America s First Power Boating Club September/October 2019 Hailer (1).pdf · know it is an inconvenience and eve-ryone involved greatly appreciates your eforts to clear the basin

Buffalo Launch Club America’s First Power Boating Club September/October 2019

In this issue: Contributions from Cindy Derenda,

Jim & Jenny Hoddick

Cover Photo: BLC Clubhouse with fresh paint

and a new awning

Buffalo Launch Club Hailer September/October 2019

Published six times a year by the:

Buffalo Launch Club

503 East River Road

Grand Island, NY 14072

(716) 773-7629

www.BuffaloLaunchClub.com

[email protected]

Hailer Staff/Editors

Danielle Jordan (716) 465-2751

[email protected]

Craig Walker

(716) 998-0163

[email protected]

Proof Readers: Dave & Carol Specker

PC Jim Baker

Bill & Andrea Schneider

Photographers: Joan Lukowski Jennifer DeRose

Bob Gates

Mary Ellen Holler

PC Rhonda Ried

Contributors in this issue: Cynthia Derenda

Jim & Jenny Hoddick

Printer: Doug and Janet Saltzman

BCO Industries of WNY, Inc. (716) 877-2800

Content Deadline for the next issue: November 15th, 2019

From the Editor

By Danielle Jordan

We’ve all heard members describe the BLC as a family. Folks talk about how much they love the Club and can easily spend more time with their fellow mem-bers than their own extended families. You’ll also hear your fellow club-goers talk about the assets here, and usually, at the top of that list is the members. If you’re a newer member, you may be reading this and rolling your eyes. Trust

me, I get it. It was only a couple years ago that my family and I felt a bit out of the loop. Because of this, I wanted to focus this issue on what we mean when we say, “the BLC family”, and also, some ways our BLC family really shined this summer season. You’ll find this issue packed with pic-tures of your fellow members, stories about fun events and invites to upcom-ing parties. You’ll hear stories from fel-low members about parties they hosted and the passion they put into planning them. The Antique and Classic Boat show was a great example of how our BLC family came together to help the club shine. And of course, I should men-tion Family Night, a monthly member’s event that began in September. I hope you enjoy this issue and truly feel the love from your BLC Family.

October

Family Night in the CQ—Wed 2nd

Book Club—Wed 16th

Flag Lowering—Sat 19th

Mates’ Tea—Sun 20th

Dance Party—Thu 24th

Children’s Halloween Party—Sat 26th

Candidate’s Night—Wed 30th

November

Elections & Annual Meeting—Wed 6th

Family Night in the CQ—Wed 13th

Book Club—Wed 20th

Mates’ Fundraiser—Sat 23rd

Pilgrim’s Bash—Wed 27th

Football in the CQ is Sundays: Oct 6, 20, 27, & Nov 3, 10, 17 & 24

COMING EVENTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOURS DRESS CODE

All members and their guests should dress appropriately with a tasteful,

private club dress appearance.

- Denim is acceptable attire.

- Hats, swim wear, jogging pants and gym attire are not acceptable at any time in the clubhouse.

The dress code is a directive from the BLC House Committee and approved by the

Board of Directors.

Captain’s Quarters Dining

Tuesday— Thursday 5:00p—9:00p

Friday, Saturday 5:00p—9:30p

BAR REMAINS OPEN ON DEMAND

Dinner specials are available nightly.

Happy Hour is from 4:30—6:30pm.

Dance Lessons are available at no cost to our members on the following Thursdays:

Oct 3rd, 10th & 17th. The Dance Party is Thursday Oct 24th at a

member’s cost of $10/person.

Officers

PC Kenneth Bambach, Commodore

PC Andy Barbasch, Vice Commodore

Ed Wirth, Rear Commodore

Ken Pelletier, Fleet Captain

Bill Schneider, Secretary

Frank DeGeorge, Treasurer

Directors

Ken Brodie PC Bob De Glopper

Jim Burke PC John Tommasulo

Craig Walker Ken Knight

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Another successful ACBS show is now in the books. On behalf of the entire Board, thanks go out to all the mem-bers who volunteered their time dur-ing the event, along with our slip holders, who vacated the basin. Thanks are also in order to PC Rhon-da Ried and PC Bob De Glopper, who were once again instrumental in bringing and organizing the show to its rightful home here at the BLC. The event epitomizes what the BLC and our history are all about. It showcas-es the club, promotes our standing in the community, and helps to recruit new members as well. Once again, a sincere thanks to all involved who helped in making this year's show an-other standout event! And speaking of good news, it gives me great pleasure to announce the

hiring of our new Assistant GM, Lisa Harris. Lisa comes to us from Brookfield CC where she served as Director of Membership and Mar-keting. Prior to that, she served as Membership Administrator at The Country Club in Chestnut Hill, MA for 10 years. Lisa has a wealth of knowledge in the private club indus-try, particularly in office operations and membership. She is extremely knowledgeable with our Jonas Sys-tem, and, in fact, has been helping us out with this since Helen's departure. I speak for the entire Board when I say that we are excited in having Lisa join our team. In addition to manag-ing our office operations, she will also be serving as Sig's assistant in Food and Beverage, Member and Non-

Member events, and Buildings and Grounds, just to name a few things. Please say hello to Lisa and welcome her to the BLC next time you see her. Speaking of office operations, our en-tire club owes a debt of gratitude to PC Andy Barbasch, Jim Burke, and PC Roy Pasieka. These three members have kept our office operations going these past few months. If it weren't for them helping out in the office, I have no doubt that we would have been closed by now. The hours that they have put in pretty much equates to full time work. Couple that with committing to this work during the summer months, and you can appre-

ciate the amount of dedication they have to the BLC. Please be sure to thank them for keeping us running these past few months. Our Nominating Committee has been in full swing since last we talked. Un-der the Chairmanship of Kurt Mittle-fehldt, its members include Frank DeGeorge, PC John Tommasulo, Greg Dekdebrun, Gary White, Cindy Derenda and Dan Georger. I am told that the committee has confirmed or potentially confirmed some candi-dates thus far. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in run-ning for the Board this year, please reach out to one of these members. Finally, I am pleased to announce that our lighthouse has been accept-ed into the United States Lighthouse Society Passport Stamp Program. The program is one where USLHS members may visit our lighthouse and have their USLHS passport stamped as proof of visiting same. The program promotes not only our lighthouse, but the BLC as well, in a positive light (no pun intended) throughout the community. The next time you see visitors taking pictures of our lighthouse, you'll know the reason why. That's all for now… see you at the club.

Commodore’s Report

By PC Kenneth Bambach

My Clients are my First Priority

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Fifty years ago, it was three days of Peace, Love, and Music shared by thousands. This year it was three days of food, parties and sun shared by eighty! Erie Yacht Club played host for the fifth annual summer cruise that Frank and I have been a part of and as expected, did not fail to de-liver. Nor did all the attendees! Everyone whole heartedly embraced the Woodstock theme and Saturday evening was filled with hippies of every age. Likenesses of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hen-drix and the Grateful Dead bear along with real guitars and amps provided the opportunity to do a little air guitar and pictures to be taken. This among a backdrop of actual pictures, colorful bouquets, peace signs and flags, which all ensured the theme was brought to life. We did our predeces-

sors proud! Normally, the band will leave the fans ‘blown away’, but this time it was Mother Nature that literally ‘blew away’ the Boys of Summer causing us

to flee the tent and not have a third set! But she was kind to us during the day and all enjoyed a great after-noon at the beach! I have been asked to keep my normal play by play of events brief in favor of your pictures so please all enjoy remi-niscing about our weekend this sum-mer. As many of you have also heard, this is Frank’s and my last year as Chair-persons for the BLC Summer Cruise. It has been a wonderful five years

filled with great memories due to all of you!! As of today, we are passing the torch. EYC is reserved for July 17-

18, 2020. Should anyone wish to have the event there, let us know by

October 10, 2019 and we will get you in touch with the right people. Otherwise, we will then cancel the reservation if not interest to be fair to EYC.

Thanks again for all the great years. We hope you had as much fun and have as many memories as we do!

(Additional Photos on Page 9)

Contributed by Cynthia Derenda

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It seems I just finished my last sub-mission for the Hailer and mentioned that summer had finally arrived. Looking outside while I write this sub-mission and seeing the leaves falling, I have to ask myself, where did the summer go.

The events over the last couple of months starting with the Wes Fest chaired by Jim and Jennie Hoddick along with their Committee was amazing. Wes Fest started off with a scavenger hunt, then games and crafts for children. While the children played, Chef John was busy at the clam stand and then it was time for dinner. After dinner the Porcelain Bus Drivers got the entertainment and dancing going and the night end-ed with s’mores and lots of stories at the bonfire. I think Wes would have enjoyed this party. One of our last events of the summer was the Pig Roast/Taste of the BLC/Kids Carnival hosted by the Dock and Entertainment Committees. Bubba took care of the pig roast and Chris Gress and her helpers transformed the lawn into the Kids Carnival, which was a big hit for the little ones. Nu-merous members cooked up their

favorite dishes to enter in the Taste of the BLC. This year’s winners were:

1st place - Crystal Hoey

2nd place - Chris Gress

3rd Place - John & Dorothy Zimdahl 4th place - Kathy Lommer

In closing, I extend my most sincere thanks to everyone who helped or-ganize all the tasks involved, deco-rating, preparing their favorite reci-pes and attending the above events.

Rear Commodore’s Report

By Ed Wirth

Pig Roast, Kids Carnival & Taste of the BLC

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Fleet Captain’s Report

By Ken Pelletier

A lot has been going on since the previous edition of the Hailer. First, I extend my thanks to all the basin slip holders for moving their boats for the Antique Boat Show this year. I know it is an inconvenience and eve-ryone involved greatly appreciates

your efforts to clear the basin. I also appreciate and thank everyone who was able to make it to Erie for the Woodstock Summer Cruise. It was a great time put on by Frank Pir-ritano and Cindy Derenda. This was their 5th year running this cruise and once again, they hit a home run. The Fall Cruise was held in North To-nawanda at the canal this year. Ken and Karen Brodie took care of the initial arrangements for dining and entertainment. Unfortunately, he was out of town for the weekend, but Craig Walker stepped up and took care of the flyer, the signing-up and the communication with the res-taurants to help make the event a success. Thank you for those who helped put this event on and to those who attended the cruise. The D, E and F Dock Party was held in August and the food was tremen-

dous. Thank you for all who partici-pated. Both of this year’s Dock Par-ties were very well attended, which was great to see. This event is de-signed to bring the basin slip holders together with the non-basin mem-bers. It would be great to see more of the non-basin members attend. Finally, the Dock and Entertainment Committees co-sponsored the Pig Roast/Taste of the BLC. This was an-other very well attended event. Ed Wirth and I thank everyone who attended and participated. Please see the Rear Commodore’s article for the winners of the Taste of the BLC. I look forward to seeing everyone at the club!

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Tidbits of the Sea

Footloose: The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. If it is not secured, it is footloose and it dances randomly in the wind.

From stem to stern: From the front of a ship to the back. Now

describes something in its entirety. Pipe down: In naval terms, this

means stop talking and be quiet. This was the last signal from

the bosun’s pipe, which meant lights out and shut up.

The bitter end: The bitt end (or bitter end) refers to the final part of the anchor rope near to where the

rope is fixed to the ship’s deck. Usually marked with colored rags, the bitter end gets its name from the bollards (or bitts) on the

deck to which the anchor rope was tied.

Touch and go: In shallow water, the keel of the ship might

touch the bottom but not get stuck.

D, E & F Dock Party

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Summer Cruise

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Junior Boating—Craftapalooza

Visit our online photo gallery for more photos!

PC Hot Dog Roast

Fall Cruise

Thank You! Thank you to the following members for replacing the horseshoe pits this summer:

PC Bob De Glopper, Ken Knight, John Smith, Bill Schneider, Craig Walker, & (pictured from left-right)

Frank De George, PC Andy Barbasch & Tom Naeger.

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On August 10th, the headline for Wes Fest was “Party On” and party on we did, all 270 plus people- old and new members, old and new friends. This family friendly party had something for everyone. A kids area for the young, good food (including a clam bar and a Sunday bar), cool new adult beverages created especially for the night, great music and a bonfire to wrap up the night that went into the wee hours for the young at heart. A comment that we heard over and over was that it brought back memo-ries of when the parties of years past brought the same smiles and laughter to the basin. So, what did it take to have Wes Fest a night to remember…

• A reason for a party, that was Wes

• A committee that brought their hearts, great ideas and their per-sonal resources to plan and exe-cute the party

• And amazing staff that helped us in every way

• A great location - the BLC, our Pearl on the Niagara

• The folks that attended and came to have fun

• Great weather, music, drinks and food

So let us carry on this tradition of friends and fun, join in for other activ-ities, and be supportive when you hear about new ideas for things to do. Party On! WHOO-AAH!!!

Contributed by Jim & Jenny Hoddick

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Thursdays, October 3rd, 10th, & 17th

7pm—10pm

There is no charge to our members for these lessons. This is also open to the public.

Thursday, October 24th

7pm—10pm, snacks & entertainment included

$10/person cover charge

Saturday, November 23rd

Proceeds to Benefit BLC Spring 2020 Projects

Las Vegas Style Gambling by The Amherst Casino Events

Members and their guests will be welcomed to this event. Stay tuned for more details.

Saturday, October 26th

12pm—4pm

Lunch Buffet at 1pm

Children’s Costume Contest Games, Crafts, Haunted House

Hayride (weather permitting)

$15.95 Adults, $10.95 Children 5-10 (plus tax & gratuity) Children 4 and under Free, RSVP Required

Sunday, October 20th

11am—2pm

Dainty Sandwiches, Teas & Sweets

Personal tea cups, period hats & gloves welcomed

Denise Reichard featuring “The Underground Railroad”

$30/person inclusive of tax & gratuity

Space is limited, call to RSVP by Oct 4th

Wednesday, October 30th

5:30—Hors d’oeuvres

6:30pm—Dinner Buffet

A short presentation by each candidate will be given to the

Membership after dinner.

$19.50/person plus tax & gratuity

RSVP Required

Saturday, October 19th

6pm—Cocktails/Hors d’oeuvres

6:30pm—Flag Lowering Ceremony

7pm—Dinner 8-11pm—Music by National Trust

$24.95/person plus tax & gratuity

Cash/Member Charge Bar RSVP Required

Wednesday, November 6th

Polls Open 4pm till 7pm

5pm—Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres

6pm—Complimentary Dinner Buffet 7:15pm—Membership Meeting

Please call for reservations so that we can accurately set up for the evening.

Wednesday, November 27th

Casual evening of dinner and drinks the best bar night of the year. This is an opportunity to

invite guests/relatives you may not see on Thanksgiving.

Save the date for this annual club favorite event.

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August 8th, the Membership and Heritage Committees hosted a mixer at the BLC Lighthouse. This was the first time that we hosted a mixer with a tour of the lighthouse and it was truly a fabulous evening. Drinks were served as the Heritage Committee told the story that many of us have not yet heard. Over 30 new members and their families attended this event. Following the outdoor presentation and tour, the group went inside for dinner in the Captain’s Quarters. Stay tuned for more events like this in the future.

September 7th, 2019 the Buffalo Launch Club was host to the 41st Annual Antique & Classic Boat and Car Show. This year the show featured famous Canadian boat builder Peter Breen. There were a total of 92 boats on land and water including many boats from Canada. We are very proud of the many BLC members that volunteered to make this event a success. Most importantly, big thanks to PC Rhonda Ried and PC Bob De Glopper for bringing and organizing the show at our Club. We look forward to another ACBS next year!

Fall Special New members who join from now until Dec 31st will receive $500 in CQ Credit. The sponsoring

member will receive $250 in CQ credit.

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, & !

Northtowns &

Island Specialist

BLC Member Survey

Thank you to the many folks that completed the survey. The committee reports a tremendous amount of great

information and they are currently evaluating/prioritizing comments and creating actions plans.

Thank you! Mary Ellen Holler for your help choosing

the interior paint and the blue trim paint. John Smith for your help choosing the paint

for the exterior of the clubhouse.

Documents

America s First Power Boating Club September/October 2019 Hailer (1).pdf · know it is an inconvenience and eve-ryone involved greatly appreciates your eforts to clear the basin