From the Porch: News and important dates to note from PBC President Ed Ryan

Our Board of Governors’ meeting this past week was an important one.   Among other items, the Board approved an increase in dues and other charges.  It’s not something that the Board likes to do,  but with six years passing without any increase in revenues, and upon the recommendation of our Finance Committee, the Board decided it was necessary to increase revenues in order to properly maintain and improve the Club, pay our utilities, keep our inventory of both racing and club boats fresh and usable, build adequate reserves for major capital items, and otherwise continue to enjoy the Club as we have been accustomed. I will add that there is something of a silver lining here – as members and rowers, we are using our Club more.  Our social occasions are more numerous and robust, we are supporting larger competitive teams with more racing, and we have an ever increasing number of club rowers.  While this activity translates directly into higher costs – especially in the areas of maintenance, cleaning, repairs and equipment – it also reflects a more active, diverse and engaged membership, and that is nothing but good for our Club. 

Specifically, the increase will be effective in 2013 (i.e., as of your first dues invoice in 2013). Senior member dues will increase to $750 per year; associate dues to $100, and non-resident dues to $50.  The annual rack fee for indoor racks will increase to $200. We are also raising fees for W-L usage of the Club. But, for our most senior members, the Board recognized the state of the fixed income markets, and any member 70 or over is entitled to a 20% discount on dues (leaving them essentially flat).   If you are interested in a more granular presentation of Club finances, please join us at the Semi-Annual meeting in October (more info below). 

And one related word on our Club and its finances – our Club depends on volunteers to be able to operate on budget.  In case you missed it in the membership application, it’s expected and required that each member spend at least 15 hours of volunteer hours for the Club every year.  We don’t have a system for tracking that, yet, but it’s worth reminding all members of the commitment you made to PBC when you joined.  We have no employees whatsoever – the Club runs on its members.

Many thanks to the Finance Committee for their hard work and help in keeping the Club on a solid and prudent financial course.

Row Like A Champion, and Be a Champion for PBC.

Ed Ryan

An Opportunity to Volunteer  

Mike Malone, our Club Committee Chairman , writes

The Club Rowing Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the basic maintenance of the club fleet, i.e. checking  rigging, coordinating minor repairs, identifying missing parts, etc. We can teach you all that you need to know, so this is a great chance to learn more about the nitty gritty details of the sport. If you have a CRC boat you love to row, help keep it in shape and fulfill your volunteer hours by contacting Michael Malone at crc@potomacboatclub.org.
 

New Docks – And More Opportunities to Volunteer

Steve Vermillion, our House Chairman (or “Commander”), writes the following:

Mark you calenders for the week of August 27th.   We’ll be replacing the float!   This is a BIG job and we’ll need 50+ volunteers.   As the specific date approaches, we’ll have more news and a call for volunteers.  In the meantime, if you would like to volunteer for other work around the House – there’s plenty to be done - you can contact Steve at sdvermillion3@aol.com. 

PBC Competing Everywhere! 

Good luck to all PBC competitors, wherever you may be racing!  From the Olympics in London to the Masters Nationals regatta in Worcester, Mass., the athletes of PBC will be rocketing off of starting lines and sprinting to finish lines around the world.  Keep up with the news and results on our PBC competitors in London and elsewhere through the Potomac Star (www.potomacstar.com) and Potomac Star Calendar, or friend Abner Burnside on Facebook to get news from the Star and straight from the athletes themselves!  If you have results or racing to report, please send it to editor of the Potomac Star and Racing Committee Chair, Penelope Wrenn at racing@potomacstar.com. 

Ergs and Civility

Anonymous, writes:

It’s your choice whether you want to erg in this heat – but it’s not your choice as to whether you need to clean up after yourself.  Wipe and clean the ballroom floor and the erg after you finish. Always.  It’s not at all cool to leave that puddle of sweat, regardless of how proud of it you might be.

And let us all work on being more civil to each other around the Club.  Let’s help that boat that is stuck awkwardly at the dock, let’s offer to lend a hand when we see someone doing work around the Club, and let’s give some encouragement to other PBC rowers out on the river.  
 

Semi-Annual Meeting  

The Board confirmed the date and time for the Semi-Annual meeting:  Sunday, October 14th at 4:00 p.m.   More information on the meeting as the date approaches.