Caliente Islander blog

February update from the Commodore

2012-02-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone:

The Super Bowl Party at Gary and Janice Page’s house was a blast. Thanks to Gary and Janice for opening their home to the club. Food was donated by the Pages and DiBartolos, allowing for this to be a money-making event.

We had a great time on our last cruise-out to Tower Park. Read Ted’s blog entry for more details. Thanks to Joanne and Ted for hosting this cruise-out.

You should have received your membership cards and directories. We also have a copy of the 2012 Directory on-line in the Member’s Area section of our website. Thanks to Betty for the work on the membership cards and to Jack for the lay-out and printing of the directories.

We held a Board meeting on February 11, 2012. Among other things, the Board voted to allow members to use any left-over bar chips at 2012 events, or to pay towards event fees. We are working on our goals for this year, the annual audit, updating our boating affiliates that we remain an active club, and are exploring options available to us as we redefine ourselves.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 16-18 – March Winds Cruise to Windmill Cove

March 30 – April 1, our Partnering Event/Cruise-Out to Driftwood Yacht Club.

Hope to see you soon!

Caliente cruisers enjoy the first cruise-out of 2012!

2012-02-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

With one eye on the weather forecast, this past weekend 8 CIYC captains and crew looked February directly in the face and set off on the first cruise of the year. Although billed as a rain or shine Valentine’s Day event, the weather was quite tolerable and the event went off without a drop of rain and no hearts were broken. In fact, many new friendships were made at Tower Park as 24 CIYCers joined with an equal number of Marina West YC members and another group cruising in from Ox Bow YC. Friday night dinner was at Rosa’s Restaurant. Saturday was spent hanging out on the docks and enjoying a pot luck breakfast hosted by Steve and Barbara Kling and then a raffle. Later 8 brave souls took off in three Caliente dinghies up the North Folk of the Moke in search of Hal Schell’s secret anchorages on Sycamore and Hog Slough. They were nice but maybe unworthy of being a secret. It was a long ride and getting pretty cool on the trip home but the clouds were stunning, the sun was setting and the views were terrific.

We had a joint Margarita Time party on the docks at Happy Hour, invited by the Ox Bow group with margaritas furnished by the Wineroths.

We toured the Ox Bow boats and talked what else, about boating. A fine dinner was served in the Marina West YC clubhouse for about 100 in all. After, in the bar, a large group was entertained by CIYC’s own Gary Wineroth and guitar. He even got some of his audience up and singing and playing their own favorites. Sunday broke with very clear blue skies and a great trip back to home berths.

Winter cruising can be iffy, but it is not at all unusual to hit weekend weather that is as nice as summer time, without the heat. Our second winter cruise out will be on March 16-18. This event will be billed as our March Winds Cruise (bring your kite) and it will take us to Windmill Cove on the Stockton Deepwater Channel. We hope to re-launch the CIYC Horseshoe Tournament on the Saturday afternoon. Like the Tower Park cruise, this too will be a rain or shine event. If the weather turns sour, we have a nice restaurant to hang out in and a St. Patrick’s Day party to enjoy for much of the day. Watch your email for further announcements.

Ted and JoAnne Lyman

Cruise Captains

PS How did the captain get the Happy Clown into this berth? Verrrry carefully!

From the Commodore

2012-01-31T08:35:00.001-08:00

Hi All:

Here is a quick update. We have a lot of good news:

Jo Daniels volunteered to be Rear Commodore and she has been voted in and appointed by your 2012 Board. Congratulations and welcome aboard.

We have 34 paid members plus 4 lifetime members for a total of 38 members in 2012!! Great news!

Jack DiBartolo is working with Betty Griffith, Joanne Lyman and David Oates to update and publish our 2012 Membership Directory. Stay tuned - our goal is to have the directories available at the Tower Park Cruise-out.

The website is back up - thanks Steve Flowers! Steve is working on creating a slide show on the home page. He also posted the photos from the Commodore's Ball that were given to us free of charge by Captivating Photos. Look for a photo in the Yachtsman about our Commodore's Ball and Delta Discovery Cruises . . .

I put a new format of a annual calendar on the website. It will need to be updated when all dates are finalized. I hope you find it easy to read.

We are working on a March 31st event at Driftwood Yacht Club - more information to follow as we work out the details. Save the date!

The storage unit items have all been moved to member homes or personal storage units. Thanks to Marsha and Glenn Peck, Mike and Jo Daniels, Curt and Marsha Hayes, and Ted and Joanne Lyman for making room for our "stuff". We are making a list of items in storage.

We will be having a Board meeting while at Tower Park on February 11th. I will update you after that meeting. Hope to see you at Tower Park!

We're making new memories in 2012 . . .

Special message from Idgie!

2011-11-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Caliente,

It was great to see so many of my best peeps this weekend and my buddies of the Dog Crew. I have been very lonely lately and was “treated” like royalty and cannot bark enough about how wonderful the Halloween Event was. A BIG Thank You to all who worked so hard on this event including Riverview YC and the CIYC crew of workers lead by Commodore Kim and Vice Commodore Colette. So, prancing PAWs to all who volunteered and participated. I am so excited about this turnout and hope we even have more for the November Thanksgiving Event.

Remember a treat a day warms all dogs hearts….

Idgie

FYI – Actually I had a bit of assistance from, my owners(Michelle and Diane) creating this blog……

From the Commodore

2011-11-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Cruisers,

October 29, 2011 General Meeting was well attended. We discussed the traditional item such as the budget. Our Fleet Captain mentioned trying to arrange a mystery cruise. Watch for more information. We also discussed the November event which will be held at Rusty Port Hole on November 12^th. Please RSVP. I need to get a confirmation count to Rusty Port Hole as soon as possible.

The 2012 upcoming year was high on the list of conversation. We addressed the topic of a land base club house or cruise club. The overwhelming consensus is to have a land base club house as well as being an active cruising club. I feel since the 2011 board is nearing an end, we will end the year with the two cruising events and defer to the 2012 board to seek the best option for our budget/ goals for the upcoming year. I feel very passionate about this assignment. I am committed to continue working closely with Colette to help complete this undertaking of relocation and transition.

One very important and well-timed change coming up very very soon is the updating/ changes to the By Laws. Ted Lyman, Marsha Hayes and Colette Curtis-Brown took on the challenge and set out on a journey to update and configure our by-laws to best fit our current situation and upcoming years. I will be forwarding these suggested changes to each of you for review. We will be voting on these changes at our December 2, 2011 General Meeting to be held at La Fuentes Mexican Restaurant in Brentwood, CA. See the web page for the invitation.

Look for the meeting minutes to be released soon.

For those of you who were unable to join us for the Halloween Party, you missed a fun event. Much planning and preparation went into this party, but the payoff was worth it. Riverview Yacht Club graciously welcome us into their club house for this event. Kevin (the owner of Holland & Cruiser Haven) built in three days a fantastic open air deck attached to Riverview’s club house for additional space. Several berthers from Holland and Cruiser Haven joined the party too. DJ Aaron (DJ Suzette’s) son spun the music, Riverview cooked a fantastic meal, Colette and Joel along with Jerry from Riverview bartended with some special brews and we party the evening away. Many cruisers came in on Friday night for some wonderful camaraderie and helped out with some final touches on the party barge. Thank you to each of you who helped.

Some very important dates to remember:

November 12^th Up River Thanksgiving-Cruise out to Rusty Port Hole dinner Event
December 3^rd Change of Watch- Cruise out to Cruiser haven early dinner event
No New Year’s Eve Event this year due to cost
January 7^th Commodores Ball

See you soon.

Vice Commodore's Update

2011-10-16T19:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone:

We hope that everyone who went on the Down Bay had a great time. Our one day driving over was spent enjoying the Blue Angels. Treasure Island offers an awesome view of the airshow without the crowds. We also visited on the Treasure Island guest dock after the show. .

You already know about the events planned through the rest of 2011.

For 2012, please SAVE THE WEEKEND for the Commodore's Ball - January 7, 2012 (and January 8, 2011 if you stay overnight)

Plans are tentative, but January 7th is the best date to get a great deal after the holidays. Shari Peck is handling negotiating prices for me. Thanks Shari!!.

We are excited about the upcoming Halloween Party. There will be beverage service on the Pacific Queen. We will have a Wicked Drink Special and wine-by-the-bottle bargain prices; Clos Du Bois Chardonnay for only $8/bottle. Please come join us and support the club. Kim and her decorating crew are working hard to make this an awesome, bewitching event.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on October 29th.

Membership News

2011-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

CIYC welcomes back into the fold Michael and Sally Sue Christopher whose application and acceptance by acclamation occurred at the July 4th raft-up. Michael and Sally Sue keep their boat I Love It at Cruiser Haven. They look forward to boating to the Fleet Captain’s cool destinations with the growing number of CIYC cruisers.

The Christopher’s re-joining CIYC brings to five new members this year. There are two other potential members discussing joining our fine group before the cruising season ends.

All members are encouraged to join in the fun before the inevitable winter months keep us off the water.

Get your Mandeville shirts!

2011-06-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July Mandeville T-shirts are ready. Order yours early and get a discount of $3. Price at Mandeville is $15, order early and they are only $12. Call Marsha at (925)684-9784 to place your orders. Have a great 4th.

Membership's Musings

2011-06-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Membership's Musings

Our membership drive continues as we get well into the boating season. Please welcome our most recent new members, Dane and Honorfel Holweger. Dane is an auto mechanic and Honorfel a nurse in the Oncology Department of Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. I've already had a couple of long conversations with Dane about vintage air-cooled engines, which is his specialty. Honorfel, I know, works very long hours and spends the work week in Sacramento, returning to their home on Bethel Island when her work is finished.

Dane and Honorfel have a 36' Tollycraft named Delta Pearl which they keep at their home dock on Taylor Road. They fournd their way to our St. Patrick's Day party where I first met them and then returned for our Open House and Opening Day party. We look forward to seeing them on our monthly cruises and around the island.

As a result of our 2011 Membership Drive reward program, Marsha Fine and Glenn Peck have received that coveted little bag of bar chips worth $50. You might want to congratulate them at the bar (and ask "who's buying?")

Ted Lyman

2011 Membership Director

Kitchen Chronicles

2011-04-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Hello Islanders.

Here is an updated Kitchen Chronicles for May.

As you are probably aware, the situation with the electricity

in the galley has yet to be resolved. With no working galley

we are having to make adjustments on the fly.

So here is the revised flyer and the meals for our Blues on the Sloughs event.

Friday Night Dinner:

Southwestern Salad w/ chicken, French bread, home made brownies and ice cream.

This will be prepared by Curt and Marsha Hayes, cost is $7.

Saturday we will be having the meal catered. We will be serving:

Tri-Tip, Chicken, potato salad, baked beans w/ bacon, tossed

green salad, rolls and cookies. Cost is $18.

Since we cannot cook breakfast, and the cold breakfasts are not

very cost effective, we will not be serving breakfast at this event.

Since the meal is catered I need a final count no later than Monday,

May 9. There will be very little availability for walk-ins.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your understanding

regarding these changes, we're all doing the best we can.

Please call or e-mail reservations or questions to:

thedeltaflyer@sbcglobal.net

925-784-8734

C-Ya @ the Club!

From the Commodore

2011-03-30T08:08:00.001-07:00

Hi Bloggers

The general meeting was well attended and very fruitful. I believe we are on track and extremely focused on our time line. Our foresight committee continues to work hard to bring us good solid ideas to consider as well as positive suggestions for future planning. I thought it was evident by their presentation at the General Meeting. Our lease committee keeps on top all of board appointed issues.

We enjoyed the adventurous spirit of the Pittsburg Yacht Club who cruised in on that miserable stormy weekend to join us for our St Patrick’s Mardi Gras party. It appeared everyone enjoyed the event. We feed and hosted over 70 people. Carolyn Graham put together some wonderful prerecord dance music that had the crowd up on their feet.

How about our fine Irish cooks? Another outstanding Caliente meal. Thank you.

Marsha and Glen Peck/Fine brought aboard two wonderful new friends who share our interest alike… the love of boats and water. Jeff and Stephanie, we are looking forward to having you as part of the family.

The unpredictable cruise. Who’s going…. who’s not? Tis the question. All in all it was a fun event. Small in cruising fleet, large in group participation. It was great to see Deanna Wilkins and her son V out on the waters on board Golden Time Of Day. She looked sooo god on the water and out of that slip. Thank you to all of you who were able to driver over to Oxbow in show of support. Nice touch.

Oxbow was beautiful even under the gray clouds. The yacht club was friendly, accommodating and very social. Nice group of people. We were served a wonderful Cajun meal with authentic king cake for desert. The evening was a nice themed dinner party with new friends. Thank you Oxbow and thank you Caliente participants.

I know all the buzz is about the electric pole. The board has been extremely active working hard on the situation. Our mission is always to do what is in the best interest of the club. Please be patient as we needle through the logistics of the situation. In the meant time, I have postponed spring cleanup due to the outage. However, we are on for Opening Day.

Speaking of opening day, if you are a veteran, and plan to ride aboard Cuvee with Glen and Marsh please RSVP to me ASAP by email. I’d like to know who and how many are going so we don’t over crowd Cuvee. Also, since time is running out and Betty Griffith has been charged with a research project for the board could the veterans participating please make or wear a shirt or sweatshirt that depicts their branch of service. Hats are recommended too.

Anyone interested in helping to decorate, Cuvee will be at the club Friday before.

Lastly I committed to harbor management that I would remind all members that our pets/animals are not allowed by law to be inside the building, hallways or bathrooms. We can no longer invite our animal friends to come inside with us. Please keep your furry family members at home or on the boat.
See you at the club

Kim

Membership's Musings

2011-03-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

We remain on target to attract a new member a month with the Board's acceptance of Jeff Irvine's and Stephanie Spurr's application. They live on Taylor Road and have a Carver named Did it Again. They will keep it on a private dock on Taylor Slough. Jeff is in the engineering field, working on the fast-growing wind farms we can see as we head downstream toward Benicia. Stephanie is a writer. I had a great conversation with both and compared notes with Stephanie about writing then (my era) and now.

For their good work in attracting these folks to the club, Glenn Peck and Marsha Fine received $50 in bar awards (these being especially nice tokens in a little red mesh bag put together by Betty Griffith.) You will soon see them everywhere in the bar as Glenn and Marsha splurge.

The membership campaign picked up even more steam at the St. Patrick's Day party. Not only did the prospective members I mentioned last month, Don and Lauri, attend the party, but another couple from the levee enjoyed the fun. Keep a look out for Molly and Dane also from Taylor Road. We expect to see their application soon. There are at least two other interested parties who plan to join in our upcoming cruise outs.

Finally, remember that we will host an Open House on April 9th, Opening Day on the Delta. Some 20 prospective members have received invitations, mostly boats in the harbor not yet members and others that Marsha Fine will identify along the levee. These folks will be around at the Opening Day party wearing special name tags. When you see them say howdy. You might be the next to pick up a quick $50 as have the Studebaker's and Peck/Fine's.

The Kitchen Chronicles

2011-03-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Islanders.

Welcome to the First of Spring version of the
Kitchen Chronicles.

The St. Patrick's Day/Mardi Gras party turned out to be a
memorable event. I would like to thank everyone who helped
out this weekend. Bob Graham, Chip Maguire, Vern Green
and Nicole Curtis-Brown. The corned beef and soda bread
were terrific. I would like to also mention Mark Sechler
and Bill and Sue Ritter for helping out Sunday morning
under rather trying circumstances.

We had a great time with our guests from Pittsburg. We laughed
danced, ate and tied up boats in the driving rain. Which brings
me to mention one uninvited guest, the weather. We had some of the
worst winds I have ever seen at Caliente, Wicked!
Unfortunately the wind did do some damage, most notably knocking out
portions of the Islands electricity. We lost power to the front porch,
the dinning hall, heads and the galley. Harbor management and our Port
Captain Joel Panzer braved the inclement conditions trying to locate the source
of the problem, but to no avail.We have rearranged some things to supply
electricity to the fridge and freezer but the rest of the galley is down. We have
to assume going forward that this may not have a quick fix and plan accordingly.

So I wanted to let you know that we will be making a few changes to our
Opening Day event. Friday night we will have no "soup line." For those of
you planning on coming Friday, we will do a pot-luck dinner in the bar.
These are always funs so bring something to share. Please remember
if you need to heat something, you will have to do it on your boat, we have
no microwaves. Saturday will be catered, so there will be no problem.
Sunday we will do a Continental breakfast with coffee, rolls, etc. Cost will be $5.

One more note. Saturday, April 2nd will be a Club Clean-Up weekend.
We will be getting started around 9:00. Please come and help out.
I will be getting Pizza's for the worker bees. We will also be providing
sodas and perhaps Barley and hops cocktails.

Please let me know if you will be coming to Opening Day ASAP so I can get
the caterer a final count. There is a flyer on the website.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks and C-Ya At the Club!

Dave

Opening Day is getting close!

2011-03-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Islanders.

Here is the flyer for Opening Day, Saturday April 9th.
Dinner will be served at this event at 6:00 since it will
be a long day. We are doing a special dinner, roasted
island style pig and chicken. We will have other island
treats as well. Since we are having this professionally
done, we need an accurate count. Make your reservations ASAP.
Also, I need to know if you are coming Friday night or
Sunday morning. Do not "assume" I know you are coming.
I am only buying enough for those who sign up. The
left overs are first come-first served.

This is going to be a fun event. Come out and help us decorate
Cuvee and celebrate the "official" start of Spring.

Call me with ANY questions.

Thanks, and C-Ya at The Club.

Here's a link to an interesting article about the weed problems in the Delta

2011-03-13T11:22:00.001-07:00

The state finally plans to do something next month about an aquatic weed that has been choking waterways and drawing complaints around Bethel Island and Discovery Bay for a decade

Click here to read the article

From the Safety Officer

2011-03-10T17:18:00.001-08:00

On June 18 we are having our Martini/Founder's Day celebration. During the day we will be having vessel safety inspections by the Power Squadron's vessel safety examiners. They check for various safety items on your boat and make recommendations that will make you a safer boater. When you pass the safety inspection you receive an official sticker for the current year to be placed in your boat's window. The Coast Guard can board any vessel any time but you are less likely to be boarded if you have a current sticker.

To find out the specifics on what is required to pass you can go to the San Joaquin Delta Power Squadron's website at sjdps.org. On the left, bottom click on vessel safety inspections. You can then click on a link for a "virtual" safety check and it will go through the steps. If you are interested in having your boat inspected on Martini Day please contact me ASAP so we will know how much time we need and how many inspectors.

Boating season begins for Caliente cruisers at the end of this month. Let's all have a great and SAFE season.

Update from the Cruise Director

2011-03-10T09:30:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for some cruising? Ready to get your boat out on the water and get a little sun on your face? We have a great line up of cruise outs for this year. We now have a cruise schedule tab on the CIYC web site. Just click there to see the calendar and information on upcoming cruise outs..........the easiest thing of all is all you have to do to sign up is just email me at graham207@aol.com. Our first cruise out will be to Oxbow in just a few weeks. Bring your beads, mask and feathers for a Mardi Gras party!! Be sure to check the schedule we have just added a cruise out to DISCOVERY BAY in early May!! This should be a wild weekend with 3 events at the Discovery Bay YC. The one thing that brought us together is the love of boating. I hope to see you out on the water enjoying your boats and all the great friendships we have made.

Carolyn Graham

From our Acting Rear Commodore

2011-02-25T07:17:00.001-08:00

Hello Islanders and welcome to this issue of,

The Kitchen Chronicles.....

Well Crab Feed was a tremendous success. As you know this event is one of our

major revenue generators. We had a great turnout, and the crab was

phenomenal, probably the best I have ever had. Thanks to everyone who helped.

The cleaning crew, the cookers, the servers and of course the eaters. Thanks for

coming out and supporting the Club.

And speaking of supporting the Club, it's time for "The wearin' of the Green." No not

Vern! We will be doing the traditional corned beef and cabbage this year. The dinner

is Saturday the 16th. Please get your reservations in early it makes calculating what to

buy a lot easier, and don't forget to let me know if you are coming Friday night or Sunday

morning too. I have had a lot of requests for Sunday breakfast, so by popular demand

we will be doing Baggy Omelets again. If you haven't had them before, it's a lot of fun.

I could use help Saturday doing the prep. Let me know if you would like to slice, dice,

puree, frappe or do any of those other kitcheny things. Chip will be doing his traditional

Soda Bread, but I could still use help for Saturday dinner and Friday Soup line as well.

I'm sure you will be hearing from Glenn, and remember, he speaks three languages

fluently and doesn't understand the word NO in any of them.

Hope you can all make it. It is the General Meeting weekend, so we need everyone to

be there. Might as well make a weekend of it and have dinner too.

C-Ya at the Club......

From the Commodore

2011-02-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hello CIYC friends,

I trust everyone who attended our Commodores Ball enjoyed themselves. I know Mark and I did. The event went off without a hitch. We were able to keep it a surprise from Phil right up until the last minute. Thank you to everyone who helped put this event on. Without friends and helpers like you it wouldn’t have been the fabulous event that it was. XXOO to all of you.

Thanks to everyone who contributed at the crab feed. We served well over 100 friends, family and guests. The food…. WOW STEP BACK…. IT WAS AWESOME! Our new slogan this year was “DOUG KNOWS CRAB TOO” I’m sure he would have made Joe Miller proud. Doug was an outstanding crew leader even while under the strain of having only a skeleton crew to help out. The dinner was cracked, cooked and served right on time. Dave Peck and crew, thank you too. All of you worked as if you’ve done this before (Ha Ha) Thanks to everyone!!

If we had been giving out prizes for the most guest in attendance with a member it would have gone to Roger and Sally Studebaker. 34 guests! Wow that’s a lot of visitors. Nice going Roger and Sally. Mr. and Mrs. Wells join us again this year. It’s always a pleasure to host these wonderful folks. I observed Mr. Wells snapping away and speaking with some of our members. Watch for us in an upcoming edition.

A couple of bonus items happened at the feed. Phil Calderoni was able to deliver Glen and Marsha Peck/Fine their well deserved award. We also enjoyed a heart felt thank you from Dan and Len Marsh for the Club’s contribution to the local Children Christmas Party.

Speaking of the local Children’s Christmas Party, our silent auction is planned again this year for the November event. We need those donations. Last year we raise over $1500.00. How about we challenge ourselves this year, let’s shoot for $2000.00. We have a cruise in club joining us for this special event, so we need lots of good stuff to auction off.

Sally Sue Christopher....if you are reading this WE NEED YOU & CHRISTINE! I’ll be calling on you both for your special auction touch!

Since the February General Meeting was postponed and rescheduled for the March 19^th event at 1:30 PM I 'm sure we will have a full house at our next event. Don’t forget to wear Irish green and/or Mardi Gras purple, green and gold.

Yeppers its time for our annual St. Patrick’s Day party and this year we are adding a Mardi Gras twist. Prizes for the best Male and Female Mardi Gras Mask! We’re hosting our good friends from Pittsburg. This group sure does make this party fun! Don’t miss out. Live entertainment depends on turn out. So get your RSVP’s in ASAP.

Oh a reminder about our upcoming cruise out. We are going to beautiful Oxbow and they too are doing a Mardi Gras theme. Don’t forget your party spirit. Put those mask and party things on board. I’ll expect everyone to bring or have something Mardi Gras accompany them to this party. You can bet I will. Can you keep a secret? SHHHHH don’t tell Mark but he will too!

Before closing I just gotta say…..Volunteer, Volunteer, and Volunteer! It takes a lotta help on event weekends and we really need a lotta help this year!

See you @ the club

Kimi

Membership's Musings

2011-02-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

We are off to a good start with our 2011 membership drive. On Saturday, the Board accepted the application of Jill and Ray Rexford. They are terrific folks. Here is Ray's picture. Jill was at a funeral on Saturday morning but joined us for the Crab Feed. They have a 34' Bayliner Avanti named California Dreamin! and live in Windsor. Their boat is on the south dock near where Chip and Jackie keep About Time. Stop by and say hi to our newest members.

The membership drive picked up more steam at the Crab Feed. One visiting couple from a marina on 7-Mile Slough asked for an application and another told several of us that they were very interested in joining. This couple already have their boat on the outside dock in front of Happy Clown. Make Don and Lori feel at home by saying howdy if you are down that way.

On Saturday, your Board made two more decisions related to our membership drive. We will have an Open House for people who receive our invitation for Opening Day on the Delta on April 9th. To attend, people must RSVP with our Commodore and wear a name tag. More on this later.

The second decision was to offer our members a strong incentive to attract qualified members. For each member-sponsored application accepted, we will give $50 in bar tokens to the referring member. Chat up your berth neighbors and others who find CIYC a fine place to enjoy club fun.

PICYA is expected to print their Yearbook in the next several weeks. Because we are watching our pennies, the Board decided to sell these books to members at our cost ($10.) This is what many other clubs are doing. I will let you know when they're available in the Ship's Store.

Finally, if you haven't picked up your 2011 membership cards and club directory, they are in a box on the clubhouse galley counter. If you won't be around the clubhouse for several months and want the packets mailed, please let me know. The packets have more info on the membership drive and some applications and brochures (note that the dues for 2011 are $350, with the initiation fee waived.)

Remember our 2011 motto--just one more (dinner guest, cruise in club, member.) Help keep CIYC vibrant!

Ted Lyman

Membership Director

From the Vice Commodore

2011-02-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

Vice Commodore Blog

February 16, 2011

The Crab Feed is just around the corner!! We are looking forward to another great weekend at the club! I’m working on a “Crabby” drink special.

I’ve received a ton of behind-the-scenes help this month. I want to give a special thanks to:

Dave Peck who got the bar fridge up and running again, and
Glenn Peck and the Vice’s Vice, Joel who worked to finish the end of the bar where the refrigerator had previously stuck out under the bar counter.

Also, Joel thought to raise the refrigerator to help our aging backs. You will see a big improvement when you come to the club!

Being a board member can be challenging at times as so many of you already know. The Board faces the tough business decisions needed to keep our club afloat. Keeping in mind the poor economy and the impact on our members, annual 2011 dues were not increased, and in fact, the up-front dues amount was lowered by $100 with the removal of script.

But we still need your help throughout the year!

We have a new phrase this year: “Just one more . . .” – Bring in just one more member, just one more guest, just one more cruise in . . .

I’d like to add to this by asking that we all support our club just one weekend per month. We can socialize on the docks and on our boats the rest of the month, but I’d love to see most of us in the clubhouse at 4 p.m. each Saturday of an event weekend. I’d like to return to the days of pot luck appetizers in the afternoons in the club or out on our patio where we have a great view of the delta and Mount Diablo.

Back to the tough part of being on the Board . . . I was tasked this year to raise our drink prices. My understanding is that there have been no increases in prices for at least 5+ years. I started with the lowest profit margins – the back bar and the Wente wine using a detailed cost analysis to make the mark-up more uniform (yeah – I’m an Accountant in my other life). I can’t tell you how many items changed in price because I didn’t know the original prices – I just priced everything according to the results my cost analysis. I feel this is the fairest method.

So, in some cases in the bar, it will be just one more dollar

And of course if you can afford it then please by all means - tip, tip, tip.

I know that I can count on your support of our club.

Some members did not realize that we have a corkage fee if you choose to bring your own wine into the club. The corkage fee will remain at $5/bottle ($10-$20 in restaurants), so this gives you the option to support the club and still bring in your favorite wines. We are also looking at other wine options – somewhere in-between the Clos du bois and the Wente higher priced wines.

The back-bar bottles are now color-coded. Pink is $3, Green is $4 and Orange is $5. There will be a full price list at the bar for our volunteer bartenders.

Thank you for your help and support. I can always use volunteer bartenders for 1 to 2 hour shifts. Let me know what works best for you if you are interested in helping in the bar.

Kitchen Chronicles!

2011-01-25T17:30:00.001-08:00

Hello Islanders.

Here is the latest issue of the Kitchen Chronicles.

We will be having a Super Bowl party at the club on Sunday February 6th.

It will be a potluck, so please bring some snacks or munchies to share.

I will probably see what we have in the freezer we can use to augment

our dishes. The bar will be open for all your adult beverage requirements.

I still need your reservations if you are planning on attending our crab feed.

Please let me know if you will be coming and don't forget to let me know about

Friday night and Sunday morning.

Speaking of Sunday morning, we still need a couple volunteers for breakfast prep.

I am contemplating pushing breakfast back a half hour so volunteers wont have to

get up at dark-thirty to help cook. If you would like to help let me know.

Dave

925-784-8734

From the Commodore

2011-01-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

With all the planning of the Commodores Ball I nearly forgot to get an article out this month.

I trust everyone had a wonderful holiday season. For all of you who were unfortunate to catch a cold or the flu, I hope you are well and are ready to move ahead in the New Year feeling healthy. We have some great events planned and some awesome cruise outs. Keep an eye on the blog for dates, times and events.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our New Years Eve Party a success. While the group was small, we still managed to ring in the New Year like any big city party would have.

I’m very excited about our up coming Commodores Ball. I trust we have managed to keep Phil in the “need to know” status and our event will take him by surprise. It’s very important we all be on time that evening.

I see Dave is on his way to turning out a great crab feed event. Doug Fitch will be running the “crab crew’ this year. Make sure we keep in mind both Doug and Dave will need our help. If Glen hasn’t called on you yet, and should he call on you, please don’t turn him down. Volunteers are our life line this year in the galley.

We’re still looking for raffle prize baskets, or donations for our donation closet. We have received a couple items but, we still need a lot more. The raffles help us cover some of the cost of entertainment. A successful raffle can go along way in covering the cost of a DJ.

At our next board meeting we will be taking a look at the expense of a new bar frig and consider our options. If anyone has any ideas don’t hesitate to get them on my agenda so I can address them with the board.

I’m still looking for a volunteer(s) to finish off the end of the bar which was removed to get the new back bar in. Give me a shout out.

I’ll see you soon at the Commodores Ball.

Kim

It's Crab Feed Time!!

2011-01-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Islanders.

It's time once again to start thinking about crabs and feeds.....

Our annual Crab Feed will be Saturday February, 19.

The cost will be $40/person. It will include fresh HOT crab, lasagna, salad, French bread and desert.

We will also be serving breakfast Sunday (and we need volunteers to cook it..). Glenn and Marsha will be doing Navy bean soup/salad and bread on Friday night.

Due to the time of year and the potential scarcity of crab, we need to get our order in EARLY.

Please make your reservations by 02/04/2011. The sooner the better. I will be ordering a little extra but since budgeting is of extreme importance this year we are figuring our order as close to what we need as possible.

Also, if you are interested in helping with preparation, We need volunteers for that as well.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Dave Peck

925-784-8734

thedeltaflyer@sbcglobal.net

2011 CIYC Membership Outlook--Off to a Good Start!

2011-01-05T05:54:00.001-08:00

With the local recession and continued high unemployment in our region, we can always use good news these days. As 2011 begins, CIYC starts it membership slightly higher than expected and budgeted. Equally important, we have potential new members already coming before the Board. Thanks to the outreach of Roger and Sally Studebaker, a couple who have had their boat in the harbor for just a few months have taken the first steps to becoming members of our club. Ray and Jill Rexford are familiar with CIYC through the Studebakers friendship and business dealings with the club (ice machine).

With this good news in hand we need to announce the various 2011 membership campaigns that are clearly already moving forward. Jill and Ray are examples of folks with boats already in the harbor who have taken the time to meet and get to know us. Ray has always said howdy as he moves up and down the south dock and those that he's met have taken the initiative to reciprocate. The result is seen in the examples of the Ritters and Wineroths and others who have joined our merry band in the past year.

We look forward to other friendly Caliente Harbor berthers not now members getting to know us, joining in our events and coming along on our cruises. Please do as the Studebakers and others have done to attract people like the Ritters, Wineroths and now Jill and Rex--engage your non-member neighbors and invite them to give CIYC a test drive.

We are also organizing efforts to attract new members from outside the harbor. We will be making sure that all current CIYCers have a couple of the new 2011 Membership Applications and marketing brochures on their boats to give to family, friends and those we meet on the water. Look for announcements about the incentives the Board will be offering to club members who help bring good folks into our club.

Another element of our membership campaign is public relations. We are already taking steps to get our name out there in 2011. Joel Panzer has received word that his invitation to Yachtsman Magazine's "delta beat" writer, Bill Wells, will be attending our Crab Feed and Opening Day events this year, surely to be followed up with good words and pictures in the magazine. We trust that all CIYC members will be good PR folks in this regard.

Finally, an update on 2011 Membership items. The 2011 Directory has been updated and will be off to the printer any day. 2011 Membership Cards are in the works. We hope to have these items in your hands at the Commodore's Ball. Don't forget this January 29th special event. There are still a few reservations open. Contact Commodore Kim Owens for details at kowens@bekinsa1.com.

Ted Lyman

2011 Membership Director

From the Entertainment Director

2010-12-30T11:49:00.001-08:00

As outgoing entertainment director I would like to thank everyone who has helped me this year. I really appreciate all you've done. It has made my job much easier.

Going foward we do not have an entertainment director for 2011. Since we are an all volunteer club we are asking for a few favors that will help make our events a success. First of all if everyone would bring one gift basket or item for a raffle it would be greatly appreciated. We now have storage for these items so if you would bring them in January or February it would be great.

We have lots of decorations for all sorts of events most in marked boxes. Your help and imagination is always welcomed and appreciated for decorating for events.

Once again, a big THANK YOU for all our help in 2010.

The Next Party!!

2010-12-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of you in the C.I.Y.C. blogoshpere.

I hope all your Holidays are Happy and safe.

That being said we must turn our attention to what is truly important.

Our Next Party!!!!!

Saturday 01/01/11 is New Years Day.I will be cooking breakfast. We will be having:

French Toast

Bacon (turkey bacon as well.)

Fresh Fruit

Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's

I need to know our count so I can get the right amount of everything. Please let Colette or I know if you will be attending.

I also need a few volunteers to help with cooking and prep.

We will be serving at 10:00 so everyone can get a little extra sleep after what is sure to be an epic New Years Eve party.

Please let me know if you can help.

Thanks,

Dave Peck

You can email me at thedeltaflyer@sbcglobal.net

CIYC Joins in the First Annual Taylor Slough Lighted Boat Parade

2010-12-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

After hearing from our Taylor Road neighbors that the San Joaquin YC Lighted Boat Parade was going to bypass Taylor Road and pass only the east side of the island, a bunch of boats got a quick decoration and full crews lined up for our own Taylor Road parade. Staff Commodore Peck came up with something like a thousand lights, Red and Betty Griffith came up with an inflatable something. JoAnne had a decorated tree inside. Plenty of libations on the Happy Clown and the fun of 18 partying club members and friends gave us all a good start to the holidays.

Doug Fitch made the perfect Santa (by adding a lot of padding!) and Santa hats abounded.

Why no parade on Taylor Slough this year, after 50 years of going around the island? SJYC apparently decided that grass in the slough and the fact that it is real dark on the west side of the island was too much (too dark?) After the parade though, there were handshakes around and participation plaques for all. And the dozen or so parties on the decks and docks of Taylor Slough waiting for lighted boats were made all the more festive for our efforts.

We understand that SJYC asked that CIYC join with them next year to put on the two annual round-the island parades, Christmas and Opening Day on the Delta. We just can't go out in the dark.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Don't Get Left Out of the Name Directories--Dues Reminder!

2010-12-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

We have a December 31, 2010 deadline for club member information in the 2011 PICYA yearbook. We are using this deadline for the club's own 2011 Directory which should be available by the January 29th Commodore's Ball (don't miss this very special event!)

If you haven't completed the Dues Invoice form and sent it with your check and have changed your address, email address, cell numbers, etc., please email the updates as soon as possible to 2011 Treasurer David Oates and Communications Captain Steve Flowers. If you gave your check to Treasurer Schoff but need to update your contact info please send to the above and to me for my records.

Thanks--see you next year!

Ted Lyman

2011 Membership Director

From the Rear Commodore

2010-11-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

We had a great November Disco Charity Ball. A big thank you to our kitchen volunteers – Betty and Red Griffith who prepared Friday Night dinner, Caro Green, Vern Green and Janet Panzer who helped with Saturday’s meal, and Chip Maguire and Bill Ritter who tackled Sunday Morning Breakfast. We appreciate the support.

We are looking forward to the Christmas Party.

December’s menu will be:

Friday Night – Sue Hanna is making Stuffed Manicotti, Salad and Garlic Bread - $7

Saturday Night – Minestrone Soup, Baked Ham, Scalloped Potatoes and Dessert - $18

DINNER WILL BE SERVED EARLIER THAN USUAL AT 6:00 PM

Sunday Morning Breakfast – $7

Fleet Captain's Navigation News - Bethel Island Bridge

2010-11-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

JoAnne and I took the Happy Clown out for a winter cruise this weekend. We decided to circle the island and check out the passage under the new bridge. All is well! The old bridge is completely gone, pilings and every thing else. We knew that the new bridge was to be much higher than the old. You will see that the highest point is at the southern end. We went under pretty close to the three concrete structures near the Marine Emporium docks where there was 21' of clearance at high tide. You can get more clearance if you get closer to the docks, but...

I watched the depth finder from the bridge to past where the Peck/Fine's keep their Cuvee. There was plenty of water at high tide, but it definitely gets shallow for about an eighth of a mile each side of Diablo Boat Works. The "bottom" here is probably grassy mud, rather that anything that would do damage if you touched. I found the deepest water closer to the Jersey Island levee rather than the Bethel Island side.

Winter cruising is terrific; anybody want to lead a cruise sometime around New Year's?

- Ted

It's 'Santa Sack' time again!!

2010-11-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is a program put on to help the kids of Bethel Island that may not have much if anything at Christmas time. If you would bring one toy, book or whatever you feel appropriate for a boy or girl to the Christmas party on December 11th it would help make their Christmas a little brighter. It doesn't matter what age or sex you choose. They prefer the gifts unwrapped. Thank you once again for your generousity.

From the Rear Commodore

2010-11-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween event! We want to thank everyone for the help in the galley – Marsha and Kurt Hayes, Jo Anne Lyman, Janet Panzer, Vern & Caro Green, and Sue Rossi and Bill Ritter. I hope I didn’t miss anyone. We are so appreciative of the volunteer spirit in the club! There isn’t an event that goes but where we aren’t asked if we need a hand. Thanks again!

For November, we have our Disco Theme, Charity Auction, and Tower Park Cruise-In.

Saturday @ 4 PM - bring your 1970's retro appetizers up to the bar to share if you’d like.

MENUS:

Friday 11/12 - Betty and Red are making Chicken Noodle Soup, Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread - Yum! $7.00

Saturday 11/13 - Colette and Nicole are making Disco Meatloaf with Cranberry Wine Gravy (brown gravy will also be available), Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Veggie, Bread and Dessert - $20 (We will make turkey meatloaf for those who don't care for beef – let us know.) Vegetarian Option also available if needed - $15.

NOTE SATURDAY EARLIER SERVING TIME: 6:30 PM

Sunday 11/14 - Chip's famous Blueberry Pancakes, Spiral Cut Ham, fruit, juice, milk and coffee - $7

Hope to see you next weekend!

From the Entertainment Director - Halloween was a blast!

2010-11-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween is now over and what a party it was. The Middletons outdid themselves again turning our bar into a spooky dungeon. It looked great!

The Sea Ray Club did all the decorating in the dining room and it too was awsome. They are a lively bunch and we always enjoy having them at Caliente.

Don't forget the Disco Charity Ball on November 11. It should be a fun time with a disco ball and disco music and dancing. Sally Sue Christopher is in charge of the silent auction which is a benefit for the children of Bethel Island. If you have anything you would like to donate please contact Sally Sue. She always puts on an elegant display of the auction items.

The first weekend in December we will be at Caliente decorating the clubhouse for Christmas. This is not an official club function but if you feel like it, come and join us. We'll do a pot luck dinner that Saturday evening.

The Christmas party is on December 11th. The Bourbon Brothers have volunteered to play their guitars and sing some Christmas carols. Maybe we can get our new harmonica player to join them? I hope you all can join us for a fun evening.

2010 Cruise Memories by the outgoing Fleet Captain--Ted Lyman

2010-11-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

February--the Annual Winter Cruise, all the way to San Joaquin YC. Rained like the skies had sprung a leak. A dozen or so committed cruisers visited by car and had a fine time. Nobody asked to visit the historic bilges of the old S.S. Sutter (your loss).

March--Rio Vista's Delta Marina and dinner at The Point. Some of our cruisers took off for Miner Slough on Mark and Kim's Cheyenne and didn't return for hours. Also didn't find the fabled "only waterfall in the Delta." Everything in the Delta seems to be changing these days, even the basic geography.

April --Big turnout to the San Joaquin Power Squadron's island retreat on the river across from Delta YC. Memory #1--JJ Panzer got engaged on the docks in front of everybody. Wedding in the works. Memory- #2---25 knot winds across our bows as we departed. Nobody died.

Memorial Day--Huge turnout to the slough behind Hog Island, a fine anchorage across from Lost Isle. Also two memories of note. First--had to use several dinghies to push the mother of all water hyacinth islands out of the slough so the other half of the fleet could land. Second--Lost Isle still closed. Probably for the better given the size of the Mai tais

they pour.

July Mystery Cruise--Following the informal gathering at Mandeville Tip for Hilton's Fireworks, a good sized group took the bait and headed for some coordinates that could have been wrong (but weren't). Those that found the place, Cruiser Haven Y.C.'s private Commodore Island, reported that there was no free beer as advertised.

August--A number of boats, some loaded to the max, braved the high winds of CIYC's 10th Annual Glen C. Scrimger Mystery Cruise and Poker Run (known as the Go Fast Cruise). Reports to the Fleet Captain suggested a wet trip but good times enjoyed by all.

Labor Day--For the 36th year CIYC showed up in force, something like 17 boats, on the docks of Stockton YC. Winner of the annual CIYC Horseshoe Contest lost to the memory of this reporter, but it wasn't me and Chip. Plenty of horseshoes in the drink.

Down Bay--For the 26th year, we had a fine time on our Down Bay cruise. Cruisers were coming and going the entire time, making it hard to figure out who was where (somehow 5 of our cruising boats ended up in Mexico.) Lots of stories but the sight of Joel Panzer and Don Breithaupt stopping suddenly in their dinghy only to have the wake wash fill the boat and their pants pockets sticks firmly in this mind.

Next up - I'm done for the year but there will be an informal cruise the weekend of November 6-7 to PIttsburg. Check in with Staff Commodore Peck for details.

Over and out.

November Disco Ball and Silent Auction - Sally Sue Christopher

2010-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that November's Disco Ball event also includes our annual silent auction!

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the children of Bethel Island. The funds we raise for YOUTHMAC help fund their water safety day for kids, the Fishing Derby held in November, a Christmas dinner at Scout Hall and Kite Day in the Spring.

We need donations to auction off at the Disco Charity Ball in November. Past donations have included Marine electronics and labor, fine wines, theme gift baskets, wall art, printers, electric wine openers, hand crafted tables. illuminated frogs, a starter ski set for kids, books, music and even a hair cut.

Please fill out a description of your donation (link to donation sheet). Contact details for pick-up of your item are at the bottom of the donation sheet. Better yet, bring your donation to the General Meeting on October 30^thand talk to Sally Sue Christopher.

Remember this is not a garage sale or flea market. We would like to raise a $1,000 or more. Any donation, large or small, will contribute to our goal. Be sure to pack money in your wallet when you are getting ready for the Disco party. Hope to see some John Travolta or Bee Gee look a likes…maybe even a Donna Summers! CIYC ROCKS!!

Geocaching - by Diane Schoff

2010-10-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Gary Page and I went for our first attempt at finding some boats in caches near the wonderful anchorage of Hog Island on Saturday. We were unable to row to shore for the first one as the weeds and algae were so thick at times we couldn't move the dinghy at all. After about 20 minutes of struggling to find a way to shore we decided to give up on this particular cache and go for the next closest one. It still took us about 10 minutes to get loose from the algae and weeds. For our next try, we borrowed Phil Calderoni's dinghy which is more comfortable and faster than mine. Had to get out of the dink and get all muddy but the prize was finally claimed and logged.

The next day, Sunday, we added Ted Lyman to our crew and once again borrowed Phil's mighty dink. Our first treasure hunt took us to the rip rap levy across from Windmill Cove. Once again I volunteered to get out and look for the hidden booty. Unfortunately for me, I only had Crocs on and it was not an easy thing to be climbing over rocks in those soft shoes. I spent about 15 minutes scrambling around the rocks with directions from Ted and Gary who were dry and comfy in the dinghy. Why do I keep volunteering? There were about a bazillion hidey holes to stash the cache and I just couldn't find it. We finally gave up and I scrambled back in the dink to move on to the next hide. After passing 'Ski Beach' without incident, although Ted and Gary were getting stiff necks looking at all the hot mammas, we continued up 14mile slough and spotted the cache almost immediately as we were coming close to shore. Didn't even have to get out to make the grab. So after all that, we the Caliente Cachers were 2 for 4 this time out.

The second in a series of CIYC geocache hides has been published. This series will hide caches near to anchorages or docks which CIYC visits. The first was placed at The Point during our cruise out to Rio Vista. I was hoping one of our geocachers in the Memorial Day raft up would take the initiative and go get a FTF (first to find) by grabbing CIYC 2:Hog Island. I placed the cache on Sunday evening and was out in the dink the next morning taking the pooch to the beach and I spotted two lone kayakers paddling by. Sure enough at 7:00 am in morning they had already paddled and found the cache.

While 4th of July was a bust for us, Gary, Betty, and I managed to grab a couple of caches while anchored out at Mandeville over Labor Day weekend. The three of us jumped in our dink and found two more river caches close to the Mandeville anchorage. The first was on the west side of Three River Reach, and was difficult to get too since there was so much hydrilla blocking the river. Gary was our hero and managed to ford his way into the shore, pulling Betty and I sitting high and dry in the dink. After a few minutes of searching I also got out and waded around and managed to spot the treasure. The second cache was even more exciting. Once again, Gary was da man and stumbled out of the dink to search for the cache. He had to climb up a tree which is not usual, but sometimes necessary for water caches that have to stay dry no matter what the tide. I am not sure Betty and I would have been quite so adventurous. The description of this particular cache, had warned us to be careful, that there may or may not be a garden of illegal vegetation growing near ground zero. Sure enough there was some strange looking plants growing right around the corner. Luckily, Betty had a baggie to stash some of the unusual vegetation so we could show off our find to our fellow boaters. We didn't get shot at and we returned to the raft up with our booty. A successful trip once again. CIYC was two for two on this trip!

Once again, if this sounds like fun to you, get a hold of Betty, Gary or myself and we will be happy to include you in our treasure hunts.

From the Fleet Captain

2010-10-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

CIYC's 26th annual Down Bay Cruise is moving toward the finish line as I write this from the guest dock of the Napa Valley Yacht Club. We have been to some pretty nice places over the past week and a half, Benicia, Vallejo, San Francisco, Alameda, Tiburon and now Napa. Tomorrow we leave for the Martinez YC and their Oktoberfest Party.

What have been the hightlights of this cruise? Weather, weather, weather. Absolutley perfect. Mid to high 80's everywhere. Just a couple of days of morning overcast here on the Napa River. Following the weather, I'd have to say that seeing the opera Aida performed on the big screen at AT&T Park via a live simulcast from the real SF opera house was a highlight of the trip for sure. Just a few of us from the club and 32,000 others in the park watched the show in 80 degree temperatures as a full moon rose in the East. We also had several sightings of schools of porpoises in the bay -- a first for this fleet captain.

We've had fine dining, great bike rides and walks and terrific people watching at every destination. Happy Pappy took a bunch of disabled vets out for a trip on the Bay for the annual Wheelchair Regatta. We've had time and distance contests on a couple of legs and for the umpteenth time the Oates on Adventure won the coveted CIYC 2009 4th of July tee shirt prizes (Marsha, get ready to empty out another box.)

So far we've had no serious mechanical problems and no groundings, except for Happy Pappy's dinghy shaft hitting something very unforgiving up the Napa River, stopping the boat abruptly and throughly soaking Joel Panzer's and Don Breithaupt's pants. Unlike when I fell in the water at Pittsburg in February, only to come to the surface with a number of cameras focusing, nobody got a good picture of the Joel and Don show. Speaking of pictures, watch the website for a bunch from this cruise.

While this cruise is the last planned for the year, we may try to get a spontaneous cruise organized later in the year. Watch this space!

Welcome to our new Islander blog!

2010-09-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

Fellow Caliente Island Yacht Clubbers, it has been a while since the last Islander was published and that is going to be remedied by providing you with a format that is more up to date. We will be going more and more electronic with our communications from here on out on a monthly basis. Our web site offers an opportunity to keep you informed with timely and important articles written by key officers as needed, the calendar of events and cruising out schedule as well as topics of interest and of course we will continue to post pictures that show what a fantastic and fun loving group we are.

This is turning out to be quite a year for the Club. The positive energy in the Club has been very apparent with amount of work an improvements that have been made as demonstrated by the look in the bar thanks to Glenn Peck, the new ice machine thanks to Joel Panzer, the new sound system thanks to Gary Winewroth, and the sprucing up inside out of the club that was motivated by Kim Sechler. The owner of the Caliente Harbor has done a lot to improve the building and marina with still quite a bit more needing to be done.

This has been a year of challenges for the Club, however, especially regarding maintenance, growing membership, participation in our events by our members and other clubs, and just trying to keep the finances of the club in balance. We are about to have our Ansul fire suppressant system upgraded. While expensive it assures that the club will have a working galley that is critical for revenue generation. The bar improvement is a very visible showing of our commitment to the success of the Club and making life a lot easier for our bar tending volunteers. Having a good sound systems helps to provide good entertainment without having to have a DJ or band for every event. The Club looks as good as it has ever been.

Our goal is to keep the Club going on along viably for as long as possible. In order accomplish that, the Board has been identifying and evaluating options for the Club moving forward. I am encouraging all of you to come to our General Meeting at 1:30 PM, October 30^th to elect the new Board for 2011, hear about our plans and time lines, and help us to become a more successful club whatever future course we wind up taking based on certain realities that will unfold over the next several months.

Vice Commodore Update

2010-09-24T10:38:00.002-07:00

As all of you have seen, our new back bar is in, running and extremely efficient. This new unit is a life saver. It has provided some much need space allowing more than one or two people to be able to move around behind the bar comfortably. All the alcohol can be kept in one place underneath the unit and the high end items to be brilliantly displayed on top. The lights add a touch of ambiance the bar was missing. Now that the high end stock is on display sales are increasing a bit. Glen you out did yourself.

I could use someone who is creative to finish off the last few tasks. The end of the bar where the frig unit is now sitting needs some work. Members of the 11^th Board if you are interested in finishing off the project please get in touch with me. I would like to have the project completed by the time our guests arrive for the Halloween party.

Speaking of Halloween, the bar will be some what busy all day with meetings. CIYC will be using the bar area during the morning and first part of the afternoon, The Sea Ray group will be using the same area for their meeting during the second half of the afternoon right up until 5:00 pm. Please avoid the bar until all meetings have concluded.

We have been asked to open our bar at 2:00 pm. Anyone who can break away for a few hours to help out and bartend I’d sure appreciate the help, especially since I am looking at a 10 (hopefully) 12 hour bar day.

We have planned a pre Halloween contest. All you have to do submit a special drink suggestion with a creative Halloween name. Email the name of your drink idea and the ingredients to me no later than the 20^th of October to be eligible for the contest. Winning drink will be feature the night of the Halloween Party as the Specialty Drink. Contest winner will receive $10.00 in drink tokens. Please email your suggestions to pippsea@yahoo.com

See you in October

Kimi

From the Entertainment Director

2010-09-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

The year is nearing an end already but we still have four events left. Next is the Hallowen Party on October 30th. It should be well decorated with the Middletons who are in charge of making the bar all spooky and the Sea Ray Club will be doing the dining room. They always do a good job as well. We are having DJ Suzette as our music source. She always plays great tunes. Please put on your best disguise and join us for a ghostly good evening.

November brings us to the Disco Charity Ball on the 13th. Diane and Michelle have volunteered to do the decorating and music for this event. There will be a silent auction that evening also. If you have anything you'd like to donate please let Sally Sue Christopher know. So, put on your disco clothes, especially your dancing shoes and join us for a fantastic night.

The Christmas Party will be held on December 11. This will be a traditional Christmas theme with the clubhouse all decked out. We will have Christmas music via iPod and just maybe I can talk the Bourbon Brothers and their new harmonica musicians into strumming out a few Christmas carols. Not an event to miss!!

New Years Eve is on ...December 31. Big surprize. DJ Steve Perry will be entertaining us that night. He's been to Caliente several times and has always done a great job. Since it will be our last big fling of the year just get all dressed up and sparkley and help us ring in 2011. (Can't believe it's almost here.)

For all of you who have run an event I owe you a HUGE thank you. Also, lots of you have stopped by to help with setting tables or breaking them down, decorations and helping with the new iPod system and gift baskets. A big thank you to all. You have no idea how much help it has been.

Hope to see you all at as many events as you can attend. What makes our club so great is our fantastic members. Let's keep it going.

From the Rear Commodore

2010-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great September Western event (click here to see all the photos), and hope that everyone enjoyed the Rib Eye Steaks or Chicken Breast dinner. I want to thank Marsha and Kurt Hayes who helped in the galley, Brice and Nicole who helped serve, along with our lone high school senior, John, and my son Curtis who manned the BBQ.

We are looking forward to the October Halloween event and the Sea Ray Club Cruise-In. We anticipate the galley to be 100% up and running. I hear the Halloween decorations will be fantastic again this year, Betty has booked a DJ for after dinner, and we plan on having a great weekend. Hope to see you!

October’s menu will be:

Friday Night – Pork Chili Verde, Rice and Beans - $10

Saturday Night – Choice of Herb Roasted Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce or Boneless Chicken ala Marsha (thanks Marsha Hayes), Red Potatoes, Veggie, Salad and Dessert - $20

DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT 6:30 PM

Sunday Morning Breakfast – Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, O’Brien potatoes, juice, milk, rolls, fruit, etc. - $10

I need galley volunteers for the November event (11/12-14). I will be in a class all weekend and will not be at the club. Betty Griffith’s has volunteered to cook on Friday, and Colette can cook on Saturday, but is willing to step aside if we have anyone itching to cook. We are in desperate need for Sunday morning breakfast cooks!! Please let me know if you are an early-bird riser and are willing to handle the Sunday morning breakfast. Thanks!