Commodore's Message:

Commodore Suzanne McKeonDear Members,

In 1902, the mission statement of Moriches Yacht Club set forth a goal "to encourage its members in becoming proficient in the personal management, control and handling of their yachts" and to "promote sociability and recreation among its members".

Over the years, past generations have expanded that mission statement and I am delighted to say that the traditional spirit of those principles and ideals are thriving here today. Our present day membership is still an enthusiastic crowd that volunteer countless hours and contribute outstanding effort and creative skills for the good of all. They still recognize the value of lifelong friendships; and make every effort to foster new ones. All of our members have diverse personalities and interests, but their shared attraction to be by the bay unites them together as a community. Whether they are sailing or boating on the bay, swimming in the pool, or enjoying a meal, the water’s edge draws them here.

Last year, I was duly impressed by the motivation that people in this club showed. Thanks to their time and effort, we now have beautiful stone planters at the entrance of our clubhouse, and a place to roast marshmallows in the new campfire pit on the South lawn. Our grounds are neat and the gardens have never looked more beautiful.

This year we will have our yearly maintenance projects that will be addressed in the spring. In the marina, we have both maintenance to complete and restoration to begin. Over the past few years, we have succeeded in improving both the exterior and the interior of our club. Now I would like to continue that effort by refurbishing our 40 year old kitchen; a facelift is long overdue. Our clubhouse facilities should reflect the pride that we all have in our organization.

With all these projects ahead of us, the joint efforts of the bridge, the directors, and the chair people can only be realized if the entire membership lends a helping hand. Our chair people volunteer a great deal of their time and energies to keep the club running smoothly. Please make their jobs easier and take time out of your busy schedules and say yes when they call for help. As this is working club, I am asking that every member make a concerted effort to become and stay involved. This can come in the form of an organizer or a helper at a club event or project. I have said it before, if you are a new member, get involved, if you are a long standing member, stay involved. Please maintain your original commitment to help this club get even better that it has been. You, all 120 families worth, are the foundation of this great club.

That foundation proved strong at both the Thanksgiving Feast and the Change of Watch dinner, where record numbers of members attended. I would love to see those large crowds continue at the monthly dinner meetings. These dinner meetings provide a great forum to catch up with friends, stay abreast of the club’s progress, and have an affordable meal with adults, imagine that! More importantly, it gives us all the chance to meet new members and their families. After all, they are the future.

As usual, our social calendar is full of great events. We have a couple new items. This summer, the bar will be open on Friday nights for us all to enjoy. Also, we have brought back the pig roast, so if you can help out please do! If anyone has any ideas or events that they would like to plan, the Board of Governors would love to hear them. That said, check the website, look over the club calendar and make every effort to attend the 2007 scheduled events.

We are all the guardians of this club and I genuinely believe the present membership understands the values and standards of that original mission statement. This club is one of the best kept secrets on the south shore! This is your waterfront property. Please use it. Come down and relax. Enjoy good times with your family and friends. Make memories that will last a lifetime. Also, think about friendly and motivated people that you would like see join our club. It would be great to see some new families down here. I look forward to a successful productive year ahead. The chilly weather is almost over and spring will be here before we know it. See you on the bay!

Welcome to the 2007 season at Moriches Yacht Club!

Your Commodore,

Suzanne McKeon