NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

PAST COMMODORE Phil Raymond

Dear Members,

2011 has arrived and on behalf of the Executive Board, I would like to wish you and your families a healthy and prosperous New Year. 

As always, you are invited and encouraged to attend our first General Meeting of the year, which takes place on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 8:00pm at the Piedmont Club.  Darien Harbor Master, Tom Bell, has graciously agreed to be a guest speaker that evening.   At the General Meeting, I will communicate an update and overview of our planned dock expansion.  The proposed expansion could put another 100 families, currently waitlisted, “into the water.”  We want to share our enthusiasm about the latest developments with you. 

The Darien Boat Club’s By-Laws require that notice be given to the general membership when certain expenditures require approval or when a change to the By-Laws is contemplated.  The Executive Committee desires a change in the By-Laws that will greatly simplify the way waitlists are ordered.  Such a change requires a vote of the general membership.  At the February 7 meeting, the desired changes will be described and such a vote will be convened.   

We received some wonderful fiscal news to start the year.  The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded the Darien Boat Club a Grant of $49,875.  These funds will enable us to commence the construction that is necessary to hook-up to the Town sewer on Pear Tree Point Road.  By doing so, we will be able to fulfill the DEP’s wishes to have us install a marine pump-out station at the Club – the first and only pump-out in Darien.  We believe that this project can be completed in 2011.  Please be proud of the fact that this Grant acknowledges the Darien Boat Club’s “good citizen” status and makes us a responsible partner in protecting the Long Island Sound and its ecosystem. 

In regard to securing the Grant, I want to give a “shout out” to our House and Grounds Chair, Art Morris.  Winning approval for the Grant was due in large part to the time and effort invested by Art and his demonstrated expertise in the environmental sciences. 

Invoices for 2011 have been mailed to you.  If you have not received your invoice, please contact Jim Baker at 656-1446 or dbcmgrjim@aol.com   All dues and fees are payable by February 1^st.  Anyone who has not paid by February 15^th will be removed from the membership list. 

In early March, the Club will be sending Slip Holder Contracts to all slip holding members for the 2011 season.  Two copies will be sent to each slip holder and one needs to be returned to the Fleet Committee along with evidence of your boat insurance.  By returning this paperwork on time you will avoid fines and other penalties.  Any questions can be directed to your Fleet Captain, Jerry Kutz at dbcdocks@aol.com 

On a sad note, I want to convey the news that long time member, Don Miller, passed away in December.  Don was always quick to lend a helping hand at the summer picnics and his quick wit and ready smile will be missed.  Our prayers are with Don’s wife, Ginny, and the rest of the Miller family.     

The Executive Board would like to wish all of you a safe and sound winter.  While all General Meetings are important we believe that you will be well served to attend the February 7 meeting.  We hope to see you.

Sincerely, 

Chris Mangan

Commodore