From the Helm F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 ~ Michael Holland

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8From the Helm ~ Michael Holland, Commodore 2018 SBYC

BOARD OF DIRECTORSFLAG OFFICERS

Mike HollandCommodore

John KustuchVice Commodore

Greg VozniakRear Commodore

Jason ReeseTreasurer

Dave KlippertSecretary

Steve GoodnowPast Commodore

DIRECTORSThomas Barbier Mary Ann Cole

Richard FletcherKaren Jacobs

Christine Moore-SkrockiJamieson Poirier

Jerry Preston Dave Stokes

Thomas Tabor Robert Taylor

The Mission of the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club:

We are a unique ommunity of individuals with shared values and common

interests in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect. A family

of great people serving great people in a safe, nautical atmosphere. As

we have for generations - we stand tall and proud along the water and

welcome all who would join us in the pursuit of enjoyment and fun.

WINTER HOURS:Fridays & Saturdays

Bar: 1700 - 2200Dinner: 1800 - 2100

Sundays: Bar: 1500 - 2000

Tailgate: 1600 - 1930

Greetings.

Well, can you believe it is already February!!! Just think, only 3 months for most of us to launch our boats and enjoy SBYC. Soon we will be able to stay on our boats overnight and enjoy the club without the worry of driving home. Speaking of February, we have a couple of events for everyone to enjoy. First is our Valentine celebration on Friday, February 16 with

music. Next, on Saturday, February 24, our Vice Commodore John Kustuch, will play host for Trivia Night.

For all male members of the club, the first main event of 2018 for SBYC is the traditional Skeg Night on March 15, so put it in your calendar. More details will be forthcoming.

A few months ago, Lynn Weaver who is our editor of your Masthead and I came up with an idea to promote a recipe monthly in the Masthead. Please don›t be bashful and supply us with your easy, simple,

wonderful recipe. You can either send it to the club manager, Ashley or Lynn via email and we will be happy to print it.

At the January board of directors meeting, approval was made to hire a new company to help with an improved website for Saginaw Bay Yacht Club. Christine Skrocki and her committee, along with our manager Mark, will be taking the lead to help formulate this improved website. Any old photos or even new photos that you›d like to see potentially be in our website can be forwarded to our general manager Mark or Christine.

On a final note, I would like to thank the new board of directors for choosing to volunteer their time to help serve our club also to thank our board who continue to serve this year.

As always see you at the club.

The Masthead Page 2 February 2018

From the Vice Commodore ~ John Kustuch, Vice CommodoreKicking off the New Year, we welcome a few club members to the Board of Directors; Tom Tabor, Tom Barbier and Jerry Preston. Dr. Robert Taylor

and Dave Stokes continues with us in their second terms on the board. I’m looking forward to working with these gentlemen and the rest of the board as we continue to focus on improvements to our clubhouse, grounds and most especially, as we approach a great milestone; 2019 will be One Hundred

Twenty-Five years of continuous operation at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club.

Thank you to our outgoing Directors; Julie Humbert, served on the BOD two terms and chaired the Social Committee. Through Julie’s leadership we appreciated great bands and live entertainment, we’re pleased that Julie will continue with the Social Committee and look forward to another year of great events and music at the club. Richard Meeth served on the BOD previously, as well as this past two year term. Rick chaired the Grounds Committee and we appreciate Rick’s work as we look around our club at improvements on the front lawn addressing erosion issues, as well as, aesthetics to name some areas Rick focused on. We appreciate their service to our club as members of the Board and we look forward to continuing to see these two boating members of our club.

The clubhouse is open for Bar and Dining on Friday and Saturday nights this month and on Sunday for Bar service with our tailgate buffet. Please come out and enjoy friends, fellowship, sports on TV and the best view of ice fisherman and snowmobiles on the frozen Saginaw River.

With our Quasquicentennial approaching next year, now is the time to start planning events. We have some great ideas for ways to celebrate and we’re open to and encourage any ideas from members as well.

See you at the club!

Ahoy from the flag. As the New Year starts here at SBYC, it is the traditional time to rearrange the deck chairs in regard to Flag Officers and Board members and the committees they chair. One of the club’s by-laws is that once the vice commodore has ascended to the helm as commodore, they must relinquish all

chairperson responsibility for any committee(s) they are on. Since Doc Holland was Dock Committee chair and I was his co-chair, he has asked me to now chair the committee. I, in turn, have asked Jamieson Poirier to be my co-chair.

I believe the slips, and the boats that are in those slips,

are the heart and soul of the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club. If they didn’t exist, the club wouldn’t exist. For those of you who have been around throughout the years, you will have noticed a steady decline in the number of boats in the slips. Not only here at the club, but at all the marinas up and down the river. You would also remember that Skipper Bud’s (Brennan Marine) was packed and there was a waiting list to bring your boat down here to the club.

The Dock Committee and Board, in general, are committed to figuring ways to fill our slips. Regrettably, over half of our slips remain empty. One idea that we are currently contemplating is adding a new tier of dock assignment along with a price restructure. No longer we will have just “A” and “B” docks, but include a “C” dock. This translates to larger boats (>35’), mid-size boats (28’-35’), and small runabouts (<28’). This aligns more with the industry and may entice some boat owners to consider coming down, joining the club, and filling our slips. Again, this is just an idea, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please pass them along to the dock committee or a member of the board.

If you would like to participate and be a member of any committee, please let us know. You can talk to anyone on the board, flag officer, or Mark or Ashley in the office.

Let’s all have a great year here at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club!

From the Rear Commodore ~ Greg Vozniak, Rear Commodore


From the Manager’s Desk ~ Mark Piganelli, General ManagerAlthough we’re deep into the heart of Winter, there are still great times to be had at The Club! Dinner service will continue Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open from 5-10pm, and dinner available from 6-9pm. Our Sunday Tailgates will continue through

the winter months – after football, we have basketball, golf, NASCAR, as well as the Winter Olympics starting on February 8th and running through the 25th. Go USA!

We’ll be changing our Tailgate hours on Sunday, February 4 to 5pm until approximately 11:30pm

to let the members enjoy Super Bowl LII. Harry is ramping up the buffet that night to include all-you-can-eat barbequed ribs, along with Brats and rolls, his famous baked beans, as well as the soup of the day. The cost is only $10.00 per person, and we hope to have a great crowd to enjoy the Patriots battle the Eagles!

We will also be having our Valentine’s Dinner on Friday, February 16 during our normal service hours. Along with our Winter Menu, Harry has put together some delicious specials to enjoy. At the end of your meal, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Reservations are recommended.

Vice Commodore John Kustuch will be hosting another of his great Trivia Nights on Saturday, February 24, starting at 7:00pm. Sign up with your team, or put one together that night for an entertaining night of fun! The sign-up sheet is in the Clubhouse, or give us a call so we can register you.

One final note to our current slip holders: We are still waiting on slip applications from several current members, as well as insurance paperwork on many who have already submitted their applications. To ensure complete and accurate slip assignments for the 2018 season, please submit your paperwork as soon as practicable.

Hope to see you at the Club!

From the Past Commodore~ PC Steve GoodnowHello Saginaw Bay Yacht Club members and staff. It doesn’t seem possible it is February of 2018 already. My year as Commodore, which flew by, is over (I’ve done my “Happy Dance”) and we are embarking on our 124th season. We should all be proud. If any of you had told me five or six years ago that we would

dredge our basins and slips, replace our roof and add insulation, and replace most of our old HVAC units by the end of 2018, I would not have believed you. Look how far we have come. We have weathered a slowdown. Slip occupancy, in the mouth of the Saginaw Bay, appears to

have bottomed out and is slowly increasing. Our new Manager, Mark, is poised for his first full season. We should all be proud.

Changes like these are never easy for member governed groups like ourselves. Change to our group, and others like us, always results in bruised feelings, at a minimum. We have persevered, however. It is a trait of our club that we persevere. Our Club survived since 1894 because we can and have changed when we need to. Enjoy the new season.


Sunday, February 4 Game Time: 5:00 pm at SBYC All-You-Can-Eat: Barbequed Ribs, Brats and Rolls, Baked Beans, Soup of the Day. Only $10.00 per person!

Ingredients:

1 lb. Veggetti-Made Vegetable Pasta2 ¾ tsp Olive Oil2 slices Bacon, cut in ½ inch pieces½ large Onion, minced½ Clove Garlic, minced7 oz. Lean Ground Beef3 ½ oz. Ground Pork3 ½ oz. Fresh Mushrooms, sliced1 Carrot, shredded1 Stalk Celery, chopped½ (28 oz.) can of Italian Plum Tomatoes2 ½ oz. Tomato Sauce3 tbsp and 1 ¾ tsp Dry White Wine3 tbsp and 1 ¾ tsp Chicken Stock¼ tsp Dried Basil¼ tsp Dried OreganoSalt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Prepare Veggetti-made vegetable pasta per the cooking instructions.In a large skillet, on medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté bacon, onion and garlic until bacon is browned and crisp, then set aside.In a large saucepan, brown the beef and ground pork. Drain away excess fat. Stir in the bacon/garlic/onion mixture along with the mushrooms, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, stock, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to the saucepan.Cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for one hour, occasionally stirring.Serve sauce over cold or hot, Veggetti-made vegetable pasta.

Bolognese Sauce with Veggie Pasta

Favorite receipe from Commodore Mike Holland


More About Your 2018 Board of DirectorsJohn M. Kustuch, Vice Commodore (2010) PRIME TIMEGrowing up in the Essexville area, I have been drawn to the waters of the area and the Great Lakes. I began boating at an early age, fishing and enjoying the Saginaw Bay with my grandfather. Continuing this passion for the water, I now have a 28ft. express cruiser docked here at the club. I attended Delta College studying Health Care/Nursing. I am a licensed Paramedic and a Firefighter with the City of Essexville and also an Essexville City Council member. In my spare time, I of course enjoy my boat as well as playing acoustic guitar. Grateful for an amazing group of friends at SBYC, I enjoy promoting a friendly and welcoming environment at the club and I’m looking forward to this, the one hundred twenty fourth year of our club.

Greg Vozniak, Rear Commodore (1995) NEON RAINBOWGot the boating bug in the early 90’s when a friend repaid a favor by taking me out for a fantastic day on Saginaw Bay. Ron, who was a member of SBYC, took me out several more times sharing his knowledge and passion for boating including navigation, charting and even the maintenance aspect (lots of waxing!) which started me down a nautical path. In 1993, I bought my first boat, a 24’ Baja. In 1995, several friends who were also members here asked me and my girlfriend (soon-to-be wife) to join the club. A few years later we got away from boating to start our family but always remained members. Six years ago we decided to get the family back into boating by purchasing a 40’ Sea Ray. Louise, Veronica, Jack and I have enjoyed being a boating family. We also enjoy the friendship and camaraderie here at the club. This will be my fourth year as a member of the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club’s board of directors, this being my second year as a flag officer.

Jason Reese, Treasurer (2007) New Boat Name TBD I was relocated from North Carolina to Michigan by Dow Chemical in the summer of 2005 and made my first visit to SBYC with friends in the spring of 2006. The sense of community and friendship, as well as being the best spot on the river to enjoy food, drink, friends, and boats, convinced me to fulfill a childhood dream by purchasing “Checked Out” and pulled into SBYC port Mother’s Day weekend 2007. In August 2017, we slowed down our speed across the Saginaw Bay, but increased our comfort with the purchase of

David J. Klippert, Secretary(2008) AFFIRMED My wife Beth and I have been active boaters most of our lives. Our daughters, Anna (20) and Emily (17), share our love of the water and boating lifestyle and we have many family memories on the boat. Our family also enjoys the SBYC where we have met so many good friends who share our love of boating. I am a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd LLP focusing on corporate law, business/commercial transactions, estate planning and trust administration. Like many other members of the Club, I am very interested in its continued success. This depends on maintaining an active membership and the ability to attract and keep new members. As a Board member I will strive to focus on these areas.

our SEA RAY 460. I have just completed three years serving on the BOD at SBYC, and my first full year as Treasurer. Janelle and I are looking forward to a fantastic 2018, starting with a naming ceremony for the boat to be held early spring.

Steve Goodnow, Past Commodore (2006) BAYHAWKI began boating in my mid-twenties in a 14 ½ foot fiberglass v-hull. The first time I used it to provide a ride to a small group of ladies, the steering rope broke and I had to sit in the back and push the motor from side to side to steer. Over the years, I periodically moved up to 16, 18, 21, 25, 33 and 38 foot power boats always searching for a little more cabin room. Prior to moving to Michigan, I boated predominately on the Mississippi, Iowa and other Midwestern rivers and lakes. Maintaining an accurate idea of my location was never much of a challenge on these bodies of water. Rough water was not as much of an issue either. In 2006, I moved to Michigan and began boating on Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. I had belonged to a boat Club in order to have a dock on the Illinois River. When I was invited to a Sunday lunch at SBYC, I knew it was the best place for me. I took Saginaw Bay Power Squadron classes from Craig Murchison and the late Rudy Jarvi. These classes went a long ways toward reducing the anxiety level of those who traveled with me on some of my earlier trips. I have a Bachelors from Iowa in Marketing and a Masters from Benedictine University in Organizational Behavior and Management. My Board service at SBYC began in 2008, I believe. I am proud to serve the members of Saginaw Bay Yacht Club as Past Commodore in 2018.


More About Your 2018 Board of DirectorsTom Barbier (2008) MOXIEBoating came early to me, starting with sailing adventures with my father and uncle. Racing was the highlight of our weekends on Tawas Bay and continued most of my childhood and young adult life. I became the proud owner of a few different boats over the years, and most recently refitted a 24’ downeast that was a result of an impulsive eBay purchase out of Quebec. As soon as Miranda and I moved to Bay City for work (I as a lumberman, and Miranda as an accountant), we were set on joining the SBYC to fit our boating needs and it has been wonderful. Everyone has always been very welcoming, and for the past 10 or so years, we have been able to enjoy our time here, most notably the wonderful lazy sunny Sundays on the front porch. Serving on the board is an honor, and I look forward to enjoying the club for many years to come.

Mary Ann Cole (1996) ANNAMATIC My interest in boating began when my husband, PC Dave Cole, and I purchased our first boat, a 25-foot Sea Ray Sundancer shortly after we were married. We were instantly hooked. We are currently enjoying our 37-foot Sundancer, “AnnaMatic.” Early in our boating years, we were active members of the Saginaw Bay Power Squadron, and benefited greatly from the Squadron’s boater education opportunities. Along with our daughter, Anna (20) and our son, Matthew (12), we enjoy fun on the water and have created wonderful family memories together. We value the many friendships we’ve established through the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club. Along with enjoying the camaraderie, we firmly believe in doing our part to support and serve our Club. Personally, I value opportunities to serve the Club in several ways, including organizing the annual Coats for Kids Campaign and chairing the annual Action Auction. The Auction is a key source of revenue that enables members to enjoy Club amenities. I encourage all members to seek out one committee or activity to serve on or support. These opportunities build friendships and memories, and enable everyone to be a part of our Club’s success.

Ric Fletcher (2011) MARGOT JI grew up in Bay City and spent many years boating with my family. Dad would take us out on the 1946 Garwood utility, the Margot J, for great fun on the water. Other than a ten year absence living out west, I’ve lived in the area all my life. I now reside on

Karen J. Jacobs (2015 – Social Member) John, my husband of 52 years, and I have lived in the same home on the Saginaw Bay for 46 years, coming here from Saginaw, MI. We have three sons and their wives, and seven grandchildren. We owned a catamaran, row boats, and a 21 ft. 1972 Sea Ray. We still have the Sea Ray, which is an ongoing piece of work. John and I own Jacobs Plumbing & Heating; being in business 45 years. When our country club closed, we joined the “family” at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club. We love coming here for dinner, and have met many new wonderful friends. We love the atmosphere of a private club! I’m starting my second year on the Board and I am the co-chair of the Social Committee. “Fair winds and following seas!”

Linwood Beach and continue the boating tradition with my wife Lynda, our children, and grandchildren. As the owner of Great Lakes Building Inspection Services for the last 23 years, I look forward to sharing my experience with the board to help maintain our facilities. We enjoy the food, drink, and all the great people at the Club. Serving on the board is a privilege and a way to give back to the Club.

Jerry Preston (2002) MINGLEI have been tinkering around with boats since I was a Boy Scout on the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. The love of boating stuck with me and I serve on the Boy Scout Committee that manages the Scout’s 52’ ketch Retriever – homeport Straits Harbor, Mackinaw City. In 2002, I upgraded to the Hunter 43 which my wife Karyn and I sail as much as possible. That year, Gunter Beholtz and John McMuray were my sponsors and I have been a SBYC dock holder ever since. I am a Past Commodore of the Quinsippi Yacht Club in Quincy, Illinois, where I lived full-time on a 70’ houseboat that I built. Winters in the marina were wonderful and the dock lights on the boat provided great flood-lighting for the ice-skating parties off the bow. I am employed by the Birch Run Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and previously by the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Through my employment, I have had the opportunity to travel the world consulting on tourism issues. I am delighted you have selected me to serve SBYC as a member of the Board of Directors and I look forward to doing what I can to continue to make this a great place for SBYC members.


More About Your 2018 Board of DirectorsChristin Moore Skrocki (1994) SKROCKNESTI have been coming to the yacht club since I was 8 years old, when my parents Norman and Gloria Moore joined. The club has always been a big part of my life. Some fond memories are when mom and dad brought me to the club as a young girl to see the REAL Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, the Doan’s. I then brought my daughter as a young girl and now she brings her baby here to sit on Santa’s lap. I helped my mom toy shop for competitions she organized on our club front lawn for kids, like the potatoes sack race. One time during our annual SBYC Rendezvous in the North Channel, some fun women like Helen Drzyzga, talked the 15-year-old me into joining them to perform a dance on the very top of my dad’s 57’ boat that night. We made up a silly dance together that day and bravely provided the “after dinner entertainment” for other member boaters anchored around the dark cove while they had their spotlights pointed at us and my dad had music blaring from his hailer. Boaters find a way to have fun with basically nothing. I learned that early on! The late, great Herman Kaufman had a sister ship to our 57’ Chris Craft Constellation and we would cruise together often to Mackinaw Island and beyond.I’ve been a boater all my life. My parents would always say I was “born on a boat.” I spent a month or 2 cruising with them every summer up until just nine years ago when they got out of boating. As my dad’s “navigator,” I would sit right next to him for hours. We cruised to Isle Royal National Park in Lake Superior in fog so thick we could not see the bow of the boat! Being near or on the water is my greatest passion. My husband and I own a 27’ Four Winns that we dock here and also can trailer to harbors far and experience cruising different parts of the Great Lakes with less time and money. We live along the Kawkawlin River and are also very active in the Great Lakes Cruising Club. I joined the SBYC in my own right in 1994. What is most appealing to me is the Club’s heritage and ceremonial traditions. I’m proud that our club is the second oldest club in Michigan, behind only the Detroit YC. I joined to continue my memories here and pass traditions down to my family. I want the SBYC to always exist. Our club survived through 22 presidents, world wars, depressions, and next year will be our 125th anniversary! I’m so thankful and proud to be a part of this club!

Jamieson Poirier (2007 - Social Member) Wife and First Mate- Molly. Owner/President of Pier 7 Marina in Bay City, Michigan. Education includes a BA in Management from SVSU and an MBA in Leadership from Kettering University. SBYC is a legacy to me in some respects, as I am currently a fourth-generation member. As current residents of Hampton Township, Molly and I enjoy the proximity of the club, and find ourselves at dinner and breakfast on a weekly basis. In June of 2013, the club was host to our wedding reception, from which we received many great compliments on the food and atmosphere of the club. Molly and I recently welcomed our first child, Jackson Dane, to our family in September of 2016. We are excited to watch him grow and someday become a fifth-generation member of SBYC. I am an avid wooden boat enthusiast, having restored our 26’ 1957 Chris Craft Continental to show condition. With nearly two decades of experience in the marine industry, I was presented with a great opportunity to purchase Pier 7 Marina in the winter of 2016. As an advocate of adaptability within the recreational boating industry, I understand the importance of being innovative and forward thinking. I believe that in order to sustain a feasible business model, we must embrace the changing trends within the recreational boating industry and correct our course accordingly. My objective as a member of the Board of Directors is to represent the future interests of the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club. As a Director, I am committed to the collective development of long term strategies that will effectively re-define the vision of the club in the years to come.

David Stokes (2006) EXCELLENT ADVENTURE I worked at a commercial heat treating company from 1976 until 1994 when I moved into metal finishing at Mid State Plating Co. (No we don’t do chrome). Bought my first airplane in 1988 and a bigger one in 1992. Leslie and our daughters, Caitlin and Kelsey, flew on almost every vacation from the U.P. to Florida. I sold my airplane in 2006 and bought a Carver 40 and named it “Excellent Adventure.” In 2008, we acquired a Mainship 400 to continue our excellent adventure. Our first stop was SBYC. What a great place. As a new boater with limited (or non-existent) boating skills they took me in, helped me learn and subjected me to only occasional ridicule. Thanks to all my SBYC friends for such a wonderful experience.


More About Your 2018 Board of DirectorsTom Tabor (2008 – Social Member)I have been around the SBYC for all of my 58 years, starting as a young boy coming out with our Grandfather Florian Hiss who was a member. He always loved boats but never took the time to have one. My wife Julie and I have been members for about 10 years and will be celebrating 32 years of marriage this August. We have two sons, Thomas 28 and Tyler 25. Julie and I love to golf and enjoy finding new courses that we have not played before, yes she normally beats me! We enjoy spending time at our place on Higgins Lake where we have a nice Pontoon boat that I named after our mom, Sally Ann Too and two go-fast Seadoo’s and the beautiful sunsets! I have a big love for cars, classics and new high performance. I am restoring my father’s 1936 Ford coupe which he bought in 1976 and enjoy his other car, 1960 T-Bird that he got brand new! The new hot rod is a 2018 Dodge Hellcat Challenger with a supercharged 707 hp engine! I am co-owner of Herman Hiss Jewelers in Bay City with my sister, and this is my 38th year. We love our SBYC and the members and enjoy the awesome food, great staff and of course the famous sunsets too!

Robert Taylor (2012) LITTLE VICTORI grew up in Northern Michigan as a son of parents who were avid sailors. For many years, I sailed with them through the Straits, Les Cheneaux chain of islands and the North Channel. After years in school, I knew I needed to live by water. In 2001, I moved to Bay City in preparation for an occupation and a life involved with water. For a few years I belonged to the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association and sailed a few of their available sailboats. In 2009, I bought my first boat, a Catalina 400. After a few years and a couple kids later my wife and I moved to, and currently own, a Sea Ray 48 Sundancer. On “Little Victor” we have enjoyed many trips to Tawas and Northern Michigan. I look forward to helping keep the SBYC a healthy success.

Watch for the profile article on Commodore Mike Holland in the March issue of THE MASTHEAD.

Upcoming Social EventsEaster Brunch & Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 1

Spring Work Party Saturday, April 21

Kentucky Derby PartySaturday, May 5

Mother’s Day BrunchSunday, May 13

Flower PlantingSaturday, May 19

Action AuctionFriday, May 25

Potluck BreakfastSaturday, May 26

Memorial Day CookoutSaturday, May 27-28

Ladies Night OutThursday, May 31

Skeg NIGHT

Thursday, March 15The traditional First Gathering of Men

to toast the upcoming boating season!

Save the Date!

Documents

From the Helm F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 ~ Michael Holland