Well, that time of the year is here. We put the boats away and try to think up other things to do until we can start boating again in the spring. But before we do that, though, there are four important things I need to tell you about: the Annual Meeting, dues billing, winter storage, and the Commodore's Ball.
The Annual Meeting will be a Zoom meeting, so please download the Zoom app to your computer, smartphone or tablet now to be ready. Look for the meeting link in the weekly email as well as in this newsletter. We will be voting on Board positions and hearing from incoming Commodore Richard Johnson. But most importantly, because the Bylaws require us to do it on the last Saturday of October at 7:00 pm, we will be doing it in costume because this year's annual meeting happens on Halloween! And in the era of the virus, this will be the best party available. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of costumes you all come up with. I plan on coming as Elvis.
October 31 is also the end of our fiscal year, and the Bylaws require us to bill for dues at the beginning of the new fiscal year, so you can expect to see those bills at the beginning of November. Dues will be the same as last year—$554 for the full price people. Under 40s and Under 30s as well as Juniors pay discounted rates. If you want, you can pay now and beat the rush. This can be done online, with a check, or even cash. And if you are wondering, about half of you are paying online, about half with a check, and just a couple with cash. We also bill the travel trailer moorage at that time and those fees are going up.
Winter storage begins on November 1. Port Captain Gordon Mattatall will be inspecting the grounds and any boats there on November 1 will be charged for winter storage, even if they are removed on November 2. Please remove all possible theft target items from your boat. It's a good idea to come out and check on your boats during the winter occasionally to make sure all is safe and secure. Bills for winter storage go out on December 1.
The Commodore's Ball is postponed indefinitely. We are hoping to have an event next year, as early as possible, so we can give out trophies and celebrate the Commodoreship of Rob Moline who has somehow managed to hold us all together in a year where there was little water, no regattas, and next to no social activities. Thank you, Rob, for doing such a great job.
I want to take a moment to thank all the volunteers, especially the committee chairs, who have put their time and energy into this year. EYC is an organization that runs on the efforts of its volunteers and without them we would be lost. I know most of you had your event postponed, which was sad, but next year has to be better.
Please be safe, everybody.