1st Quarter 2020 Grosse Pointer

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The

GROSSE POINTER

GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB

Established 1914

JULY 2019 - JANUARY 2020 IN REVIEW Published April 2020

Proudly serving the Grosse Pointes for 30 years

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Member

Serving Wayne, Oakland & Macomb Counties ichigan’s Premier Landscape Company

15251 E. 12 Mile Rd • Roseville, MI 48066 76 Kercheval • Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

BRICK PAVING & CUSTOM MASONRY

HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

586.774.0090 www.backerlandscaping.com

Anna Swartz aswartz@gpyc.org

Editor

Publisher Towar Productions 19803 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 313.882.0702 www.towar.com Advertising Director

Kim Towar kim@towar.com

Art Director

Stephanie Lortt stephanie@towar.com

Writers Past Commodore James L. Ramsey Shelley Yorke Rose Carol Stephenson Dr. Larry Stephenson Anna Swartz Photographers

Thomas Kliber John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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Table of Contents Meet the Commodore Welcome New Members

4-7

52-53

Yachtsman of the Year

54

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Ice Age

12-15

Member of the Year

54

Fourth of July Weekend

16-20

Employee of the Year

Rendezvous: Annual Highlight of a GPYC Summer

22-25

Holiday Boutique

Optimist National Championships

26-28

Thanksgiving 58

90th Annual Fleet Review Weekend

29-33

Comedy Night/Detroit Doors

60-61

Party Under the Stars

34-35

Tree Lighting & Special Santa Visit

62-63

36

GPYC Celebrates 91st Commodore’s Ball

64-67

37

Create and Cork

Power Squadron Donates $5,000 to GPYC Detroit River Cruise for Three-Year Club Members Labor Day

8-10

Annual Meeting

38-39

68

Christmas Eve Brunch

70-71

Canine Pool Party

40

Taco Extravaganza

72-73

Three-Year Club Event

41

Winter Blast

74-75

Fall Family Fun Auto Show Newport, Rhode Island Fall Getaway

42-43 44

Three-Year Club Event: Let’s Get Cookin’

76

GPYC Once Again Recognized as Distinguished Club

77

Somm Slamm Dinner

46-47

Member Spotlight

78

Children’s Halloween Party

48-49

Looking Aft

80

Veterans Day Breakfast

50-51

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Y

Established 1914 788 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 (313) 884-2500 FAX: (313) 884-7956 www.gpyc.org

The Grosse Pointer (USPS 576-940) is published four times a year under contract with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Subscriptions are $75 per year to members. Periodical postage paid at Detroit, Michigan. Postmaster, send address changes to: The Grosse Pointer, 788 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club ©2020—all rights reserved. This publication is the property of the GPYC, for member use only. No unauthorized use, sale or dissemination of information herein shall be made for commercial, personal or other purposes, without the written permission of the GPYC.

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Cover Photo by Thomas Kilber

MEET THE COMMODORE

Up to the Challenge

As our 87th Commodore, Gary Gonzalez brings common sense, automotive business smarts and the will to squarely face what’s ahead for the Club. If you don’t know him well, here’s your chance to learn a little more.

Interview by Past Com. James L. Ramsey

JR: Because of your rather low-key demeanor, you’re sort of our under-the-radar commodore.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school? What were you good or bad at? What lessons did you learn early in life?

GG: (Laughs) I guess I have always been a pretty

low-key guy. My parents both worked long hours six days a week and taught me the value of hard work. They were both pretty quiet and I suppose that’s where I learned to spend more time listening than talking. I find both of those traits have served me well over the years. I grew up on Van Antwerp in Harper Woods. My bedroom had a lovely view of

the westbound freeway entrance to I-94 once they built it. Our section of Harper Woods was in the Grosse Pointe School District, so I went to Poupard, Parcells and then “The High” before they moved us to Grosse Pointe North in the eleventh grade. I was part of the first North graduating class in 1970.

From there I went to the University of Denver, then the University of Colorado. What was I good or bad at? I played football for the Grosse Pointe Spartans Little League football team and was pretty good at that. I also played Little League baseball and got one hit in four years, so I was not good at that. My best sport was hockey. I played a lot of club hockey, since back then the schools did not have teams, and usually did pretty well. I was also a pretty good skier (which explains my choices for college), and I still love skiing.

JR: You may hold the record for the longest member commute to the Club. There must be times when you wonder if it’s worth it – true?

GG: Yes, it can be a grind (from Clarkston). Getting here for meetings through rush hour can take forever, and there have been days, around I-696 and Mound, I resolved to quit the Board, but I usually calm down once I enter the gate. For my family this is like a vacation home, so instead of heading up North on I-75, we head south.

Commodore Gary and Christine Gonzalez with sons Henry (left) and Charles Photo by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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JR: You have three boats in the harbor. How long have you been a boater? Which do you prefer – power or sail? And why?

GG: I have been boating all my life. Our first boat was an 18-foot Starcraft my dad bought when I was

MEET THE COMMODORE

JR: What brought you to the GPYC? GG: When I moved back to Michigan in the late ’70s, I took up sailing. I had a 21-foot sailboat for years; but then, in 1996, I got a Hinckley Bermuda 40. I always wanted to be a member of GPYC as a kid - heck, you just signed your name and got food!

- so I asked around and discovered Bob Rehman, who was a member, and would sponsor me. Bob actually got me into racing before he passed.

JR: Sounds expensive. How is the Club doing financially and how are we going to pay for it?

GG: We are doing very well right now. We are up more than 70 members over the past three years and have retired a lot of debt. Aaron and his team are running a tight ship which is great to see. But the high-water mitigation is going to be expensive.

As you know, we sold the house on Lake Shore and intend to use those proceeds; and we will have to tap some of our Rainy-Day Funds as well.

Unfortunately in this case, the rain is coming from below not above. Another source could be donations from membership; donations to mitigate flooding of the grounds that would damage the structure are tax-deductible. Our plan does not rely on that because we need to move quickly, but the possibility is out there.

JR: Let’s talk about the Club. Tell us what’s ahead for you – and us – this year.

GG: Well, we will be focused on protecting our assets. As you know, we are dealing with record high water levels, so we are going to work to ensure our Clubhouse, grounds and harbor are all protected from damage. It is not a sexy project like constructing new amenities, but we want our members to have fully functioning wells and also protect the clubhouse from damage. Beyond that, I want to keep the momentum going as a year-round club. Over the past few years we have gained a lot of new members and reduced attrition by providing more value for the membership. You can expect more new and exciting events on the calendar with Aaron (Wagner) and his team leading the charge.

JR: What other high-priority Club issues should we know about?

GG: Our most recent survey gave the Board an update on what is important to the membership.

That, combined with what we already know about the important infrastructure needs of the building, will help fine-tune the strategic plan. This winter the kitchen will finally get some TLC with a new hot line and floor. That will help Chef Colby and his team better perform their jobs. The Clubhouse windows need repair or replacement -- particularly the Binnacle, Ballroom and Venetian Rooms.

Going forward, we will develop a plan to do that.

It was clearly communicated in the survey that the décor of the building needs to be freshened up, and with proper funding we will address that. Finally,

about 6. He loved boating, and I inherited the bug.

My wife would say it is a terminal illness. I guess I prefer sailing over power. I love the mechanics of it and the quiet of moving through the water with just the wind. I also enjoy racing. Over the years we have been quite successful in Mac’ races and regattas on St. Clair.

as you know, we had to remove the old bollards from the drive due to their deteriorating state. We would like to beautify the entry drive, moat bridge and circle to really set off our iconic clubhouse architecture.

JR: You run a successful business. What have you learned in your profession that you bring to the boardroom?

GG: I have worked in my family business for over 42 years. My father passed away in 1977 and left my brother Ric and I with the company he started in 1975. Today we have a full-service integration company for assembly systems. Our systems build the parts that end up on a car, a truck or plane.

That could be a hood, a truck cab, a bodyside or a wing. We have historically been automotive-based, but today we work in automotive, aerospace and defense. As an entrepreneur you learn to deal with everything: customers, employees, vendors, banks, accountants, you name it. That experience is key to a position like commodore of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. The Board and the commodore have to understand all of those things to set the proper course for the Club. In the automotive business there are always tough times and good times. In the end, it is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Having a good long-term plan with specific goals can help us see through the dark times into the good ones. Having long-range vision is important for the Board. We need to stay out of day-to-day operations and set goals for management that they then execute. My father always taught me to hire the best people, compensate them well and get out of

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MEET THE COMMODORE JR: What’s the hardest part of the task?

GG: I think keeping everyone focused on the long-term future of the Club. The Board and the JR: What personal traits do you have that you would membership are generally very successful and like to share with us? strong-willed. There is a tendency to get into the GG: Personal traits? Mmmm, I guess I am something weeds sometimes and that is a dead end. None of us of an introvert by nature. You won’t find me at the are professionals in club management. We need to center of the party telling jokes. I enjoy people and allow our pros to do their job and get out of the way.

I think I am pretty friendly, but I am horrible with Micromanaging the Club destroys the energy and names. I never learned the tricks to remembering creativity of the management team, and we don’t want names and envy those who do. So, if I seem to do that. standoffish at times, it’s nothing personal - just a trait, nothing else.

JR: Do you have a favorite or funny story from the Club?

JR: You appear to be calm and level-headed. Are you GG: None that I can really put in print. that way all the time? If not, what ticks you off?

GG: I learned early to control my emotions. After JR: Looking ahead, what will be key to the Club’s my father passed and my brother and I took over the failure or success? business, I had to keep calm through some pretty GG: I am 67 and I am not the future of the Grosse challenging times. I stuck my foot in my mouth a few Pointe Yacht Club. I believe the key is to attract and times and that turned out bad, so I try to avoid that retain younger members. The Club must be able to now. But those who know me well know that my fuse change and adapt to attract that demographic. We burns real fast the last inch. I guess what ticks me off can remain true to our traditions and still provide a is what I view as stupidity. Life is not that complicated: dynamic, exciting environment for the next generation Do what is right, do right by others and everything to enjoy. will be fine. I tend to explode when people don’t do that.

JR: Outside the Club, what are your interests? What is your favorite way to relax?

JR: After several months on the job, what comes to GG: I love to travel. Getting away from the routine mind about being Commodore? of daily life allows me to decompress. I still get out to GG: I guess it is the feeling of being responsible for Colorado to ski or fly fish once in a while, but I also one of the most prestigious clubs in the nation. You love to get out of the country and see new places. In don’t really get that until the prior commodore walks the end, I usually go somewhere where I can watch the out of the room and you call your first meeting to sunset over water with a rum cocktail. order. It is an honor but carries a certain weight. their way. I certainly believe that philosophy works for a Board member as well.

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JR: Tell us about First Lady Christine. How did you two meet?

GG: At age 18 she came to work for Gonzalez in our government division. I knew her casually for several years then she came to our headquarters building to do payables, and I had to train her. That was when it all got started.

JR: Please answer the following about yourself: What’s the best piece of wisdom you’ve ever learned?

GG: Listen well, speak less.

JR: Your favorite book, movie, music, drink and food?

GG: “Sometimes A Great Notion.” Jazz, rock, blues and country. Rum and wine. Pasta. In that order.

JR: What kind of car do you drive and where do you buy most of your clothes?

GG: I have a lot of cars – it’s another affliction I got from my dad. My favorite is a 2014 Corvette. I am pretty frugal about clothes, so mostly those come from places like Lands End or Baron’s. That way I save money for cars and boats.

JR: Who is your greatest hero?

GG: My brother Ric. JR: Of all the people who ever lived, who would you like most to meet?

GG: Winston Churchill. I think his humor and mine would align well.

MEET THE COMMODORE JR: How would you like to be remembered as Commodore?

GG: I would hope that, looking back, people would say I steered the Club through some difficult times and set the Club up for the next generation to enjoy.

JR: What haven’t we touched on here that you would like to talk about?

GG: I have a very deep respect for the membership and this club. In the end, I will briefly steward a place that has a great history and bright future. As

commodore, I will probably make some decisions that will be very popular and some that may not be as popular. That is fine. As long as I leave the Club better poised for the future, I will have done my job.

The Gonzalez family in Guanacaste, Costa Rica in March 2019. The family travels to this spot every other year.

Photo Courtesy of Commodore Gary Gonzalez

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WELCOME ABOARD

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

July

Suzanne Beaudette Reinstatement

Robert and Connie* Brooks (*Deceased March 2020)

Sharon and Doug Grimm Reinstatement

August

Nicole and Weston O’Neill

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Anthony and Josephine Lentine

Michael and Linda Jozefiak

Charles and Sarah Molnar

September

Christopher and Riva Monsour Reinstatement

Edward and Judith (not pictured) Christian

Rachel Enright and Alex Whang

WELCOME ABOARD

October

John Herbert

Michael Hill and Whitney Conroy

Molly Thomasma

Donald Kehrig Reinstatement

Allen Rosin

Kenneth Stewart and Lori Linzell Stewart

Kaitlyn Vreeken

November

Blair DeYoung and Amy Ketola-DeYoung

Eliott Gatteño and Margaret O’Brien

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WELCOME ABOARD

December

Martha and John Barlow

Shelby Brewington and Mathew Bach

Dan Cyr and Mari Borcherdt

Dan and Kimberly Hossack with daughter Brooklyn

January

Alex and Ashley Bill

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Robert and Vanessa Hubbard

Not Pictured Paul and Kristen Bove John and Laura Peabody

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GPYC FEATURE

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Ice Age 1986 – 2015: Unraveling a Myth

By Larry Stephenson M.D.

GPYC became the fourth member of the recently formed Detroit River Yachting Association (DRYA), which sponsored sailboat races between local clubs.

Many members of our small but active sailing club also participated in what was at the time a very popular winter sport: iceboating and iceboat racing.

Minutes from the first organizational meeting of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, dated December 3, 1913.

Courtesy GPYC

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n early 2013, research material related to the founding of the GPYC was being gathered by this author and other project committee members, to be published in the GPYC centennial history book. Old issues of The Grosse Pointer as well as other Club-related publications between the years 1929 and 1983 gave us a fairly consistent narrative of 25 sailors who organized the fledgling club in 1914 under the leadership of Commodore R. George Marsh. During that founding year, the

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whatever conclusion he or she wishes about the demise of the iceboat club and rise of the yachting club!”

Obviously Mr. Gallagher had not seen the handwritten minutes from the first four meetings of the Club that were held at the home of future Commodore Marsh. The first recorded minutes were dated December 3, 1913, and at the top of the very first page was written “Grosse Pointe Yacht Club”, not “Grosse Pointe Iceboat Club”. The date The first GPYC membership cards issued in 1914 also makes it clear that Prohibition had absolutely featured the emblem of a sailboat – not an iceboat – nothing to do with the founding of the GPYC. clearly signifying the primary emphasis of the Club.

But the participation of many early members in The source Gallagher cited for his information both sailing and iceboating seems to have been the was an unpublished manuscript sponsored by the catalyst that led to a series of misunderstandings Works Projects Administration (WPA) during about the Club’s reason for being. This essay seeks the Great Depression. Unemployed authors and to reconfirm the founding story as presented in the historians were hired to assemble a history of the centennial history book while explaining how much Grosse Pointes and many of them contributed to of the misinformation came into being. the project. The Grosse Pointe Historical Society has an unbound copy of this WPA manuscript, The first alternate account of our founding came consisting of several hundred typewritten pages, from A Beacon of Tradition, published by the only a few of which have any reference to the GPYC in 1986, which was a collection of articles Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. This author, along with in book form celebrating our history. Some of the other centennial book researchers, could not find articles used information previously published any of the information in this WPA reference that and others were written specifically for the book.

Gallagher cited. We then checked libraries in the James Gallagher, a local experienced writer but Pointes, in Detroit and archives of the State of non-member, was invited to write an article on Michigan for other WPA history manuscripts of the founding of the Club. His subsequent article the Pointes, but found none. An internet search was entitled “Lake Shore Drive and Vernier Road: produced no results.

A Special Place”. It states, “…by 1918 the original Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Club was take over by about In our quest for GPYC history, we did, however, two dozen men who formed another organization find an interesting reference to an iceboating that was to form the nucleus of the Grosse Pointe club in a December 1906 issue of the (Detroit) Yacht Club. Since this date coincided almost Free Press. It was reported that a huge rift was exactly with the passage of the 18th Amendment developing between members of the Grosse Pointe (prohibition of liquor sales), the reader can draw Ice Yacht Club, and this was followed by a 1907

GPYC FEATURE

Iceboat racers receiving trophies, 1914. Commodore George Marsh is seated second from left; Vice Commodore John Long is seated second from right. All of the other gentlemen had become GPYC members by spring of 1914.

Courtesy GPYC

article proclaiming the formation of the Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Association by some of those disgruntled members. This new iceboating club was holding its meetings at Ed Vernier’s roadhouse at the foot of Vernier on Lake Shore Road, while the GPIYC continued to meet at a Grosse Pointe house they were leasing. In following up, we could find no further reference to the GPIBA, but the GPIYC

eventually moved their meetings to Mt. Clemens and appears to have changed their name to the Mt. Clemens or Lake St. Clair Ice Yacht Club.

The Building of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. This meant that now an unsubstantiated article about the GPYC founding was being read and absorbed by the general public. The myth of the GPYC beginning as an iceboating club was becoming firmly established.

Then in 1997, the second of a two-volume set of books entitled Tonnancour: Life in Grosse Pointe was published, and unfortunately Gallagher’s article was reprinted under the title A Beacon of Tradition: And then yet another twist to the founding story

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GPYC FEATURE

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Ice Age Continued

presented itself in the book commissioned in 2004 by the GPYC to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Clubhouse. Robert Morris, a retired high school teacher from Illinois who had a business writing private club histories, wrote, “In 1914 about a dozen boating enthusiasts led by boating legend George Marsh took over control of the Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Club with the intent to dissolve the group in order to form a more comprehensive organization which was to [later] become the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.” He went on to say they held meetings at Vernier’s Roadhouse and built a long dock there to accommodate iceboats. He then repeated the earlier speculation of James Gallagher that with the, “…prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the nation the interest of the Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Club changed to that of yachting.” Using this “club takeover” theory, he felt comfortable concluding that the GPYC was originally founded in 1910 as the Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Club by a bunch of iceboating teenagers and one adult, Frank Verheyden. He included a photograph of 11 young men and two older gentlemen surrounding a table of iceboating trophies and identified them in the caption as the “Founders of the GPYC.” When contacted in 2013, Mr. Morris identified Past Commodore Ralph Kliber as his source of information. Of course, by that time Commodore Kliber had passed on and we could not obtain his sources.

Mr. Morris’ founding story contains two highly speculative statements. “The first membership meeting of the [GPYC] Club was held Monday, January 1, 1927.” How would he then explain the incompatibility of the 1914 Grosse Pointe Yacht Club membership card that appeared in Gallagher’s article?

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First official membership card; note the sailboat emblem.

Courtesy Backman family

And how also, to explain the appearance of the GPYC in the authoritative Lloyd’s Register of American Yachts, beginning with the 1917 issue that includes the Club’s founding date, mailing address and list of Club Officers. Morris also states, with no accompanying verification, “Members of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club date the founding of the Club to 1929, the year of the completion of the clubhouse…”

By the time the real story of the GPYC founding had been confirmed, all of this misinformation had been in the public purview long enough to be regarded as incontrovertible fact. Ironically, after the centennial

book was published, this author quite by chance came across a second copy of the WPA book that we had searched for without success. It was at the St. Clair Shores Public Library, a typewritten hardcover copy dated 1936 entitled “Grosse Pointe Guide” by the WPA, Detroit Field Office. The material on the GPYC appeared to be the same, but in this later version, the section entitled “Old Hotels, Road Houses and Picnic Grounds” mentioned the Veriden House and contained this statement: “About 1910, Frank Veriden organized the Grosse Pointe Ice Boat Club, in addition to operating the Road House. In 1918, the ice boat club was taken over by another group, which formed

GPYC FEATURE

Circa 1914-29. Preparing for the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club trophy iceboat races.

the nucleus of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, which is now located at the foot of Vernier Road.” So now it was clear where Gallagher had gotten his GPYC founding information, and even better, this book gave the source for this version – an interview with Charles Verheyden.

nor any other Veriden/Verheyden through 1935 had ever been a Club member who would have had inside knowledge of the actual founding.

It is now easy to see how all of the inaccuracies regarding the GPYC founding were compounded and then perpetuated, all by good people who The Veriden House, a roadhouse located on Lake thought they had the facts. Adding to the confusion Shore Road just north of the present border between was the rise and fall of all the iceboating clubs in the Farms and the Shores, was owned by Charles’ the area with similar names. As for the photo of the uncle Frank Veriden and was sold in 1914, the year “teenage founding members,” we discovered that four the GPYC was founded. Charles Verheyden (the of the gentlemen pictured were in their teens, five family name Veriden had been changed by this time to were adults and the ages of the remaining four are Verheyden by Charles’ father) was interviewed by the unknown. We do know that, along with Commodore WPA people, and by that time it is easy to understand George Marsh and Vice Commodore John R. Long how events from 20 or more years previously could who are in the photo, all had become GPYC members be misconstrued. Also, as best we know from past by the third organizational meeting in 1914. We member rosters and other sources, neither Charles were able to determine the ages of 22 of the earliest

members, and only six of them were in their teens; the other 16 ranged in age from 20 to 56.

Had it not been for the fact that the GPYC was in receivership during those years that the WPA books were written, there would have been plenty of members to interview for the founding story. We are just grateful that those first sets of meeting minutes from 1913-1914 establishing our fine Club have survived to tell the real story.

See Chapter One, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 100 Years: 1914 – 2014 for more information on the founding of the GPYC. Thank you to Past Commodore James Ramsey and to my wife Carol for editing and critiquing this manuscript.

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MEMBER SCENE

Bridget Curcuri Roa and Andrew Roa L-R: 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken, Kelley Vreeken, 2020 Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Christine Gonzalez and Marney Ramsey

Pet Parade Past Commodore Mark Weber is the official emcee of the Annual Pet Parade

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Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

MEMBER SCENE

Pool Games

Fourth of July Weekend 19

MEMBER SCENE

Bocce

L-R: LeRae and Nicholas Hinz, Jason and Gloria Hinz, and Diane and Karl Kratz

BBQ

L-R: John Lund, Jeff Hohlfeldt, Courtney and Brad Drummy with son Pierce

L-R: Dan and Denise Bukacel, the Zhuk family (Dmitri and Mina with daughters Eva and Amalie), Jenni and John Parnell with son Jack

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L-R: Winners for the third consecutive GPYC bocce tournament Joe Lucido and Dan Grice, along with Julie Granger and Past Commodore Kevin Granger, and runners up Nancy and Dale Hohlfeldt

Photography by Tom Kliber

Fourth of July Weekend

MEMBER SCENE

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MEMBER SCENE

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Your Generation In Concert

Fourth of July Weekend

Your Generation in Concert, an eight-piece tribute band, performed at the GPYC on July 6.

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L-R: Patrick Blake, Katie Blake, George Kordas and Anne Kordas

MEMBER SCENE

Rendezvous are Annual Highlight of a GPYC Summer

When long-awaited warmer temperatures finally arrive and boats fill the GPYC harbor, that means that rendezvous season is right around the corner.

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total of eight rendezvous were planned for GPYC members in 2019 – from short day trips to long weekends. The destinations included Little Club, In-Harbor, Old Club, Catawba, Bay Harbor Village, Bayview Yacht Club Dinner and Milliken during the summer, as well as Fort Lauderdale in November. Boaters and non-boaters alike enjoyed the fabulous dinners, breathtaking views and, most importantly, the camaraderie of fellow members.

The list of the 2020 rendezvous is available on the GPYC Web site. Destinations include many of those visited in 2019. This year’s Up North Rendezvous will take place in Harbor Springs.

Milliken Rendezvous attendees

L-R: Christine Knapp and Marilyn Stephenson Photo courtesy of Maureen Gleason

Milliken Rendezvous Photo courtesy of Maureen Gleason

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Paul Kelly at the Bay Harbor Rendezvous Photo courtesy of Liz Rader

MEMBER SCENE

Milliken Rendezvous Photo courtesy of Maureen Gleason

L-R: Kelly Gleason, Hunter Adelson and Meg Gleason

L-R: Joe and Mary Ann Simon, Pete and Maureen Gleason, Chris and Joanna Izzi at the Catawba Island Rendezvous

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MEMBER SCENE

Rendezvous L-R: Paul Kelly, Past Com. Ron Schaupeter, Past Com. Bob Rader and Past Com. David Martin Photo courtesy of Liz Rader

L-R: Pete Gleason, Kelley Vreeken and Maureen Gleason

Milliken Rendezvous Bus Bar Crawl Photo courtesy of Maureen Gleason

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L-R: Bob Farris, Marianne Mikhail and Diane Farris

MEMBER SCENE L-R: David Schaden, Christine and Bruce Knapp, Maureen and Pete Gleason, Derek and Ellen Starks and Amy Schaden

L-R: Bruce Knapp and 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken at the Catawba Rendezvous

Phil and Elyse Trupiano at the Bay Harbor Rendezvous

A pre-Bay Harbor Rendezvous gathering in Charlevoix on Greg Schaden’s Boat Photo courtesy of Paul Silva

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GPYC FEATURE

Second Optimist National Championships Hosted by GPYC Exceeds Expectations

By Shelley Yorke Rose

About the Event

Drawing on his experience as co-chair of the 2013 United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) National Championship, Past Commodore Blaise Klenow was well prepared to take the helm of the July 2019 competition. As Regatta Chairman, Klenow worked with an able

our expectations! We extend our thanks to the members and staff for their hospitality and for the outstanding work they did to make the regatta a huge success.”

GPYC hosted the regatta from July 20-28, 2019. It was again sponsored by the Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Foundation and included three major events:

(or Optis), the biggest and fastest-growing sailboat class in the world. Local sailors, including some of GPYC’s own, were excited to take part in the races on their home turf. The regatta was also part of the qualification process for young sailors seeking a spot on the U.S. National Team or participating in Optimist International Championships.

Special Guest Greeted Sailors

Tucker Thompson, TV host, producer, America’s Cup 2000 sailor, and America’s Cup announcer, keynoted the welcome dinner for sailors, their families, and officials at the Club. He used the opportunity to educate audience members about the America’s Cup, its history, heritage, and the 2021 race. Thompson said, “I encourage young sailors to sail as much as they can. Sailing can take you across the harbor or across the world. It can change your life. It changed mine.”

Planning Made Perfect

team of staff and volunteers including his wife, Carol, who served as Check-in Chairperson.

• USODA Team Race National Championship (July 21-22; 19 teams) • USODA Girls National Championship (July 23; 80 girls) and • USODA Open Fleet National Championship (July 24-27, 300 boys and girls).

Genoa Fedyszyn, Executive Director, USODA, said the organization was delighted the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club agreed to host this prestigious event a second time. She added, “We knew the Club The events showcased many of the nation’s best would provide an exceptional experience for our sailors and their families. This year, GPYC exceeded young sailors, ages 8-15, racing Optimist dinghies

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This nine-day event brought around 1,000 visitors from the U.S., Canada, Cayman Islands, St. Croix, and Brazil to the GPYC every day. The planning committee and about 250 volunteers were ready for them and every contingency. Klenow said, “It took a lot of effort and planning and the feedback we received shows it paid off. An extra bonus was the positive economic impact the regatta had on the area. Working with local Chambers of Commerce paid off,” he added.

Communication was Key

No detail was too small for the planning committee, who started intensive communications on a variety of platforms with GPYC and community members in January 2019 to make sure everyone was well-

GPYC FEATURE experienced some minor inconveniences but were wellinformed and knew how to work around potential parking and launch issues. Overall, I’d say that we offered a warm GYPC welcome to all of our visitors.”

GPYC Went the Extra (Nautical) Mile

informed about the event and its potential impact on everything from parking to public safety.

Planning committee members met with local elected officials and law enforcement to keep them informed about the event and to solicit support to ensure minimal impact on traffic and on the community in general.

“We had to ask members to temporarily move out of their slips in the west end of the harbor,” Klenow said. “So, we needed to communicate early and often about the real estate that this event requires, including parking and increased traffic over the nine day period, including set-up and take-down.”

The Club shuttled participants from Grosse Pointe North High School via bus and offered valet parking for members to ease congestion. Volunteers took parents of the competitors out on the water in their own boats so they could see their children race.

“It’s tough to host an event of this magnitude in the height of boating season,” noted Klenow. “Members

“Our volunteers went above and beyond not only to make the event run smoothly but to give participants and their families a special experience,” said Carol Klenow, Check-in Chairperson. She praised GPYC volunteers and staff. “Efficient planning led to smooth operations, including registration and race packets, and shifts of GPYC greeters who provided welcome materials and showed guests around. Volunteers even measured the participants’ boats to ensure they met required weight, rudder size, dagger board, and sail sizes.”

feedback tells us we succeeded in making this an especially friendly and enjoyable event.”

Key players on and off the water included Junior Sailing Director Emily Simon and Sailing Director Wally Cross. Simon’s energy and attention to detail ensured that the average of six hours competitors spent on the water each day was smooth sailing indeed. Simon oversaw the daily activities, safety, and logistics of the competitions and relied on Caroline Breen, a college student and member of the Junior Sailing staff, who coordinated daily launch and retrieval for up to 300 Optis each day, particularly in the culminating competition.

We also thank our harbor staff and GPYC employees for making this prestigious event a positive reflection on our Club,” Klenow said.

“Our Harbor Master, Alex Turner, and the harbor staff helped with every launch and retrieval. “

GPYC General Manager Aaron Wagner said, “One of the most important aspects of hosting this type of event is to leave a positive, lasting impact on those who participate in the races, volunteer for the crew, and are here supporting the participants. This year we made it a top priority to treat our guests as if they were members for the time they were here, so we opened our entire facility to them during their stay.” He added, “Visitor and member

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GPYC FEATURE

Second Optimist National Championships Continued

James Stevenson, Maintenance and Building and Grounds, stepped up to take on complex logistics and facilities maintenance. And kudos to our Executive Chef Colby Newman and Catering Director Barb Walkowski who managed to feed 300 children and their families throughout the event, from sit-down meals to brown bag lunches.” She added, “This event touched every department of the Club and everyone displayed the professionalism USODA expected of us.”

The Past Commodore echoes his wife’s appreciation for everyone who contributed to the success of the event. “We are also grateful to volunteers from the Detroit Regional Yacht Racing Association, the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, and generous sponsors for their support of youth sailing and this important event,” Klenow added. “It’s gratifying to know that we helped make lasting memories for participants and their families.”

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

90th Annual Fleet Review Weekend

Dive-In Movie

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lways held in mid-August, Fleet Review Weekend is one of the biggest events of the summer. In fact, it stretches a solid three days – starting with boat decorating and a divein movie on Thursday, Harbor Lights Night with dock/boat judging and Family Fun Night on Friday, followed by the traditional Fleet Review and dinner on Saturday. This year marked GPYC’s 90th Annual Fleet Review, hosted by 2019 Commodore Ilja and Lady Kelley Vreeken.

The Vreekens chose a “Decades” theme – in ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s – for the boat/dock decorating and group dock parties. Dan and Sue Bracciano won for Best Decorated Sailboat, and John Metropoulos for Best Decorated Powerboat.

Instead of the parties being isolated on the individual docks for the entire evening, there was a special twist that brought all members together. After two hours of parties on the docks, members gathered from 8:30-11:30 p.m. at the Gazebo Bar to check out fellow members’ costumes and enjoy entertainment by DTour Band. “We were so excited to gather everyone together in one location for the Fleet Review Dock Party for the first time in GPYC history,” said Kelley Vreeken.

On Saturday, the traditional Fleet Review began promptly at 3:30 p.m. A highlight of the event is a parade of dressed yachts, out of respect for the Commodore. Just like in recent years, the 2019 Commodores were positioned on the balcony of the

Marine Activity Center (MAC), where members in the parade saluted them as they passed by.

Later that evening, members enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the East Lawn, then a dinner in the Ballroom featuring a seasonal menu by Executive Chef Colby Newman. Entertainment was provided by Parallel Fifth.

Kelley Vreeken was stunned by the gorgeous décor that added a extraordinary ambiance to the event. “Thank you to member Lena Moradian for transforming the main Ballroom for the Fleet Review Dinner,” Vreeken said. “It was unbelievably beautiful.”

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MEMBER SCENE

Dock Parties

FamilyFun Night L-R: Cheryl Barbour, Past Commodore Sloane Barbour, Past Commodore John Schoenherr, Past Commodore Bill Storen, Richard Law, Julie Storen and Past Commodore Mark Weber

L-R: Gladys Goschka, Diane Dossin, Mary Huebner, Renee Seago and Kathleen Kedzerski Past Commodore Ty and Sheri Totte

Dennis and Gladys Goschka follow their Fleet Review boat decorating tradition and include a cut-out of the current commodore.

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Fleet Review

2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken and Lady Kelley Vreeken

Dr. Mariann Channell

Fleet Review Weekend

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Lynne DeGrande Hackathorn, Gladys and Dennis Goschka with Elli Giordimaina

L-R: 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken, Kelley Vreeken, Vice Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Christine Gonzalez, Rear Commodore Gary Marowske and Kathy Marowske

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MEMBER SCENE

Fleet Review Weekend

Paul Lang and Past Commodore Mary Treder Lang

Past Commodore John and Marlene Boll

L-R: 2019 Rear Commodore Gary Marowske, 2019 Vice Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Past Commodore John Boll and 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken

Charlie and Katie Tompkins

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Lady Kelley Vreeken with daughter Kaitlyn Vreeken

Sheila and Rob Crandall

Stacy Spondike, Julie and Matt Schuetze, Keith Spondike

MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

L-R: John and Mary Cueter with Nino and Beth Cueter

L-R: Rachel Benigni, Kristen Schotthoefer and Kelley Vreeken

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MEMBER SCENE

Party Under The Stars

The Highballs provided entertainment for the evening.

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MEMBER SCENE

Party Under The Stars Continued

Power Squadron Donates $5,000 to GPYC

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019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken accepts a $5,000 donation from Grosse Pointe Power Squadron (GPPS) 2019 Commander Natalie Dunbar.

The Grosse Pointe Power Squadron (GPPS) is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. GPPS donated the money as a thank you for allowing the Club to host various GPPS functions such as meetings, presentations, classes and more. The GPPS and GPYC have long been partners in promoting the importance of safe boating practices.

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MEMBER SCENE Photos Courtesy of Brigid Zvirbulis

Detroit River Cruise is Special Perk for ‘Three-Year Club’ Members

“

L-R: Todd and Lisha Kilgus, Lynn Maksym, Nicole Anderson and Andy Anderson

L-R: Michelle Shore, Judy Long, Faye Maribao, Victor Abuel and Andy Mac Lachlan

T

hree-Year Club” is a term coined by Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Membership Committee to describe those members who joined in the past few years. “If you’re in this special group, you’ll receive exclusive invitations to quarterly social events that allow new members to become better acclimated with fellow members and Club staff,” says GPYC Membership Director Susan Hughes.

So far, Three-Year Club members have enjoyed a cooking class with Executive Chef Colby, a “behind the scenes” clubhouse tour and a beer tasting.

In August 2019, the group enjoyed a Detroit River cruise to the Ambassador Bridge and back to the clubhouse. Thanks to the Members Jason Grobbel, Amy Krueger and Bill Dillon for graciously providing their beautiful yachts. Approximately 35 new members enjoyed the cruise.

“Many members don’t have an opportunity to spend time on Lake St. Clair and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather and views,” Hughes said. “Since all four of the events were such a great success, the plan is to repeat the gatherings for 2020.”

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Labor Day Past Commodore Jim and Patti Anderson

L-R: Bob and Katie Hrisoulis with children Benjamin and Hannah, Chuck and Mary Martin, Charlie Martin, Jenna and Sam Martin

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MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Sofia Danna and Kathryn Schaden

Haladjian Family

Jill Dailey with daughter Clairemarie

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MEMBER SCENE

Who Let the Dogs Out

GPYC Hosts Canine Pool Party

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n September 28, the GPYC pool opened to our canine friends for the first-ever Doggy Pool Party. The day’s special guests enjoyed treats from the Bow Wow Baketique as well as plenty of camaraderie. Despite rainy weather, about a dozen dogs came to the event and splashed in the pool to officially mark the end of the summer pool season.

L-R: Bridget Curcuri Roa and Jane Curcuri

Marjorie Liggett with her basset hound Toby

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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L-R: Andrea Mychalowych, Brian Fish, Mike & Krista Riehl

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Past Commodore Jim Morrow, Norman Silverman, Debby Wolney and Sandy Morrow

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Three-Year Club Event L-R: 2019 Rear Commodore Gary Marowske, Molly and Jeff Hohlfeldt and Past Commodore Jim Morrow

L-R: 2019 Rear Commodore Gary and Kathy Marowske, Past Commodore Dennis Andrus and Marita Grobbel

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L-R: Paula and Clyde Sutton with Mary and Chuck Martin

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MEMBER SCENE

Fall Family Fun Auto Show Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Howard Smith

Mea Marshall

Victor Abuel

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MEMBER SCENE

Tompkins Family

Taryn Simon with daughter Mackenzie

Rear Commodore Gary Marowske with his grandson Makarios Manos

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MEMBER SCENE Photos courtesy of Mary Weiland, Kelly Loeffler and Birgit Behrendt

Newport, Rhode Island Fall Getaway

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special members-only getaway to breathtaking Newport, Rhode Island took place on October 11-13, 2019. The trip included a guided Cliff Walk trolley tour, a tour of the Vanderbilt summer home “The Breakers,” dinner at The Moorings Seafood Kitchen and a tour of the Hinckley Yacht Yard in Portsmouth.

“The trip was fantastic,” said member Kelley Loeffler. “We loved the mansion tour and brunch outside the last day.” In total, nine couples traveled to Newport for the special GPYC trip.

Hinckley Yacht Yard in Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Bob and Mary Weiland

2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken and Lady Kelley Vreeken at The Breakers, a summer home of the Vanderbilt Family Birgit and Norbert Behrendt

Kelly and James Loeffler

The Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island

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Between Moran and Fisher Grosse Pointe Farms

GPYC Member

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MEMBER SCENE

Somm Slamm Dinner: A Duel of Wine Pairings

By Carol Stephenson

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The dinner was a stunner. Chef Colby described each fabulous course, ending with well-deserved compliments to Executive Sous Chef Domonique Morsello for her croissant dessert creation. Diners enjoyed: Amuse Bouche: Crispy Trotter

Gribiche; Squash pickle; Mustard seed

ack in 2015 the GPYC played host to its first Sommelier Smackdown dinner, aka Somm Slamm. On Wednesday, October 16, certified sommelier Michael Cregar brought his friend and First Course: Duck Consomme fellow wine distributor, sommelier Ben Eberlein to Sage; Duck pate; Crostini; the GPYC to compete in a second Somm Slamm, Roasted fall vegetables which is in fact a duel of wine pairings. Here’s how it all went down.

Second Course: Salad Lyonnaise

Frisee; Braised pork belly; Prior to the main event, Executive Chef Colby Soft egg; Fine herbs; Country mustard Newman summoned the two combatants to the GPYC to sample the five-course dinner menu Third Course: Wagyu Bavette he was planning. Michael and Ben took copious

Duck fat butternut squash; tasting notes and then turned to their respective Crispy brussels sprouts; Green peppercorns selections of wines for what they each believed to be just the right accompaniment to every course.

Dessert: Crème Brulee Croissant

Smoked maple; Sweet potato; Fall spice Amuse Bouche

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As for the wine, diners were presented with two flanking wine glasses to accompany every course, but as each wine was poured, right and left, no one knew which had been chosen by Michael or by Ben. At the end of each course a vote was taken and the winning wine declared. Michael and Ben then revealed their respective selections and explained why they chose each one. As the meal progressed, many diners found it difficult to select one wine over the other as each seemed to so beautifully complement Chef Colby’s excellent cuisine. But all seemed to agree they were experiencing the ultimate fine dining and learning experience!

Winning the smackdown, by just one course, was Ben, but Michael has already issued a rematch challenge. We hope it will be sooner than later!

Duck Consomme

MEMBER SCENE Salad Lyonnaise

Wagyu Bavette

Crème Brulee Croissant

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MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Sophie Sparkman, Gisele Bourbeau and Mallory McKeown

Children ’s Halloween Party

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MEMBER SCENE

Jimmy Haouilou Family

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MEMBER SCENE

Honoring and Remembering Those Who Served Our Country Veterans, Service Dogs are Highlight of Annual Brunch

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uardian Angels Medical Service Dogs was once again featured at the Veterans Day Breakfast on Sunday, November 10, 2019, in the Ballroom. GPYC member Mary Lamparter and Guardian Angels Michigan Regional Coordinator, shared the story of this amazing organization and the impact these service dogs have on their veteran’s lives. A group of Veterans attended the event and shared how their service dogs affected and, in some cases, saved their lives.

“It was a great privilege to have five Guardian Angels recipients and their service dogs as part of our program this year,” Lamparter said. “It’s always wonderful to hear about an organization like Guardian Angels but hearing from a Veteran about the impact their dog has made in their life is even more important. It was an honor to share the program with these amazing men.”

Guardian Angels, which was founded in 2009, has donated more than 200 wonderful service dogs with deserving veterans and others in need.

Guardian Angels trains for a variety of conditions, from mitigation of post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury symptoms, to seizure or insulin alerting, to mobility issues and more.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is funded entirely by donation and private grant support.

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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L-R: Susan and Harry Trout, William Johnston, Bob and Gloria Wiczorek, Christopher and Nicole Hilts and Joyce Johnston (bottom, center)

GPYC Member and Regional Coordinator for Guardian Angels Mary Lamparter

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Dianna Smith, Past Commodore Bill and Julie Storen, Cindy LaLonde, Dan LaLonde, Howard Smith, Past Commodore Ron and Priscilla Schaupeter

L-R: Kelley Vreeken, 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken and Brian Fish

GPYC Member and Regional Coordinator for Guardian Angels Mary Lamparter with the guest speakers/veterans

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Annual Meeting Focuses on Club’s Accomplishments, Plans for Continued Success

By Anna Swartz

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t the 2019 Annual Meeting, the message was clear. The GPYC is living up to its mission statement – “Continue to be a premier private yacht club, among the finest in North America, also providing high-quality family and social programs to its members.” Maintaining this high level of excellence is a joint effort between the management and staff, Board of Directors and the many member volunteers who are devoted to GPYC’s success.

This teamwork is perhaps most visible in the recognition of Blaise Klenow as Yachtsman of the Year, 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken as Member of the Year and Facilities Director James Stevenson as Employee of the Year. To read more about these awards, go to page 54.

Vreeken looked back on the many accomplishments in 2019 – all of which included great efforts from staff members and strategizing by the Board of Directors. He touched on GPYC truly being a “Club for All Seasons,” consistently sold-out social events, the rise of membership and decline of attrition, strengthening of finances and decreased debt, as well as the success of hosting the USODA Optimist Nationals. In addition, the Club was able to open its first-ever Fitness Center by relocating and renovating the Accounting Office. The Grog Shop also received much-need improvements and a new awning.

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Past Commodore J. James Morrow discussed the Member Survey Results, which showed an increase in member satisfaction in all areas of the Club (compared to the 2017 survey results). This includes social functions and dining, staff, atmosphere and appearance, as well as areas such as the Bowling Recreation Center, Marine Activity Center and Fitness Center.

Incoming 2020 Commodore Gary Gonzalez spoke about the Club’s continued efforts on high water mitigation and the Club’s detailed plans. Beyond high water, Gonzalez said an additional focus would be on much needed repairs and renovations to the clubhouse and grounds.

In addition, an important part of every Annual Meeting is the remembrance of members who passed away in the last year: John Colombo, M.D.,

Kenneth Gorlitz, Scott Hossack, Robert Liggett Jr., Richard Mertz Jr. M.D., Edward Palm and Peter Waldmeir.

Members who reached milestone membership categories were recognized. New Senior 50 Year Active Members include Bernard Cornillie, Christine Drummy, Thomas Gebeck D.D.S., Richard Manoogian, John Mertz and Irving Winkler Jr. Senior 25 Active Members are Alan Faber D.D.S. and Past Commodore Robert Kay. New Senior 30 Year Social Members are Past Commodore Kevin Granger, Dan Kachadourian and Steven Stefani.

At the close of the meeting, Wayne Wegner reported on the election results – Paul Silva and Richard Lueders were appointed as new directors to the GPYC Board of Directors.

Past Commodore Carl Rashid

L-R: Ellie and Anna Groustra

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: 2020 Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Christine Drummy, and 2020 Vice Commodore Gary Marowske L-R: Wayne Wegner and Michael Meda

L-R: Past Commodore Ty Totte, David Schaden and Paul Silva

L-R: 2020 Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Past Commodore Kevin Granger, and 2020 Vice Commodore Gary Marowske

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Yachtsman of the Year: Past Commodore Blaise Klenow

Member of the Year: Past Commodore Ilja Vreeken

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T

by Shelley York Rose

019 was a year of hard work and accolades for Past Commodore Blaise Klenow. Not only did he renew his involvement with Youth Sailing, this time as Regatta Chairman for the 2019 United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) Optimist National Championships, but he was also named GPYC Yachtsman of the Year for a second time because of his farreaching involvement with the event. In 2013, Klenow co-chaired the USODA Optimist Nationals with Past Commodore Sean Schotthoefer and both were named Yachtsman of the Year in 2014.

The award was presented to Klenow at the Annual Meeting in November 2019.

“I was truly surprised,” Klenow said. “My ears perked up when I heard the speaker mention the USODA regatta. I really wasn’t expecting this honor. I will say that it feels good and it’s nice to have my efforts appreciated.”

The Yachtsman of the Year Award is earned by members who have performed in exemplary fashion in yachting-related events as well as performance in actual yacht racing. GPYC General Manager Aaron Wagner said, “Past Commodore Klenow went above and beyond to make the USODA Championships a premier event for the Club.”

“A prestigious event like the USODA regatta enhances the reputation of our club nationally,” Klenow said. “It put the GPYC top of mind across the country and contributed to being awarded the Distinguished Club designation, a recognition coveted by private clubs. I’m proud to have played a part in bringing this national recognition to our Club.”

Klenow joined the GPYC with his wife, Carol, in 1998 and served as Commodore from 2016-17 after joining the Board of Directors in 2010. He grew up on Lake Huron in East Tawas and has been an avid boater his entire life.

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L-R: 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken, Past Commodore Blaise Klenow and Past Commodore J. James Morrow

by Shelley York Rose

he Distinguished Member of the Year award was established in 1990 to recognize a member’s outstanding service to the Club.

This year’s winner, Past Commodore Ilja Vreeken, exemplifies such service. Vreeken was dealt a tough hand last year with the record high water levels on Lake St. Clair and he met the challenge by focusing on solutions.

Vreeken spent many long days and nights at the Club making sure we were dry and fully operational.

Known for being direct and concise, Vreeken said of the surprise honor, “I had thought the Board was unanimous in our decision to award it to another worthy recipient – little did I know that they had other intentions.

It is one of the highest commendations the Club can bestow on a member and I was stunned to have been chosen. I can think of many individuals who are deserving of the award so I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition.” This is the first time in Club history that the award was given to a member during his Commodore year.

Vreeken was born in the Netherlands, comes from a family of boaters, and grew up with power and sailboats. He and his wife Kelley have spent lots of quality time together on the water and refurbishing their 1969 Chris Craft Commander.

Vreeken, Kelley, and daughters Kaitlyn, Pasha, and Skye all value their GPYC membership.

L-R: 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken with Director Bruce Knapp “Our Club is a treasure and I believe it elevates the cachet of the community,” Vreeken added. “I am committed to ensuring it continues to thrive for future.

MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Employee of the Year Facilities Director James Stevenson

By General Manager Aaron Wagner

T

he GPYC recently reinstated its Employee of the Year recognition, and the employee is acknowledged at the Annual Meeting each year. This is a merit-based award, and the GPYC Executive Team and Managers will annually nominate staff members based on their achievements and impact on our Club. I am pleased to announce that the 2018-2019 recipient of this award is Facilities Director James Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson has dealt with more than his fair share of issues this year with the record high water levels and an aging Clubhouse. He always seems to find a way to keep facilities operational. He has spent countless hours day and night monitoring and taking action against the threat of flooding and water damage. This coming year he will spearhead efforts to mitigate these threats as the Army Corps of Engineers are predicting even higher water levels than last years record high. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Stevenson.

www.gpoffices.com Private offices & Workspaces Available • Utilities, internet & light janitorial • Access to conference rooms • Presentation equipment • Mailbox • Access to common 18412 Mack Avenue printer/scanner/fax

Rob Crandall

Grosse Pointe Farms Cell: 313.720.8043 L-R: General Manager Aaron Wagner, Facilities Director James Stevenson and 2019 Commodore Ilja Vreeken

• Rear lounge area with comfortable chairs for reading/relaxing • Kitchenette • Wi-Fi and hardwired internet (high speed)

313.884.3526

MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Sheri Totte (middle) with granddaughter Mackenzie Bone and Julie Schuetze

Lisa Segletes (center)

Holiday Boutique 58

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Brenda Taylor with Carrie Calcaterra

Ellen Starks

Sue Vogel with daughter Liz Vogel

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Thanksgiving

Comer Family

Manz-Dulac Family

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Anderson Family

Wagner, Rader and Green Families

SENIORS

GPYC Member

WWW.JFMPHOTO.COM 313-882-5197

MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Comedy Night/ Detroit Doors

The Detroit Doors tribute band transported the audience back into the 1960s.

Comedian Mark Knope

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L-R: Scott and Marina Houghton, Gary and Kim Bill

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Evan Rutkofske, Randy Rutkofske and Ray Gennari

Christine and Bruce Knapp

L-R: Andy Anderson, Nicole Anderson, Lisha and Todd Kilgus

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MEMBER SCENE

Commodore Gary and Christine Gonzalez with Santa

Johnny Martin

Families gathered in the Rotunda for the annual Tree Lighting.

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MEMBER SCENE

Tree Lighting & Special Santa Visit Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

GPYC Celebrates 91st Commodore’s Ball

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ecember 7, 2019 marked the 91st Annual Commodore’s Ball at the GPYC. For Commodore Gary Gonzalez and First Lady Christine, this festive occasion was the celebratory kick-off of their Commodore Year.

Around 150 attendees joined the Gonzalez family for an epic night mixed with traditions such as the “Grand March with Introductions” of the Board, Fleet Officers and Past Commodores, as well as entertainment by the NewsMakers and a gourmet menu created by Executive Chef Colby Newman. This year’s menu included Amuse Bouche, Onion Soup, Winter Squash Salad, Surf & Turf and Tres Leches. The afterglow featured Mexican street food.

“Chef and his team outdid themselves,” Commodore Gonzalez said.

“The street tacos to finish the night were an amazing capper on a great evening. Thank you to all who joined us for this great tradition.”

For the event, the Ballroom was transformed into a holiday wonderland of red, green and white. Elegant, oversized ornaments hung from the chandelier, while sheer white fabric and lights draped outward creating a beautiful canopy. These touches, along with lace tablecloths and impressive flower arrangements – combined with the Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday décor that dot the Club each holiday season – truly created the perfect party atmosphere.

“Gary and I would like to thank the entire staff at GPYC for an amazing evening,” Christine Gonzalez said. “An extra special thank you to Barb Walkowski and Viviano’s for transforming the ballroom into an elegant winter wonderland! A final thank you to everyone who celebrated with us.”

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MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Nancy Fish, Treasurer Brian Fish, Melissa Bodmer, Rear Commodore Jason Grobbel, Christine Gonzalez, Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Kathleen Marowske, Rear Commodore Gary Marowske, Jennifer Winckler and Secretary Bill Dillon

Hostesses and ushers: Front: Anna Groustra.

Back, L-R: Henry Gonzalez, Elizabeth Groustra, and Charles Gonzalez

The Gonzalez Family

Front Row, L-R: Treasurer Brian Fish, Vice Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Rear Commodore Jason Grobbel and Secretary Bill Dillon. Middle Row, L-R: Fleet Measurer Joseph Haney, Fleet Surgeon Dr. Kevin O’Brien, Fleet Captain/Sail Steven Nadeau, Fleet Chaplain Walter A. Schmidt and Fleet Captain/Power Christopher Izzi.

Back Row, L-R: Directors Peter Beauregard, Bob Weiland, David Schaden, Past Commodore J. James Morrow and Bruce Knapp

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MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Past Commodore Bob Rader and Tom Stephenson

America’s Boating Club Past District Commander Michael Babiarz and Grosse Pointe Power Squadron Commander Joan McCarron

Amy Schaden with daughter Mary Schaden

L-R: Kristen Schotthoefer, Christine Gonzalez, Commodore Gary Gonzalez and Past Commodore Sean Schotthoefer

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Mary and John Kettler

L-R: Hollis Griffin, Jennifer Silva and Alysia Laethem

MEMBER SCENE

Edward and Taffany Van Rossen

A special custom commemorative ornament was given to Ball attendees.

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MEMBER SCENE

Katie Blake with her mother Jane Reinholz

Create and Cork L-R: Ashley Lepczyk, Mandy Van Natter and Natalia Franco

Rob Crandall GPYC Member

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Christmas Eve Brunch

MEMBER SCENE

General Manager Aaron Wagner with Tom Kliber, Elizabeth Kliber and Kathy Fresard

Arreola Family

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MEMBER SCENE

Taco Extravaganza

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he Taco Extravaganza on January 11 was a sold-out, fun-filled event celebrating our new Commodore’s heritage. The evening consisted of high-end Mexican food offerings; a trio of entertainment (mariachi, flamenco performance and DJ/dancing); and amazing tequila tastings.

Some members even joined the professionals on the dance floor.

The evening’s food consisted of pozole rojo soup, a Mexican trio of entrees (duck tamale, short rib enchilada, grilled shrimp taco and Mexican sides) as well as fried ice cream for dessert.

Shots of high-end tequila were offered with each course.

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

GPYC members including Vice Commodore Gary Marowske (far right) join the professionals on the dance floor.

L-R: Christine Gonzalez, Tricia and Tim Groustra, Commodore Gary Gonazalez

Fried ice cream with pretzel-cornflake crunch and orange blossom honey

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MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Erica Panagopoulos, Olivia Paluzzi, Christine Hurst and Elizabeth LaRiviere

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L-R: Amanda Vintevoghel, Tina Calcaterra, Chin Rivard and Gina Paschke.

MEMBER SCENE

Winter Blast

Tom and Renee Burke

Peter Panagopoulos won the evening’s coveted award for “Best Dressed.”

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MEMBER SCENE

Let’s Get Cookin’

Poke Bowl Demonstration for Three-Year Club Event is a Hit.

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earning how to create a delicious poke bowl was only one of the perks for the attendees at the late January “Three Year Club” event.

The attendees also relished getting to know other members who joined in the last three years.

These quarterly events, organized by Membership Committee Chair Marita Grobbel, include anything

Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

from a Detroit River Cruise to a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of the Club. All of them have been a huge hit, according to Grobbel. And this cooking demonstration by Executive Chef Colby Newman was no exception.

In addition to showing members how to create a mouth-watering meal, Chef answered questions and covered topics such as choosing the perfect go-to knife in your kitchen. After Chef ’s demonstration, attendees enjoyed the bowls and Executive Chef Colby Newman

then brought home fresh ingredients and a recipe to recreate the meal at home.

“It was so nice to see members lingering after the demonstration and just getting to know each other,” Grobbel said. “The Three-Year Club is a really special way to make sure our members are acclimated to the Club after they join. Our hope is that these events will make the Club all that more endearing and valuable to them, and that they will be members for many years to come.”

Ashley and Alexander Bill

L-R: David Parnell, Samantha Schneider, Linda and Mike Jozefiak

L-R: Susan Hubbard, Andrew Moxie, Mike and Erika Page

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MEMBER SCENE

GPYC Once Again Recognized as ‘Distinguished Club’ by BoardRoom Magazine

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or the second year in a row, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Club award, as determined by the annual Distinguished Clubs award program conducted

by BoardRoom magazine, one of the most respected trade publications serving private clubs.

club’s Member Experience, based on a proprietary formula: Member Experience equals: • Intangible Quality plus • Service Quality plus • Governance Quality plus • Facility Quality plus • Product Quality

“We’d like to congratulate GPYC for earning Distinguished Club status,” said John Fornaro, Publisher of BoardRoom magazine, “Special recognition also goes out to General Manger Aaron Wagner, as well as the club’s board of directors, its department heads, and entire staff for their efforts in providing an excellent member experience.”

Awarding Process For fine private clubs that operate at the highest standards, BoardRoom magazine’s entirely meritbased Distinguished Clubs award program uses a club-specific rating system that recognizes the club, its management, and its staff based on a proprietary criteria and evaluation process that distills and measures a club’s Member Experience. As such, the rating system used by Distinguished Clubs is different from any that has come before, and with it, the private club industry now has the means to identify the top private clubs based on the most important aspect: Member Experience.

As defined by Distinguished Clubs, “Member Experience” is that special combination of “Qualities” that a private club provides its members. It is not just the quality of service, or of the facilities, or of the product provided, it is also the quality of the staff and of the management, as well as the overall

The above “Quality Criteria” are more weighted on the three aspects of a club that provide the finest Member Experience and the things that make the club exceptional. Accordingly, Intangible Quality, Service Quality and Governance Quality are weighted most.

club governance they deliver. The most important quality, however, is the quality of the intangible.

While difficult to measure, the latter is comprised of those magic moments experienced, the members befriended, the memorable events and famous tournaments attended, as well as the club traditions, history, and heritage proudly recognized.

About The Distinguished Clubs Award Program Boardroom magazine developed the Distinguished Clubs award program to recognize and share – with the private club industry as a whole – what it is that Distinguished Clubs do differently, and to do so with the specific goal of improving the Member Experience at every private club, and thereby helping to preserve the institution of private clubs for many future generations.

Member Experience (as defined by Distinguished Clubs) The Distinguished Clubs award program is a thorough process that effectively distills and then measures a

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Joe Haney and Paul Mattes Sterling Insurance Group Wins $10,000 for Veterans

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ets Returning Home was awarded a $10,000 donation from Sterling Insurance Group through the 2019 Safeco Insurance Make More Happen Award program. GPYC member Joe Haney serves as president and principal of Sterling Insurance Group, and GPYC member Paul Mattes serves as vice president and principal.

L-R: Kellie Guinan, agency rep, Safeco Insurance; Sandy Bower, founder, Vets Returning Home; Joe Haney, president and principal, Sterling Insurance Group

Vets Returning Home is a nonprofit and non-government funded organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into stable lives. The organization operates a 11,000-square-foot facility with 43 beds in Roseville and offers services including employment readiness training, job placement assistance, disability benefit connection, legal support and life skills training. These funds were used directly

by Vets Returning Home to purchase a new van for the facility to help transport Veterans to VA offices and job interviews.

Sterling Insurance Group originally received $5,000 for Vets Returning Home through a submission process, and Safeco offered Sterling Insurance Group an additional chance to raise even more funds through social media support via the official Safeco Insurance Facebook page. Together, they were able to raise an additional $5,000 by having their story shared on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn at least 250 times over the course of a week to total the donation to $10,000.

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Member Luke Loeffler, a fourth grader in Grosse Ile Schools, drew this as part of his back-to-school summer assignment.

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LOOKING AFT

Surprising people, places and events from our past.

Before GPYC, What Was Here?

We are all familiar with the intersection of Lake Shore and Vernier Roads. But what was it like at the beginning of the 20th century? There was no GPYC clubhouse, no harbor, no Shores Municipal Building, no Osius Park. The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores hadn’t even been founded yet. The setting was largely pastoral: ribbon farms, the lake, a few imposing summer homes. Nothing but the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the clatter of harnesses and wagon wheels to interrupt the serenity.

There was, however, one notable landmark: a small, rather humble building pinched between the shore of the lake and a spur of the Interurban railway carrying travelers from Detroit to Mt. Clemens.

Vernier’s Roadhouse, as it was known, was located about where the gate to the Club is today. It was owned by Edmund Vernier, whose family roots went back to the original French settlers who populated

the shore of Lake St. Clair with their long, narrow farms. Vernier Road was named for this same family.

and Vernier’s new establishment continued to prosper. In 1911, however, the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores was incorporated, and the land Enterprising Ed Vernier was a good restauranteur, occupied by Vernier’s restaurant would be needed and his establishment was a welcome respite not only for a municipal building so the new Shores village for riders on the Interurban but also as a gathering government could hold meetings. So, in 1915, place for iceboaters, sailors and fishermen from the Vernier’s moved again, about a mile west down lake. To accommodate them, Vernier built a dock so Vernier Road. they could tie up their craft while they ate and drank.

That move likely put an end to Ed Vernier’s boating It should be noted that travel from Detroit to trade, although in the absence of a place to gather Grosse Pointe was something of an adventure in and socialize on the water, the boaters began to the late 1800s. Before automobiles, the trip was organize themselves into clubs with meeting places long and either hot or chilly, depending on the of their own. The iceboaters formed at least two season. Lake Shore was a dirt road just one lane organizations (see Dr. Stephenson’s essay on this wide in either direction. Fortunately, roadhouses subject on pages 12-15), while the powerboaters like Vernier’s were dotted along Jefferson Avenue to and sailors morphed into a yacht club. Membership provide travelers with food and liquid refreshment. in the new boating club was initially limited to Moreover, iceboating was an engaging sport back Shores residents, but the club’s charter was soon then; iceboats were among the fastest craft on earth, broadened to include yachtsmen from all the and Vernier’s was a welcome place for iceboaters Grosse Pointes and Detroit. The name of this new to warm up after hours at speed on the frozen lake. organization was the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

In the days before Prohibition, alcoholic beverages flowed freely and legally, and menu items such as And while that fledgling yacht club eventually rose fresh-caught fish, frog legs, chicken (and of course to rank among the nation’s finest, it can be said that popular Kling beer, seen on the sign in the photo, its spiritual inspiration began with drinks, food and which was brewed near the Belle Isle Bridge). They friendship -- the camaraderie of the water -- at a were all attractions that made Vernier’s a popular tiny lakeside roadhouse. Thank you, Mr. Edmund waterfront gathering place.

Vernier.

By 1900, Ed Vernier needed more space for his growing business, so he moved across Lake Shore Road and opened a larger restaurant with a small hotel about where the Shores Municipal Building stands today. The move from water’s edge apparently didn’t deter Ed’s boating customers,

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For more information on the early years of the Club, please visit the GPYC Centennial History Book, available at the Front Desk.

By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey

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