April 2018 Compass

Compass Highlights

The New Season Brings New Menus...

...Tasty new items for lunch, grill, dinner.

More Information on the Sea Scout Property...

...See the Commodore's column for updates. 

The Life Member Dues Proposal Fails...

...Members voted not to adopt the petitioners' suggestions.

The Russell Street property at the north end of the mooring basin, above, may be available for South Shore Yacht Club to lease. Below, a committee from the Club inspected the property on March 22.  As the Commodore explains below, any proposal to lease the property will be presented to the general membership with an outline of potential costs and benefits.  (Bruce Nason photos)

 Examination of Sea Scout Property Continues

Jerry Kedziora

By Jerry Kedziora
Commodore

After many follow ups with the Port of Milwaukee (POM), I would like to report that SSYC may have the opportunity to lease the Russell Street/Sea Scout property to the north of our Club next to the US Coast Guard station.

The process started over three years ago, when POM approached SSYC asking if we had any interest in leasing the property. After several meetings and several onsite inspections, we agreed. But POM was then approached by Homeland Security and the City of Milwaukee, so the offer to lease the property to SSYC was put on hold. The City of Milwaukee was considering using the property as a first responder’s base and was seeking a Federal grant that required matching funds from the City.

Because of budget cuts and a lack of money, the City apparently passed on the property. About three weeks ago I received an email from the POM director asking if SSYC was still interested in the property.

I had been following up with POM for the last three years about two weeks or so before every General Membership Meeting, as I wanted to keep in touch with the Port Director just in case anything changed and report on the status of the property to the membership.

After receiving the email, and after receiving input from the Board supporting this opportunity, I responded to POM that YES, SSYC was interested in exploring possibilities at the property.

I appointed a special committee, chaired by me, to study the matter in more detail.  I had Seth Goettelman, our Club’s Corporate Counsel, “dust off” the draft of the lease that we were going to submit to POM three years ago. Since it has been about three years since we last toured and inspected the property, I arranged for the committee to tour and inspect the property again, which we did on March 22.

The committee members are Vice Commodore George Graubner, Rear Commodore Greg Gaitens, Grounds Director Dick Olson, Waterfront Services Director Bob Karnauskas, Junior Advisory Director Bob Sabinash, Seth Goettelman and George Artka PC.

At our tour, we were met by two Port of Milwaukee people, who gave us access to all of the property, and by a City of Milwaukee electrician. The electrician told us that all of the electrical service equipment, including wiring, electrical service boxes as well as 50 amp outlets near the water frontage, will be replaced and all of the electrical service will be brought up to code.

The property occupies an area of about 90’ wide by 450’ long on landfill from the old steel rolling mill, about .92 acres in area. As a comparison, our current property is about 1.41 acres. This would give the Club an additional 450’ of waterfrontage. A lot of the fill came from the rolling mill, which used to be nearby.

The property has two buildings. There is a metal shed about 40’ x 60’ that could be used for equipment storage and as a workshop. There is also a one story brick building on a concrete slab that is 770 square feet. This building is subdivided into at least four rooms and could be used for storage as well. In addition, the property could be used for skid and trailer storage and winter storage of boats on trailers for a nominal fee, a portion of which may have to be shared with POM.

Should SSYC move ahead with a lease or other arrangement, the goal would be to have the property be net neutral regarding revenue and expenses.  That is, if SSYC controls the property, it will not be a drain on SSYC’s budget.

During the inspection, the SSYC group found the property to be much improved since we last inspected it over two years ago. The Sea Scouts really cleaned up the property.

At the April Board meeting, your Board will decide if we should proceed with leasing property, considering potential revenues and costs in doing so.  Then it is my intention to consider calling a special general membership meeting to present the opportunity to the membership and have the membership decide if our Club wants to lease the property.

Just to be clear, the property has several challenges. It has no running water or sewer, nor does it have any natural gas utility. In addition, because the property was built using a lot of fill from the steel rolling mill, it is very difficult to dig foundations or holes, for example for a signal mast or small derrick. Because the property is unique and does have its challenges, there will most probably be some large expenditures or investments that we will have to make to have the property fit our needs.

I feel that it is important to make members aware of this. And if we lease the property, I’m going to be asking our membership to volunteer to help with the many projects that may be needed to make the property part of our Club.

Last but not least:  at this time, there is a ship of Sea Scouts that now occupies and uses the property. The Sea Scouts have been using the property for many years and I have told them that SSYC is committed to sharing the property with them, but they will be subject to SSYC’s Rules and Regulations.

Regarding the proposed By-Laws amendment…

I wanted to clear up a misunderstanding that may have occurred at the March General Membership Meeting.

In the call to the meeting under new business, because we received a petition signed by 25 members in good standing, started by three Life Members and one Active Member, a proposed By-Laws change was included on the agenda that would have added a dues provision for Life Members and Surviving Life Members.

I want the membership to know that this change was not brought forth by the By-Laws Committee or the Board of Directors. In other words, the measure was required to be included on the General Meeting agenda because the petition met the requirements under Article XI, Section 2 of our by-laws.

When I began my term in office, I established a special committee under Article I, Section 3 to examine the issue of Life Membership and the effect Life Membership is having on our Club demographically, socially and financially. I asked past treasurer Jeremy Burns to be the chair. The only requirement that I placed on him was to have an equal number of Active and Life members on the special committee. Jeremy was able to start with data collection and was in the process of getting his committee organized. However, because of a change in his professional life, Jeremy had to step down from this responsibility because he decided to move with his wife Christine to Hawaii. Aloha!

I would like to see this committee continue the work that Jeremy started. I’m looking for a volunteer, preferably a Life Member, to replace Jeremy and chair this committee. If you are interested, please contact me.

Regarding allegations of frivolous spending…

More than one member at the March General Membership Meeting alleged that our Club spends money frivolously. Let me be very clear:  the Club and the Board of Directors do not spend money frivolously. Comments like this are very discouraging to the very hard working members of your Board and the members of the Finance Committee. As a reminder, your Board of Directors are also members of our Club. What may set them apart is their commitment to serve the Club and its members by placing the Club’s interests above their own.

Like every other member, Board members have a financial stake in the Club. In other words, it’s their money too. Your Board weighs every expenditure carefully to insure that any money we spend is spent wisely and provides value to the Club. Further, at no time did your Board engage in felony theft and “steal” $40,000 from us, the members, that somehow grew to $80,000. These comments are without merit and they are reprehensible.

The Finance Committee, which develops the budget every year and is chaired by Steve Williams, is composed of a good mix of Active and Life Members, Members like all of us, as well as past commodores, all of whom bring experience and fiscal responsibility to the budget process. They weigh every financial need carefully and prioritize every expenditure.

Rather than make uninformed comments, I suggest that any Member who is interested in seeing how our money is spent contact Steve or me and get engaged and involved in the budget process.

New items on the Club menus include, above left, an open face steak sandwich on the grill and lunch menu; above right, a re-designed beet salad, below left; the new shrimp and grits entree on the dinner menu; and, below right, the "tuna poke."

Lunch Returns, and New Menus Feature Tasty New Items 

Gary Johnson

By Gary Johnson
House Chair

The Club’s new menus debuted April 4 with a host of tasty new items.  Look for new offerings such as an open face steak sandwich, a 1/3-pound fresh ground beef hamburger, a new veggie burger, the buffalo chicken sandwich, a chicken parmesan sandwich on Thursday night, several new salads, and a tater tot nachos appetizer. Chef Sam Spiegel and his staff have outdone themselves with these new offerings.  Give them a try soon.

Now that Spring is here, lunch is back, too:  Wednesday through Friday in Commodore's Cove, upstairs.

A record buffet

The Club set a record for the Easter buffet. Thanks to all who attended.  They’ll attest to the fine-dining experience.

Dining room upgrades underway

Our dining room surveys have been very good.  The most common complaint has nothing to do with the food or service:  it’s the appearance of the dining room. We can fix that!  We are currently working on updating the dining room, including getting bids for painting.

Jukebox a hit

In the bar, the jukebox has exceeded expectations, bringing in added revenue to the Club and smiles to toe-tapping patrons.  We’ll call our trial a success.

We're not your junk closet

As a reminder – again – there is no personal storage at the Club. So please don’t put anything in the closets without permission, or your items may be removed.  We simply don’t have room to act as your junk closet, and we can’t be responsible for personal items left on the premises.

We cleaned out another closet, this one in the upper bar area. South Shore Yacht Club logo shirts and hats will be displayed in this area and available for sale. All of the bartenders have ordered their new SSYC shirts so they should be looking sharp.

Keep glassware inside

And once again, please remember that no glassware from the bar is allowed outside. I forget this one once in a while myself, but please make every effort to remember to ask the bartenders for a plastic cup when you head outside.  They’ll gladly make your drink in plastic, and they’ll gladly pour your beverage from glass into plastic if you decide mid-drink to venture out.

New bar pricing

Effective April 1, all food and beverage purchase prices at the bars will be tax inclusive to eliminate the need for pennies, nickels and dimes at the bar. We have received numerous complaints about the small change, and this will alleviate the problem. Commodore’s Cove pricing for meals will remain price plus tax as in the past.

We want to hear from you

We want to hear from you. Thanks in advance for filling out the dining room and bar survey. As far as who sees the surveys:  only I have a key to the survey box, and once I review them, they go to the general manager for his review. No one else is privy to individual responses.

New Members Join at March Board Meeting

Meet South Shore Yacht Club's newest Active Members, accepted at the March Board of Directors meeting.  At left, are new member Brad Kyle and wife Erika.  Along with their two dogs, they moved to the neighborhood in May and were immediately attracted to the view at the Club.  Brad plans to use the Club for client entertainment, and they both look forward to social activities and meeting new people.  They don't have a boat yet, but hope to in a year or two.  At right, are new member Nick Verette and wife Monica.  They also live in the area.  They've had a power boat in the water for five years at a marina up the river and look forward to docking it closer to home.  They also, as Monica said, "wanted to meet more boat people."  Seems like they came to the right place!

Refer a New Member at the April 21 Open House

Patty Thompson

By Patty Thompson
Membership Director

The membership committee continues to host monthly Open Houses with our next one coming up on Saturday, April 21, from noon until 3 p.m.  We will continue the recruiting efforts at our Crew Search Party, which follows immediately at 3 p.m.  We expect it to be a busy and successful day!

Recruiting new Members is one of the most important efforts a current Member can make.  All of our Members should get comfortable with the phrase, “Have you considered joining South Shore Yacht Club?”  We are known as the Harbor of Hospitality, but we have many neighbors and friends who haven’t had the opportunity to step past our gates and into the Club.  Our Open Houses are great times to invite people to visit, so please take advantage of the events.

As a reward for your efforts, we’ll be continuing our Member Referral Program.  If you bring someone to the Open House, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Lakefront Lounge Gift Card, and if your guest joins the Club, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Gift Card!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who gave their time and energy at the recent Open Houses.  We have had wonderful turnouts of both guests and members!

Membership by the numbers:

Here are the latest statistics, as of March 13.

One Active Member resigned; he's leaving the area.  Two Non-resident Members resigned; one promised to rejoin when he returns from New Zealand.

March 17 Open House Welcomed Potential Members

Tom Gale points out some of the history showcase artifacts to a couple of guests at the March 17 new member open house.  (Bruce Nason photo)

SSYC ‘Marketing Wizards’ Target Contact Info

By Sam Graubner
Marketing Group Chair

In last month’s article, we previewed things we were working to accomplish.  To keep you in the loop, here is a status update of our work in progress. 

Contact info sought for Members, spouses, SOs

First, I have met with IT Director Rick Trisco and Club Manager Pat Nora to work toward obtaining contact info for all Members and all spouses and partners/significant-others.  This is critically important to the success of our Survey Monkey Questionnaire as well as other benefits of membership.

Our timeline to obtain all the contact info for everyone is May 31, 2018.   Notice I wrote 2018!  While we are working on obtaining this important information, the Marketing Wizards will be finalizing and refining the Survey Monkey questionnaire and our targeted time line to start emailing to you all is June 1.

MySSYC explained

We are also holding two meetings to help Members understand and maneuver through “MySSYC,” which is on our website www.ssyc.org on the main menu bar. 

These meetings, scheduled for the evenings of April 26 and May 2, will help Members, spouses, and partners/SOs to input their information into our secured system.  The benefit is that you will all get information from SSYC and this in turn will allow the Club to communicate more efficiently and effectively with everyone affiliated with SSYC. 

Rick and Pat will lead these meetings in the Commodore’s Cove starting at 6 p.m., and will work with individual in 30 minute intervals running until 8 p.m.  So mark your calendars -- and bring your laptop! -- and learn how to take advantage of “MySSYC.”  

Resource Page is next

Once we receive all the contact info for you, we can start working on the Member to Member Resource Page.  This page will be a member benefit and serve as a “look up” for various professionals in their field of expertise to consider working with when you have a need.

Meanwhile…

Other accomplishments have been coordinating the Club announcements for events.  Hats off to committee member Bill Dickinson for great work on the Wine Tasting and Disco flyers.  Plan to attend: both events are April 14.  We have been able to utilize those graphics on Facebook, the TV in the foyer, email blasts and our web site.  Good job and thanks so much!!!  

We also implemented using hashtags.   When on Facebook and you post about the Club, consider using “#SouthShoreYachtClub” at the end of your posting.   This serves as a file cabinet and organizes postings so you won’t miss something.  We expect the Queens Cup Facebook page will also share their postings to SSYC and use our hashtag. 

We have implemented a new email address:     This email will serve as a collection site for any photos or videos that you may want to share with SSYC.  We are encouraging you to do so!  It will be great to see members at the Club, and the beauty of nature around the Club.  Most all of you have cell phones that can take quality pics and videos. When you send, use a jpeg format for photos.

If you don't have your own camera, we have a digital camera in the Office for check out.  Use it!   We would like to see more of you in our communications, and we want to get to know you! 

Lastly, the Marketing Wizards will be having another meeting in the next few weeks.  If you’d like to be part of “Moving SSYC Forward,” please consider helping us out.  You may contact me directly, Sam Graubner, text or cell at 414-520-4680 or Ideas and Workers Welcome!

Saturday Afternoon Fleet Sets 2018 Races, Lowers Entry Fee

By Craig Griffith
PHRF Fleet Co-Captain

As I sit here looking out on a lovely fresh April snow, I can't help but think sailing season is about to start.

For 2018 we have significantly reduced the SASS entry fee to $100, and we are also offering a $25 discount if your registration is received before May 15. SASS is the Saturday Afternoon Sailing Series, a competitive series that still allows time for other weekend activities.  There's usually just one race per day, typically held in conjunction with the more competitive "big boat" series the same day.

Our 2018 SASS Race Schedule is:

Course Races:

June 2, 2018 (Skelding Regatta – SSYC)
June 30, 2018 (Stephenson Regatta – MYC)
July 14, 2018 (Tanger Regatta – SSYC)
August 11, 2018 (Commodores Regatta – MYC)
September 8, 2018 (Grudge Regatta – SSYC)

Distance Races:

July 7, 2018 (Big Triangle Race – MYC)
August 3, 2018 (Racine Race – SSYC)
August 31, 2018 (Port Washington Race – SSYC)

Racine Yacht Club has offered the fleet free dockage for our race to Racine as well as discounted registration for their Racine Regatta. The 2018 Notice of Race and entry forms are available for download from the SSYC website, here. Good luck with launch, and we will see you on the race course.

Crew Search 2018 is April 21

By Cheri Kent Jones
Crew Search Coordinator

It is that time of year again:  crew search season! The Crew Search Party 2018 will take place once again at the club on April 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. As always, all are welcome whether or not they are SSYC Members.

The Crew Search is celebrating 20+ years of matching skippers and crew. This pairs all looking for opportunities to race and sail on Milwaukee Bay and beyond. We welcome all levels of experience and age. Bring your friends too.

People may be surprised at the opportunities to get on the water and learn more about sailing and racing. These experiences also build teamwork and friendships. You really can’t go wrong in attending and meeting new people with a similar interest:  love of the sport of sailing!

It works this way.  Show up, sign up, follow up. Introduce yourself, join in the conversations, and find a great fit. We will help! We collect and share data and provide information on races and opportunities. We have a Facebook page to help connect people as well. Like us there too!

If you already have a boat and a crew, you know to come anyway. This doubles as the season opener sailors’ party with complimentary beer, snacks, and tall tales.

Questions? Contact or

See you at the club on Saturday, April 21 from 3 to 6 p.m.

  2018 Queen's Cup is the 80th Running of the Race

Scott Burke

By Scott Burke
Special Events Director

The planning is coming together for the 80th running of the SSYC Queen’s Cup Race and the related race week events.

We'll kick things off on Wednesday evening with a special band and activities to put SSYC and our guests into a festive mood. Stay tuned for more details.

Registration for the race is open, and the number of entrants continues to build from all over Lake Michigan.  It would be great to have SSYC boats make up an even larger part of the fleet in 2018.  Sooo … all you SSYC sail racers, let’s get those entries in.

The 2018 Queen’s Cup Race will start on Friday afternoon, June 22, so it won't interfere with the Fourth of July holiday a week later. Our finish is in Grand Haven, Michigan, and hosted by the Grand River Sailing Club. GRSC and the City of Grand Haven are looking forward to Queens’ Cup boats, their crews and families filling their harbor and enjoying the weekend.  In addition to the Queen’s Cup festivities, the Grand Haven Street Art Fair will be in full swing.  It should be a fun-packed week on both sides of the lake.

Since the Queen’s Cup Race is a SSYC race that has a historic tradition, it would be great to award the overall trophy to an SSYC boat. If you have never raced for the Queen’s Cup it’s a great experience for either dedicated crews or family racers.

The race documents are available on our website: www.ssyc.org  under the Queens Cup tab. There is a document that briefly outlines what you need to race.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: , or  or call me: 414-617-1040.

See you at SSYC’s 2018 Queen’s Cup!

  Sign up for Race Committee Training April 14

Scott Burke

By Scott Burke
Sail Race Director

Time to shake off the winter blues and get ready to go sailboat racing.  A key component to make the sail racing season a success is a fully trained race committee.

So … what is a race committee?

US Sailing answers the question this way: “The term ‘race committee’ includes any person or group that is in charge of ‘managing’ a sailboat race.  This includes everything from writing the sailing instructions (SIs) to conducting the race.”

To make sure we are ready for the 2018 season, we will be holding a three-hour race committee training class on Saturday, April 14.  We will start with coffee and doughnuts at 8:45 a.m. in the Lily E room.  The class will run through noon.  It will include a review of the basics and dry land drills to hone our skills.

We would love to see members who have not participated on a race committee attend so that they can join the fun on the water throughout the summer.  Our goal is to grow the number of folks available to help manage races.  Remember, many hands make light work.

I am looking forward to seeing race committee veterans and many new faces next Saturday, April 14.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me:   or call me: 414-617-1040.

Still Some Spots Available as Junior Lesson Season Approaches 

Robert Sabinash

By Robert Sabinash
Junior Advisory Director 

Here are some important notes for the Summer 2018 Junior Sailing program.

First, there are still spots available for lessons for Beginners and Intermediates. Please get your applications into the office.  As always, students’ parents do not need to be Club Members.  Anyone age 8 to 18 is welcome to enroll.  Also please note:

• Sailing Classes will be held June 11 through August 10.

• No classes will be held the week of July 23-27. This is the week of the Chicago-Mac Race and the Hook Race. Several instructors and Juniors will be racing in these sailing events.

• With no classes for one week in July, that makes 8 weeks of lessons, the same as other years of sail lessons.

• Beginner and Intermediate sail lessons are $370. Racing Tactics lessons are $400.

• If you need enrollment forms sent out, contact the Office or contact Bob Sabinash at

Or use these links 

2018Junior Sailing Lessons Application.pdf

22017Junior Renewal Application with logo.doc.pdf

• A Parent & Junior Sailing Lesson Meeting is scheduled for May 31 at 7:00 p.m. A separate Racing Tactics parent meeting will be scheduled also.

• Here is the schedule for sail lesson classes at this point.
     -Beginners – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
     -Intermediates – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
     -Racing Tactics – Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

• The Kaszube Cup Regatta is scheduled for July 9, 10, & 11th.

Picture a brand new Opti sail with your Club number or boat number.  That's what a $315 tax-deductible donation will bring.  Read more below.

The Opti Sail Drive

Our Juniors Racing Fleet had a very successful 2017 campaign, racing in over 10 regattas in the Midwest. This year, we’ll be in at least as many regattas. The sails on our Optis are showing their age and we need some help buying new sails.

The SSYC Juniors Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning donations are tax-deductible. We’re looking for donations of $315 to purchase each sail. The sail numbers can be customized to your boat’s sail number, member number, etc. This donation is 100% tax deductible. The Foundation will send you a letter that you can use for tax purposes and a picture of your sail on an Opti that you can follow at this year’s Kaszube cup.

Please send your checks to:

South Shore Juniors Sailing Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Bob Sabinash- Juniors Advisor
2300 E. Nock St.
Milwaukee, WI 53207

Our Juniors program is funded by donations (not an expense to SSYC), and we thank the SSYC Membership for your continued support.

Easter Egg Hunt a Success

The cloudy skies parted and the rain stopped just in time for the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31.

Thanks to the many volunteers, specifically Stacy Trisco, and Mike and Carla Dziubek (Easter Egg Hunt masters) and many Juniors. The Junior organization held the traditional hunt at South Shore Park. With many families in attendance -- about 70 participants in all -- the kids had a great time finding eggs, having lunch and meeting the Easter Bunny, too.

Special thanks to Buddy Squirrel / Quality Candy for the generous donation of Quality Candy Chocolate and Whip Cream Eggs for all participants.

Greg Gaitens

 Only 2 Slips Vacant  

By Greg Gaitens
Rear Commodore

South Shore Yacht Club has a total of 230 slips, of which two are occupied by Club boats that support the Club’s sail race activities. As I reported at the March General Membership Meeting, 226 slips are occupied, which includes the two Club boats. The number of Members on the slip waiting list is currently 12. The two open slips will be made available to Members on the waiting list on a transient basis in order of seniority. If you are on the waiting list and have interest in a transient slip, please contact the office.

Slips open Sunday, April 15

Slips are scheduled to open Sunday, April 15. Weather permitting, the Slip Opening Work Party is scheduled the day prior, Saturday, April 14, at 8:30 a.m. The work party plan is as follows:

* Reinstalling safety ladders

* Reinstalling life rings

* Lowering Club wave boards on face docks as needed

* Repairing any loose or broken Club wave board hardware

* Replacement of two finger pier posts on F dock 

* Cleaning dock lights & replacing bad bulbs

* Reinstalling the tender dock

The Club will provide coffee & donuts and a hot lunch to all work party participants. 

St. Patrick’s Day work party

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Rip Edmundson, Ken Kain, Jerry Kedziora, Skip Collins, Jim Doyle, Jim Allaway, Bill Pink, Ken Dziubek, Toni Buck, Howard Millard, Brian Thompson, John Czeszak, Logan Prasser and others who helped with the slip work party held on Saturday, March 17. One team made some solid progress building finger pier pallets while the other team completely cleaned out and re-organized the Club tool lockers. It was a successful work party all around. We got a lot accomplished in the three to four hours invested.

Participation by long term members was paramount in helping to identify which items in the storage lockers were of importance and which were obsolete and could be tossed. Having an organized tool locker makes for productive and efficient work parties and Club repairs. Access to the lockers has been limited in an effort to keep them organized. 

Volunteering for a slip committee work party is a great way to support your Club. The slip committee welcomes all volunteers. If you would like to join the slip committee or participate in slip work parties, please let me know via email.

The pallet crew was hard at work on March 17. (Greg Gaitens photo)

As this aerial view from an earlier year shows, storage space on the grounds is maximized by squeezing boats in to every space possible.  Only the front access is left open.

Start Making Launch Date Reservations Now  

Bob Karnauskas

By Bob Karnauskas
Director, Waterfront Services

It’s time to start thinking about getting your hull wet again. The launch calendar is online and available for you to reserve your launch appointment between May 5 through 23, 2018. Go to For Members/Lift Schedule (member log-in required), find an open slot you like on the calendar, and then call the office to reserve it. Thanks to Webmaster Dave Wehnes, you can now print a copy of the lift schedule (a feature added at the request of a member).

Please contact Bob Aring () if any questions arise regarding the location of your boat on the grounds and when a path to the main derrick will open. Bob may also be contacting you if your boat is located such that an earlier launch will help us launch boats behind yours. Help us make this process proceed safely and efficiently.

In the March Compass, we described changes in winter storage policies made by the SSYC Board.  Members who currently store their boat at SSYC will be contacted soon about renewing their winter storage contract for next winter. A nonrefundable deposit will reserve your storage space. Future vacancies will be offered, on the basis of seniority, to members who submit a Waiting List Application and a nonrefundable deposit prior to August 7.

Information about winter boat and mast storage has been greatly expanded and is now posted on the website. Go to For Members/Members Home/Winter Storage (member log-in required) and you will find the Waiting List Application, Storage Contract as well as our Rules and Conditions. The Winter Storage FAQs explains our new policies. Guidance and suggestions are also provided on our site to help your launch go safely and with fewer glitches.

Next meeting

Our next committee meeting is planned for Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in the Lily E room. In addition to winter boat storage, our committee is responsible for security, fuel services, tender service and many other important club functions. PLEASE, new faces are welcome. If you want to see what we are doing, our committee minutes are posted on the website. Log In and go to For Members/Members Home/Committee Reports/View Committee Reports/ Waterfront Services Committee.

A reminder: Unplug battery charging power cords when you are not on club grounds.

Chip Readers Improve Credit Card Security

Rick Trisco

By Rick Trisco
IT Director

Our new credit card chip readers are installed and functioning. This provides more security for you and for the Club, since it is less likely that a credit card can be copied and illegally used. We have also changed our credit card processing company to be compatible with our Club system, Northstar. By using our new credit card payment partner we will soon be able to enhance our online payment processing. Watch for more information on future enhancements.

We do have a place where you can enter your information and place your photo so people know who you are. It is on MySSYC which is accessible to members from our home page. You are encouraged to check it out and update your information. It will be great to have your significant other’s information also, in case the Club or a member needs to contact them in the event of emergency. Please note, you can look up information here for other club members, but you can only see one member’s information at a time.

The IT committee is working on lots of other cool stuff that we hope you won’t notice much but will improve the operation and security of the Club. We’ll keep you posted of items that have an impact on the Members.

The Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 14, is Next on Tap  

George Graubner

By George Graubner
Vice Commodore

What’s coming up with the Power Boaters?

Saturday, April 14, holds the answer to that question.  That’s the day the Power Boaters are sponsoring the annual Wine Tasting, and the entire Club is invited.  The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m.  For $40, you can enjoy Corvina Wines matched to hors d’oeuvres from Chef Sam, then still have plenty of time to head to the Disco Party later that evening.

We’ll also have the wine pull, of course, with a great selection of wines from Total Wines.  Not to mention our million dollar view “At the Lake.” 

Call the Office at 414-481-2331 to make your reservations.  All members of SSYC and their guests are invited.

After that, the Power Boaters start the Thursday night picnics “At the Lake” on May 17.

And along with other groups, we are in the planning stages for the July 7 SSYC Day at the Lake, with the flea market, our auction with a great addition to our items, and an All American dinner, along with a host of Open House activities for the public.  Look for upcoming articles regarding specifics.

The Emphasis is on Recycling This Year

Contracts for dry sail and dinghy storage should have been received by now.  There are some open spots available.  Drop off your application at the Office if interested. 

Outside and inside lockers are full, but there is a waiting list based on seniority.  Check with the Office to get on the list. 

The outside lockers will be repaired and painted over the next couple of months.  Note that at some point, Members with lockers will be asked to remove their personal articles and locks during this period.
 
“SSYC RECYCLES”
 
This coming season SSYC is encouraging all members to help the Club to recycle and reduce waste.
 
 Recycling saves space in our dumpster and saves SSYC money. 
 
 Recycling helps to protect the environment. 
 
 Recycling saves energy.
 
 Recycling reduces greenhouse gases. 
 
 Recycling reduces water pollution. 
 
 This last point concerns all sailors and power boaters.  The less pollution in Lake Michigan, the better your lake experience will be, even if you do not know it.
 
 You recycle at home, please do it at SSYC. 
 
 Please, observe the new signs in the Recycling Center.  Put you aluminum cans and bottles in the specific bins and all other garbage into the compactor.
 
 Also, oil, etc. must be dumped into the proper receptacle on the far right with in the area. 
 
PLEASE HELP SSYC RECYCLE!

(From Nate Kraucunas, Recycling Captain) 
 

Volunteers sorted through the slip committee tool locker at the March 17 work day.  (Bruce Nason photo)

Thanks to Volunteers For Work on Slips, Locker, Tender

By Jerry Kedziora
SSYC Commodore

In this month’s article on volunteers, I would like to highlight some people who really helped out the Club in March with their contributions of time and talents.

Slip Committee Chair Greg Gaitens had a work party on Saturday, March 17. Greg’s work party mission was to reorganize and clean out the slip committee tool locker and begin work on making wood pallets to replace the old and worn pallets on the finger piers.

Greg had two teams working, one team to reorganize the slip locker and another team to begin making pallets. Thanks to all who showed up to help, including John Czeszak, Toni Buck, Howard Millard, Brian Thompson (Board Member Patty Thompson’s spouse, who “dusted off” the jigs that we use to make the pallets), and several other members. And I was very glad to see Logan Prasser, a new member, show up and help out. Taking advantage of Logan’s youth and strength, we kept him busy all morning and he never slowed down.

There was also another work party a few Wednesdays ago to remove the engine from the tender. The ring gear, which is the large gear the starter motor engages to start the engine, has to be replaced. Bill Bronk and Jerry Rakowski led the way. In spite of me helping out as well, the engine removal went smoothly, and we hope the engine will go back in the tender shortly.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out, supported and represented our Club at the open house on March 17. Special thanks to Jennie Socha, another new member and now Vice Chair of the Membership Committee. Jennie greets guests coming to the open houses, and she helps set the tone for giving prospective new members a warm welcome. No leprechauns showed up, but we did have several people interested in joining our Club. You all did a great job welcoming potential new members.

A while back I asked Jeremy Burns, our Club’s immediate past treasurer, to chair a special committee to examine and provide recommendations regarding the issue of Life membership. Jeremy started things off including some data collection, but then with his wife Christine moved to Hawaii and so has left the Club. I’m looking for a strong individual, preferably a Life Member, to chair this special committee. The committee would consist of a chair and an equal number of Life and Active members. Anyone who is interested, please contact me.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your Club. I would like to encourage all Members - especially new Members - to volunteer their time and talents. There is always something to do, and everyone is welcome to help out. It's also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. If you’re not sure which committee is a good fit for you, please feel free to ask any of the Flag Officers, Board Members or Pat Nora. Any of them will be happy to connect you with the right committee and people.

Call Him Commodore

Dick Hobbs

SSYC Member Dick Hobbs was elected Commodore of the Pelican Isle Yacht Club at Wiggins Pass in Naples, Florida. His one-year term began March 24. When he's not chasing the sun in Florida, Dick is skipper of the J-111 Hobgoblin here at SSYC.

April Marks the Start of the Busy Season

Greetings,

Well, in spite of the weather, the Juniors' annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 was a great success.

And the Easter Brunch had the largest crowd ever, to the point where we had to turn numerous late requests for reservations away. Please RSVP for events early to insure we can serve you.

April is the month of change, and the action at the Club starts to build. Please note the following:

-April 2 - The dumpster for removing winter covers arrived and will be outside of the gates to the North.
Please put only recyclables in this container. The club can be charged for items like stoves and 
refrigerators that have been put in the dumpster in the past.

-April 4 - Lunch service in the Commodore's Cove dining room resumed on our Wednesday thru Friday schedule -- introducing our new menu!

-Saturday, April 14 - The Annual Wine Tasting is 5 to 7 p.m., followed by the annual disco party. Be sure to RSVP.

-Saturday, April 21 - The Crew Search Party is at 3 p.m.

-Saturday, May 5 - First Launch and The Derby Party. Watch for details.

As you can see there are lots of opportunities to introduce a friend to SSYC.

On a different topic:

Please adhere to the rules on recycling. This was a large component of the Club becoming a Certified Clean Marina, so let's all do our part and dispose of items in the proper manner.

And finally, please do not take glass outside of the building.  Plastic cups are gladly provided at the bar, so please ask for them.

--Pat

Meeting Rejects Life Member Dues Proposal

It was a full house at the March General Membership Meeting on March 15 as members considered a petition to change the By-Laws and institute a modified dues structure for Life Members and Surviving Life Members.  The proposal failed to gain the required two-thirds majority.

A proposal by the Board of Directors to move the June and December general meetings to the second Thursday instead of the third Thursday passed without dissent and will take effect beginning this June. The March and September meetings will remain on the third Thursdays.

(Bruce Nason photos)

The upstairs dining room was full, as more than 145 Members attended and voted at the March 15 meeting.

Dave Wehnes PC outlined the petitioners' proposal.

Kevin Wilcox was among the speakers.

 Life Member Peter Reiske also took the mike to address the proposal.

Two past Commodores were among the speakers on the dues measure:  Mike Dukes, above, and Ken Dziubek, below.

Also speaking was Nancy Pluta.

From the Luck of the Irish to that SSYC Disco Beat

By Vince Verhasselt
Entertainment Director

On Saturday, March 17, we sponsored the annual St. Patrick’s Day party. Chef Sam served up his corned beef and cabbage. This meal was so successful that the downstairs tables were full and some people had to go upstairs to eat. Everyone had a wonderful meal. Then at 8 p.m. Bobby Way’s band took the stage, and the crowd listened and danced to the music. There were quite a few people who left early; however, I think it may have had something to do with the basketball games that night.

The entertainment committee has created a sub-committee to look into getting different bands. Our hope is that this will be a way members can get more involved in the band selection. There may be a learning curve at first, but I believe this will aid in getting more variety. The sub-committee is made up of Sheila Depies, Dan Danowski, George Graubner, Sally Parente, and me. I would like to thank these volunteers for stepping up and adding this responsibility in support of our Club.

Next week starting Thursday April 12, you will see the transformation of the downstairs into a disco extravaganza. This will start with tuning up the sound system to handle the bass beat that disco music has to give dancers in order to put them in the groove of the '70s and '80s. And you'll see the multi-colored light show getting installed, the kind that discotheques around the world are known for. This disco party definitely transforms South Shore Yacht Club’s lower bar into something completely different.

This year’s disco party will have different prizes for the costume contest. There will be a $25 SSYC gift card for the best dressed male, a $25 gift card for the best female and a $50 gift card for the best dressed couple. So let’s see how many creative costumes South Shore Yacht Club members can show off.

If there are any comments about entertainment or suggestions for events you would like to see at SSYC, please email me at or call me at 414-704-3306.

Storms and such

This rather forlorn yacht was swept ashore in a spring storm in 1945.  Club Historian Charlie Clark pulled this photo from the archives.  Member John Ebersol will present a short illustrated program on this and other Great Storms of the Great Lakes, with particular emphasis on their effects on South Shore Yacht Club. His program will be at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, April 11, at the Club.

Check Out New Links; Like SSYC on Facebook

Check out the newly restored "Useful Links" page on ssyc.org.  It's all there:  connections to web pages in areas like Boating Equipment, Weather, Yacht Clubs and Stores. Look under the For Members tab on the Home Page.  Member log-in required.

Meanwhile, keep up with all the latest happenings and photos by liking South Shore Yacht Club on Facebook. And check in when you're at the Club, using #SouthShoreYachtClub. Our page is SSYCMKE and you can find it right here.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Club Historian Charlie Clark sent along this SSYC Crossword.  Give it a try.  (You'll have to print it if you want something to write on.)  Answers next month.

Editor's Note:  Members, have something to sell?  Here's your chance to run a free ad.  It's very simple.  Go to the SSYC website, to the For Members tab, to Compass Submissions, to Submit an Article.  Give your article a title (like "Classified") then type in your short classified in the big text box and hit Submit. Upload a picture if you have one.   Do that before the first of the month in order to appear in the next Compass.  One-time ads for personal items only; no commercial ads, no standing ads.  All submissions subject to editing or deletion for good taste, propriety and brevity.