April 2012 Papoose Article

We dedicated our annual cruising day to longtime member Jack Roberston many years ago. As the first time for the event drew near, Jack protested saying “You can't have that cruising day in my name yet because I'm still alive.” He relented when he was reminded that it was to be in his “honor,” not his “memory.” That was Jack—and regretably this year's Jack Robertson Day will indeed be the first in his memory because he succumbed to a long fight with cancer on February 27, 2012 in the loving care of his daughter, Medearis.

Jack, who lived to the age of 89, was a unique person in many ways. He was an avid member of our Snipe fleet until he he was well into his 70's when he retired from racing and opted for cruising in his little yellow Puffer. He enjoyed the camraderie of our members and was ever present at our social events. Jack loved to converse, he was not shy to express his opinions and he enjoyed food—especially a good desert. His wife Yancey predeceased him in 2000 and, in addition to Medearis, he is survived by a son, John.

Less than a week after Jack died, the LMYC lost another fine member and friend, Anne “Nancy” Beveridge, wife of 62 years to retired Lightning skipper Bill Beveridge. Nancy, who was 86 at her death on March 2, 2012, and Bill made their home in Staten Island, where Nancy had been a kindergarten teacher for 23 years. Her parents were the original owners of their home at Lake Mohawk where the Beveridge family spends summers. Nancy enjoyed the company of our club members and she was always friendly and courteous. Son Bill, Jr. carries on the tradition of sailing a Lightining with his children. Nancy also leaves three daughters, Beth, Peggy and Anne as well as seven grandchildren.

As we mourn the passing of two of our senior members, we look to our youngsters as the future of our club for all that it has to offer. In that regard, we are planning another great summer with our Junior Sailing school. Our head instructor team of Brad Newton and Matt Newton will be returning for a second year. Classes will run for 5 weeks, beginning Monday July 2, 2012 (no classes on July 4) through Friday August 3, 2012. Subject to enrollment, we are planning the following classes:

ñ Level 1 – Sunfish; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 9:30 am to 12:15 pm

ñ Level 2 – introduction to Snipes; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 1:15 pm to 4:00 pm

ñ Level 3S – Snipe sailing techniques; Wednesday, Friday – 9:30 am to 12:15 pm

ñ Level 3R – Snipe sailing & racing tactics; Wednesday, Friday – 1:15 pm to 4:00 pm

Tuition will be $400.00 for the 3 day per week sessions and $275.00 for the 2 day per week sessions. If you are interested in enrolling your child/children in the 2012 program, please call Jan Oldridge at 973-729-3105 or email at lmycjsp@gmail.com.

LMYC members are asked to please make note of the following dates on your calendars:

ñ Clean Up Day – April 21 with rain date of April 22

ñ Prep Signal Party– April 21

ñ Mast Raising and Cinco de Mayo Party– May 5

ñ First Day of Racing – May 20

ñ Gabor Cup Regatta and Makani Party – June 10

ñ Independence Day Family Party – TBD (to coincide with the LMCC fireworks display)

ñ Marine Base Regatta – July 8

ñ Mutany Regatta – July 28

ñ Jack Robertson Day – August 11

ñ Commodore’s Cup Regatta and Party – September 2

ñ Finish Line Party – October 27

ñ Awards Banquet – December 2

Please come sail and socialize with us in 2012. You can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. For more information about membership in the LMYC or, if you want to learn to sail, just call our Vice Commodore, Gail Miner at (973)729-5283, email us at our NEW EMAIL ADDRESS lakemohawksailing@gmail.com or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner

Jack