Pledge: President Paul
Prayer: President Paul
Song: Led by Andy Anderson
Brent's Flim/Flam: Low hand won by Dave Wight.
Raffle Winners: Matt Rubin (welcome back), Stan Neimerski, Dave Wight and Angus,
Matt didn't take a prize (he was happy taking Andy's money)
Happy Dollars: Dave Wight very happy and a shaggy dog story, Al for a great trip to
Colorado, Charlie for the Giants win, Heather for all the sweet gentlemen here today?,
Kirby for no snow, President Paul for the upcoming wine tasting, many for our guest and
the New Year, Andy and Bob for Matt's return, and Matt for beating Andy.
Guest: Jack Solomon, past president of the East Hampton Club and upcoming Ass't DG.
Announcements:
President Paul for board meeting right after next week's meeting.
Marty for Wine Tasting coming up on February 10th. Everyone is encouraged to sell
their tickets and HAVE THE BUYERS COME to the Wine Tasting. Also donations
are needed for the silent auction, a list of last years donors is on the club web site,
along with Merchant Letters and Merchant Thank You Letters. They're in WORD &
PDF format for printing out. Let's all get behind this great effort on Marty's part and
make this year's Wine Tasting a success!
Today's Program - 'Sail Connecticut Access Program, Inc.'
Mike Miller, treasurer of this all volunteer program described the program along with
a Power Point presentation. This is a program that was started in 1989 for handicapped
and special needs folks who would like to sail, or just be out on the water. There is no
paid staff or permanent office for this program, just a group of folks who love to sail and
want to share the experience with the handicapped. The program is run out of Pilot's
Point in Westbrook, who has been a willing sponsor/host to this effort. The program has
three, especially equipped boats to use: 2 - 20' Catalina "Independence" and one 23'
Pearson "Shazam". All boats are equipped with special restraint fittings and all sheets
(lines) come down to one point in the cockpit. The boats also all have roller furling
(reefing) that allows the participants to raise/lower the sails, come about and do about
any other maneuver (other than jibbing) you would find on a conventional boat. They
also have an 80' aluminum ramp which allows the participants in any kind on conveyance,
wheelchair, motorized wheelchair, walker, cane, etc. to negotiate the distance from dry
land to the floating dock without too much of a pitch. They also have a special lift that
can hoist a quadriplegic over the side into the boat. The sails are for about 2 hours and
each boat can accommodate 5 'happy sailors' plus crew. They operate from June through
September. There is no cost to the participants other than a $35/year membership,
pretty modest! Much of the joy of the program for the participants is the anticipation of
the 'sail', days ahead, and even the hanging out on the docks for the day. Many make
a whole day of it with a dinner out at the many fine restaurants in the area. Mike indicated
that the program can accomodate any disability, even a totally blind women who manned
the helm and kept the boat on an even course. When asked how she knew the boat was a
little off course, she replied she could feel the change of wind direction on her cheek,
amazing! The program could use some more volunteer skippers and crew as well as
financial support. If you can help, contacting Pilot's Point who will get you in touch with
the group.
asl
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
of the things we think, say or do
First...
Is it the TRUTH ?
Second....
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Third....
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Fourth....
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
