Bernie Somers
Commodore 2008
The year started out with a highly successful membership drive that yielded some 37 new memberships. With such a significant increase in our population, the challenge became to be sure that we got them involved in the Club activities; which meant taking a serious look at our activities and events programs. From this grew the new Activities Committee. These folks wrapped their arms around this project and managed a series of highly successful activities. In addition to the usual events we traditionally have, they organized a Club trip to the Seal Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach, CA and put on a fabulous Turkey Fry in November, that looks like it will become an annual event.
We got a men’s Coffee Club started up early in the year. It seems that the guys love to get together and spin yarns, argue politics, and offer solutions to all the world’s problems. Additionally, there were many good ideas and suggestions that came from the group relative to clubhouse improvements.
We resurrected the Order of the Anchor and added the Commodore, Vice Commodore, and Rear Commodore to join with the Staff Commodores in providing advice to the Board and looking at the Club’s challenges in the years ahead. I can’t say enough about the energy, commitment to the Club, and support this group provides.
We continued to support civic activities; this year awarding three scholarships and contributing to several youth activities.
As the clubhouse ages it will continue to require attention. This year we replaced two air conditioners, did some roof repairs, added a slop sink, painted and tiled the bathrooms, and installed new ceiling tiles. New carpet has been purchased and will be installed in early 2009.
I experienced a great deal of satisfaction associated with accomplishing improvements for the Club and Clubhouse. But I also found that there are always challenges to be met and problems to be solved; the position demands significant commitment. But all-in-all, it was a rewarding experience; made possible, in a large part, by a terrific Board and House Committee.
As we look to the future, the biggest near-term challenge we are faced with is the continuous increases in the cost of operating the clubhouse. However, I’m sure that the leadership and membership of the LHYC are up to it and will continue to get better, making our new motto, "Riding the Waves of Friendship" a true reflection of our Club.