New sheriff in town

Newly elected PBC President Ed Ryan and Bill Cox crossing the finish line first back in 2009, at the Carnegie Lake Regatta.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water ….

No conspiracy theory or anything, we’re just saying  … three in a row?  We see a trend.  Bob.  Bob ( … and technically, Bob, again).  And now Ed.  We like those Club President’s with one syllable names, don’t we?

Interesting.  Very interesting.

Now.  Take my hand and let’s check out what our newly elected President “Ed” Ryan has on his mind for the new administration.  It’ll be okay.  We promise.

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Hey, PBC!

This is the first of what I hope will be regular communiques from me to the club.  I want to thank you all for your support, as well as the confidence you expressed  in me when you elected me President of Potomac Boat Club.  I am honored and humbled, and I intend to do everything I can to make PBC a great club, in every sense of the word.

Next, as I discussed at our Annual Meeting, my overall goal is simple:  Continue the transformation of PBC from a rowing facility to a Club.  In general, this means to me that we embrace all PBC members – old and young, whether you race or just enjoy rowing for exercise.  I want PBC to be a place where members know each other, respect each other, and appreciate the fact that they belong to such a great and unique institution.

Now, please allow me to share with you a few of the more significant shorter term goals that the Board is currently pursuing:

• House:  Complete the dock replacement.  At some point, docks and other high wear capital improvements require replacement.  The new docks are ordered and we’re hoping to have a ‘dock transition’ in mid-August, at a lull in the competitive rowing season.
• House:  Finish what we need to do to make the house fundamentally safe, including a fairly significant porch repair project, and continuing to enhance security.
• Finances:  Address the fact that we are facing higher overall expenses – maintenance, boats, utilities, and repairs.  We pay less than most folks pay to belong to a gym and get the best club in DC.  It’s a bargain, and we will do our best to manage it all very prudently.  A dues increase is probably on the horizon, but it won’t be major and it’s something that we’d like to stay on top of so we don’t hit a cataclysmic point where a major increase is suddenly unavoidable.
• Communications:  Institute a periodic newsletter to all current and former members – the entire “PBC community”  - that goes out whenever necessary with club news and information.  I don’t claim credit for this – as a former Vesper rower, I get their newsletter every couple of weeks, and it’s terrific.  It keeps me in touch with the club, and even guilts me into contributions.  If anyone would like to help me with this, please contact me offline at president@potomacboatclub.org.

Those are big picture items we’ll be working on this year.  Real, real short term, I want to remind everyone of two events this weekend:

First, the Cuatro de Mayo party on Friday evening, hosted by our extraordinary social committee (see how practice feels on Saturday morning after a few margaritas!).

Second, the PBC Work Day on Sunday, May 6, 2012.  Our club operates on a volunteer model, and we need all members to embrace that.  If you are paying your dues and not participating in clean up/maintenance, you are shortchanging the club.  Please be a good member and show up for the workdays.  Lots of jobs to do, free coffee and you’ll meet other members.  For you lawyers out there, learn how to use a broom!  And one thing I’ll ask you NOT to do – do not come down to the Club and take out your single or a double in the middle of a PBC Work Day.   It’s rude and it’s not at all cool.  Work for an hour or two, and then go out.

Finally, a few words about the new administration:  I’m going to be practicing NBOD … No Business On the Dock.  It can destroy a row, the dock is for launching and landing, and it’s just the wrong place for a discussion.  But I am going to institute “office hours” on the porch following my Saturday AM practices, so you and all other members will typically find me up there starting around 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays, after I get totally beaten up by a few select scullers in the Club.  If you bring a cup of coffee, it’s like a campaign contribution – extra time!

Thank you PBC, and special thanks to our great Committee Chairs for making it all happen – Steve Vermillion (house), Virginia Bryant (social), Penelope Wrenn (racing), Pam Roberts (membership), Mike Malone (club), George Kirschbaum (security), Samantha Byrd (regatta), and Kathy Hughes (finance) – and to all of the great members who serve on those Committees.  The ship runs on your steam.

Bleed Red,

Ed