The Commodore's Corner DWAIN SAID IT...
Spring Time in Chicago?
I know – I know, it's Chicago!! I uncovered my boat just in time for Mother Nature's cruel joke of storing snow on top! Not fair, I know! However, from being at the yard I know that everyone is working hard getting their boat ready for another great season. Along with all of our cleaning, waxing and prepping of the boat, part of the process should include checking safety gear and equipment. It is never too early to be safe and while the boat is above water, it is much easier to check things like your bilge pump's operation, battery capacity, life lines and rudder. I know from experience and only want to share – the time to check is not in the middle of the lake! Another part of our sailing activities is to look for opportunities to be a little more environmentally friendly to the water we enjoy so very much. LMHSA is looking for opportunities to share Green Ideas and make our sport much more Earth Day friendly – every day! Look for environmentally compatible cleaning products, less plastics and more reusable water containers, as just a small step in being more sustainable as we sail. We welcome articles and tidbits from our members on ways to become better boaters and hope to have regular input on new ideas and innovations.
Many exciting things are happening at the Board level as we transition into a new group of volunteers to keep LMHSA strong and active. A new and improved website is in the works under the direction of Keith McConnell and Dan Lane. Our goal is to be able to keep the site more current with event photographs and LMHSA information. Dan and Connie Lane are taking over membership and working hard to not only get the membership directories out, but on ways to get new members to join the fun. We are also exploring opportunities to have Harbor Hosted events, where different harbors can host an informal gathering of members for a sailing rendezvous and/or simple get- together. This is going to be a great way to spend more time on the water and enjoy members' company in the many great harbors on the lake. There will be much more to come on all of the new ideas that are being developed.
Finally, the Board and a great group of volunteers are working hard on this summer's rendezvous. On July 22, 23, and 24th LMHSA is coming to the Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Station for a great weekend of sailing, friendship and entertainment. Belmont Harbor provides a location for protected dockage and a magnificent view of the Chicago Skyline. Friday night we are working on a social hour and dinner with ample time to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. Saturday we will have several informative seminars, ample time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, bike the trails or head to the beach. The evening we have another great social, dinner and entertainment from our very own Gary Klein and his DJ Company. Practice your favorite karaoke songs, and bring your dancing shoes – We're going to Party! Please help us refine our planning by responding to Vice Commodore Susan Cain's e-blast survey on events and seminars. Also if you are interested in helping organize the event, and we could always use some help, please contact me and we will started right away!
Several members are planning some post Rendezvous cruising and past Commodore, Andy Yonovich is coordinating the interest in this event. If you are thinking about cruising after the Chicago Rendezvous, please send Andy a message at (roxydog2003@sbcglobal.net) letting him know that you may be interested in joining the cruise.
Have a great spring and an even better summer. Safe Travels!
Dwain and Lydia Lutzow Commodore and Commodorable
