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could the candidates make a statement?

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/05/2008 : 16:21:25

For several of the offices we have some choices.

Secretary
Peter Bigelow
John Gisondi
Paul Alcock

Treasurer
Steve Auerbach
Mike Harmer

Chief Measure C-25/250
Bob Townsend
Randy Kolb

Could each of these people make a statement here on the forum so we can judge where to place our votes?

Indiscipline 1978 FK SR #398

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2008 : 16:40:35

Here is my statement.

Hi, you all know me as JimB517 but I am James Baumgart. I am a frequent poster on the forum. I've already served this Association as Commodore, Vice Commodore, Web Master (with my wife, Spike who really did all the work!) and Tell Tale Editor. Now that I've had a year off, I'm willing to help out again. I'm also involved heavily with the San Diego All Catalina Association and with Catalina 25/250 & Capri 25 Fleet 7 in San Diego/Mission Bay.

The way I see it, my mission as Commodore is to get the group of officer/volunteers working together as a team and be as effective as possible. Our mission is to, yes, put on a good Nationals but not at the cost of ignoring cruising, non-racing, and other aspects of this Association. I also feel strongly that these are good boats, strong boats, and valuable boats and they should retain their value. This website and this Association goes a long way towards that because prospective owners know that they are not alone, that there are parts and lots of friendly advice available. I agree with other voices in the group that would like to see strong local fleets. I feel strongly that we should have timely, relevant, and interesting material in the Mainsheet.

You all know that I race Indiscipline, but I also cruise. There is no way I could every get my Fin Keel to a Nationals, but someday I'd like to make a bid and have the event here.

When I was last an officer, we started spending some of the Assocation funds on monthly conference calls of all the officers. We certainly plan to keep these up, and post notes on the forum. I will admit that I was the main force behind abandoning mailing the Tell Tale newsletter out (don't forget, I was addressing and stamping hundreds of envelopes) in favor of putting the newsletters on line. With a strong forum and website there is little need for a printed newsletter, although there is still a mechanism published in the Mainsheet for members to request a mailed version (only 1 or 2 persons have ever done so).

When I was an officer, the group accomplished the following:

(1) complete revamping of the website
(2) complete rewrite of the Articles
(3) complete revamping of the Ship's Store
(4) Paypal for membership fees
(5) and yes, elimination of the mailed newsletter
(6) started tradition of monthly officers conference calls
(7) put on great nationals in Kansas and Cleveland.

I did none of the above! For that you can thank JB Manley, Frank Hopper and most importantly Duane Wolfe.

One thing that concerns me is that this Association seems to have too much money! I want to look into that.

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2008 : 19:27:05

You could put the jet up on Ebay!

Use guys rock! You all are the 5200 that holds this site together!

sorry...carry on.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2008 : 22:37:07

Paul Alcock
About me:
Forum Member ID: britinusa
Owner (with my wife Peggy from Dayton Ohio) of Joint Decision a Catalina 250 WB Sail Number 841 Lanuched June 2005
Retired from the Royal Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 25 years service to Her Majesty.
Moved to USA in December 1988 on the day of the Lockerby Disaster.
Became a US Citizen in July 2002
Married, 2 children, one lives in France the other here in South Florida
We (the Admiral and I) share our home with Cloe a 9 year old German Shepherd.
I own a virtual webhosting company here in South Florida that specializes in online applications including e-commerce and online data systems.

My relavant experience:
An Active Rotarian, and have held posts of Rotary Club secretary, VP, President and Assistant District Governor.
Have been an active member of the association since we owned JD
Not a racer (yet), but we cruise on JD almost every month for 4 or 5 days or more.
I have done several mods to the boat based upon input from the Association.

What do I hope to achieve as Secretary:
Expansion of the Telltales newsletter, which I believe should be produced monthly with content drawn from the membership.
Prompt and detailed minutes of the monthly officers meetings and posted in that months Telltales
Additional support for the expansion of Cruising venues and particpation with other members/owners.
As secretary, according to the Bylaws and Constitution, my primary task would be the arrangement, recording and publication of the officers meetings.
I feel very strongly that even though the officers are all unpaid volunteers, they must be transparent and communicative to the the membership.
My most important role as Secretary would be the support of the Association officers in their goal of maintaining an effective, civil and popular Association.

Current Webmaster:
I currently manage a good chunk of the Assocation website which was significantly improved during Jim Baumgart's tenure to the benefit of both members and casual visitors. I'm currently updating several areas of the site however most of those updates would go unnoticed unless you are a stickler for details. I have developed the online balloting system that will be used for the first time this election.
I would like to continue this work even with the assistance and input from others.

My Name is Paul Alcock and I approve this message

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 06:09:39

Hi,
I'm Frank Gloss, and currently serve as Grand Poobah of Fleet 89. Since I'll put my 89 wing up for sale soon (I hope), we will need someone else with an 89 wing to step up to the plate.
This job does come with a jet, groupies, lavish expense account, and all the other perks of this exhaulted high office.

All seriousness aside, My hat is off to all of the officers of this fine group, both present, past, and future. Good luck to those willing to carry the torch on. You all deserve a raise, and take the rest of the day off.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 12:13:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimB517
 

.....

I did none of the above! For that you can thank JB Manley, Frank Hopper and most importantly Duane Wolfe.

One thing that concerns me is that this Association seems to have too much money! I want to look into that.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Can you elaborate on that. Keep in mind the timing issue of payments to the mainsheet and actual receipt of dues....

Gloss - haven't you been trying to sell that 89 wing for about 35 years now???

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 12:14:29

Thank-you very much Jim, Paul, and Frank for your postings and foe everything you have done in the past for the Association.

Edited by - on

KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 14:39:36

My name is Bob Townsend, I have been nominated for Chief Measure C-25/250. I must admit that I am not familiar with this office but I am capable of learning. My forum ID is KD4AO and my Bio is fairly complete in my User Profile. I am a 70 year old IBM Retiree and have been sailing since about 1970. I crewed in a few race series in Puget Sound out of Shilshole Bay and DesMoines marinas before buying our first boat, a Newport 30 Phase II in 1973. My wife Esther and I have enjoyed sailing for many years together and now we mostly daysail in Charlotte Harbor Florida. I have been a Ham Radio Operator since 1966. I served as Exalted Ruler of BPO Elks Lodge #2606 in 2001-2002 and am currently Chairman of the Trustees in the Lodge. If anyone would like to ask me any questions, I will be glad to respond to email. Thank you.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 19:05:21

I have been the owner of [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]Peregrine[/url], sailing out of Oyster Bay Long Island since 1998 and a member of the Assoc. since 1999.

When Ed Jacubas became Commodore in 2002 he asked me to do two tasks.
Take on the job of editing the Mainsheet magazine and try to find and revitalize the local fleets.
As editor of 17 issues of the Mainsheet I managed to get the magazine to publish 10 feature articles and 3 side bar (highlighted stories in our pages) articles.
The hunt for articles was constant and rewriting was arduous for both writer and editor.
I like all the stories but “My Fathers Eyes” by John Vinning Feb 2004 p6, about sailing with his then nine year old daughter was a favorite and a favorite of many other Catalina readers and the publishers. The only reason we didn’t get the cover was there wasn’t a great photo of the boat under sail.
In order to support the local fleets I made room the C25/C250 pages for each of the fleets to have a paragraph to highlight their activities.

I am running for Secretary because it is the best position to expand the communication among paying members, reach out to new members and to keep up the value of our boats in front of sailors everywhere.
The forum is a terrific asset but it does not reach out to the community it is passive.
Merely posting on the forum that the TaleTales are available means they sit unread.
The current issue of Mainsheet does not fill one page of our allotted space and has no mention of local fleets at all.
I believe that a combination of the Forum, a robust Mainsheet and a mass mailed TaleTells will help keep our members informed and active as well as reach to other owners and interested sailors looking for a great, affordable boat.
Indeed I would like to see more articles in the Mainsheet and an effort to get them published in local and national publications to push our stories as far as possible.

For the first time since Gary Bruner of Fleet #94 got 22 boats to show up at the “Nationals” in Oregon I think Commodore Meinert’s has a good idea to keep racing alive by combining our “Nationals” with the C22 Nationals.
If we can combine that idea with a real effort of supporting and developing local fleets we could build a national network of racers and cruisers that will let the sailing world know how versatile our boats are.

Bottom line my “agenda” is to make every PAYING member an informed, vital part of this association and to expand the membership base.

Just a note;
I was nominated for Commodore but after seeing that Jim Baumgart is willing to serve again I did not accept.
Jim is doing more with his boat than almost any other owner and will be a terrific Commodore and advocate for our boats.

I hope everyone reads the statements of all the nominees.

Thanks for your consideration
John Gisondi
Peregrine - #4762
Member 1999 - Present
Mainsheet Editor 2004-2006

Edited by - Peregrine on 09/20/2008 13:03:48

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 19:33:09

I am Peter Bigelow (aka bigelowp) and candidate for Secretary. I purchased my C25 in 2006 and have been restoring (fancy way of saying "fixing") her ever since, sailing on western Long Island Sound. While still very much a "sailing" novice, for decades my previous sail boats have included a Bristol Corinthian, Pearson Electra and Pearson Renegade as well as many small outboard power boats. Many here may be better qualified however my interest is in making sure that this association stays vibrant for all members. My day job is running an electronics manufacturing company in the Boston area. Finally, I very much so value this association, the forum and the combined wit and wisdom of Catalina owners. Whomever wins I plan on continuing to contribute where I can and being involved.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2008 : 22:46:22

Sorry, I was a little premature above. Thanks also to Bob, John, and Peter for your postings above, and to all of you for your willingness to serve (and same to others who may post after this hits the screen.)now I'll get out of the way!

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2008 : 09:11:08

Ahoy Members! My name is Steve Auerbach which I shortened to Steve A on this forum.
I started sailing over 25 years ago looking for a new adventure. And I found it. I bought a Catalina 22 and named her Piseas as a twist on my astrological sign. Well after about 6 years kids got older and I got more involved in their activities and sold Piseas.
That was hard. Nice ending however, kids moved out and about 2 years ago I bought Piseas II. My life is full again.
When not sailing I run my insurance office. I have been an agent for over 20 years. It is a family business. My dad started it over 55 years ago. He and my mom retired 5 years ago. My wife, Mary, works when I need her, like when I take a sailing trip to Catalina Island.
My son, Chris, started a little over a year ago so now I have someone to take over when I retire, hopefully sooner than later.
I saw the post asking for volunteers. I have volunteered many times in my 56 years of life and enjoy helping out. I could not see letting this great association end. I have, like all of us, gotten so much out of it, I could not see our association sinking to the bottom of the ocean. I welcome participating and decided it was time to step up to the plate and give back in return all that I have taken.
I read the description of The Treasurer as posted on the forum and felt my experience as a small business owner might be valuable.
As a business owner I maintain all financial records including receiving and depositing all monies from customers trust accounts and my general agency account. I use Quickbooks for all my accounting. I am not sure what methods I will need for this position but am up for the challenge. I look forward serving you all.
Steve Auerbach

Edited by - on

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2008 : 22:45:51

Greetings everyone. My name is Mike, I post here as Unsinkable2. As of the date of this post, am fairly new to the forum, having just purchased my first Catalina 25 in March 2008.
I sail with my wife and our 6 kids on Utah Lake, and we trailer to more exotic locales (Lake Mead)on occasion for vacations.
I have extensive experience in web development and own a company which specializes in business process automation. When I heard the call for volunteers I decided I'd step up and help out in any way I can. I certainly defer to Steve for his long experience and involvement in this association, but will help out with whatever is needed.
I've volunteered in many organizations and look forward to helping out wherever I'm needed.

Edited by - Unsinkable2 on 09/08/2008 22:47:36

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 17:24:31

I have decided to withdraw my name from the nominations for Chief Measurer. There are a couple of reasons. For one I have decided that my duties as C250 Technical Editor are enough for me right now and allow for me to contribute to the forum in a way that I really enjoy. Secondly, Bob Townsend seems like a nice person who is looking for an opportunity to contribute and I admire that.

So, I withdraw my name from the ballot and ask all of my supporters to vote for Bob Townsend.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 21:20:08

Thank you for your fine example Randy. I hope you will consider office again in the future.

Edited by - on

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2008 : 11:22:14

I'm Russ Johnson and I'm nominated for Vice-Commodore.
I live in the San Ramon, CA. (about an hour from San Francisco).
We sail "Vida Boa" a 2005 C250 #793
Usually sail in the San Francisco Bay out of Richmond or Berkeley.
Recently, we have been sailing in Clear Lake (about an hour north of Napa).

There are three reasons I'm volunteering.
1) To organize the 2009 Nationals with the Berkeley Yacht Club
2) To build a local fleet in the S.F. Bay
3) To return the goodwill from this association
I have learned a great deal since becoming a member and it’s my turn to do my part.

Thank you, Russ Johnson

Edited by - on

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