will have to take out a loan to pay for the printing…
Till next month I bid thee farewell…