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www.MountVernonYachtClub.com
Vol. 45 No. 01
JANUARY 2008
Children's' Christmas Party: Santa Rocks MVYC
Contributed by Amy Walker
Organized Chaos. Have you ever seen it? I think I witnessed it at the Children's Christmas Party. The kids worked on several crafts including pompom tree ornaments, magic color scratch ornaments and sugar cookie decorating. Can you say
"sugar high" boys and girls? Pam Beggan led the kids in wonderful caroling. Thank you, Pam!
THEN, down by the river, Santa appeared on a boat in the
afternoon mist of the morning rain. Faces were pressed
against the windows. The upper deck was swarmed. Santa
entered the festive halls of the club where children attached
themselves to his legs to declare their love. What a sight to
see! You think I'm kidding? I'm not.
Santa's helpers were Danielle Lohman, Zoe Stavropoulos and
Oxana Croisetiere. Well done, Ladies! Behind the scenes
helpers were LuAnne and Jeff Kirkland, Dawne Ragland,
Alexi and Christine Stavropoulos, Sally Wise and Julie Thomas. Petra and Jerry Gray stepped up at the last moment to
be photographers. Major thanks to Russell Poe for being the
BEST entertainment. Thanks to each of you for your time.
Thank you to the parents for your food and gift donations! If
you missed the party this year, please come next year. Santa
at the mall is NOT the same!
Here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus!
Right up Do-o-ogue Creek!
UPCOMING BUDGET
TO BE VOTED ON AT NEXT
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JANUARY 3 AT 8 PM
(photo by Bart Hewitt)
MORE FUN PHOTOS OF THE
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS ON
ON PAGES 6&7
Please review proposal sent out
recently in separate mailing.
Membership Meetings:
January 3
February 7
at 8 pm
Social Committee Meetings:
January 14
February 11
at 7:30pm
Board Meetings:
January 21
February 18
at 7:30pm
(the first Thursday of the month)
(the Second Monday of the month)
(the third Monday of the month)
- - Published Monthly by the Mount Vernon Yacht Club - -
MEMBERSHIP
REPORT
New Members:
James Lexo
Submitted by
4429 Neptune Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309
Bonnie Breneman, Membership co-chair
703-360-0103
jlexo@icrcsolutions.com
Address change for your directory:
Stuart & Kaye Matthews
1200 Crystal Drive, #1413, Arlington, VA 22202
703-780-2535
matthewss6@aol.com, kayematthews@aol.com
EDITORIAL
Contributed by Bart Hewitt
BEACON Editor
For many years MVYC has been blessed with a superb monthly newsletter. Past editors Lew Wetzel, Chris Ruckman and
others, often with the active help of their spouses, nursed it lovingly and well for many, many years. We owe them all a
great debt of gratitude.
Today, as back then, many people are responsible for the BEACON's success. First and foremost, a huge "Thank you !!!"
must go out to Chris Bazel and Lauren Bazel. They have the really tough job - taking the articles, photos, flyers, ads and
other materials and cutting/pasting/resizing/formatting them all to create the beautiful product you are reading now. Many
thanks also go to the MVYC Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs and many interested members who faithfully create the
articles and flyers that keep you informed each month. And there are the photographers - Russell Poe, George Holthaus and
many others who bring you the photos of our events. All of these folks are volunteers, pitching in each month, keeping you
informed and entertained. The BEACON could not be the treasure it is without their fine work.
So from all of us - your BEACON's staff and many contributors - best wishes to you, our beloved readers and good friends,
for a safe, happy, productive, and meaningful 2008.
Published monthly by
the Mount Vernon Yacht Club
4817 Tarpon Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309
Chris Ruckman,
Ruckman, Commodore
Beacon Staff
Editor:
Asst Editor:
Photographer:
Photographer:
Circulation:
Bart Hewitt
Chris Bazel
George Holthaus
Russell Poe
Delong Litho
Beacon Editor
9123 Cherrytree Drive
Alexandria, Virginia
22309
Phone 703-799-0401
All Club members may submit
articles, letters and notices
for editorial review and
pos sibl e
p u bli catio n .
Submission by ee-mail or compact disc is encouraged.
© Copyright 2007 Mount Vernon
Yacht Club, All Rights Reserved.
Cover
a rt wo rk
by
Don Cannavaro
Deadline for
Next Issue:
15th of the
month
LOST CAT from 4404 TarponLn!
Approx 2 year old neutered male
cat. Weighs about 9 pounds. Gray tabby
(tiger striped). Answers to
TR. Loves to help while
you're on the computer (and
john). Loves to be held on his
back.
Beacon@MountVernonYachtClub.com
The Beacon
page 2
Vol. 44, No.11
It’s January. You’ve finished off the holiday leftovers, and you’ve
toasted your friends at the MVYC New Year Party. That can only
mean – it’s budget time!
By now, the proposed 2008 budget should have arrived in your
mailbox. Please join us on Thursday, January 3rd, to discuss and
vote.
The Bosun’s
Whistle
Chris Ruckman, Commodore
The Board recently adopted a new approach for proposing adjustments to dues and fees. Historically, MVYC has tended to
adjust dues and fees every other year. For example, the Club raised rates by 6.2% in 2004 and 5.8% in 2006. Going forward, the Board will propose adjustments annually rather than every other year. (As always, members have the final vote
on budget matters.)
In other news, December was an especially interesting month for Security Committee Chair Susan Fitzgerald.
I expect you’ve heard that some uninvited guests visited our marina overnight on Friday, December 7th. They entered several boats without permission, stealing small items such as alcohol and handheld radios. Fortunately, they did not damage
any boats. Susan coordinated the Club’s response, working closely with Dave Curry and Fairfax County Police.
Susan was busy again just a few days later when the access card reader on the Clubhouse front door malfunctioned. I won’t
belabor the details, but it was not a simple fix. So, I want to thank Susan for coordinating this flurry of activity. She really
had to hit the ground running in her new job on the Security Committee!
For our Cleanup Day in November, we owe special thanks to members Jim and Virginia Nelson of Woodlawn Tree Service. They provided a work crew with a bush-hog, chain saws, and of course that enormous chipper truck. There’s simply
no way we could have cleared the Club’s out-lot on Neptune Drive without this generous donation. Thanks, Jim and Virginia!
Also, don’t forget that our friends and neighbors at Mount Vernon on the Potomac generously paid for hauling away the
hydrilla spoils from the out-lot. Several residents from Neptune Drive have approached me to pass along their thanks for
the cleanup. It has made a huge difference in both appearance and safety.
Congratulations to Alexi Stavropoulos for having been elected by members of the Power Fleet to be their Captain this year.
And many thanks to outgoing Captain Dave Miskimens (actually, the dynamic duo of Dave and Angie)!
Diane and I wish you a happy and healthy year in 2008.
TGIF TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR
Contributed by Virginia Edgell
Lucky MVYC members get to celebrate the New Year twice in January. The 7th annual Chinese New Year TGIF will take
place on Friday, January 25, 2008. It is the year of the Rat, but don't let that scare you. As usual, we'll have appetizers,
plenty of rice and some sweets for dessert. Hope to see you there. Questions ... call Virginia Edgell, 703-780-4537.
The Beacon
page 3
Vol. 45, No.01
NEW FLOOR SHINES!
Contributed by Bill Gard
House Committee Chair
On Friday December 15 contractors finished applying the 4th and final coat of sealant to the newly refinished floor in the
MVYC clubroom, and former House Chairman Ron Reinsel was there to make sure all went well. After the final coat
dried that afternoon, Ron and Grounds Chair Peter Esser moved furniture back to provide room in the bar for that evening's TGIF. Earlier in the week Ron, Peter, Jerry Gray, Alexi Stavropoulos and others helped clear the floor so the contractors could begin work.
The floor looks great and the club thanks Ron for seeing the project through, even though he had moved on to new responsibilities as Marina Co-chair.
On another note, thanks to Jerry Gray and John Leary for patching up the security system so that the front door to the club
house is accessible via our key cards. Jerry and John had to swap some connections to get the front door to work and they
used the connection from the reader in the corridor that accesses the swimming pool restrooms. That door will be inoperative until we get a vendor in to make a permanent repair.
The Artists of Dogue Creek
ART SHOW
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Mount Vernon Yacht Club
4817 Tarpon Lane
WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION
Join us for an afternoon of art
for Mount Vernon Yacht Club
members, friends, and neighbors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To All Exhibitors:
Please bring paintings, sculpture, crafts to the yacht club between 12:30 and 1:30.
Easels are needed and tables will be available.
Art will be shown at the artist’s own risk. All sales transactions are between artist and buyer.
All work must be removed by 5:30 P.M.
Information: Madeline O’Malley, 703 704-9101, Carol Hamrick, 703 780-6755
The Beacon
page 4
Vol. 44, No.11
In the
Spirit
Claudia Reinsel,
Gail Mlinarchik
Social Committee
Happy New Year everyone! As I write this article, the New Year’s Eve
party has not occurred; but as I gaze into my crystal ball I see many
happy faces dancing the night away as they sip the bubbly and partake of
good food. More on that next month.
The Lobster Bake was fantastic. They were served up perfectly with
melted butter, potatoes, corn and sausage, too. The bonfire kept everyone warm as the sun went down and a good time was had by all. Many
thanks to Gene Diotalevi and his committee.
Our Christmas parties for young and old were wonderful. Kudos to Amy Walker, Santa Claus and his helpers, and Pam
Beggan for the Children’s Party. Mary Galloway worked her magic for the grown-ups the night before, and again, Pam led
a sing-along. Thank you everyone!
Are you ready for some fun? There is plenty planned for the new year. Let’s begin with our Art Show on Sunday Jan. 13
from 2-5 PM featuring members, friends and neighbors. Come and browse and enjoy the refreshments. In case you missed
the email, the Power Fleet is hosting a Frostbite BBQ on Jan. 20 (Stand close to the bonfire to keep your tootsies warm!)
Virginia Edgell is planning a TGIF on Jan. 25 (Chinese New Year Theme). Always fun!
Coming up on February 9 will be a raucous Mardi Gras Party with music provided by none other than our talented Commodore’s band, Acme Blues. What could be more perfect? Perhaps you would like to get a Krewe of 4 –6 and decorate a
small float? Use your imagination! Beads and masks provided of course, cher. Oh, and let’s not forget the informal gathering to watch the Super Bowl here at the club. Bring some munchies and prepare to lose your voice.
Remember our TGIF’s. If you can sponsor one, call Joan Jones at 703-799-7690. The next Social Committee Mtg. will be
on Jan. 14 at 7:30 PM. Please join us if you can.
Mardi Gras is coming to MVYC
Beads!
Live Music by:
ACME
Masks!
BLUES
COMPANY
King Cake!
Date: February 9th
Time: 7pm Hors de oeuvres - 8pm Dinner
Cost: $25 pp until midnight February 2; $30 pp after that
Questions: Contact Gail Mlinarchik @ 703 -360-7642
Make Checks Payable to MVYC and send to:
Claudia Reinsel 3702 Riverwood Ct Alexandria,VA 22309
The Beacon
page 5
Vol. 45, No.01
Santa brings fun and joy to kid’s party at the club!
The Beacon
page 6
(photos by Kirklands and Hewitts)
Vol. 44, No.11
Music and Laughter Abound at Club Adult Holiday Party!
(photos by Givens & Holthaus)
The Beacon
page 7
Vol. 45, No.01
Power
Fleet
News
It’s the beginning of the New Year, and before too long, the beginning
of the 2008 boating season. Before we talk about the up-and-coming
year, I would like to thank Captain Dave Miskimens, along with his
wonderful First Mate Angie for all the time and effort they put into
coordinating the Power Fleet events for over 5 years.
By
My first Power Fleet event was the 2nd annual parade of lights. We
were new to the club in the spring of ’04 and didn’t know many members. We attended several social events, and one thing that kept coming up in conversation over and over was: “You have to come see the parade of lights.” After all the hype, Christine, Zoe &
I decided to show up at the point to watch the parade of lights. Chris & Diane were preparing to cast off from the dock when
Diane saw us standing at the point. Diane came over and asked if we would like to join them on their boat “La Rea” for the
parade. All I can say was that it was a blast. After the parade, we were invited to stick around for a while where we met
other members, boaters and non-boaters. This is what the Power Fleet is all about at MVYC. Throughout the year there will
be many events held by the power fleet, some by boat and some by land. I would urge everyone -- new members, old members, boaters, non-boaters to take a look at the monthly calendar pick an event or two and come join us for some good times.
Alexi Stavropolous
The kick off for the 2008 season will be a Frost-Bite Cook-Out at the point on January 26 starting at 1:00pm. Everyone is
welcome to bundle up and come join us around a bonfire at the point for some good food. Gene D. & Jerry G. have put together a great committee and it is sure to be a great event. Keep an eye out for ads and emails about this event. Following
the Frost Bite will be the fleet’s annual overland cruise to Tim’s Rivershore in February.
The Power Fleet will hold a meeting in February to discuss and set the Power Fleet’s calendar for the year.
MVYC Annual Frost-bite Event
Join Us For a Crisp Get-Together on the Point
When? January 26, 2008
Where? MVYC Point
Why? Eat, drink, enjoy winter
Time? 1 PM.
Cost? $10 Adults
$5 Children 13 & under
The Beacon
page 8
Vol. 44, No.11
Social Calendar 2008
July 4Jan. 13-
Art Show
Jan. 20-
Power Fleet Frostbite BBQ
Jan. 25-
TGIF Chinese New Year
------------------------------------------------------Feb. 3-
Super Bowl
Feb. 9-
Mardi Gras
Feb. 15-
TGIF Valentine??
TGIF St. Patrick’s Day
Mar. 16-
Children’s Easter Party
Mar.29-
Sock Burning
-------------------------------------------------------May 2-
TGIF Cinco de Mayo
May 4-
Commissioning Day
May 10-
Mother’s Day Tea
May 26-
Memorial Day BBQ
-------------------------------------------------------June 21-
New Members Party
Point. bbq & fireworks
-------------------------------------------------------Aug. 22-24 PowerFleet to Coles Pt.
-------------------------------------------------------Sep.19TGIF International
“talk like a pirate”
Sep.20Cruise/raft-up
--------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------Mar. 14-
Softball, Pool activities, parade,
Oct. 4Oct. 24Oct.25-
Oktoberfest
TGIF Halloween theme
Children’s Halloween party and
Poyster Roast
--------------------------------------------------------Nov. 15Commodore’s Ball
--------------------------------------------------------Dec. 13Member’s Christmas Party
Dec. 14Children’s Christmas Party
Dec. 31New Year’s Eve Party
--------------------------------------------------------Lobster Bake date yet to be determined.
VOLUNTEERING MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER
Submitted by Mike Wetzel
Recent research (www.nationalservice.gov) has found that “volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability,
lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease,” all for as little as two hours per week. Those of you who
work on behalf of the Club are helping yourselves as well - whether serving beer or shoveling mud (such as your current
singing editor, and his record-setting predecessor who is now your Commodore).
There are many worthies who should be noted. Perhaps you have seen four of them at Select Seconds, the upscale resale
shop in the Woodland Center beside the bank - Margaret Mayer, Norma Avery, Joan Jones and Claudia Reinsel. Margaret is
a member of the Alexandria Volunteer Board and could advise you on other venues locally. If you are not familiar with Select Seconds, try it. There are several other thrift shops close by, but this one is truly “select”, stocking good clothes, wine
glasses, jewelry and books. It provides the Mount Vernon Hospital over $70,000 a year, and that’s a substantial benefit for
all involved.
Margaret mentioned several other MVYC volunteers: Connie Brown, who works for Home Bound, and MVYC boaters like
the Steve Donock, the Pojetas, the Gates' and the Mayers' who contribute mightily to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In future BEACONs we would like to highlight more of our MVYC members who do volunteer work. Call or write to
BEACON Bart Hewitt and tell him about your work or the work of others you know who are volunteering. It would be interesting to read about those who donate their time and efforts to benefits and food banks over the holidays and throughout
the year. Volunteering is a “good thing” all the way around, and it takes only “two hours per week” to earn its rewards.
The Beacon
page 9
Vol. 45, No.01
January 2008
SUND AY
MON D AY
TUE SD AY
WEDNE SD AY
1
2
THURSD AY
FRID AY
3
4
0800 Garden Club
1900 TGIF
SATURD AY
5
2000 Membership
Mtg
6
7
8
9
10
11
AM Clubhouse Closed
13
14 AM
Closed
Art Show
12
1900 TGIF
15
Clubhouse
16
17
18
1930 Aux CG
1900 TGIF
19
24
25
1930 Social Committee
20
21
22
Frostbite BBQ
AM Clubhouse Closed
23
26
1900 TGIF –
Chinese New Year
1930 Board Mtg
27
28
29
30
31
AM Clubhouse Closed
February 2008
SUND AY
MON D AY
3
4
Superbowl
AM Clubhouse Closed
TUE SD AY
5
WEDNE SD AY
6
THURSD AY
11
12
13
AM Clubhouse Closed
SATURD AY
1
2
7
8
9
0800 Gar den Club
NO TGIF
Mardi Gras – 1900
14
15
16
1930 Aux CG
1900 TGIF –
2000
Mtg
10
FRID AY
Membership
Valentine theme
1930 Social
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1900 TGIF
AM Clubhouse Closed
1930 Board Mtg
24
25
26
27
29
1900 TGIF
AM Clubhouse Closed
The Beacon
28
page 10
Vol. 44, No.11
Toon Fleet News
Contributed by Bartoonius du Mont V'non
In the spirit of such humorists as Dave Barry and George Bush, let's highlight some of the Toon
World's most striking accomplishments of 2007:
-- January: In Amsterdam, a young violinist invents a violin that toons itself.
-- March: a depressed beggar in Kiev whistles an unhappy toon, and is immediately arrested.
-- April: in Paris, a particle physicist renders himself invisible for more than toon-anno seconds.
-- June: In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin Freebish observes that a bird in the hand is worth toon-a bush.
-- August: a mathematician in Stuttgart proves that toon two equals four.
-- October: An L.A. musician composes a musical about a farm girl who sings, "Toon-a What Comes Natcherly."
-- November: In New Zealand an anthropologist stumbles upon a previously-unknown race of very short aborigines. They
stand less than toon-a-half feet tall.
-- December: Bartoonius du Mont V'non puts Toon-two together and goes into hiding.
The Beacon
page 11
Vol. 45, No.01
MVYC 2008 Board and Committee Chairs
2008 Board of Trustees
Position
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Treasurer
Secretary
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Board Member
Chris Ruckman
Bill Gard
John Mitchell
Anthony Moran
Karan Cerutti
Juliette Clark
Peter Esser
Susan Fitzgerald
Gail Mlinarchik
Jack O’Malley
Ron Reinsel
Phone (703)
799-4564
360-0450
360-8171
619-4924
778-4442
360-9803
799-5150
780-2815
360-7642
704-9101
799-7690
Email
chris@chrisruckman.com
bkgard123@cox.net
Nautilusjt@aol.com
anthony.revae@gmail.com
ceruttik@aol.com
jclarkva@yahoo.com
PJCEsser@aol.com
fitzgerald15@cox.net
pengyn15@gmail.com
jomalley1@cox.net
wahoo74@aol.com
Phone (703)
360-7642
799-7690
704-9101
550-6023
799-7690
360-8171
799-5150
360-0450
780-2815
360-9803
360-5775
780-6755
799-0401
619-1096
313-8235
Email
pengyn15@gmail.com
wahoo74@aol.com
jomalley1@cox.net
seabrat1@juno.com
wahoo74@aol.com
Nautilusjt@aol.com
PJCEsser@aol.com
bkgard123@cox.net
fitzgerald15@cox.net
capt.gary@att.net
brent.pope@cox.net
jim.hamrick@verizon.net
behewitt@cox.net
thebazels@yahoo.com
mvycnews@gmail.com
mmutnick55@cox.net
Phone (703)
360-9803
721-0231
765-0766
Email
jclarkva@yahoo.com
sailors3@cox.net
alexi@canalgroupbuilders.com
2008 Committee Chairs
Committee
Social
Membership
Marina
Grounds
House
Security
Pool
Planning
Beacon
Communications
Rules & Bylaws
Chair
Gail Mlinarchik
Claudia Reinsel
Jack O’Malley
Bonnie Breneman
Ron Reinsel
John Mitchell
Peter Esser
Bill Gard
Susan Fitzgerald
Gary Clark
Brent Pope
Jim Hamrick
Bart Hewitt
Chris Bazel
Gene Diotalevi
Mitchell Mutnick
2008 Special Interest Groups
Committee
Swim Team
Sail Fleet
Power Fleet
The Beacon
Chair
Juliette Clark
Greg Rehe
Alexi
Stavroupoulos
page 12
Vol. 44, No.11
The Mount Vernon Yacht Club
4817 Tarpon Ln
Alexandria, VA 22309
I n d e p e n d e n ce . P l a n n i n g A h e a d .
Independence means the financial security to live life the way you—and your family—
choose. And long term care insurance plays a big role in making that a reality.
As a member of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, you and your family are eligible for
premium discounts on long-term care insurance from John Hancock Life Insurance
Company.
For a complimentary consultation or further information, please contact:
Faisal Haq, Financial Advisor
(703) 287-7134 or fsyed-haq@jhnetwork.com
Other services provided include:
» Asset Management
» Retirement Planning
» Estate Conservation Strategies
» Business Planning
» Life Insurance
» Annuities
Long ter m car e insurance is underwritten by John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Boston, MA 02117. Insurance products offer ed through John Hancock Life Insurance
Company. Registered Representative/Securities and Invest ment Advisory Services offered thr ough Signator Investors, Inc., Member N ASD, SIPC a Registered Invest ment
Advisor. 8607 Westwood Cent er Drive, 3rd Floor, Vienna VA 22182 (703) 893-2550
180-02092007-13111055
The Beacon
page 13
Vol. 45, No.01