Dear Lakeside Family,
I’m writing this on a Saturday (the 17th) that somehow fits the strangeness that has been 2020: brilliant sunshine, temperature pushing 60 degrees, a gentle breeze, and boats being pulled for the winter. It just doesn’t seem right but then not much has this year! At least as boats are being packed upon such a beautiful day we can be optimistic about a more normal 2021.
I’d like to congratulate our newly elected Flag Officers and Trustees which Larry sent a notice out about several days ago following Tuesday evening’s election. A special welcome to new Trustees Butch Bates, Jack Borkey, and Anthony Zarlinga and congratulations to Commodore – elect, John Szabo who will be taking over this column after Change of Watch on November 7th. Due to COVID capacity restrictions, be sure to get your reservations in early if you plan to attend.
I wonder if Jack Borkey’s Championship-winning chili had anything to do with his election to the Board? Jack won the Great Lakeside Chili Challenge on October 3rd out of 10 challengers, including reigning champion, yours truly, who this year got exactly 0 votes! The Chili Challenge was followed by a very successful Clambake Weekend on October 10th and 11th.
The support that you as members have shown for these events and all others during this challenging year has been nothing short of spectacular. Beginning in March when we had to go to take-out only service and Larry and I were concerned about whether or not there would be enough interest to make it worthwhile and more importantly to support our staff, you have all been extremely supportive which has seen the Club through this crazy stretch in fine stead. In the process, we have been able to keep our staff fully employed which I know is greatly appreciated. Please keep their hard work under trying circumstances in mind when the call goes out for the Employee Holiday Fund, which should be coming shortly. I really do believe this is the finest staff we have had in many years, if not ever. As with everything else he does (I doubt any of us knows everything) Larry has assembled a great team in the front and the back of the house. Larry, it’s a pleasure working with you, and Thank You for your dedication.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we will be unable to have the annual Membership Appreciation party this year which in years past has featured donations to Toys for Tots. In its place this year we will be sponsoring a Giving Tree for the Salvation Army, Zelma George Shelter. The Shelter helps support needy families and the homeless in our community. The tree will be in the bar and will have tags on it identifying the needs of individual families. If you see something that you would like to help with, simply take the tag and use that as a “wish list” around which you can base your donation. Your purchases/gifts should be returned to the LYC office by December 3, 2020. There will also be a donation box in the office for cash and checks if that interests you. Thank you for your consideration of this charity.
As my term winds down I’d like to thank all of you for your support and patience, particularly this year. I’d like to thank the Board for their dedication and commitment, particularly Vice Commodore-elect Jamie Bevins who has done an outstanding job as Membership Chair, ongoing Treasurer David Hunt whose financial acumen has served the Club beautifully for many years, and outgoing Secretary Garry Marquiss who has taken the job of Secretary to a new level. Replacing Garry, we welcome the return to the Secretary position of Shane Bonomini. And I would be remiss if I did not thank Cindy Walker and Donna Morris for all their efforts in the office. Not only do they do a great job, but they are also a joy to see every time I come through the door. We are a well organized, financially sound club with nearly full membership and only one open dock at last report!
Last but certainly not least, my thanks to the love of my life and my “shotgun rider” for 45 years, my beautiful wife, Abby. It has been a genuine honor and a real pleasure for us to have had the opportunity to give back to the club that has been such a major part of our family’s life – in my case as well as our kids and their kids, since childhood – and which will continue to be a big part of our lives for years to come.
For those of you headed South, we wish you safe travels and good health. For those of you staying here as the Ruhlman clan will be, we look forward to seeing around the Club.
All the very best, Rob and Abby
Bob Ruhlman
“Being on a boat that is moving through the water, it’s so clear.
Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.”
James Taylor