Happy Holidays, Security Cameras, A Member Lost and A Members Health Concern

To All WRBC Members,


RE:    HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As our first year in our new club building comes to an end, I want to thank everyone who helped not only in the move but in the success of obtaining a beautiful place for our club not only to meet in, but to enjoy for many years to come.
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RE:    A MEMBER LOST - JEROME DROSOS

We recently had one member Jerome Drosos pass away Dec. 8, 2016. We did send a card with a monetary donation to the family. Unfortunately his mother also passed away a few days after.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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RE:    A MEMBERS HEALTH - MIC WISNIEWSKI

A  short update on Mic Wisniewski's health condition. He has been on chemo therapy to attempt to fight his lung cancer. If you find time, I am sure he would appreciate a card to help him get through this fight.

His address is:    Mic Wisniewski
                            2140 Lake Avenue
                            Whiting, IN 46394

Again our thoughts and prayers are with Mic and his family.
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RE:    SECURITY CAMERAS

I would like to inform everyone that security cameras have been installed inside our building and are operating currently. We are the only ones who have access to the videos. There are also cameras now installed on the outside of our building, the outside of the lifeguard building and throughout the parking area of Whihala Park. All these cameras are controlled by the City of Whiting. I have also been informed that if I would need access to any of those videos, I would be allowed to view them through the City.


Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and SAFE New Year.

Mike Hill
WRBC Commodore

RE: DOCK PARTY 2016

I would like to thank everyone who helped make this years first Dock Party at our new facility a huge success.

I don't know if you all have any idea of how much effort goes into making this event a success.  It takes weeks of planning and purchasing food, prizes, etc. for everyone to enjoy a truly wonderful event.

First of all, thank you to those who showed up early to help move tables, set up tents, shuck corn, set up the inside of the building and everything else.  Fortunately, the weather cooperated and we had a great first Dock Party at our new facility.

I would like to point out a special thanks again to Yolanda and Helene for their continuing support in making sure everyone had enough to eat and that the games, kids table were set up, for all kids to enjoy.

Also, I want to thank Mike Zralka for always making sure everyone is checked in and the wine is distributed.

In addition, Bob Mehok, Treasurer who always makes sure that not only is the wine purchased, the corn, supplies and all our food is ordered and paid for but also helps in every aspect of making sure that raffled prizes, chances and his goofy jokes are appreciated by all.

There are a few others that stand out helping us.

Thanks to Jack Benko for his kegerator, Mike Zavesky for always making sure we have water, pop, juice boxes, wine & beer. Rick Stack for every year supplying music for every ones entertainment.  A special thanks to George Timko for obtaining the permit from the City giving us our picnic tables, garbage cans and making sure that the building was ready to go.  I want to thank the ladies and gentlemen, children also who hung around after the event ended to help clean and put away everything in its place.

If I have missed anyone who contributed to the Dock Party, I apologize in advance.

We always thank Jillian from Cabela's for their generous donations to all of our functions.

I hope everyone had as good of time as I did.  We no longer have to depend on tents and port-a-potties.

Looking forward to seeing you all in January at Post 80 for our Election Dinner 2017.

Please note that January, February and March meetings will be held at Post 80.

Thanks Again.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Dock Party

WRBC Members,

Please be sure to get your Dock Party Guest/Food Choice form and your raffle tickets in ASAP.

The deadline is on or before the August 30th meeting.

Thank you,

Mike Hill
WRBC Commodore

RE: Jet Ski Race WRBC Volunteers

A Thank You from the Commodore:

I would like to thank all the volunteers that gave up their time and a weekend for helping to make the City of Whiting Grand Prix of the Sea Jet Ski Race a huge success.

First of all George Timko & Rik Stak for making sure the building was open and available to the Organization and Film Crews of this event.

Secondly, I would thank personally Jack Benko for volunteering to be the race pace boat. Mike Zavesky, John Gigac, Cas Chocholek, John Rokosz, Bob Mehok, Mike Zralka, and myself for providing course perimeter security both days keeping the race course safe from any outside boats or jet skis attempting to enter the race.

The Organizers that put this event together expressed their EXTREME appreciation for all of our commitment to their event. Gene Stephens who was the head of this Organization told me personally he has never in any event received such great cooperation and help.

They are looking forward to returning next year to repeat another event similar or larger. They will time this better so it does not interfere with any other events occurring on the lake.

Check our website as they have sent us a copy of the video of the event for our viewing. We will also show this at our next meeting August 30th, 2016.

Thank you,
Mike Hill WRBC Commodore

Jet Ski Race

Hey all,

Just wanted to share a video we received from the P1 AquaX people regarding the 1st Great Lakes Jet Ski Race at Whiting Parks Whihala Beach. The Boat Club helped, hosted and opened up our building to the organization.

For those of you who could not attend, I am bringing it to you. It was insane!! Hollywood, hunks and power all in one place. Mike Hill the WRBC Commodore and a few boat club members volunteered to be the outside boundary boats for the jet ski racers not to pass the boats with the red flags in them. Mike is on the red & white boat and is wearing the glow orange hat if you see it in the background bobbing around. HAHA

We just received this email with attached video to the Whiting Robertsdale Boat Club (WRBC) from the Organization. Enjoy!!!

P.S.  It was such a success and Lake Michigan a challenge that they are wanting to come back next year. They loved the whole layout of the new Whiting Park. It was set up just perfect for Jet Ski Race.

Also, they are maybe bringing the power boats next year.

Go Whiting!!!!

Yo Hill

Whiting Robertsdale Boat Club (WRBC)

Honorary Member

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Dear Whiting Boat Club,

Thanks so much for the use of your clubhouse while we were filming in Whiting for P1 a couple of weekends ago.  It was a pleasure to meet you all.

We thought you might like to see a copy of the final show which will be shown on Comcast/CSN on 21^st August at 16:30, although please be aware this time is subject to change.

https://vimeo.com/179119250/996d03f064

All the Best,

Lauren

COMMODORE NOTES: 7-26-2016 MEETING UPDATE

WRBC MEMBERS:

We voted in CHANGES to the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations.

1. Article 7 B Zero Tolerance - Concerning the use of profane & abusive language.

2. Article 5 A & B-2 -You will now need to be a member with 5 years in good standing to recommend any new member.

3. New Article 10-A - If the Club is assessed a fine for a false alarm do to a Boat Club Members failure to correctly manage the alarm system, the cost will be past on to that Boat Club Member.

These changes will be made to the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations and will be posted on the Website when complete for all to read. We will also have them posted in the WRBC building club house.

There was a Motion Approved to purchase a laptop and printer for documenting and keeping records for the Club. It was also Approved to get a video surveillance system installed in the Club and surrounding property. These issues will be addressed and purchased in the very near future.

Please continue to enjoy this Club building, as it is you Club.

Remember to follow all the rules if you have guests or family in the Club building. "You" are personally responsible for them.

There were paper towel dispensers, garbage cans & towels donated by Mike Zavesky Rear-Commodore of our Club for both bathrooms. They will be installed in the near future.

George Timko's brother "Hank", a long time WRBC Member is currently battling Lymphoma. This is a severe cancer, very aggressive, and is in the hospital at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with him. If you would like to send cards or well wishes, please use his home address as follows:

Henry "Hank" Timko,  1948 Lincoln,   Whiting, IN  46394

Also, Rich Stack has stepped up and accepted the position of Vice-Commodore and was approved by the Board and voted in to fill in this position for the remaining term this year of Guy Benne.

Remember that our Dock Party is Saturday, September 10, 2016, at the Boat Club building.

Please get your Dock Party response form and raffle tickets in as soon as possible, so that we can accurately order food and drinks.

Again, anyone willing to bring desserts or salads are encouraged, this helps our bottom line.

Hope to see you there.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

COMMODORE NOTES July 2016

WRBC MEMBERS:

1. GUY BENNE RESIGNS AS VICE-COMMODORE -This is a note to thank Guy Benne for his long term as Vice-Commodore, second in command!  He has held this position for many years, before me as Commodore. He was instrumental in obtaining our dredging permits, welding, and maintaining our pier and many, many more projects and contributions to making this the club that it is. He always had his wooden boat in the 4^th of July parade representing our club for the City of Whiting. He was always willing to step up and help with anything he was asked from the dock party, yelling quietly the door prizes, assisting me and always reading a good magazine during our meetings!!! He will truly be missed but we want to thank him for all he has contributed to make this a better club. He was also a huge contributor to helping get this club the lease and building we now enjoy.

Thank you Guy for all you have done to promote this club forward!!

• Anyone interested in taking over the position of Vice-Commodore please contact Mike Kometz at (219) 659-0157.

2.  PARKING – Due to new concerns over parking by our club building, we have been asked by the City to first be sure to fill the front 8 parking spaces and then we are allowed to park in the same area without a trailer. We may also park anywhere else in the park unless there is a special event going on in the park. Please comply and fill in the spaces given to us first. Also, if you are asked to move and re-park, do not refuse or argue. Comply with the request and let us know, we will handle the issue. We have to stay a good neighbor with the City of Whiting.  Let’s not lose our Lease over stupidity.

3.  NEW MEMBERS – Please help our new members out to understand our Rules and Regulations. Help out if you are asked questions around club activities, parking, use of the club house, numbers needed on trailers and boats, jet skis, etc. Let’s make our newbies welcome and educated to our clubs function.  Thank You.       

4. Reminder on the Jet Ski Race Aug. 6 & 7 - Anyone wanting to volunteer as an observer please let me know. Next year maybe we will help with the high powered boats like Michigan City.

5. Thanks for all who were at the club for the Whiting fireworks and party. The view from our patio was great, from the front even better. We had probably 50-60 folks, family & friends. Cooking out and all having a great time for our first public event. This is all what it’s about. A nice building for all to enjoy!

Please continue to use this facility and keep it clean and respectable so this City Council can see we are a good neighbor.

THANKS TO ALL,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

WRBC Members,

This is just additional information that people can pass on to family and friends to use if they want.

Whiting is offering a new way for drivers to pay the parking meter for both vehicles and boat trailer parking.  It is Free App called Passport Parking.

Download the App from the iPhone App Store or Android Google Play.

Enter Zone Number 46394 if you are at the lot location meters around Park Road near Whihala Beach OR  Enter Zone Number 288 if you are at the Whiting Lakefront boat parking location.

Click this link for the article and additional information

Thanks,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

USCG AUX BOAT SAFETY INSPECTION

A REMINDER TO WRBC MEMBERS

The USCG Aux Boat Safety Inspection will be held this Saturday, June 25, 2016 9am - 12 Noon in front of the New Boat Club building.

Thank you for your participation in this matter.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

LOOKING FOR SOME VOLUNTEERS SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th & 7th

EVENT:     CITY OF WHITING GRAND PRIX OF THE SEAS JET SKI RACE 2016

SPONSORED BY:     SUPERSTOCK USA OUT OF APOPKA, FLORIDA

DATE:     SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th & 7th

LOCATION:     WRBC BOAT LAUNCH TO AMOCO BEACH & BACK

START TIME:     8AM

END TIME:     AROUND 4PM

WRBC MEMBERS:

Our Club has been asked by the City for help with this event.     

We need 5-6 boats to patrol the perimeter of the races to keep any boaters from entering the race courses during the race. If we get more than 5-6 boats we can rotate in and out. You will be given orange flags to indicate you are a patrol boat. They do break for lunch.

The event starts at 8am to around 4PM from our launch to Amoco Beach & back.

30 minutes & 1 Lap per race.

2 Races on Saturday and 1 on Sunday.

You will have a front row seat to the race and of course its weather permitting.

Please let me know ASAP as the sponsor needs to know soon.

Next year they are trying to get the big Power Boats from Michigan City Race here also!

This is a high powered Jet Ski Race which should be exciting to be involved in.

It will again help us with our WRBC/City relationship.

Please consider volunteering even for 1 day and let me know.

I need your:

Name:

Boat Size & Type:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Thanks in advance.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

RE: USE OF NEW BUILDING

WRBC MEMBERS,

Please use and enjoy our new club, as this is your club.

If you notice any issues with the building, grounds, or surrounding suspicious activity, please call the City immediately and inform them of the issue.

Thank You,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

RE: HANDICAPPED SPOT WARNING

WRBC MEMBERS,

WARNING------- DO NOT PARK IN ANY HANDICAPPED SPOT INCLUDING ANY AREA IN FRONT OF OUR  SHED UNLESS YOU HAVE A HANDICAPPED PLACARD OR LICENSE PLATE.

I was STRONGLY TOLD by a City Official that if anyone is caught parking in these areas, especially in front of our shed, they will be immediately towed at your expense. This means not even pulling in to the open space in front of or blocking these Handicapped spaces.

Apparently this whole area is NOT RESERVED FOR HANDICAPPED BOAT CLUB MEMBERS BUT FOR ANY HANDICAPPED LICENSED PERSON.

This may complicate us from obtaining our belongings in and out of the shed.  But please comply or we will be subjected to this new ruling by the City of Whiting. 

I appreciate everyone's compliance with this issue as these rules are completely out of my control.

Thank You,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

RE: FREE BOAT INSPECTION ON JUNE 25, 2016

WRBC MEMBERS,

We will again be sponsoring a FREE boat safety inspection on Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 9AM to 12 NOON for us and the public.

This will be sponsored by David Mosca and his crew from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

There will be hot dogs and snacks provided by the WRBC.

Thanks,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

RE: BOAT LAUNCHING

WRBC MEMBERS,

Apparently the dredging of our launch is complete.  Even though I have not been informed officially, I would assume that you can now launch from our docks unless there are barricades or signage stating NOT TO LAUNCH.

I apologize for the late notice on this issue.

Thank You,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

New Clubhouse Moving Day

Check out the new pictures on the 'Picture Albums Tab'

RE: MOVING PROPERTY FROM TRAILER INTO NEW BUILDING

Members,

This is a reminder for anyone who can help move our property from the trailer at Whihala into the new facility this Saturday, April 30, 2016 morning at 9:00am.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike Hill WRBC Commodore

RE: SIGNING OF NEW WRBC BUILDING 20 YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT 4/20/2016

Members,

Today Bob Mehok and myself met with the City of Whiting and finalized the signing, notarizing and completing of our 20 year Lease Agreement.

We now have for the next 20 years a signed Lease Agreement with the City of Whiting and the Whiting-Robertsdale Boat Club for occupancy of the new WRBC building and launch facility 24-7.

Check out the pictures on the 'Picture Albums' tab

Further details at this months meeting.

Hope you can attend.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

RE: LEASE AGREEMENT - MOVING & DREDGING

Members,

We finally have some great news to share.

The Board of Directors and the Officers met last Friday, April 15, 2016 with the City. We have come to a mutual agreement on our 20 year Lease for our new building. Some language had to be changed and we have mutually agreed on cost for our rent. We will now be able to enjoy our new club for 20 years that should not incur any raise in our current dues rate. We should sign the Lease Agreement this week pending any unforeseen issues and possibly start moving our trailer contents in by next weekend.

I will let you all know when we plan to start moving in. Any and all help will be appreciated. This has truly been a long struggle with a great outcome.

Also, the City is suppose to start dredging the Whihala Harbor tomorrow Tuesday, April 19, 2016.

This may take several days to complete. I am sure signage will be up for "No Launching" during this time. Please be courteous if you are asked to turn around. Keep in mind you can always go to Hammond Marina and show your WRBC Membership Card and should be able to launch for free there. If you have an issue there, please do not argue, just pay and we will reimburse you.

I would suggest that you attend this months meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 7:00PM to hear details of our Lease Agreement and costs.

 

Again thank you for being patient, as you have been over these last 7 years.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Whiting Food Pantry Thank you

WRBC Members:

Thank you everyone who contributed to the Whiting Food Pantry.

We will try to do this twice a year from here on out.

Thanks again for making this a successful event.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Whiting Food Pantry Thank you

Food Pantry & New WRBC Lease Agreement from Mayor Stahura

Members,

1.    Just a reminder please bring a bag of non-perishables to this months meeting on March 29, 2016 for the Whiting Food Pantry.  Lets help the needy in Whiting again.

2.    At this months meeting we will be discussing the meeting that the Board of Directors and the Officers had with the Mayor of Whiting concerning our Lease Agreement. We have contacted a lawyer to review this Lease Agreement but we will share what we have with the Membership.

This is probably one of the most important meetings that you could attend, so hope to see you next week and don't forget to please bring food for the needy.

Thank You,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes - WRBC BUILDING

WRBC Members,

No New Updates on the Building.

Thank you,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes - RESPONSE FROM INDIANA CONGRESSMAN PETE VISCLOSKY ABOUT COMORANTS

WRBC Members:

Please find attached a 2 page letter from Congressman Pete Visclosky with an attached letter from the IDNR responding to the lack of fish in Lake Michigan, Cormorant Birds & Bait Shops.

Response from Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky

Thank you,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes - MEMBERSHIPS NUMBER REQUIRED ON BOAT STERN & EACH SIDE OF TRAILER

WRBC Members,

There still seems to be confusion and questions over why as a Boat Club Member you are required to have your Membership Numbers on the stern of your boat and each side of your trailer.

Please allow me to clarify, there are several reasons why this is a MUST, as we have explained numerous times.

1.    This will insure that your vehicle and trailer do not get towed at your expense for a cost of over $300.00.

2.    If you should happen to have the misfortune of having an emergency while on the water, we will be able to assist the authorities (Police/Coast Guard) with your name and a description of your boat.

3.    As a Member of the Whiting Robertsdale Boat Club, you are required by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations to comply with this issue.  In other words, simply, if you are a Boat Club Member, you have to have these numbers on your stern and trailer.  No exceptions!!

We will continue to remind everyone at every meeting about this important issue.

Please help new members, if they have questions and need assistance.

Thank you,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes - WHITING FOOD PANTRY DRIVE

WRBC Members,

Please bring non perishable food items to our next meeting on March 29, 2016, as we would like to again donate to the Whiting's Food Pantry as we did last year.

Let's help feed the hungry in Whiting!

Thank you in advance,

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes: RE: CONGRESSMAN PETE VISCLOSY's LETTER RE: REDUCTION OF FISH IN LAKE MICHIGAN

WRBC Members,

I have received an interesting letter from Congressman Pete Visclosky in response to our continued concerns about the tremendous reduction in the fishery at the Southern end of Lake Michigan.  This letter was not what I expected as it intends to justify reasons that were not discussed at the meeting in October, 2015.  This is the information that was forwarded to me from Pete Visclosky's Office via the Indiana DNR.  I believe you will be very interested to hear what the DNR conclusions are.  I will send copies of this letter to Perch Unlimited, Salmon Unlimited and Mike from McLurch for their review. 

Please try to attend our February meeting as I feel you will be very interested in what the Indiana DNR had to say. 

Again thank you and look forward to seeing all at this coming February 23rd, meeting.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Notes: WRBC TRAILER

WRBC Members,

FYI, if you have been through Whiting Park you will notice that our trailer has been moved directly

in front of our building.  There is new construction and paving going on North of the Life Guard Station where our trailer previously stood.  We should be finalizing our lease and moving the contents of the trailer into the new building in the near future.  When this occurs, I will be asking for help to get these contents in.  The City has requested that we get our contents moved by the end of March.  I informed them that until we have an agreement, I am not comfortable moving any of our contents.

Again thank you and look forward to seeing all at this coming February 23rd, meeting.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

Commodore's Note: RE: DECEASED WRBC MEMBER

WRBC Members,

This is to inform you that one of our Members Christopher J. "Chris" Bartzis "The Greek" has passed away on February 8, 2016.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Mike Hill

WRBC Commodore

2016 Annual Election Dinner Pictures

Please check out the new pictures of the 2016 Election Dinner on the Picture Albums tab