When I wrote my first column for the newsletter this year, I remember it was a January morning and I was looking out the window at a slight dusting of snow. The temperature was just above freezing and the world of boating was far from my mind. Today, I am fortunate to be sitting on the back of my boat in the EYC marina enjoying a beautiful sunny July morning. The lake is flat and peaceful and only about five cars in the parking lot. It still amazes me how under-utilized the club can be a times, or maybe it is just the rest period we all need after a very active month of June.
Speaking of June, a special thanks goes to this year’s directors of Sail School, June and Mike Chamberlin, as well as all the support staff that made for another successful year. We had 55 students attend—a handful of them were adults. Except for a visit from the local EMTs to treat a bee sting situation, an injured hand of a junior Instructor, and the capsizing of one of the DaySailers (I don’t think self-rescue was part of the DaySailer curriculum), it was pretty much smooth sailing.
It seems like a long time ago now but EYC was also home to two regattas in June: the Live on the Edge Multihull Regatta and Triton Yacht Club’s annual Emerald Cup, both of which seem to have ran smoothly. I personally know Emerald Cup was fun. Thanks to our own Rich Johnson and his race committee, we got in six races.
Before I knew it, July was here with the annual 4th of July event. Please give Stephanie Lunceford a big hand for chairing this year’s event. The day started off with stuff for the kids (face painting, dunk tank, and more), which was followed by the parade. Thanks to the mobile petting zoo wagon supplied by neighbor farmer Larry Bangs for a great float! At 5 o'clock Stephanie put out the burgers and hot dogs, and then we all waited until dusk for the highly anticipated and very fantastic fireworks display. Dave Brown and his crew of pyro technicians (Glen Hughes, John Ward, Rich Johnson, and Rich Aaring) set off the 30 minute show. You can see some really outstanding pictures posted by August Frank of the Register Guard (R-G) on Twitter. August is the same reporter that covered Sail School this year in the R-G. As a reminder, we split the cost of fireworks ($7800) three ways with Lane County and our next door neighbor, Tri-Pass Ski Club with each of us kicking in about a third of the cost. We appreciate having these two organzations as our firework partners. We wouldn't be able to put on such an amazing show without their help.
Another thing some members may not be aware of—and something that use to be a pain for all involved—is the disposal of the many returnable beverage containers that members and guests bring on the grounds. We have now deployed recycling receptacles where you can leave your returnable bottles. Most are near the garbage cans throughout the grounds. Our Club Host Dan Merritt picks up the bottles, sorts them and gives them to his brother who donates the deposit money to a local church that helps the homeless. I still occasional see bottles in the garbage cans, so please take just a little more time and use the “bottle and can” receptacles for items that have a returnable deposit.
Coming up soon is the deadline for 2016-17 work party obligations. July 31 is the official end of the EYC work party year, but this year our last scheduled work party will be Saturday, July 29. You need to contact Marji Clune to let her know you're coming so she can have projects prepared.
This year Amanda Walkup will be hosting the Concert by the Lake event on Sunday, August 6. from 4:00-8:00 pm. The music this year will be provided by The Traceys, a local band that blends a bit of Americana, Country Blues, and Bluegrass. They'll be playing from 5:00-7:00 pm. Remember this is a BYOF, so please bring your blanket or lawn chair and your favorite picnic food. You can find out more information on the band on their Facebook page or catch a sample of their music here.
As mentioned in my last column and as a follow up to the April general meeting, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am calling a special meeting to discuss the wave attenuation project on Saturday, August 19 at 9:00 am. This will be hosted by the Board of Directors and the Wave Attenuation Committee to answer question or concerns and listen to feedback from the general membership. The meeting will last about 2 hours. In preparation for the meeting, I invite you to take a look at the various documents related to the project that will be coming to you soon in a separate email. The protection of the docks affects us all—and will for years to come. I encourage all members to attend.
Best to you all,
Ted Walkup, Commodore