I have reached the 2/3’s point of my “Commodore-ship”, and time sure has flown by.  The month of May is going to be an extremely busy month as we begin to “kick off” our summer season.  Please read through this Cygnet for all the details.  From the Back to Summer Party, the Fishing Tournament, and preparations for our annual Regatta, this truly is our busy season.  Please volunteer your help to the above committee chairman when they request your assistance.  Without your help, these functions would not run as smoothly as they always seem to.
  Special thanks to all the ladies of the Auxiliary, and especially Anne Livermore & Fran Hanford, for all their hard work and time put into the events the ladies sponsored in April.  The health fair and Easter lunch was enjoyed by all.
  Now, on to more pressing issues. If you attended our April General Meeting, you are aware that the Board of Directors has unanimously approved a petition to raise our annual dues by $50.  This will be brought to a vote at our May 12th meeting.  On the Monday prior to this, we will have an “informational gathering” session with the membership, so we can answer your questions in relationship to the financial picture of our club.  Mark your calendar, and head down to the lounge for a cool beverage, and meet with some members of our board and finance committee so they can answer any of your questions.  This board, and last year’s, has had months of discussions dealing with our current and future budgets.  With the huge increase in our property taxes and insurance in 2002, we have struggled to make sure that our club is on a “firm financial footing.”  Last year we were able to fully fund our contingency fund to its required limits, and over the past 8 months, the board has taken many steps to cut expenses wherever possible.  After focusing on the expense side of our budget, it now time to look at the income side.   The Board has discussed many ideas including expanding the membership, reduction of services, additional borrowing, closing the contingency fund, assessments, support from life members and other topics. The conclusion is that the best way to remedy our   fiscal needs year (budget and capital fund account) is to ask the membership for a modest increase of our yearly dues to put ourselves back into the “black.”  If you have any questions before the meeting, please call me or any of the board members, so we can answer them in detail.