From the Top of The Mast 
Susan Greco, Commodore

September, as we know, means a transition from summer into fall! So, along with the season’s change comes time to consider what our Club has to offer for the rest of 2016! You can source your family’s Club-fun on the weekly e-blast newsletter for the next week or so and then go to the Club events’ calendar on the website for future events. Coming up, live on Saturday, September 3rd for the Tri-State party, is PS Dump Your Boyfriend, aka Pfreak Show; and on Labor Day Monday, Jenna Mammina will entertain us with her vocal stylings. Then on October 1, I am personally excited to experience Slim Gypsy Baggage’s eclectic rock, funk and soulful sounds after a great SJRYC dinner. Everyone is welcome to join in for a great dinner and party!

Our recent member survey revealed that those of you who responded are interested in live entertainment; wine, beer, or liquor tastings; guest chef events; regattas; speaking presentations; water aerobics or yoga; children’s programs; and euchre. We also discovered that you really enjoy drinks and cocktails at the Club, as much or more than a meal. If you did or didn’t answer the survey, let us know about specific events and entertainment for all ages that you’d like to see in 2017.

Now is the time to begin planning and booking events, so contact Joann (gm@sjryc.com) or talk to a Board member very soon to let us know your preferences!

Applications for the 2017 Board of Directors will be accepted through September 15th! We need expertise in all areas of life, business, management, leadership, mechanical, technical, and most important a desire to have fun and to participate with the other Board members to promote our mission: “SJRYC strives to provide a casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and a spirit of fellowship, community and education, building on a rich history of boating, swimming, and socializing in a unique nautical location.” If you’re hesitant about submitting your application or need more information, feel free to contact me (commodore@sjryc.com) or another Board Member. You can find application details in the weekly e-blast newsletter published on Monday mornings.

Planning for 2017 also must include a careful review of our facilities’ needs and our financial position. Consideration must be given to the kitchen’s old stoves/ovens; the 10-year-old non-chip compatible point-of sale system; the ice maker; pool maintenance, tuck-pointing of the Clubhouse and the Keeper’s House; and air handling in the Clubhouse just to name a few challenges ahead of us. Meanwhile, costs to run our operation continue to rise. Your Board of Directors and General Manager understand you have entrusted us with making decisions that provide the most prudent use of your precious fees and dues. We also know that we must consider what would contribute to your enjoyment at the Club such as new and additional outside furniture and umbrellas and perhaps outside music. Let us know what you think!

I truly hope you enjoy the rest of the waning days of summer and look forward to all that fall has to offer! Thanks for being Members! See you on-the-water, at the Rhumbline or in the Clubhouse!