Commodore’s Column

By Dan Carrico

Have you been having a fun year? We have. When Esther and I look back to the many good times, the events, cruises and just being with our fellow Corinthians, we are humbled by the love and dedication that so many give to make our club the fantastic place it is. The Corinthian has a spirit that is truly unique and it is all, and only, due to the eagerness of members to participate and volunteer on all levels. They have discovered that’s how to get the most out of their membership, more friends, etc. That’s how we improve our club.

In my first Telltale article I stated that one of my goals for the year was to have the most number of members ever invited to Member Appreciation Night. It was held last night. This favorite Corinthian event is for members who have volunteered their time for the club over the year in various ways. It was very well attended, in fact it was “standing room only” with over 160 invitations sent. If you are one of the few who didn’t get an invitation, we would like to see you there next year. Thank you to everyone who has helped the Club and us, personally, this year. It is you that are the ones responsible for making this the great year it was.

The Reconstruction Fund Study I mentioned in my July article has been completed through the very professional efforts of our Facilities Planning Committee, Port Captain and Finance Committee with the support of the Board and Flag. It is a fine piece of work. Out of its conclusion came a recommendation from the Finance Committee that the Board apply 100 percent of the recent dues increase to provide for future reconstruction fund projects. Your Board unanimously approved this recommendation. Further work is ongoing to prioritize the many projects that are contemplated.

The Board and I continue to work with the Harbor Committee and Port Captain to bring about changes in administration that will improve their ability to remove “wet and dry storage” boats. I have never had such a positive and unexpectedly large response from members to an article I recently wrote reflecting the Board’s opinion on the need for such action. The Harbor Committee has responded admirably and it has committed to remaining vigilant on the task. It also will unify the rules for harbor and deck tenants on the matter. Two new Harbor Committee members (out of five) take office this month, appointed by the Board. They are Frank Dunn, a prior Harbor Committee veteran and Andre Klein, Port Captain.

Bringing music to dining at the club has been an important part of our agenda as well and the Saturday Jazz Nights have been a success. We hope this and other types of music will continue. Special thanks are due to Staff Commodore Bill Canada and Harry Blake for this treat.

I wish to thank my Board of Directors who have weighed in on many complex and difficult decisions and been a tremendous source of support and wisdom. I also need to thank Vice Commodore Ron Roberts and Rear Commodore Cliff Donoho, who have both done great jobs this year with House matters and Race/Cruise activities. Each has recruited wonderful people who care and are willing to work for the club. Corinthian’s future has never looked brighter.

What sticks out in our mind from this year? Great Midwinters, a fabulous Mexico Cruise, a very successful (and extended) Friday Night Series, very well planned and attended cruises and club events way beyond par: Opening Day, Bastille Night with Corinthian performers, Clambake with a Cajun Creole twist, Commodore’s picnic (a real one!) and a very groovy Commodore’s Ball. But most of all, memories of the smiles of our fellow members.

The pleasure has been all ours. Thank you for a wonderful year.