Psst. It’s time for the Annual Meeting.

REMINDER!

The PBC Annual Meeting is tonight, Wednesday, April 1st, and rumor has it that all your friends will be there.  Yes, it falls on April Fool’s Day, but we’re not kidding.  It’s going to be an evening of serious business … well, after the mingling part, that is.

Social hour begins at 6:30 pm.  The meeting kicks off at 7:30 pm.  In addition to other club business, you’ll hear reports from the committees on the many accomplishments from last year, and get a preview of the year to come.

“We’re anticipating a fairly sizable crowd at the meeting on Wednesday,” said Bob Price, PBC president.

The Semi-Annual Meeting held in the fall drew more attendees than expected.  Typically, the Annual Meeting is the biggest of the year.

“We’ve seen a steady rise in the number of members who want to participate on the committees and help out around the club,” said Price.  “We’re about to mark our 140th year, so an increase in member activity and participation at this point probably means that we have many great years ahead of us.”

One easy way to participate off the water is to show up at the meeting … and vote!

Senior members will get the opportunity to fill three Board seats at the beginning of the meeting.  Bob Price and Ed Ryan are up for re-election.  Long-time member of the Board Judie Blanchard has decided not to seek another term, leaving her seat up for grabs.

And yes, you do have to be at the meeting to have your vote counted, but remember, your one little vote could make a big difference in this election!

Convinced?  Great! See you in the ballroom!

It’s Happy Hour … on the House!

Mae Joyce Gay, co-chair of Potomac Boat Club’s Informal Social Committee (ISC), reminds you that there are fewer than three days left to clear your calendar for the next Happy Hour on the House!

Happy Hour on the House is a new club-sponsored event that takes place on the last Friday of every month.  Last month, PBC folks showed up in droves at the inaugural happy hour to swap rowing stories, mingle, and drink Yuengling … on tap! The evening was such a huge success, Happy Hour on the House is already being compared to the legendary PBC Oyster Roasts of the early 1900s.  Really!  Um … minus the human pyramids?  Okay, no.

The next Happy Hour on the House is on Friday, March 27 from 6:00 - 9:00ish pm, so don’t miss this once-every-30-day-chance at happiness!  After all, it may be your last opportunity of the season to snuggle up to fellow PBC’ers up in the Members Lounge/Club Room/Board Room.  Once the warmer weather gets here, we’ll be doing these things out on the deck, and insisting on all kinds of personal space.

ISC Co-Chair Johnny Forrest taps the keg promptly at 6:00 pm.  Members, friends and family are welcomed to attend!  And, again, it’s all on the House!

Please drink responsibly.

Protected: 2009MAR18 BOG Meeting Minutes

Ready for Spring?

[The following is a message regarding the spring season that was recently sent through the Member Listserv by PBC president, Bob Price.]

Hi All –

I hope everyone is excited as I am about the arrival of the spring season.  Pretty soon we’ll be seeing lots more activity at the boathouse – folks on the docks, on the water, on the ergs, or just hanging out enjoying the warmer weather.

A few reminders to get us all on the same wavelength – some safety tips, etiquette reminders, and general housekeeping practices:

-    Please make sure to log all your outings in the logbook.  This not only allows us to keep track of boat use, but is also a key safety mechanism that lets us identify who has logged back in, and who hasn’t.  If we notice someone has been out a very long time, it may be reason to send a launch out to make sure everything is ok.

-    Early spring means cold water temperatures.  Be aware of the 4-oar rule: until the water is over 50 degrees, no club 1x’s are allowed out and anyone launching any boat must wear a PFD or a wetsuit unless you are accompanied by a coaching launch.  Note, this is for ALL crews, not just folks rowing private 1x’s.  We will post notices around the house and announce on the Yahoo Group when the 4-oar rule is lifted.

-    Early spring also means it’s still dark out in the mornings and early evenings.  All shells must carry white lights fore and aft before sunrise and after sunset, and thanks to Chuck Selden our Float Captain, there are lights available by the logbook.  Follow the proper traffic patterns and make yourself easy to see by wearing light, reflective colors – simple things to avoid mishaps on the water.

-    Be alert on and around the dock; prime rowing hours often see lots of congestion from launching and landing crews.  Be timely on the dock whether coming in or going out, and be especially aware of crews trying to land – they have priority.

-    For those choosing to erg, please wipe the machine and the surrounding floor area clean when you are finished.  I recently (last week) noticed many of our newest ergs with very filthy tracks… makes it feel like the seat is rolling on a gravel road.  If you don’t find paper towels in the ballroom, then find some in the bathroom.. if we’re out, then be creative – just don’t leave a mess behind.

-    And for the folks who just want to enjoy the Club Room, the porch, or the deck, please make sure to properly dispose all your trash

-    For everyone, if you see overflowing trash cans, then don’t just stare at them or pile more junk on top; lend a hand and take the trash to the dumpster.  And PLEASE - let’s not use the locker rooms as personal clothes dryers – it’s much better for all of us if we take our post-workout gear home with us and not let it sit and stink up the common areas.

In short summary, let’s have a great spring – be safe, be kind, and be clean!

Thanks.  And see you soon!

Bob

Bob Price
President, Potomac Boat Club