Robby's Voice Update from Bob and Jeannie Brandt

We just wanted to take a moment to update the club on a turn of events for Robby’s Voice. As you know, we were invited by the court system of Medina to run Robby’s Recovery Center and eventually purchase the property and full ownership of the center. This was the result of 5½ years of effort and the fulfillment of a dream. The first five months met and exceeded all expectations having had more than 3000 sign ins spread over 20 weekly meetings, well attended social events and recognition by a number of state and local organizations. Effective February 2, 2018, we have officially terminated our involvement with the center and have removed ourselves from the board of directors. The courts decided to modify the original plan to include a full service 5 star restaurant and include alcohol as a menu item. This was done over the objection of the board but the courts control the grant money. As an organization we made our decision after consulting with a number of people involved in recovery at a high level and our own personal beliefs. Simply, we could not agree to something that went against our values. There is more involved here but suffice to say that we are disappointed.

But, fear not. Since our widely supported decision, we have been contacted by the ADAMHS Board of Medina, a State Representative, the Kiwanis and several other organizations, to partner with them on a new venture. We are exploring all opportunities. In addition, the Mercy Health System, with locations across Ohio, has asked us to develop a program to bring to all their locations to better educate the medical staff. The Ohio High School Athletic Association has also asked us to partner with them on an educational program and our Family Matters support group has been so successful that similar models are being developed throughout the county with our assistance. Medline Industries, a large medical supply company, has invited us to explore other avenues to help fight against this epidemic. We have enough to keep us busy for a while.

We just wanted to bring the club up to speed before the rumors fly since Harbor Bay Yacht Club has been so supportive. See you all in the spring.

2018 HBYC Cruising Schedule Set! Registration Forms Due - April 16th!

Federal income tax filings are due on April 17th.  Art Harden needs your 2018 Cruise Registration by April 16th!   While the IRS will allow you to file an extansion,  Art must hold the deadline.

Check out the schedule --> Harbor Bay Yacht Club Cruising 2018

Get all of the details here --> HBYC Cruising

2018 HBYC Cruise Destinations

2018 Membership Renewal Due March 31st!

It is once again time to renew your Harbor Bay Yacht Club membership.  Earlier this year you should have received a 2018 Membership Renewal form via the USPS.  Please confirm or update the information on the form and provide payment to the membership committee (Brenda Marcks).

Please check your email addresses on your renewal forms closely - the HBYC Webmaster uses the email addresses provided to send the HBYC News updates to you.

If you have any questions or need another renewal form, click on this link to contact the -->  HBYC Membership Committee.

Membership dues must be paid or postmarked by March 31, 2018!

Navigation Class at HBYC

Tim McKenna of Erie Island Sailing School will be holding a navigation class on February 17th and 18th.  He is using the HBYC club house for this class, and has offered a discounted rate for HBYC members. 

Visit his website Erie Island Sailing School or call (412) 951-1235

HBYC Celebrates the end of Prohibition at Winter Rendezvous

After a long day of meetings, checking boats in frigid temperatures, and learning about the perils of Probition in the 1920's, the Harbor Bay Yacht Club celebrated the the repeal of Prohibition 85 years ago in style with the Rum Runners Ball.

Following dinner and the Change of Watch Ceremony, members in 1920's era attire enjoyed the music provided by the Windjammers Big Band.  

Check out more photos -->  Rum Runners Ball

A special thanks to Vice Commodore Harvey Rickert and Trustee Sandy Biesenberger for making this evening possible!

All kinds of trouble showed up for this party.  Rabble rousers James Altherr, Wanda Weiman, and Mike Petsch are caught in the act. 

The Windjammers Big Band provided fantastic entertainment for drinking....

....and dancing!

HBYC Change of Watch Ceremony Conducted During Winter Rendezvous

Harbor Bay Yacht Club's Change of Watch Ceremony was conducted just before the 1920's themed dance.   Dressed in their finest Prohibition era costumes, club membership thanked previous leadership and tapped new Bridge Officers, Trustees, and Staff Officers.

To learn more about who charts the course for the Harbor Bay Yacht Club, Click -> Who We Are

George Harizal was recognized for his tenure as Commodore and his many years of service to the club.

Commodore George Harizal thanked 2017 Bridge, Trustees, and Staff Officers.  Left to Right: Rear Commodore - Harvey Rickert, Vice Commodore - Don Petsch,  Trustee - Tim Kemerley, George Harizal, Trustee - Jim Hearst, Secretary - Janice Hearst, Trustee - Sandy Biesenberger, Trustee - Russ Marcks (Not Pictured: Past Commodore Jan Holmes and Treasurer Margo Holmes) 

The ceremony then conducted a peaceful transfer of power as George Harizal swore in Don Petsch as the 2018 Commodore. 

The 2018 Bridge was then completed as Commodore Don Petsch recognized Harvey Rickert (L) moving to Vice Commodore and Russ Marcks (R) accepting the Rear Commodore duties.

Commodore Don Petsch then recognized incoming Trustees James Altherr (L) and Dewey Hughes (R)

Commodore Don Petsch recognized the remainder of the returning Trustees: Tim Kemerley (L) and Sandy Biesenberger (R), and the NEW Sandusky Harbor Marina General Manager - Melissa Walter (Center).  Welcome Melissa!

Commodore Don Petsch recognized 2018 Staff Officers Janice Hearst (L) as returning Secretary and Pete Rao as incoming Treasurer.

Local Writer Visits HBYC at Winter Rendezvous

Writer R. C. Durkee visited Harbor Bay Yacht Club during its Winter Rendezvous at Sawmill Creek Resort to discuss the local impact of Prohibition, which inspired her book Rum Run.  

The 18th amendment to the constitution (which Ohio ratified on January 7, 1919) prohibited the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States."  Prohbition became the law of the land on January 17th, 1920.

As time marched forward from the start of prohibition, stockpiled supplies of liquor and alcohol dwindled, creating an oppotunity for Bootleggers (on land) and Rum Runners (on water) to supply the rising demand by transporting alcohol from Canada, across Lake Erie, to the United States.   This placed the Lake Erie Islands and the Ohio Northern Shore in the middle of dangerous and illegal activities.

R.C. Durkee's historically accurate, but fictional account of a local boater living and surviving this dangerous time is spell binding, engaging, and informative.  It is a must read for boating enthusiasts familiar with the Erie Islands and the Nothern Shore from Port Clinton to Cleveland.

Learn more about R.C. Durkee, her book Rum Run,  and her next project --> R.C.Durkee

R.C. Durkee is both a writer and an award winning artist who blends her love of history, nature, and the rural life into her creative projects.  

HBYC members gathered to hear R.C. Durkee's presentation at Sawmill Creek Resort during the 2018 HBYC Winter Rendezvous.

R. C. Durkee provided an overview of Prohibition in the 1920's and how it impacted the local area and the Lake Erie Islands.

HBYC Member Stephanie Irwin learns more about the author's writing process.

Baby it is cold outside...

...but the Winter Rendezvous will be hot!

Preparations are all set for ths weekend's shindig.   Old Man Winter is trying to spoil our party, but he ain't gonna do it!  Having said that, please keep an eye on the weather, use your best judgement, and BE SAFE!

Here is the final schedule for the weekend:   2018 Winter Rendevous Schedule

Sandusky Harbor Marina management is planning a brief overview to members after the author speaks, but prior to lunch.

If anyone has been preparing for the weekend by reading R. C. Durkee's book "Rum Run" , you may remember a big party with a big band.  Here is a song mentioned in the book that will get you ready for the weekend.  I found a great recording on Youtube.  Click Here and enjoy-->  I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate

Cheers!

2018 HBYC Winter Rendezvous

Rear Commodore Harvey Rickert is bringing the event to Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio.  Friday evening will be a time for socializing in the “Big Bear Saloon” over a cold one at the cash bar.  Saturday morning, meet author R.C. Durkee, who will give a talk about Rum Run, his novel based on bootlegging and rum running activities in our local area, including the islands during Prohibition. Saturday evening will include our traditional Change of Watch and dinner, and will feature the “Rum Runners Ball” where we’ll enjoy sounds and dress of the Great Gatsby era as we listen and dance to live music from the 20 piece Windjammer Big Band. This will be a costume ball, so begin laying out your period correct duds from the Twenties and Thirties.

2018 Winter Rendezvous - The Rum Runners Ball
         When: January 12th and 13th, 2018
         Location:  Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio
         For registration details click here:  Schedule and Registration Form
         To reserve a room click here:  How to book your room online
              Click here to access:  Sawmill Creek Resort Reservation

Reminders:
- Due by December 10th!! - Hotel Reservation

- Due by January 4th, 2018  - Send Registration Form and Check
Made out to Harbor Bay Yacht Club
C/O : Treasure Pete Rao, 6699 Hounds Run Dr.  Medina, OH 44256

Commodore's Corner

By Commodore George Harizal

It’s November and there are still boats in the water! This was a busy boating season that didn’t want to end. Our weather remained favorable well into the fall months, allowing most of our members to enjoy a few extra weeks on the water. 

Read the rest of George's update by clicking here -->  November Club Update