NEWSLETTER MID SEASON 2015

PAST COMMODORE
John Keena

Dear Members,

This is an update on what has taken place since we opened the Club and a snapshot of upcoming activities. 

We officially opened on May 2^nd and accepted boats earlier for slip holders with the proper paperwork and as I pointed out at the May General Meeting, many thanks to Bill Lowitz and his staff for getting the club in top shape despite the many repairs needed after a brutal winter.

On May 3^rd the Club had its first 'Open House' that resulted in adding  new members, educating  many new and existing members, and receiving new ideas for improvement.  We plan to repeat this event and wish to thank to Paul Johnson, our Community Relations Chairperson for driving this activity.

We have had two picnics with terrific weather and a nice turnout at both events.  'Hats off' to Marty Milewski, Entertainment  Chairperson, Bill Lowitz, Club Manager and his team and the many volunteers who always make it happen.

'Swim Across America' a charity event to raise money for cancer research, occurred on June 27^th and raised $350k.  'Cheers' to Paul Johnson, Sarah and John Keena, and Glen Hoffman for volunteering  their  boats for this great event. 

The following have taken place so far:

• Aluminum gangway ramp repaired

• New Locker room door installed

• Gas dock rub rail installed

• First 'Pilemate' installed on A dock

• Piling caps installed on B,C,D and E docks

• Began installing hose holders and select dock sections as needed

• Upgraded wireless internet

'To Go' activities before Season end:

• Piling caps on “A” dock installed

• Additional hose holders installed

• New dock lighting added

• Replace gas dock

• Install 'Pilemates' on D dock as phase one

• Install weather station

• Make Shower/Decking modifications

Consistent with DBC By-Laws, the Audit will be completed and the results presented at the next General Meeting in September. 

“Emily’s Bill’ was passed by the CT State Legislature on June 3rd and includes the following:

• Effective 10/1/15, water skiing or tube towing operators must be 16 years old and have a Safe Boating Certificate.

• Current safe boating certificate holders are grandfathered as of 10/01/2015 regarding the towing requirement.

• Boat towing is exempt from this legislation.

• It’s recommended but not required that engines should turned off during recovery operations. 

• The towing education module will be available on the DEEP website at a date TBD and will be included in Power  Squadron and USG Auxiliary safe boating courses.

• The DBC Executive Board will provide updates as they occur.

On 8/24 the DBC Executive Board and Chris Krediet, a DBC member and volunteer advisor , will meet with the CT DEEP, at the Boat Club and review our plans and discuss 'next steps'. 

We found your feedback from our first Opinion Survey very useful and with that said, we will conduct a second survey after the end of the season.   As always look forward to your participation. 

As a result of the Opinion Survey and 'Open House' we will begin a mentoring program to assist members new to boating.   Paul Johnson will be coordinating this activity and you will hear more on this as we proceed. 

Randy Blosio recently resigned from the Executive Board after serving for many years assisting the Fleet Captain and playing a key role in making  process improvements and spending countless hours as a volunteer…Randy , many thanks for your support. 

We need a volunteer to assist Brian Lovegrove, our Fleet Captain to help coordinate the Club's Launch activities.  If you are interested, please contact Glen Osberg at Glenosberg70@gmail.com or on 203-921-6204. 

• Lobster Clam Bake…..September 12th

• General meeting….September 14th

• Season Ending Picnic….October 4th

• Annual Meeting…..November 2nd

Enjoy the rest of the boating season.

Glen R. Osberg

Commodore