Emergency meeting

September 20, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 6:30. Officers present: Bob Zange, John Spoeri, Ellen Fiedler, Irving Abarbanell, Jan Zange, George Steigerwald, Dalia Orentas-Leclair and Alan Leclair,

Guests: Bob Welther, George Najarian, Dorothy Najarian, Bob Jacobsen, Jean Jacobsen, Pete Manika, Pat Manika, Lu Range, Carl Hammer and Boo

Treasurer’s report: May, June, July, and August reports were provided. As of August’s report, we have a balance of $1,234.74. Treasurer’s report was approved as printed.

Membership stands at 46 paid members.

Tonight’s meeting was called specifically to address the status of the Heritage Boat Club. But first it was advised that we name a board of officers and directors to serve in the coming year.

Commodore: Bob Zange

Vice Commodore: Irving Abarbanell

Rear Commodore: George Steigerwald

Treasurer: John Spoeri

Secretary: Jan Zange

Alan Leclair

Pete Manika

Ellen Fiedler

John Greven

Carl Hammer

Our discussion began with the club’s history, its bylaws, and its future. HBC will celebrate 25 years in 2005. Established by a group of sailors with an interest in wood boats, the club now includes classic fiberglass boats. And these boats (and their owners) are getting older! Some of these older crafts are being replaced by newer models and their owners may drift away from the club. If the Heritage Boat Club is to go on, we must recruit new people and retain present members. If we sponsor fun activities, that may bring people out, but since we haven’t gotten much support or attendance at our recent gatherings, it was suggested that we plan nothing that requires formal committees. Though no longer moored on a heritage star dock, it was noted that most consistent participants are located in Montrose Harbor; we will keep any future activities localized. Many ideas for events were discussed and some will be planned. Movie nights at CCYC during the off season could be easily arranged. A not-for-boaters-only flea market and a pot-luck dinner will be organized for February with a portion of the proceeds marked for the Junior Fleet.. A rendezvous to Jackson Park was successful in the club’s past and may be an option for next season. If successful, we may always add another activity of this type during the season.

It was suggested that by aligning ourselves with other boating organizations, we can increase the club’s exposure to the public and possibly gain new members. A suggestion was made to set aside funds to create an award for the junior fleet to get youth involved in something positive. These ideas and more will be on the agenda at our next regular board meeting, date TBD.

This past year has seen more communication with the membership, but we’ll see if even more contact will help increase participation at club-sponsored events. Once our events are selected and scheduled, the secretary will make a calendar. It can be added to our website in addition to being sent to members with the first newsletter after the general meeting. A more frequent and less formal newsletter would keep our club communicating with the members. The Commodore’s letter will be continued in 2005, and with more events to talk about it, we plan for it to go out quarterly. In the past, the Hailer was our main contact with members, but it is too large of a task to publish that often. In addition, to keep everyone informed, it was suggested that minutes from our board meetings be made available to ALL members. They will be posted on our website, www.woodship.com and within a week of the meetings, they will be sent from the secretary by email to all members who provide an email address. Or if they desire, members can provide self-addressed stamped envelopes and copies will mailed out to them. However, without a SASE no one will receive minutes through the mail after the first mailing at the club‘s expense.

In honor of our Silver Anniversary, a motion was made, seconded, and approved to roll back the dues to the 1980 price of $10.00. We will include this information, the nominated slate of officers for election, and the events we are planning for our Silver Anniversary Year on a postcard announcing the general meeting in November. The general meeting will be held at CCYC on either Sunday, November 21, or Saturday, November 20. We are waiting for CCYC to check their master calendar as to the availability of the yacht club on those dates.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm

Submitted by Jan Zange, secretary