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Commodore's Comments May 2021
The generosity of SYC members never ceases to amaze me. The “Raise the Deck” fund raising campaign has been a great success. The fund raiser kicked off in early March when an anonymous donor pledged $16,000 for the project if members raised $8,000. I am writing this article in mid April and members have already donated $7,500 towards the goal. If you intended to donate and just didn’t get around to it yet, please do so. Donations exceeding our goal and the initial cost of the project will go towards additional improvements to the deck. Outdoor music speakers, lights, new chairs and tables, umbrellas, and outdoor heaters are being considered.
The generosity of SYC members never ceases to amaze me.  The “Raise the Deck” fund raising campaign has been a great success.  The fund raiser kicked off in early March when an anonymous donor pledged $16,000 for the project if members raised $8,000. I am writing this article in mid April and members have already donated $7,500 towards the goal. If you intended to donate and just didn’t get around to it yet, please do so.  Donations exceeding our goal and the initial cost of the project will go towards additional improvements to the deck. Outdoor music speakers, lights, new chairs and tables, umbrellas, and outdoor heaters are being considered.The ash tree came down the second week of April,  and the deck was removed Saturday, the 10th. Individual members have salvaged what they could from old deck materials with the intention of re-purposing them. 

Don’t be surprised if the grounds committee soon shows off a new tool storage shed. Once the tree was down, I am told there was clear evidence of the dreaded ash borer.  The wood itself was in good condition and several large logs were harvested.  If drying and curing goes well, they should make for nice benches.

I had the opportunity recently to have lunch with several members of our local Coast Guard. Among the several topics discussed was confirming our observation that the water level of Lake Michigan is down 15 inches from last year.  The projections they are reading predict the lake level will continue to go down through the summer. They also wanted me to pass the message that boat speed and wake will be closely monitored in the harbor this year. With continued work on the south pier taking place all summer, there are safety concerns for the contractors working heavy equipment. The Coast Guard also wanted to be sure everyone is aware of the new law regarding wearable engine kill switches.  Effective April 1, boats under 26 ft are required to have wearable engine cut-off switches. The law applies to any motorized boat with 3 or more horsepower that is less than 26 ft long.  More detailed information is available at https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters .  Please take note of the new law and be particularly safe while out on your inflatable dinghy this summer.

I am honored to give a special note of gratitude and high praise to Ron Abler. For five years Ron has chased down stories and reluctant writers to bring us the history and current events of the club by editing the Bow n Stern. Thank you Ron for your excellent work. Thank you in advance for providing guidance and help to new editor Dan Peterson, allowing for as smooth a transition as possible. Safe travels Ron, and best wishes Dan, for an exciting future.

Be safe and stay healthy, and please help “Raise the Deck”

Commodore Tom