FWYC Letter Log May 2014 | Page 3

Page 3 The Commodore’s Corner Greetings: It is hard to believe we already have 1/3 of this year in our history books. I am amazed at how fast the time has gone. We have already accomplished so many things this year and have many more to come. I find myself excited and invigorated by all the activities we have going on. want to thank all of you that took the time to speak with your Board Members, Finance Committee Members and Flag Officers. We value your input and appreciate the time you took to speak with us. The hallmark of a strong organization is when we can discuss tough issues with our fellow members and come to a mutual decision. I know this increase impacts many members, but I know through deliberation and debate we came to the best decision for our organization. Thank you all for your participation in the process and for following our motto of F.U.N. (friendly, understanding and nice). In closing, I look forward to seeing each of you at the club this month. I want to challenge each of you to invite a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member down to the club with you on a visit. I have also found a new category to encourage you to invite. Recently, I seem to have more and more doctor visits these days. I have found that doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses are people too. (The doctors and nurses that are already members of the club helped me come to the realization...:-)) They are looking for social venues and fun things to do both on the water and on land. I have become a "habitual inviter." Try it the next time you have a medical appointment. "Opening Day" this year followed a slightly different format, but I was happy to see us complete our second year of this new tradition. The FCA coordinated a Blessing of the Fleet and Sundowner Ceremony, while the Rear Commodore had a Lawn Party for the entertainment in between, and the Fleet Captain had the first Night Race of the season. It was great to have so many activities happening in one day to set a tone for Commodore Bobby Dewrell our "season" this year. We followed our "Opening Day" activit ies with our first regular General Membership Meeting on April 13th. While we did not have a quorum at the meeting, each of the Flag Officers and the Finance Committee presented a report to outline our "State of the Club". I am happy to announce that at our April meeting, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to host a Sea Scout Ship here at Fort Walton Yacht Club. The Sea Scouts is part of the Boy Scouts of America, and the local "ships" are open to both boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 21. I am very excited to have such a wonderful youth program at our Club and to be partnering in its growth and success with the Boy Scouts of America. I know this will have a positive impact on our club as well as the young men and women in our community. In our April Meeting, the Board voted in favor of the $15 dues increase that we have been discussing for the past few months. This dues increase will go into effect this month when dues are billed to members on the 25th. I know this was a tough decision for our Board and I [email protected] Welcome Aboard New Members Edith (Ann) Johnston Sharon Corey Corbin Jones Letter Log Advertising Rates Per Month Per Year Business Card $ 5.00 $ 60.00 ¼ Page $12.00 $130.00 ½ Page $24.00 $260.00 Full Page $48.00 $560.00 ~ Fort Walton Yacht Club, Established in 1951 ~