Commodore’s Column

by Cliff Donoho

The annual meeting on November 14th was well attended, with approximately 125 members present. It seems like we just had the meeting, yet we have two monthly meetings of the current officers and directors behind us. By the time you read this, it will be 2004, and we will be facing the challenges of a new year, leaving those of 2003 to the history book.

We have had a successful and enjoyable Holiday season, with large attendance at the Eggnog Party, and Santa's Brunch.

As I write this, the New Years Eve party has not yet happened, but we have lots of reservations, with more coming in every day. If you are among the missing, expect to hear good things about the event (photos).

The Entertainment Committee, chaired by Marlene Donoho, has a full calendar of events planned for 2004, including several new Sunday theme nights. Check the calendar in this issue and on the web site at www.cychistory.org and make your plans to attend as many Club events and functions as possible. You will have a good time, make new friends, and accumulate pleasant memories of life's experiences at your Club. Also, your picture may end up on the Club bulletin board, in the Tell Tale, and on the internet.

The racing season starts on January 17th, with our ever popular Mid Winters Regatta. Read more about it in reports from Rear Commodore John Warren, and Race Chairman Aaron DeZafra.

Our primary goal for 2004 is to make the Club your first choice destination. The House Committee, Race Committee, Membership Committee, and Entertainment Committee are all planning to make this happen, with a resulting increase in member participation in Club parties, dining, regattas, and other events.

Would you like to get more involved? You can help make a difference. If you have an idea or thoughts on how to make your Club better, make it known. Contact any committee chair, officer, or director to communicate your idea or volunteer.

One new group of volunteers that has been officially sanctioned by the Board of Directors is the IT (information technology) Task Force. They will serve until further notice studying our systems and data base for membership management, accounting & reporting, web site, and all related parts of Club management and guide us toward an integrated advanced technology solution. This Task Force, chaired by Mike Eagan, includes staff commodore Mark Thompson, Mark Leonard, Claude Bishop, Matthew Gorton, Bill Brady, Jan Koehler, Sharon Barr, and the Club Controller Jim Babij. This is a talent pool with unlimited potential.

I wish everyone a happy and successful 2004, and hope the Club is a good part of your 'Happy' new year.