December 2009

COMMODORE’S REPORT

Recently, an acquaintance complimented the membership of the TYC in a very notable way. He said he is impressed with the staying power and resolve the club has demonstrated over the years that we have been working to rebuild our clubhouse. "Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going and going. How do you do it?" he asked. My response is that it is easy to keep working for something you believe in! It is also easy to keep working when you are part of a team and your goal is to have a positive impact on our children, members, and the community.

This year was a testament to the TYC resolve. The court order closing our marina was an operational and financial blow to the club. It did impact us adversely but financially we are still sound. Late in the season the Supreme Court stepped in and stayed the Superior Court’s order, allowing the marina to re-open. Our case finally ended in Superior Court, which now allows the entire case to be heard on appeal in the Supreme Court where we feel we will prevail.

The most common question members ask us is what are we doing to rebuild the clubhouse? Our answer is that we are working towards rebuilding on three paths: First, we have redesigned the clubhouse and we will be seeking zoning relief from the Zoning Board of Review to satisfy the Superior Court’s order. Second, we are appealing the entire Superior Court order to the Supreme Court because we believe it was faulty and improper. If successful (as we believe we will be), this will remove the burden of the court order. Third, we have filed an application to amend the Tiverton Zoning Ordinance to create a new waterfront-related zone along Riverside Drive where a yacht club would be a permitted use and allowed by right. This too would nullify the court order. We are pushing forward on all three fronts with the intention of getting our permits to build in the spring, financing in the summer, and construction starting in September.

We ask for your continued support in our effort. Together we can make this happen!

Wayne Karzenski
Commodore

MARINA COMMITTEE REPORT

On Saturday, April 25, seventeen people showed up to launch the docks. The seventeen people were split up into two groups. The first group repaired the decking on one of the docks. The second group worked in parallel launching, moving, and placing the docks in their positions. The moorings were inspected, and the marina was ready to accept boats for the season. Shortly after, the TYC docks and moorings were closed down by the judge in Newport, and all boats were removed.

In September the Supreme Court granted us a stay, and a few boats moved back to the marina. Since this decision was made late in the season, boats can return or use the moorings and slips at no charge for the remaining season.
Docks will not be taken out this year since the lifting/twisting causes harm to the old docks. We will be repairing any decking, chains, and pilings in the spring. The marina will be closed for the season on Saturday, November 21. Have a good winter. Our plans are to open up the marina in April 2010 for a normal season. If anyone is interested in a mooring or slip for next year, please get on the waiting list.

HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT

The grounds have been winterized and the dumpster and port-a-johns have been removed until spring. Looking forward to the 2010 season, it is very likely that we will spend one more summer under the tent. Depending on the timing of the building permit, we may be able to schedule installation of the new septic system and other prep work before the club gets busy and sail training and swim lessons begin. But construction of the new clubhouse will have to wait until after Labor Day for safety reasons. We will schedule a Saturday morning work party sometime in late April or May to clean the grounds, and you will be notified. Please don’t hesitate to make any suggestions for affordable improvements to the grounds that will make the property more attractive and functional.

Stu Hardy

House Chair (401) 624-8213

SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT

One last potluck dinner in early November hosted at the Countryview Estates clubhouse reminds us of the beautiful summer days that have passed. Good conversation and wonderful food were enjoyed by all who attended. We always look forward to sharing the spirit of the holidays when we gather for a celebration at McGovern’s Restaurant in December. Lively music, festive decorations, tasty food, and great company make for a fun, adult night out. Thanks to all the club members who work behind the scenes organizing, arranging, and brainstorming!

Wishing all our TYC members and their families a happy holiday season and a healthy New Year!

Lori Boivin
Social Chair

POOL REPORT

We had another successful summer at the pool. While we have a dedicated group of "pool boys" who have stepped forward to help out on many occasions, we need some more help next summer. We need someone who can take water samples to a pool company for chemical testing and then pick up and add the chemicals as directed. It is not rocket science and we can try to find a testing location near where you live or work. If you want to be a "pool boy" or a "pool girl," please contact me at wkarzenski@cox.net

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Current membership is holding steady at 143 members. Welcome aboard to our newest members, the Reverend Alan and Jessica Gates and their children, Parker and Paige. TYC is again donating to families in need in Tiverton via the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) during this holiday season. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to make a donation. As always, if you know of anyone interested in joining the club, please refer to the website for more information, a printable pamphlet, and a membership application, or contact me if I can give you any additional information.

Amy Cooper
Membership Chair
arkcoop@cox.net
624-7049