AWARDS 2008

First of all I would like to thank Vice Commodore Mike and Abbie Dunn for hosting this evening's Award Ceremony. And also Thanks to Mona-Lisa Ryan and Bev Bruins for putting together the Slide Show for us to enjoy. The following Award Categories are given out to those rare individuals who are able to predict exactly where they are, when they are leaving and when they will be returning, often within a fraction of a second, which must be a great comfort to their wives. It is my pleasure to be able to present the following awards Past Commodore's Cup 3rd Place: Capt. Steve Brett 2nd Place: P/C Leo Longenecker 1st Place: P/C Mike Henry Thompson Trophy Race 3rd Place: Capt. Chuck Silvernail 2nd Place: Capt. Owen Ritter 1st Place: P/C Mike Henry Log Racer of the Year: P/C Mike Henry Hell Divers Award: Diane Robinson: Diane please come tell us how it is that you came to win such a coveted and prestigious award [Steve Brett, having been a witness, recounted the event in great detail, ed.,] Reo Mitchell Inspirational Award (Sailing) Capt. Mike Knight : It gives me great pleasure in being in a position to be able to present this next award…. this dedicated and deserving individual has given so much of his time and energy on behalf of not only the business side of the club but more importantly for the young people of our community, his tireless efforts in shepherding and nurturing our Youth Sailing Program and rumor has it.. he is pursuing an expanded program which will include a High School sailing program and a program for teaching the adult! young at heart as well. Your labors have not gone unnoticed and your efforts in this regard are invaluable to the Club besides you're a terrific guy. ***Santa Ship Lighted Boat Parade P/C Ron and Penny Morse***: Ron and Penny I want you to know how much I appreciate your stepping up and volunteering your boat for this important mission. The Christmas Ship is a huge contribution in ensuring the success… for arguably, the most popular event that the club puts on for our community. Thank you so much B.Y.C. Service to the Club Award: Logan Knapp, This next award deserves special attention, this young man has volunteered himself year after year as our Santa Claus whose task it is to brave the freezing elements on the deck of the Christmas ship for both the Lighted Boat Parade and the Special People's Cruise he has brought joy to thousands of people and for that we are most grateful. ***Decorated Theme Boat Award- Capt Rob Bruins: Rob and Bev***, over the years the Bremerton Yacht Club has secured a reputation for excellence second to none by providing high quality and imaginative entries at both Daffodil and Opening Day and thanks to you, this year was no exception. Considering the potential wear and tear on your boat and not to mention the Stress involved in these kinds of enterprises, I award you this token of appreciation. Congratulations and Thank You Dressed Boat Opening Day- Capt. Steve Brett: It's been several years since the Bremerton Yacht Club has entered a Dressed Boat and your volunteering Princes Mokihana was a very generous act, considering all the many many things you and Deana have contributed on behalf of the club. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and they are greatly appreciated thank you. Golden Hammer Award- Capt. Brett: Steve this award is in appreciation for your willingness to step up and take care of numerous corrective measures that were necessary to the mechanical operation of this club your energy and generous giving of your time and talent are much appreciated, your contributions and dedication to excellence are admirable. On behalf of the Club I award you the…… Project Manager of the Year- P/C Don Cardin: Don you came out of the past to spearhead the Club Upgrade, it was a necessary and important project and the club is so very fortunate for it, we thank you and look forward to seeing you relaxing in the setting in which that you were such an important key player. New Members of the Year: Capt Dick and Alice Nelson: every once in a while you come across people that makes you sit up and take notice. It has been my experience that often times you get wind of extraordinary individuals whose life achievements proceed them and when you end up actually meeting them you find that all you can do is stand there in awe and gaze up at a towering figure, in this case the figures not only acknowledge your existence but offer you their friendship, this club may not be the wealthiest or wisest or most the famous, but I assure you in these two we have stuck gold and we are the richer for it. Dick and Alice thanks for joining our club and thanks for your service. P/C Carl Wilhelm Award: Capt. Gunter Krumme: This next individual has been a tremendous encouragement to me and my family from the moment I joined the club, his labors on behalf of the club have been daily year after year, his dedication to excellence his conscientiousness and unwavering support for this club has ensured that the members and guests of this organization are kept informed and entertained. I know of no other Yacht Club Website in the county, or the world for that matter, that can compare to the one the Capt. Gunter Krumme has provided for us. He is a tremendous asset to the club and a valued friend. BYC Inspirational Award for Service to the Club: P/C Gary Carr: well what can I say about this man. This next recipient is a stand up guy, although we may not have always agreed with one another on procedure, however this I know… he would and he has stood shoulder to shoulder with me when I needed him and for that I am very grateful. The contributions by this man over the years, season after season is irrefutable and it is with a great deal of pride that I am able to offer this token of gratitude to you Yachting Family of the Year: Capt. Mike and Mona-Lisa Ryan: If someone were to say that I had achieved some successes in my years serving on the Bridge, it would be for only one reason and that reason is the Ryan's. Without these two I would have been crushed under a weight I could not carry. If one were to follow my path along my journey through the chairs and you were to happen to look down, you would in all likely hood notice two sets of footprints neither of them mine. The reason for that is simple, there were only two because often times you carried me. Thank you Yachtsman of the Year: Leo and Stacy Longenecker: When I first came to this club I knew virtually no one. I then began serving on a couple of committees as Steward, Set up Chairman and I Chaired a Skit for Heavy Weather. Then somehow I found myself elected as Rear Commodore, being new.. I had no alliances or friendships to draw upon, no favors to call in. It was a difficult and often discouraging situation especially when you consider the political climate at the time, to which I had unwittingly stumbled into, then the hand of friendship was extended, crossing the barrier and in so doing they gave me and my family a much appreciated and welcome infusion of fun and friendly hospitality. That Leo and Stacy deserve this award not because of what they mean to me personally but because of their Leadership in the following three categories. #1 their support of Club Cruises through out the year. #2 The Commitment toward the Clubs Business aspect and #3 for their support of the Social aspect. These three elements leaves very little if anything left concerning the club that they don't contribute too congratulation and congratulations of your appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Exceptional Service Award: Capt. Dana Cutting: This one is amazing, if you stop and think about it for a moment, if I were to ask you what aspect of the club gets more scrutiny by the members than any thing else? This one little operation of the club that normally generates more controversy and angst than any other, well I'll tell what it is its the Floats. Is it just me or don't you think Capt. Cutting has done a magnificent job, especially when you consider what he has been able to accomplish, he has taken on tasks in regard to the enforcement of unenviable but necessary rules and regulations that haven't been addressed successfully in many years and has done so in a professional and exemplary manner that does credit to himself and his club and not for just one year but for two and for that I am pleased to offer this plaque in gratitude. Dedicated Service Award: Capt. Sylvia Wilson: As you have heard me mention earlier, I started off going through the Chairs not knowing anything about Yacht Clubs or having witnessed many of the Social aspects of the club. I was in dire need of some help and that help came from someone who never once denied a call for service or declined to assist me in anything… no matter how hair brained the idea. I can't tell you the number of times I have called up to say I have this idea I'm working on but I don't know how to make it work and she would tell me don't worry I will figure it out and so she would. There were many many instances where there was a big event and I would look around and see people going hither and thither banging into one another with confused looks on their faces but then I would look over at Sylvia and like the little engine that could, there she was loading all the work onto her train in order to haul it over the mountain to the finish line, time after time and so it goes. So many many tasks, Club Annual Chair, leaflets, announcements, deadlines, Club photographer on and on and on. Distinguished Service Award: P/C Ron Morse: Here too is another individual that has contributed so much for so many, his life achievements and selfless devotion to his fellow man should give you pause, his life from the beginning until now has been a life of healing and self sacrifice on behalf of his country and his community. It has been a considerable honor for me to have had the opportunity to serve with this man. I marvel that I could have been so fortunate, he is the consummate gentlemen, his service to the club has been exemplary, four years on the bridge, youth sailing volunteer, X-Mass ship, Special Peoples, Handicap Restroom Upgrade, a year on the Executive Committee, improvements to the club store and another two year Executive Commitment…and here I thought I was tired. Bob Mcwade: Have you ever wished for something, hinted at wanting something reached for and been disappointed by its absence time and again. Well today… right now.. your dream has come true. Bob McWade Come on down….. Bob I have something here that has been until now! just out of reach.. something that you can use and call your own. Something that just can't seem to appear when you need it most. Here you go Happy Birthday Bob…here is your very own package of Political Campaign hats, Butt Gaskets…Crab Feed Bibs or what ever you desire them to be.. Happy Birthday Bob Enjoy….. Photos: Sylvia Wilson