The summer season is over and it has been a very good one. It’s time to thank all the people that made it possible. The stewards, Sail Training instructors, lifeguards, contributing members, committee chairs, officers, trustees and the board of directors. It’s also time to reflect on our many accomplishments, and address the few items that need additional work.

Some of the highlights in my eyes are the new lockers, improved operation of the clubhouse, upgrading the quality of the Sail Training Program, increased membership participation in social events and work parties, successful Thursday night Family/Small Boat Racing, assigned and managed small boat storage and improved communication.

The annual TYC membership meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at 6:00 pm. Attendance at this meeting is important, and it can be a lot of fun. We will be presenting the committee reports, membership participation status, proposed by-law changes and 2003 goals and capital plans. Your inputs to improve the club, plan next years goals, and capital plans are welcomed and valued. Membership participation begins with membership involvement in the planning.

Hopefully, you have visited our Web site: tivertonyachtclub.org . Eric Baker has done an outstanding job, and is always looking for ideas to improve the site. The Web site will become an important informational tool next year, and help us to reduce our news publication costs. So, we need your e-mail addresses. We have only received 29 of 200 memberships' e-mail addresses. Please take the time to go onto the site and send us your e-mail address.

The Bob Burglund Memorial Sail Training Fund was very successful and some of the funds will be used to buy a much needed trailer to transport our racing boats to area regattas. The fund will continue to collect donations, and the funds will be used to support Sail Training needs. With two-hundred memberships and increased member participation and club use, it has become imperative that we obtain a club manager for two reasons: efficient management of the club operations, and reducing the workload of the committee chairs and officers. With growth comes the need to spend more time to operate and coordinate the many yacht club programs. The committee chairs, and officers' workload has increased to the point of it becoming similar to a part-time job. My first priority for next year is to establish, fund and fill the club manager position. Any and all assistance to accomplish this is welcome.

As I complete my first year as commodore, this October, I would like to say that the warmth, sincerity, and caring of the members I have worked with was greater than I expected, and it is greatly appreciated. Just think, only three months until Christmas!

Your Commodore,

Section 4.

Add the following: The Vice Commodore must have served as chairman of at least two of the standing committees.

Section 5.

Add the following: The Rear Commodore must have served as chairman of at least one of the standing committees.

Finance Committee

The committee is looking for a few people who are interested in helping with the budget process. All the budgeting work gets done in the fall, so we need your help now, not in the spring. A financial or accounting background is a plus, but not mandatory. Those interested in helping should contact the project manager, Dave Saurette, at 401-624-4929 or e-mail: david.saurette@srweiner.com.

Although the gray sullen skies produced periods of rain during the day, more than 30 club members and their guests enjoyed the Labor Day activities and cookout at the club.

During the non-rainy periods, Jim and Dee Rogers conducted pool and beach games for the 15 youngsters who were present. Sack races, egg throws, and a limbo contest were all held on the beach. A few of the sand castles from that contest can still be seen on the beach today!

After the cookout, which was held on the north porch, ribbons were awarded to the winners of the various contests. Dee Rogers wrote the recipient's names on each one, which was then given to a youngster with a smiling face.

A special thank you to Mrs. Laurie Thompson, who assisted in the preparation of the food for the cookout.

The Garden

Flowers, in an array of colors, graced our garden this summer. With the help of several club members who donated plants, we were able to have more of a variety of flowers in the garden. If any member wishes to donate a plant, to be planted during the fall or spring, please contact me at 508-673-1118.

Juniors

The joy of seeing a smiling face on a junior member as they participate in the Thursday night pool parties is the best reward that my wife and I can have.

While participation was higher in the month of July, we kept the parties going throughout the summer. In addition to the swimming contests, the juniors enjoyed basketball games in the pool, and miniature golfing on the south lawn. They certainly enjoyed the prizes, which we gave them to recognize their accomplishments.

Although the weather was just too hot, 15 crafters did participate in the 25th Annual Summer Crafts Fair on August 4. About 200 people attended the event. A special thank you to Suzanne Kramers and her two sons, Zack and Max, who assisted with the operations during the day.

I appreciate the support of the many parents who attended many of the junior activities during the summer. I welcome their ideas as we formulate plans for next season. If you would like to chair a junior event, a junior dance, or party, please contact me at 508-673-1118. Thanks!

Jim Rogers, Chair

Junior Activities

Thanks to sunny weather, the clubhouse was utilized to the maximum this past summer. A record number of club and private parties enjoyed the facilities. Some painting/staining projects were undertaken, fire and other safety issues were tackled, and the club store was restocked.

This fall, we need volunteers to help clean out the attic and basement, among other chores. Please call Polly Ney 401-635-0097 or Stu Hardy 401-625-9870 to arrange a time and date convenient for your schedule.

In the longer term, we plan to re-grade the parking area and cover it with gravel to keep down the dust and mud. We also plan to replace the windows and front door, and repair the wood rot, broken railings and other damage to the external fabric of the building, in a manner consistent with its architectural heritage as a Tiverton landmark.

Again, volunteers are needed for cleanup and winterizing chores, as well as small carpentry tasks.

Polly Ney & Stu Hardy,

House Co-chairs

The following jobs need to be done:

• Replace board in ceiling and trim piece, which was removed to repair plumbing last year.

• Sand and varnish ceiling beam, which was installed in 1995 during the second floor renovations.

• Replace the front doors.

• Sand and varnish the interior doors.

• Install new front floor tile at entrance, or replace the whole front porch floor with ceramic tile.

• Spruce up the trophy case and mail slots. It should be a center of attention, not a catch-all.

• Clean and organize the office area, maybe install shelving.

• Install another bulletin board. No more taped-up signs.

• Clean the backyard.

• Reseed the grass slopes.

• Install access panels to the shower walls.

David Saurette,

Project Manager

Now that another successful Sail Training season has come to an end, it is time to begin planning for the 2003 season. The Sail Training Committee is looking to improve and enhance the Tiverton Yacht Club Sail Training Program. The program’s goal is to teach our children the skills needed to become safe, confident sailors. Some new and innovative ideas have been suggested. All members are welcome to join the Sail Training Committee. Anyone interested in serving on the committee or volunteering to assist in preparing for the upcoming season, please call Peter Franklin at 401-683-0280 or contact him by e-mail at peterfranklin@peoplepc.com. Let’s make next season’s Sail Training Program a positive and rewarding experience for our children.

There will be two work parties this October to make repairs, and possibly build a float. Please contact Rob Gray 401-624-1618 or Jeff Brisbon 508-674-0802 for dates and planned tasks. Floats will be removed Saturday, November 8, at 8 am. The Marina closes November 1, and all boats and miscellaneous items must be removed from the marina and beach.

A lot has been accomplished at the marina this year, and we would like to thank everyone who contributed, and we look forward to your continued support.

Another successful racing season has ended, complete with hamburgers, hot dogs and beer. The Awards Banquet will be held on October 19.

Here are the results for the Charlie LaRoue Race.

Sunday, September 22, 2002

Class A

1. Icon, L. Goff

2. ‘R Buoy, J. Brady

3. Midnight Run, K. Martin

4. Seraphim, D. Saurette

5. Eroica , S. Nebergall

6. Jamin, M. Eslinger

Class B

1. Weeble , J. Majkut

2. Chalel , M. Borden

3. Summer Song , R. Toolin

4. O Day , A. Jansen

5. Legend , R. LaRoue

I hope this is accurate. I think it is. Lanny Goff