NEWSLETTER MAY 2018

EXECUTIVE BOARD

OFFICERS

COMMODORE
Tom Lochtefeld

VICE COMMODORE Martin Milewski

REAR COMMODORE
Brian Lovegrove

SECRETARY
Tom Bell

TREASURER
Rob Komminsk

FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Colin Seely

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

FLEET CAPTAIN Kevin McTigue

RACKS & LOCKERS
Lawrence Story

HOUSE & GROUNDS
Todd Scallen

ENTERTAINMENT
Jennifer Montanaro

MEMBERSHIP
John Keena

LAUNCH
CAPTAIN
Nick Savage

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Derek Stone

ADVISING OFFICERS

PAST COMMODORE
Jerry Kutz

PAST COMMODORE
Glen Osberg

Dear Members:

Memorial Day is almost upon us and we’re seeing a lot more activity down at the Club. 

This year the Darien Boat Club will celebrate its 70th birthday. Congratulations to this volunteer run organization which benefits the Darien Community. 

A few service announcements:

1) We hope to see you all down at the Club for the first picnic on Sunday June 3, from 1-3pm.  Be sure to get there at 1 for the opening ceremony and the blessing of the fleet.  We can always use volunteers to set up, grill, and serve the food. Will you consider donating some of your time?  If so, please reach out to Jenn Montanaro at entertainment@darienboatclub.org.  It’s a great way for new members to meet people. Sarah Keena will be there with DBC merchandise and some new items for this year.  Reminder if you need merchandise between picnics to contact Sarah through the Club Manager's Office.

2) All facilities (lockers, racks, & slips) must be occupied by June 15 or you risk paying a fine and losing them. The wait lists are long for everything, and if it’s not a priority for you to get in on time, then maybe consider giving it up. If you keep up your membership, you can always get back on the wait list if you change your mind with a high priority status based on your bond date.  If you have a major mechanical issue with your boat and can’t make it in on time, please email Fleet captain Kevin McTigue at fleetcaptain@darienboatclub.org.  This must be done at least one week in advance of the June 15 deadline.

3) With the warmer weather, we expect more people to use the deck. Please observe and obey the deck rules posted. Remember one table per member family and if your items are left unattended for 20 minutes or more then they will be removed.  Members cannot “reserve” tables by setting up, then leave, and expect their stuff to be there when they get back from a boat ride. Please be respectful of your fellow members. Finally, please clean up after yourselves. We provide wipes in the dispenser under the awning next to the locker room door. 

4) The shower is for rinsing only.  We don’t have a drain to the sewer.  Use of soaps or shampoos is harmful to the environment and prohibited. 

5) All children under the age of 12 need to wear life jackets on the docks. Children should not be left unattended and should not play under the Clubhouse or north of the rocks. The drop off is steep, and the current is ferocious when the tide is running presenting what could be a deadly combination for children. Please let’s all practice safety.

6) There will be a Fishing Contest again this year with a $10 entrance fee and rules consistent with 2018 Connecticut Fishing Regulations.  Contact the Club Manager for more details.

7) Club Manager Bill Lowitz is back this year along with Launch Drivers Thomas Eppley & Jack Lowitz, and Dockhands Kyle Kutz & Chris Bilby.  Jim Baker will continue to fill in as needed, and Zenon Salazar will be back as night watchman.  We hope to get some pictures posted at the Club soon.  Please introduce yourself and get to know them!

8) Reminder we are only dispensing gas to DBC members this year.  Please have some identification with you when purchasing gas.

9) Now for the fun stuff.   There are some great "on the water" opportunities we'd like to share.  You can either participate or volunteer as support staff:

For you fishermen, there's Bassapalooza -- Welcome

For swimmers, there's Swim Across America -- Greenwich-Stamford Open Water Swim - Swim Across America

For Kayakers and Paddle Boarders -- Save the Sound Flotilla -- Flotilla - SoundWaters

Finally, remember you need a Beach Sticker on your car to get into the Park.  See here for info on that:  http://www.darienct.gov/content/28025/28545/28833/default.aspx

Yours in Boating, 

Tom Lochtefeld
Commodore