We
plan to continue a gradual schedule of improvements this season,
including modestly upgraded portable toilet facilities; this enhanced
website, in addition to
providing information about special events; and the replacement of
aging outdoor grills, several of which collapsed over the winter.
The
budget has been managed carefully, and we’re aware that the difficult
economic climate has affected our members as it has everyone across the
country. Therefore, there will be no increase in rates this season.
With
the help of a local architect and a group of PMBC members, we have
embarked on the creation of a “master plan” of potential improvements
that can be phased in over time (including a plan for indoor toilet
facilities). I look forward to sharing more news about this effort.
The
PMBC has been a wonderful part of my own family’s life for the past ten
years. My wife Ruth and I moved from Brooklyn to Philipse Manor in
2000, and the opportunity to enjoy this amazing access to the Hudson
River was one of the main reasons we were drawn here. I shake my head
in wonder when I recall that my daughter Amanda was only a one year-old
in our first season as members. My son Robert has loved the beach club
for as long as he can remember, with memories that I expect will last a
lifetime.
Perhaps
it was because our kids were so young when we first joined the beach
club (that’s my excuse anyway) that I never really focused on the fact
that it was a group of volunteers within the community that kept the
club running. The doors just seemed to open magically in the spring,
and though we did sign up annually for “clean-up day” – which should
have given me a clue – it was only in recent years that I realized the
amount of time many of my neighbors had been generously putting in.
That
gets me to the part of this note where I want to thank several board
members who will be changing roles or stepping down after many years of
service to the club.
Outgoing
PMBC president Tim Judge will remain on the board. Tim was instrumental
in advancing fiscal responsibility at the club, spearheading
improvements, and keeping safety our main priority. Nigel Cassar, the
heart and soul of the club for many years, will leave the board (only
briefly we hope) though we expect to see him sailing frequently. Amy
Kaufman and Ed Burke are also stepping down after many years of
service. Stephanie Fuller has done an amazing job overseeing
membership, and will stay on the board, thankfully, though in the cushy
role of “member at large.” Likewise for Amy Poret, who transitions
from her role as club secretary. We’re extremely pleased to welcome
new board member nominees, Jason Jercinovic, Thomas Andruss, and Jason
Kelly.
Special
thanks, of course, to John Whysner and Steve Boersma for continuing
their roles overseeing operations for boaters, to Bob Welch for keeping
the kayaks organized, and to Michael Cammarota for leading so many
recent improvements.
Enjoy the summer! I look forward to seeing you on the beach or out on the river.
Burns Patterson
President, PMBC
PS: Please plan on attending our annual meeting on Monday, April 13th, 8:00PM, at the Hudson Valley Writers Center…your participation is valued.
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