January 2009 Papoose Article

As we start a new year we must take one, last look back at 2008 to savor the great accomplishments that we made and the fun we had. The annual Awards Brunch at the Lafayette House was a wonderful opportunity to honor those who contributed in a special way to our club. John Incantalupo was deservedly awarded Most Improved Skipper of the year, Margaret Anderson most assuredly earned the title of Crew of the Year and Perry Anderson properly received the John Meyers award for his service to the club. Yours truly was presented with the Ed Syracuse sportsmanship trophy.

John Miller outdid his own, usual creativity with the gag trophies that he awarded. Turtles went to Constance Gill, Haley Chute and Sabina Incantalupo and they took the official Turtle Oath. Kathy Chute and Bambi Newton were “honored” with a record album and a spy glass for standing the “Spinnaker Watch” while fleet champions Jeff Urbanski and Rich Miner received “Victory at Sea” albums. Dave Newton was recognized for his Bogart like pursuit of Chuck Chute’s “African Queen” and Margaret Anderson received a trapeze in honor of her acrobatics aboard “M”.

Hank Jelinek and John Marx sportingly took a good ribbing for their lettering mishap on our docks and, not only received new stencils with plenty of “R’s” but also were presented with a spelling book and tee shirts in dubious honor of their efforts. On a more serious note, John Marx also took home the Commodore’s Cup trophy for our last regatta of the year that he had previously won.

We will soon be having our first organizational Board meeting for 2009 and will begin to plan our activities that will begin with a social event in April. If you are a sailor or want to crew on a boat or learn how to sail, join us and get in on the fun for 2009.

For up to date news, visit our web site at www.lakemohawksailing.org. For membership information, you can e-mail us at sail@lakemohawksailing.org or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner

Rich Miner, 2008 Lightning Fleet Champion