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The
GROSSE POINTER
GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB
Established 1914
FEBRUARY-MAY 2020 IN REVIEW Published August 2020
ahee.com | 313.886.4600 | 20139 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods
BOSTON | 617.266.1710
MARTHA’S VINEYARD | 508.939.9312
PATRICKAHEARN.COM
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Anna Swartz aswartz@gpyc.org
Advertising Director
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Table of Contents
Editor
Publisher Towar Productions 19803 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 313.882.0702 www.towar.com
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A Message from the Commodore Welcome New Members 2020 Graduates
4 5 6-11
Person of Interest: Bill Plante
12-13
Role of Women at the GPYC
14-15
Tribute to Swim Coach Fred Michalik
16-17
Kim Towar kim@towar.com
Member Spotlight: Bob Wiczorek
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GPPS Donation
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Art Director Stephanie Lortt stephanie@towar.com
DAC Bowling Tournament
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Writers Commodore Gary Gonzalez Past Commodore James L. Ramsey Carol Stephenson Anna Swartz
Ice Eaters Minimize Harbor Damage from MI Winters
Photographers
Tom Franks Thomas Kliber John F. Martin Photography, Inc.
Board of Directors Strategic Retreat Culinary Staff Tours Family-Run ‘Meat Dreamland’
20 22-23 24
High Water Mitigation
25-27
All In This Together
28-33
GYPC’s Response to COVID-19
34-35
GPYC Offers Curbside Carryout and Virtual Events
36-37
First Members to Bring Boat into GPYC Harbor
38
Grog Shop Boasts New Products & Grab ‘n Go
40-41
Fundraiser for Palliative Care
42-43
Memorial Day Weekend
44-45
Snaps 47 Looking Aft
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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Y
Established 1914
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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 John F. Martin Photography, Inc. Member Lisa Segletes receives Curbside Carryout from Valet Director Neil Turchik
Great Music • Great Food • Great Entertainment
It’s not just a night out, It’s an Experience! The Dirty Dog is following state guidelines and limiting capacity to 50% for the safety of guests & employees.
Kindly call ahead for reservations.
313.882.5299
97 Kercheval • Grosse Pointe Farms DirtyDogJazz.com
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMMODORE
GPYC is a Sanctuary During Uncertain Times pandemic, our Club remains a place where we find sanctuary from the chaos of day-to-day life. Thanks to the dedication of our management and staff we have been able to enjoy most of the amenities that we have come to expect at GPYC. We can enjoy Chef Colby’s creations in new venues that provide safe distancing; tennis and pickleball are booming; and, as usual, the Gazebo Deck has been extremely popular. Thanks to our high-water mitigation project the Clubhouse is now wellprotected and dry. We have not experienced any flooding in the lower levels of the Club since the project was completed. This was critical given the continued record water levels in the lakes.
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n times of uncertainty we reach for things that bring us comfort and make us feel more secure. In a world turned upside down by COVID-19, one of those things has been the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. This summer we have seen incredible interest in our Club as families look for a place where they can enjoy time together by escaping the ever-changing environment we now live in. Thus, our summer youth programs saw exceptional attendance. Sailing sold out for the first time and is the premier program in our region. Day camp and swimming were also very well attended with our swim team once again rising in the ranks of MICSA despite only having virtual meets. While we have had to manage through the evolving rules of the
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This year the Harbor was over sold with many “floaters” using available space as our boating members took their summer cruises. The investment we made to raise all electrical infrastructure and place risers on “at risk” docks proved very successful. As a result, our harbor is fully operational and able to accept the many new members and their boats. While we worked to close old openings in our seawall to protect the Clubhouse, we also put critical infrastructure in place for future harbor renovations. This will insure we do not have to remove the new sidewalks and drainage systems when we begin the next phases of the harbor project. Looking ahead, the Preservation Committee will be taking a stronger role in the fundraising effort and supporting the long-term strategic plans for the Club. Aaron, his staff and the current Board
have developed a five-year rolling plan for facilities maintenance, renovations and future amenities that will be the baseline for future Boards to work with. The goal is to create a more consistent vision year to year with a fundraising plan to support it. The ever changing COVID-19 pandemic creates challenges in trying to write about future events that would typically be upcoming, but the Board and management continue to focus on being a Club for all seasons and creating maximum membership value. Therefore, be sure to keep a close eye on the weekly emails and announcements. We have a lot of exciting concepts that will be playing out this fall while we continue to work to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. See you at the Club!
Gary Gonzalez
WELCOME ABOARD
Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.
February - May
David Burns
Stephen and Sharon Freitas
John Paul Lucchese
Matthew Lucchese and Trinity Smith
Not Pictured: Wally and Carol Cross Robert Kaiser II Sophia and Michael Melhem Jr. Nino and Joyce Musitelli Reinstatements: Roger and Lynne Blaser Laura and Roger Eger Jr. Gregory Hacias and Rochelle Reeves Daniel and Julie Temrowski
Mathew and Heather Temrowski
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2020 GRADUATES
Honoring Our 2020 Seniors
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he Club salutes all GPYC high school and college seniors – both children and grandchildren of members. This group excelled under challenging circumstances and adjusted to altered and/or delayed graduation ceremonies and celebrations. Their senior year was memorable – for different reasons than anyone could have expected. They traded in crowded hallways filled with friends, beloved teachers and teammates for a quieter existence of remote learning during a Stay-atHome Executive Order amid a global pandemic. And, still, these seniors rose to the challenge – their achievements do not go unnoticed. Congratulations from your GPYC family.
Nolan Alexander Allaer
University Liggett School Attending Miami University School of Engineering “We are very proud of everything we have watched you accomplish. You are a self-starting, hardworking, responsible young man. You are a kind, thoughtful, honest, trustworthy, religious young man. We wish you great success in your college education.” Grandma and Papa Cooper (Proud Grandparents Lewis and Judy Cooper)
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Suzanne Marie Breen
Grosse Pointe South High School Attending Michigan State University “Suzanne, we are so proud of you! You are the end of our four-daughter legacy...We look forward to watching your bright future unfold!”
2020 GRADUATES Alyssa Li Brett Jones
University Liggett School Attending Marist College, majoring in Fashion Design “Alyssa is one of our life’s greatest blessings. She is smart, creative, funny and beautiful, inside and out. We can’t wait to see how her future unfolds.”
Alexander Jon Deimel
University Liggett School Attending Hillsdale College “We are so proud of you! All our love travels with you on your next adventure!” Love, Mom, Dad, and Sasha
Jared D. Demkowicz
The University of South - Sewanee BA in Economics with a minor in Business Jared will be attending Lee University in the fall where he will work towards his MBA and play baseball. “Jared, we are very proud of your accomplishments while a student/athlete at Sewanee and cannot wait to see you thrive at Lee. The Flames are lucky to have you!” With so much love, Mom, Dad, Dylan, Derek, Carly and Meggie
Madeline Dodenhoff
Grosse Pointe North High School Attending University of Dayton, majoring in Nursing “We are so very proud of Madeline Grace and all her accomplishments. Best wishes to her as she attends the University of Dayton to pursue a nursing degree. We love you.” Peter and Valerie Dodenhoff
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2020 GRADUATES Dominic J. Dulac
Grosse Pointe South High School Attending Pomona College in California “Congratulations on an amazing four years at Grosse Pointe South — graduating with honors, captain of the Cross Country and Sailing teams (and receiving the honor of All State in Sailing) and president of the National Honors Society! I’m extremely proud of you and your achievements!” Love, Mom
Grosse Pointe South High School with Academic Hall of Fame Honors Attending University of Michigan “With love and pride today and always!” Mimi and Boppa (Judi and Jeff Orhan)
Mary Margaret (Meg) Gleason
Julia Hudson
“Meg has grown up with the GPYC family, has made many friends and has a love for water and boating. She has been a swim team member from 6 years old, participated in day camp, tennis, sailing, bowling, as well as boating rendezvous.”
“With love and pride today and always!” Mimi and Boppa (Judi and Jeff Orhan)
Grosse Pointe South High School Attending University of Georgia, studying Business and Theatre
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Gwendolyn Hudson
Grosse Pointe South High School with Academic Hall of Fame Honors Attending the College of William & Mary as a James Monroe Scholar.
2020 GRADUATES Madeline Kate Schebil
Margaret Elizabeth Kelly
Attending Wayne State University Pursuing a Masters of Arts degree with a major in Speech Language Pathology.
“Margaret graduated from Grosse Pointe North High in 2013 then went on to Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame for her undergrad and majored in writing and graduated in 2017. We are so proud of her.”
University of Wisconsin - Madison Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Education Policy Studies
“Congratulations Maddie on all of your accomplishments thus far!!! You have excelled in a field you truly love and we are incredibly proud of you. We all love you so much and are really looking forward to having you home!” Love, Mom, Dad and the rest of the crazy bunch!! (Parents Jim and Carol Schebil)
Charles (Charlie) Matthew Schuetze Grosse Pointe South High School Ross School of Business at University of Michigan
“From Charlie’s achievements (Academic Hall of Fame (4.0+ GPA), Varsity Golf (including state championship team member), DECA International business competition qualifier/competitor, and co-President of Adopt-A-Grandparent club) to his funloving personality, quick smile, and zest for adventure, we are so proud of Charlie! We are thrilled for Charlie to join his sister Abbey (a rising U of M senior) in Ann Arbor where he will study finance and become the 11th member of our family to attend U of M.” (Parents Matt and Julie Schuetze, Grandparents Chuck and Judy Mathews)
Wayne State Law School Area of interest is Transactional Law
CJ Ramsdell
Graduating from The Undergraduate Ross School of Business at University of Michigan. He has accepted an e-commerce position with jet.com in NYC beginning in September. “So proud of my two Wolverine boys and all their accomplishments!!! Go Blue!!!”
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2020 MEMBER GRADUATES SCENE Charlie Ramsdell
Grosse Pointe North High School Attending the undergraduate Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in the Fall as his brother leaves! “So proud of my two Wolverine boys and all their accomplishments!!! Go Blue!!!”
Jack Sheeren
University of Chicago, graduating with honors with a degree in Mathematics. He will be starting a PhD in Pure Mathematics at Purdue University in August 2020. (Parents Julie and Chris Sheeren, Grandparents Susan and E.J. Eckert, III) “Jack, We are so proud of you. Excited to see all that God has for you at graduate school and beyond. We love you.” Mom and Dad
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Claire Sheeren
Grosse Pointe South High School Attending Wheaton College, majoring in Applied Mathematics and continuing her study of Classical Piano. (Parents Julie and Chris Sheeren, Grandparents Susan and E.J. Eckert, III) “Claire, we are so proud of you. Excited to see all that God has for you at Wheaton. We love you.” Mom and Dad
Audrey Lynn Turner
Grosse Pointe South High School Attending Loyola University, Chicago “Grandparents Bill and Lynn Turner and parents Ally and Bill Turner could not be prouder!”
2020 MEMBER GRADUATES SCENE Anika Nicole Vreeken
Robert F. Weiland
“Congratulations with love and best wishes from your proud family!”
“We are so very proud of your hard work and your passion for learning. The best is yet to come.” Love, Mom, Dad, Becky, Lauren, Ryan and Caitlin
University Liggett School Attending Wayne State University
Michael Alexander Williams
Detroit Country Day School Attending New York University Tisch School of the Arts, majoring in Drama “So proud of all your hard work. Can’t wait to see what you will accomplish! We love you.” Mom, Dad and Amanda
University of Michigan Bachelor’s degree from LS&A majoring in Economics
Abigail Wolschon
(Granddaughter of Carl and Marilyn Wolschon) Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, CA Attending Colorado State University “Abigail has been an active member of the Redondo Ballet Company and the South Bay Children’s Choir for many years, touring Belize and England with each respectively. She continues to explore her future career options with interests in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Environmental Sciences. We are so proud of all her hard work and look forward to watching her future unfold.”
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PERSON OF INTEREST
A look into the prolific life of artist and writer Bill Plante By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey
“Not a boy in the eighth grade could catch Ivanna Kavloff running home through the streets of Upper Manhattan. She was 5’9”, mostly legs, her stride was the length of a stretch limo. Maybe the pursuers kept up with her for a few yards, then she vanished on the wind. Why were they chasing her? Ivanna was beautifully skinny and funny, also French and different. She had lived in Paris…” — Opening lines from the novel She Conquered New York by Past Commodore William D. Plante.
Past Commodore Bill Plante at his home office in the spring of 2020.
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For most people, turning ninety is more millstone than milestone. But not Bill Plante.
him at first, he soon began to comprehend the grace of the human body and how to convey it in his sketches. With help from a mentor, Bill’s talent At an age when his contemporaries were resigning as an artist began to grow. Eventually sketching themselves to life in a Barcalounger, Bill Plante sat would lead to drawing and drawing would lead to down and wrote a novel. Then he wrote another. And oil painting. another. And another. And after suffering scores of rejections by indifferent publishers, he hit paydirt. Perhaps the greatest irony of Bill’s immersion in There he was in his nineties — a published author the arts is that he was originally groomed to be with six novels to his credit, all for sale on Amazon. an accountant. The son of the founder of what is With a short, burly build, a round face and a high now one of the nation’s largest accounting firms gravelly voice, Plante still walks with his weight — Plante-Moran— Bill interned under his father’s on the front of his feet, like the boxer he was in his partner, Frank Moran. With that profession firmly youth. He appears at any moment as though he in mind, he attended the University of Detroit, could uncoil a wicked right cross or counterpunch. where he earned a degree in Business. Had he But he’s way too nice a guy for that. followed his accounting destiny, Bill might have ended up fabulously wealthy, but not necessarily What does he write about? Everything. Mysteries of happy. Instead, he pursued what he loved. a sort. Events and images from a long and eventful life. Whatever his inventive mind and artistic eye About that time, the war in Korea erupted. Bill can conjure. In settings from Europe to New York enlisted in the U.S. Army, attended officer candidate City to Northern Michigan. school and soon found himself a second lieutenant. Lt. Plante was fortunately spared combat duty, due But that is neither the beginning nor the end of Bill in part to the fact he was an avid reader and spent Plante’s amazing creative journey. Long before he much of his spare time studying military history in started to write fiction, Bill’s passion for expression the library at Fort Benning, Georgia. His superiors found other forms. When he was 14, Bill’s apparently liked that and kept him stateside as an parents bought him a camera and film processing advanced infantry training instructor. Bill’s love of equipment for Christmas. Before long, a room in literature would stay with him the rest of his life. It the basement of their home was converted to a would also foster his desire to write on his own. darkroom and Bill spent many hours there printing and refining his photographic work. His discipline With the war at an end, Bill needed a livelihood, would pay off professionally years later. but he did make the easy turn to Plante-Moran for a job. He packed up his photographic work and After photography came art. As a young man, Bill showed it to Campbell-Ewald, Detroit’s largest enrolled in a figure-drawing class, and while the advertising agency. Campbell-Ewald liked what prospect of staring at a nude model embarrassed they saw and offered him an assignment. And with
PERSON OF INTEREST
successful career selling industrial clothing to General Motors. Shortly afterward, he joined GPYC, bought a boat, was elected to the board, served on the Harbor Committee and became commodore in 1976. As our 44th commodore, we have him to thank for helping build the south harbor, which nearly doubled the footprint of the Club. And ever the numbers-cruncher, he reformed harbor utilization so it was based on the size of the well not the size of the boat, bringing common sense and order to a previously contentious well assignment process. It’s a formula we use to this day.
Past Commodore Bill Plante with his late wife Shirlie Plante and son Elorion
that, Bill Plante was a professional photographer. One assignment led to another, and Bill soon opened a small photographic studio south of the GM Building in the New Center area. With a steady income to pay the bills, Bill Plante was ready for matrimony. He married his sweetheart, Shirlie, after a seven-year courtship; the two had met while they were students at U-D. According to Bill, she was not only the love of his life, she was the center of his life. Shirlie passed away in 2018. They had known each other for 70 years. In 1961, Bill sold his studio and began a second
Selling industrial garb was pulling Bill away from his beloved artwork, so he launched a third career in the photographic art business. Realizing that public exposure is the secret to success in that field, Bill sold matted and framed blow-ups of his photography in kiosks located in airports all over the country. The photos were purchased for display in homes, offices, hospitals – in all, nearly 400,000 pieces of artwork were sold by the time Plante retired in 1997. Restless in retirement, Bill took up painting. He painted everything— landscapes, still-lives, portraits — all vivid images and memories from his fertile imagination. And once again, to get the exposure he knew he needed to sell them, he opened an art gallery in the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. It was a popular attraction for RenCen visitors until the Center closed its retail outlets several years ago. When the health of his beloved partner Shirlie began to fail, and lacking space for an art studio in their apartment, Bill Plante turned to writing, which brings us to where he is today.
We were able to talk to him recently. Typical of the man, here is his unvarnished take on being an author: Q. Commodore, what are you working on right now? A. I’m down to the wire on producing six novellas [short novels] hopefully to be sold in airports under the title ‘Airplane Reads.’ Q. Do you write every day? How do you get started and how long do you write? A. I write 24 hours a day. I write and sleep, write and sleep, write and sleep. I can write as clearly at two in the morning as I can at two in the afternoon. Q. Most writers read to get better. Do you? A. I read all the time. Q. Who are your favorite authors and what are your favorite books? A. Amor Towles, John Grisham and Lawrence Sanders. A Gentleman in Moscow, Eye of the Needle and The Anderson Tapes. In that order. Q. Of the books you’ve written, which is your favorite? A. Her Red Cape. It’s about Shirlie. Q. What’s the secret of writing a good book? A. Don’t tell the reader; show the reader. Q. What advice do you have for aspiring writers? A. Don’t. It’s heartbreaking and doesn’t pay well. Q. Where do your ideas come from? A. I don’t know. I think you have to be a wild-assed nut.
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GPYC FEATURE
Trending: the Role of Women at the GPYC By Carol Stephenson
Trivia question: When did the GPYC welcome its first female member? Answer: 1927. Two other women were subsequently approved for membership in 1928 and 1929. Surprised? On the surface it looks like the virtually all-male membership was refreshingly ahead of their time. In truth, these were the years when the new clubhouse was being built and it seems highly likely they simply needed the money. The Great Depression led to the shutdown of the Club in 1935. From the time it reopened in 1938 to 1977, membership categories were constantly being revised to suit the times. Many of these categories included women, but were generally for widows or daughters of members and were often prefaced by the designation “Lady.” In the case of Lady Active and Lady Senior members, the right to vote or hold office was denied. In 1977 the GPYC board established the new category of Social Member, and the decision was made to invite a “safe” woman to become the first female Social Member, with all the same rights and privileges that male Social Members enjoyed. That woman was Jane Kay, now Jane Kay Nugent, who remains a member to this day, and incidentally takes great pride in having never compromised her views in favor of being “safe.” In 1983, Lady Active and Lady Senior members became simply Active and Senior members with voting privileges and the right to hold office. When the GPYC was established in 1914, can there be any doubt that wives of the founders had
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Photo by Thomas Kilber and Tom Franks Mary Treder Lang, who became the first woman commodore of the GPYC for 2009-2010.
Jane Kay Nugent was the first female Social Member at GPYC in 1977. She remains a member to this day.
been working alongside their husbands, helping to make it happen? Going forward, members and their families being involved in Club activities has always been essential to the Club’s success, but while those members were exclusively men, a great deal of behind-the-scenes work was being done by the women in their lives. In particular, much was expected from wives of board members, and being a commodore’s wife was practically a full-time job.
The status of women in society has been on the rise for many years, but the mothers of today’s young women are generally astonished at the changes their daughters are experiencing in just one generation. At the GPYC, nothing was more reflective of that progress than the election in 2010 of Mary Treder Lang as the first woman commodore of the GPYC. Even before that breakthrough, women members had been joining the Club in ever-higher numbers and moving into positions of leadership in essential committees. To name a few names: One of the most important Club committees, Membership, has enjoyed great success under the leadership of
GPYC FEATURE Photo by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.
Cathy Champion followed by present chair Marita Grobbel. The constantly changing and needed upgrading of communications is presently in the capable hands of Carol Klenow. Maureen Gleason has been bringing us all together chairing Social Activities, and somehow found the time to also be Swim chair. Doctors Marianne Channell and Lisa Manz-Dulac have served as Fleet Surgeons. In short, women are now contributing members on virtually every committee within the Club. But what about The Big One – the Board? Yes, Mary Treder Lang did break the ice as commodore, and in the recent past, two other women have come forward as candidates for the Board, but neither was able to garner the votes to win. There is every reason to believe that somewhere within our present membership is an extremely capable woman who would make an excellent member of the GPYC Board and an admirable commodore. She is waiting to be asked. (For more information about the early experiences of GPYC women, see “The Changing Status of GPYC Women” in chapter 8 of the GPYC centennial book, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 100 Years: 1914-2014.)
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GPYC FEATURE
A Tribute to Long-Time GPYC Swim Coach Fred Michalik From the Perspective of GPYC Member Jim Boutrous
Fred Michalik was a readily recognizable figure at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club for the more than 25 years that he coached the Sailfish Swim Team. While he retired after the summer of 2019, he left behind a legacy as a selfless, dedicated and compassionate coach and friend. Coach Fred is known for his personal 100 dual meet victory record, as well as his eight Michigan Inter-club Swimming Association (MICSA) titles while head coach at GPYC. But wins and losses are hardly what make this man great. Rather, it is his compassion, dedication to teaching swimmers the value of hard work and what it means to be a good teammate. He always taught swimmers to go that extra mile whenever necessary to make sure the job is done – and done right. These lessons and attributes help swimmers perfect their strokes, yes, but more importantly, they help them become better people. And that is Coach Fred’s legacy – making all those who come in contact with him better human beings. Mr. Michalik was always willing to give extra time to others. This was evident in so many ways, including with the special education students he taught for more than 30 years and the swimmers who put in extra time for Sunday workouts. Not to mention the many times he rushed to the GPYC at 2 a.m. when our state-of-the-art pool sprung another of its famous leaks. GPYC member Jim Boutrous is one such person whose life has been greatly influenced by Fred’s generous and hardworking spirit. “Like so many of us in the Grosse Pointe community, I had the privilege of learning from Coach Fred,” Boutrous
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said. “I began swimming with him when I was 14 years old. Now, as I celebrate my 50th birthday this year, I still vividly recall meeting Fred for the first time, anticipating my first practice with him as his reputation as a hard and disciplined coach preceded him. The reputation was true – the practices were grueling and relentless. However, like all hard work in life, it paid off. Fred made me faster, more disciplined, and paved the way for me to have a swimming career in college. And in the end, being associated with a man whose DNA was and is honesty, morality, decency and hard work made all the early mornings well worth it.”
Coach Fred will always be remembered by those he coached and all the Sailfish swim families throughout his years at GPYC. And he will be remembered at each Sailfish Swim Team Awards Night when the annual Fred Michalik Award is given to the swimmer who best exemplifies the attributes of its namesake.
Mr. Michalik also coached Boutrous’ three daughters Ava, Abigail and Genevieve, laying the foundation for their athletic and, more importantly, personal success. “I know of countless GPYC members who could tell this same story of how their family has been greatly and positively impacted by Coach Fred,” Boutrous says. When Boutrous discovered that Coach Fred was finally ready to step away from the Club’s swimming program, he was incredulous, as it wasn’t the first time “this will be my last year” had crossed Fred’s lips. “This time, I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice, and so we all had to say ‘goodbye’ to a Photo courtesy of Jim Boutrous true swimming coach legend,” Long-time GPYC Swim Coach Fred Michalik with daughters Laura (left) and Julie Boutrous said.
Photos courtesy of Jim Boutrous
Fred Michalik with granddaughters Olivia (left) and Gina (right)
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Bob Wiczorek Earns Prestigious Award from Grosse Pointe Power Squadron
GPPS Donates $5,000 for GPYC Renovations
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he Grosse Pointe Power Squadron (GPPS) awarded Bob Wiczorek the Clifton Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at their Commanders Ball in January 2020. The award was for years of dedication and service to the Power Squadron and was awarded by the Past Commanders of the GPPS.
L-R: GPPS Past Commander John Bennett, Bob Wiczorek and GPPS Past Commander Ron Utz.
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L-R: Mike Babiarz and GPPS Commander Joan McCarron present Vice Commodore Gary Marowske with a $5,000 check towards the Club’s front hallway renovations.
MEMBER SCENE
GPYC Men Claim Victory at DAC Bowling Tournament
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he GPYC sends a four-man team to the prestigious Detroit Athletic Club Annual Bowling Tournament every year, and the 2020 team was victorious. The GPYC team of John Seago, David Schaden, Tom Stephenson and Anthony Ventimiglia won the tournament by 135 pins. The doubles team of Schaden and Ventimiglia won the doubles portion of the event while John Seago finished second in the singles division. Private clubs from all over Metro Detroit participate in this event.
L-R: John Seago, David Schaden, Tom Stephenson and Anthony Ventimiglia
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Short- and Long-Term ‘Game Changers’ will Help Recruit, Retain Members By Anna Swartz
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he Club’s Board of Directors and General Manager Aaron Wagner attended the 2020 Board of Directors Strategic Retreat February 7-8 at the Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida. The group enjoyed strategic meeting discussions led by Gasparilla Inn & Club General Manager John Reecher, Past Commodore and Director J. James Morrow and Wagner. Wagner’s focus was on club trends, which included recruiting and retaining millennials. For this generation, amenities such as a fitness center are of the utmost importance. Wagner said that the GPYC Fitness Center, new in 2019, attracted 62 visitors during a one-week sampling. Many of those 62 people were millennials and visited more than once that week. Other important amenities for this group includes club culture, experiences (such as boat access, resort pool and niche events) as well as maximizing their time by enjoying their time at the Club. GPYC’s Board of Directors and General Manager Aaron Wagner at the “Most of what millennials want, GPYC annual strategic retreat, held this year at Gasparilla Inn & Club already has,” Wagner says. “This group says that a referral from a friend, family member Also, at the retreat, short- and long-term “game or colleague is the number one way to get them changers” for the Club were discussed. In the next to join. The key is providing value for the entire family. These families have virtually no free time, so one to five years, approximately $3 million in it is critical to create that time by offering amenities changes (as funding allows) would include items such as: they cannot find elsewhere.”
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• Club entrance/lobby/rotunda renovation • Outdoor furniture replacement • Fo’c’sle transformation • Tower Pub transformation • New windows and carpet • Fitness Center expansion • Resurfacing parking lot Longer term five- to 10-year game changers, costing an estimated $8.5 million (as funding allows), encompass the following: • Spinnaker renovation • Resort-style outdoor amenities such as cabanas, larger Gazebo Bar design (potentially including swim-up bar service) • Larger Harborside Grill design • Updated campus lighting and landscaping • Family Recreation Center building and shade plan • Completion of Harbor Project Lastly, a strategic planning presentation by Commodore Morrow discussed that, based on the 2019 member survey, the overall satisfaction rates of members has increased, with 86% in the Satisfied or Extremely Satisfied category. In fact, satisfaction rates have increased since 2017 (the year of the previous survey) in almost every single category. This is proof that GPYC continues to maintain its focus on adding and improving amenities that help both retain and recruit new members.
IN HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR
SERVICES AVAILABLE: • MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS WITH CAREGIVER FEEDBACK • TRANSPORTATION • PERSONAL CARE • MEAL PREPARATION • MEDICATION REMINDERS • SHOPPING/ERRANDS • LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING • LAUNDRY & LINENS • DEMENTIA SUPPORT & TRAINING BY REGISTERED NURSE • HOSPICE SUPPORT SERVICES Julie Temrowski RN • GPYC Member
Call 313.415.0663
or email temrowskieldercare@gmail.com www.temrowskieldercare.com
GPYC FEATURE
Culinary Staff Tours Family-Run ‘Meat Dreamland’ in Mid-Michigan Interview with Chef Colby Newman By Anna Swartz
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ou went to a pork factory in the Winter of 2020. Tell us about the factory and what made it a must-see destination? I would not say that we went to a pork factory, but rather a meat paradise. We went to Little Town Jerky (LTJ) located in the middle of Michigan just east of Cadillac in a tiny town called Falmouth. LTJ is a fifth-generation company that does everything from sausage making to operating a full general store that is one of the most meat-centric grocery stores I have ever seen. It has been a fully certified, federally inspected meat processing plant since 1994. When arriving we were met by the owner Mark Ebels who took us on a full fledged tour of the entire facility that ended with a buffet of meats and sides processed and made on site. Mr. Ebels is one of the most knowledgeable and down-to-earth men I have ever met, overalls and all! He explained how we were standing on the same ground that his grandfather started a general store decades ago. The family has expanded that role by now offering a very diverse line of retail and food service products. Did anyone go with you? (staff, vendor, etc.) If so, what was their role? Sysco is the company that made this whole trip possible. I brought my Executive Sous Chef Domonique Morsello and Harborside Grill Manager Carly Spaust. Sysco also brought two of their team members as well – any time a Sysco team member hears about LTJ, everyone jumps at the chance to make the trip. Sysco has a very important role in this relationship. Not only do they distribute LTJ products all over the state and beyond, they also are the supply for Certified Angus Beef (CAB)
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to LTJ to make some of their products like smoked prime rib and smoked pastrami. With such an amazing and vast operation, it was all hands on deck inspecting every inch of this meat dreamland.
Executive Sous Chef Domonique Morsello, Executive Chef Colby Newman and Harborside Grill Manager Carly Spaust
What was your biggest takeaway from the tour? And/or the highlight? The highlight of the tour was the processing of the pigs. While we were eating lunch a member of the LTJ team entered the room and asked us if we would like to watch the slaughtering process. They took us to a locker room where we received the right outfits for the occasion. As a chef this is a unique experience to get to see firsthand the process you must follow and respect. USDA always has an inspector on site to make sure every rule and process is followed. We entered the room and watched as six or so employees humanly slaughtered and broke down 60 pigs. I will not go into the details, but this process is done very humanely and precisely. We were all very impressed by the speed, cleanliness and organization of this process. It seemed as though these men could do it with their eyes closed. The inspector watched the whole time, making notes and examining the final products. Why is this trip important to your job as Executive Chef at the Club? This trip is a prime example of the right people making the right product. I really felt like this was a great trip to let my staff see firsthand a company that takes a raw product and turns it into an incredible final product. The first section of the tour was the processing plant, which was incredibly clean and well organized. They had many different animals that had just been processed and ready to go to their destination. We got to interact and go over different parts and pieces of cattle, pigs and even venison. We then walked steps further to see
GPYC FEATURE
a room full of employees breaking down quartered animals into smaller cuts for further processing. Attached to this room, which featured a glass window, was the meat counter for the grocery store. Grocery store customers could see all this work being done firsthand. Continuing the tour, the smoke chambers were next. The smoking section was impressive and busy. Large sealed rooms filled with rolling carts of meats ranging from prime ribs, whole chickens and loads of sausages. These meats were smoked with computerized recipes that controlled the amount of smoke and time, as well as the temperature. It was a very up-to-date and impressive smoking operation. They were wheeling in sides of pork bellies while we were watching, and, boy, did it smell like heaven! The final part of the tour was a group of employees grinding many pounds of sausage and making corned beef. We ended the tour with a sit-down lunch buffet with the family that owns and runs the company. The food was delicious and the company just as good.
We spent our time hearing family stories and getting feedback on products that we use and would like to see. It was wonderful to build a friendship and partnership that will have a long-lasting impression. What would you like members to know about your passion for knowing where your food is sourced from? We can make the best food in the world, but if we do not start with incredible ingredients and sourced items, then it will not really matter. Finding places that provide such incredible products is very rewarding and makes my job that much easier. The relationships that we build and the information we take away from these trips are priceless. I have yet as a Chef to ever regret making these connections. Little Town Jerky left a lasting impression, and I hope the taste of their jerky never leaves my taste buds! What a wonderful family and company. If you are in the area, please stop by and tell them I sent you!
Some of the offerings at Little Town Jerky in Falmouth, Michigan
Little Town Jerky has an impressive operation, including a room where meats, such as this pork belly, are smoked with computerized recipes that controlled the amount of smoke and time, as well as the temperature.
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HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
Ice Eaters Minimize Harbor Damage from Michigan’s Brutal Winters Each year the Club spends between $50,000 to $100,000 for Spring maintenance. This is due to needed repairs from harsh Michigan winters that often result in pilings popping up and shifting docks due to heaving ice. In order to decrease the amount of repairs needed each year, the Club purchased 200 Ice Eaters. General Manager Aaron Wagner describes them as “water fans” that will prevent further ice formation and melt existing ice. The $110,000 for this purchase came from the Club’s investment account. These Ice Eaters require very little energy to run and should last for at least 10 years due to the Harbor Staff carefully cleaning and re-boxing and storing them each year. “The estimated payback is $30,000 per year,” Wagner said. “This was a very solid investment by our Club’s leadership and Harbor Committee.”
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GPYC Rises to the Occasion with Completion of High-Water Mitigation Projects
HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
By Anna Swartz
W
hile Lake St. Clair water levels rose rapidly in 2019 to record highs, the GPYC’s response to the challenge was just as quick. The Club immediately formed a High-Water Mitigation Committee led by Past Commodore Ilja Vreeken, and plans were made to prioritize projects that would keep the Clubhouse dry and the Harbor functioning safely and at full capacity. The first action items: provide good drainage away from the building and keep electrical dry. This included stopping water from entering the Club’s basement and moving all electrical underground (instead of underwater on the sides of the building and docks). According to GPYC Facilities Director Tony Pry, about 90 percent of the water flow has been stopped by placing pumps – which run 24/7 – into the sewers on each side of the Clubhouse. All gutters on the Shoreline walkway and South walkway of the Club also now all drain into the lake. Along with contractors, the GPYC maintenance staff played an integral role in the completion and continuation of projects. Pry, who was originally hired in March 2020 as a short-term project manager before he stepped into his current permanent role in July 2020, says that staff helped by installing dock risers and raising dock boxes. Many of the other changes may be invisible – but just as important. This includes new underground fuel lines to the Gas Dock and the placement of new sewer and water lines. Another change is the elimination of parking lot flooding by installing pumps in the catch basins.
With the completion of these projects, the GPYC was able to donate leftover materials – 100 yards of sand, pea gravel and stone – to the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club for their community playground project, the newly re-imagined Tot Lot in Grosse Pointe. So far, the Club has spent just over $1 million to protect the Club from water levels that may continue to increase in the future. While this first phase of maintenance finished more than a month early, according to Pry, projects will be ongoing. Also, a new transfer switch will be installed to automatically switch on a generator when the Club loses power. The Facilities Committee continues to vette potential generators for load capacity. Despite the cost, the rewards are great for preventing further high-water issues and maintaining the high quality and functionality of the harbor. “Some local harbors are still in trouble and have a lot of docks underwater,” Pry said. “GPYC is appealing to boaters not only for its harbor, but also for the close proximity to the best shallow swimming spots on Lake St. Clair.” New membership numbers reflect this as GPYC is currently enjoying a 102% harbor occupancy rate, which includes a few “floaters” that aren’t able to have a permanently assigned well due to an overabundance of boats.
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HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
HIGH WATER MITIGATION
L-R: Commodore Gary Gonzalez, Kathy Marowske, General Manager Aaron Wagner, Vice Commodore Gary Marowske and Past Commodore Ilja Vreeken (in the background) show the true meaning of teamwork while managing a high-water issue at the Club in the summer of 2019.
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HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS
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GPYC FEATURE
All in This Together
I
n mid-March 2020, everyone’s version of normalcy shifted dramatically. The first cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Michigan, and an executive order from the Governor required families to stay home. Other than essential workers leaving home and others embarking on necessary errands, our dwellings became safe spaces in the midst of a global pandemic. But despite needing to keep their distance, GPYC members still found ways to creatively connect – through photography, vocal music, art, family bonding and more.
A mobile hospital unit was needed to mitigate the course of the coronavirus at the Gila River Community Indian Reservation in Arizona. GPYC member Harry Kurtz, president of Triune Specialty Trailers, and his company’s team of associates sprang into action on this “fast track project that was ordered and delivered in less than 30 days, utilizing a 53-foot expandable semi-trailer.” The fully equipped unit, which increases the Gila River Health Care’s inpatient department capacity from 15 to 25, was delivered on May 4, 2020. The Gila River Indian Community is the first to acquire a Mobile Hospital Unit for the treatment of Native Americans with COVID-19.
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GPYC FEATURE
The Schaden family had a “spirit week” with a different theme each day – one of which was Beach Day. “So here we are in mid-March wearing our beach gear in our foyer during the stay at home order,” Tricia Schaden said. “Anything we could dream up to keep sane!” Pictured, L-R, are Andrew, Matt, Tricia, Kathryn and Julia Schaden
A little extra free time allowed Terry Gutermuth to use his love of woodworking to machine a mahogany wood plank and make the burgee picture frames shown in the photo. The mahogany was ripped and planed with decorative routered edges. Then the corners were mitered, assembled and completed with a Danish oil finish.
Kelley Bidigare and daughter Meghan made a sidewalk chalk obstacle course in front of their house. “We loved watching kids, and parents, complete it on their walks,” Kelley said.
The three burgees include: · Grosse Pointe Yacht Club – The Gutermuth family have been members since 1996. · Bayview Yacht Club – Sons Erik and Brian Gutermuth learned to sail and race with the GPYC’s Junior Sailing Program and later became junior/junior BYC members to race sailboats with their friend. · Detroit Boat Club – Wendy Gutermuth’s family belonged to DBC while she was growing up. Monica Palmer sewed hundreds of masks with the GPYC burgee on them for use by the Club’s staff.
The burgee frames will be mounted in Gutermuth’s family room overlooking Lake Saint Clair.
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GPYC FEATURE Shelley Schoenherr vowed to complete one pastel drawing every day during the state’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order. “Every day since mid-March, then I have done an art piece to commemorate the day,” Schoenherr said in mid-May. “My studio floor is now covered with 60+ pastels. The images are an artistic daily diary of the past two months.”
What we are wearing to work these days... This is NOT dress down day!
First morning in the harbor
Sunset from South Wall
Thank you Blue Angels
While Shelley and Past Commodore John Schoenherr’s son Brenn Schoenherr is not on the front lines in the ER, this is his typical work “attire.” He serves as the clinical advisor and technician for Boston Scientific, on cardiac surgical teams implanting defibrillators and pacemakers in hospitals of Bergen County, New Jersey.
Fun way of making it through
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Puddles after umpteen rain days
Endangered species
My new mask
GPYC FEATURE
Past Commodore Bob and Susan Kay
Larry and Carol Stephenson
Past Commodore Jim and Marney Ramsey
Past Commodore Mark and Judy Weber
Past Commodore Jim and Marney Ramsey began organizing regular Friday evening tailgate hangouts at the GPYC – ordering curbside carryout and then enjoying the camaraderie of friends.
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GPYC FEATURE
Professional photographer John F. Martin took a series of “porchraits” as a unique way to capture families during this time. All proceeds were used to buy meals for front line workers and homeless shelters. Above is the Wood family of Grosse Pointe Park. Below is the Klaasen family, GPYC members.
While staying home and staying safe, Marla Haller was part of a global singing event. A virtual choir — a huge undertaking for Composer Eric Whitacre — was started to offer a gentle song of hope for those who most needed to hear it. “More and more singers kept joining from around the world. At the deadline there were 17,562 singers from 129 countries who joined together,” Haller said. “It became a supportive community for many who were going through difficult times. This was an amazing project, and it will be wonderful to see and hear it when it all comes together as one voice. It’s going to be magical.” To listen to the final version of the song, go to: https://youtu.be/InULYfJHKI0 or go to YouTube and search for “Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 6: Sing Gently.”
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GPYC FEATURE
New Legacy Member Matthew Lucchese proposed to his now-fiancĂŠ Trinity Smith at the GPYC on May 30. Matthew had told Trinity that they would be attending a social distancing cocktail party to meet the Board for a candidate reception. She was incredibly surprised when no one else was at the Club, and Matthew got down on one knee. Congrats, Matthew and Trinity!
The Lang family celebrated Paul’s birthday with a family get together Up North at their cottage. The theme was Dulangs Clam Bake. Pictured are, L-R, JP Lang, Past Com. Mary Treder Lang, son-in-law Elliot Shafer, grandson Thomas Shafer, Killeen Shafer, Shannon Lang and Paul Lang.
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CLUB NEWS
GPYC’s Response to COVID-19: Supporting Its Community, Members and Employees
T
he Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s (GPYC) response to the initial outbreak of COVID-19 included showing appreciation and support for its community, members and employees. First and foremost, the GPYC wanted to show its appreciation for all of the country’s essential workers. On April 15, the GPYC donated and delivered 250 meals to Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. The meals were prepared by the Club’s kitchen staff, and the funds for the food were donated by a group of GPYC members. The Club also has a supportive banner on display on the fence by Lake Shore Road. It reads “Not All Heroes Wear a Cape. Thank You to All Front Line Workers.” The banner includes photos of a police officer, a grocery store employee, a fireman, postal worker and healthcare professionals. The Club partnered with local business Towar Productions to have the banner created.
“Happy Hour,” where one of the Club’s bartenders demonstrated how to make various cocktail recipes via Zoom. To thank members during this difficult period, the Club’s Board offered all members spending food and beverage credits for the months of April and May.
GPYC donated and delivered 250 meals to Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit.
Another important part of the GPYC’s mission during this time is to take care of its employees. Just like most businesses in the area, the Club had to lay off most of its employees during March, April and May — many of whom need to be on the property to complete their job. To ease the stress of these layoffs, the GPYC made the commitment to continue health care coverage for its full-time employees (anyone working 32 hours or more per week). As for its members, the GPYC connected with them by offering Curbside Carryout starting in April. GPYC members also enjoyed virtual events such as
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Commodore Gary Gonzalez (left) delivering meals to Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit.
CLUB NEWS
GPYC partnered with local business Towar Productions to have the banner created.
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MEMBER SCENE
GPYC Offers Curbside Carryout & Virtual Events to Continue Member Engagement During Pandemic
T
he arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic left the Club without the ability to connect with members in the traditional ways – faceto-face at social events, at the annual Easter and Mother’s Day brunches or simply while dining or bowling at the Club. While nothing could replace the traditional GPYC experience, Club management found special ways to continue member engagement. One way that the Club did this was by offering Curbside Carryout starting in early April. Executive Chef Colby Newman crafted a special menu, which included wines and a “Build Your Own Butcher” package from Fairway Packing Co. Members simply drove up to the front door, and a GPYC team member delivered their order right to their vehicle. During the weeks while the Club remained closed, free contactless delivery was provided to members by the Valet Staff. The Curbside Carryout Program proved to be an incredible success, which is why the service continued for awhile even after the Club reopened in June. Virtual events — such as weekly Happy Hours via Zoom with Bartender Kishor Oza and a Fried Rice Cooking Demonstration with Executive Chef Colby Newman– were other important ways that GPYC helped members connect with not just the Club but their fellow members.
L-R: Kathryn, Julia and Andrew Schaden participate in the Fried Rice Cooking Demonstration by Executive Chef Colby Newman.
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MEMBER SCENE
Executive Chef Colby Newman at the virtual Fried Rice Cooking Demonstration
Bartender Kishor Oza created specialty cocktails during an ongoing series of Friday evening Happy Hours via Zoom.
Past Commodore Bill Vogel picks up a bottle of wine from Food and Beverage Director Joe Hooge. Members join in for the cooking demonstration via Zoom.
GPYC culinary staff members were dedicated to providing excellent Curbside Carryout to members. L-R: Lee Pregizer (Pantry), Executive Chef Colby Newman, Expeditor Matthew Stocker, Sous Chef John Moore, Banquet Cook Linda Dona and Broiler Cook Danny Spivey
Meghan Bidigare follows along with Chef Colby’s demonstration.
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MEMBER SCENE
Alex & Ashley Bill’s Boat is First to Arrive in GPYC Harbor for 2020
H
aving the first boat to dock in the GPYC Harbor is always something to celebrate – but in 2020, even more so. On Saturday, April 4, Dr. Alex and Ashley Bill claimed bragging rights for being the first GPYC members to bring their boat into the Harbor. In their case – a 21-foot 1989 Donzi named Motorhead at South Wall 30. Harboring their boat was quite a feat, considering the restrictions set forth by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer during the state’s Stay Safe, Stay Home executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many members were unable to retrieve their boats from storage on time due to boatingrelated businesses not being considered essential by the State. Others had a more challenging dilemma of having their boat moved from Canada, due to the border being closed to U.S. citizens.
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CLUB NEWS
Grog Shop Boasts New Products, Grab ‘n’ Go Options
T
he Grog Shop may have received a facelift in 2019 with a new awning and freshly painted interior, but the changes haven’t stopped there. Grog Shop Manager Jennifer Benoit has focused on mixing newly discovered products in with the traditional favorite apparel pieces and items. “One thing I have been trying to focus on this year is bringing fun, new items to the Grog Shop,” Benoit said. “I talked with different members about requesting new products and am trying to make them happen the best I can!” For instance, the shop now sells a fish fly apparel line that was presented to the Club by a local artist. This product is unique to the Club and has everything from napkins and hats, to adult polos and kids’ t-shirts. In addition, the Grog Shop has incorporated a variety of new food items for the Grab ‘n’ Go section this year. “Sous Chef John Moore and the rest of the culinary team have dedicated their time to make sure we are fully stocked,” Benoit says. Even when the boats leave the harbor and the shop closes for the colder months, the new online Grog Shop Store allows for purchases to be made all year round. To visit the site, go to https://grogshop.gpyc.org/
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Helly Hansen men’s swim trunks
This fish fly hat, new for 2020, comes in khaki and white
Under Armour women’s peplum shirt
Kids’ t-shirt
CLUB NEWS
Men’s Under Armour performance polo in kelly green
A selection of the children’s apparel options at the Grog Shop
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PHILANTHROPY
Fundraiser for Palliative Care Goes Virtual, Still Raises Almost $40k GPYC is 2020 Premier Sponsor
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BY Anna Swartz
raised went directly to the Palliative Care program. “Beyond this significant impact, the connections, community, and joy of the day were priceless,” Claire said. “It was so amazing to watch the community come together to support Palliative Care. I had a vision for race day, and the reality was so much greater than I could have ever imagined it to be.”
n its second year, the Run, Walk n Roll 5K raised $38,716 in the spring of 2020 for the Palliative Care Program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. This is an impressive feat considering that it took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and all fundraising had to take place virtually. Despite these challenges, the initial fundraising goal was surpassed by more than $15,000, thanks to the support of many generous community sponsors.
The success from the 2019 fundraiser enabled the Sheeren family to start the dedicated Elizabeth’s Courage Fund within Michigan Medicine to support Palliative Care at Mott.
The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club (GPYC) served as the event’s Premier Sponsor with a $2,500 donation. Run, Walk n Roll came about because of a GPYC family, the Sheerens, who needed Palliative Care for their daughter Elizabeth. In the midst of this difficult time, Chris and Julie Sheeren’s younger daughter Claire found an opportunity to make a positive impact. “Fellow GPYC member Audrey Turner and I came up with the concept of this fundraising event after seeing the difference Palliative Care made directly for my family,” Claire says. “My older sister Elizabeth has a complex, progressive, and incurable immune disease and spent most of her senior year Photo courtesy of the Sheeren family in the hospital in 2018, as her health was declining. GPYC Members Chris and Julie Sheeren with daughters Claire (left) and Elizabeth (right) She greatly benefitted from the work of the Palliative Care team at Mott during that time, and it nausea, minimizing hospital stays, and supporting continues to be a driving force in her care. Because the emotional needs of the child and family. of this impact, we wanted to give back.” Palliative Care works alongside other medical teams in the hospital system, with a focus on improving the quality of life of patients with chronic and/or terminal diseases. It takes a holistic approach focused on patient comfort that includes reducing pain and
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At last year’s inaugural event, more than 550 registered participants and approximately 50 working volunteers were able to raise over $46,000 for Palliative Care. Due to the support of sponsors, underwriters, and in-kind donations, all the money
Funds from the 2019 event supported several uplifting programs at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, such as a massage therapy program that helps patients and families cope with the stress of a hospital stay. Proceeds also supported the work of Fawn, a therapy dog who helps to comfort and cheer up families. Another portion of last year’s donations helped nurses and social workers provide interactive games and toys, as well as art and music therapy as part of the Palliative Care Home Program. “This year, we are looking forward to supporting programs that can make a difference for families going through difficult times,” Claire says. “We are especially focused on providing assistance to families challenged by the current COVID-19 pandemic.” While the fundraiser formally ended in May, donations can still be sent directly to Elizabeth’s Courage Fund by going to this link: https://victors.us/ecf2020
PHILANTHROPY
Photo courtesy of the Sheeren family The 2019 Run, Walk n Roll event
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MEMBER SCENE
Photos by John F. Martin Photography, Inc.
Commodore Gary Gonzalez addresses the audience while General Manager Aaron Wagner broadcasts the ceremony via Zoom. Also pictured to the left is Vice Commodore Gary Marowske.
Memorial Day Wayne Wegner
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Blessing of the Fleet
GPYC Board and Fleet Officers
Reverend Walter Schmidt
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MEMBER SCENE
Fishing Rodeo
M
ore than 25 GPYC children participated in the annual Memorial Day Fishing Rodeo. According to Harbormaster Alex Turner, who managed the event, fish such as perch, smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish and rock bass are caught at these annual rodeos. A fish species chart allowed everyone to identify their catch. Afterwards, participants received fun prizes such as Barbies and kick balls.
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Van Natter family
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Housekeeping Director Heather Matthews captured this early morning sunrise at the Club.
GPYC Member Sheri Totte caught six wahoo in the Florida Keys. Wahoo are the most difficult fish to catch in the Keys, as they swim up to 50 mph. Photo courtesy of Past Com. Ty Totte
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LOOKING AFT
Surprising people, places and events from our past.
Clarence Ayres: Our Ill-Fated Visionary Of all the optimists, movers and shakers who shaped our club in the Roaring Twenties, one name stands out.
compelling presence. He was also a man of taste. His home on Lake Shore, north of where the Club would be built, was an architectural gem that today is the proud possession of Past Com. John and Mrs. Clarence L. Ayres was a successful attorney and Marlene Boll. Clarence Ayres resided happily there insurance executive who owned a prominent building from the late 1920s into the 1930s with his second in downtown Detroit where his firm, the American wife, Ida, and their daughter, Constance. Insurance Company, was headquartered. Mr. Ayres lived large and dreamed even larger. His Because of his prominence, Clarence Ayres was an circle of friends included the cream of Detroit-area influential early member of our club, though it was society including Ford Motor Company President mostly a paper organization at the time. As ideas Edsel Ford I, whom he successfully proposed for for the creation of a clubhouse and harbor began membership and then commodore at the young club. to take shape, Ayres was an enthusiastic supporter. Well-attired and good-looking, Ayres was a Typical of the man, he believed the new club should be second to none in the country. Not everyone agreed with him. As so often happens, there were two opposing sides to the issue — a conservative mind-set and a progressive one. The conservatives wanted, as it were, to build a church, a modest chapel in which to congregate. The progressives envisioned a cathedral that would rock the world, cost be damned. Clarence Ayres championed a cathedral. When debate among Club planners showed signs of stalling the program, Ayres used his influence — and no doubt his powers of salesmanship — to push the process back on track. As an incentive, he even purchased a large piece of land on the lake at Vernier and Lake Shore Roads and offered to sell it to the Club at no profit, on whatever repayment terms the Club desired. That piece of land, together with an adjoining parcel that could be leased from the Shores, would provide the lakefront property needed for the massive new yacht club.
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In the end, the cathedral advocates prevailed. The new club would be, in the words of its planners, “the finest in the world.” It was a decision that would significantly reshape the character of the Club, from a group of boaters to an elite social organization. Clarence Ayres immediately volunteered to serve on the building committee. He would see the completion of the clubhouse in 1929 and donate the sculpture Rhythm of the Waves that stands today above the fountain in the Rotunda. Mr. Ayres also served on the Club’s board of directors and rose to the rank of Rear Commodore That was seemingly the high point of Ayres’ life. The Great Depression hit three months after the clubhouse opened, and Ayres was a victim of the ensuing economic collapse. He gave up his home on Lake Shore and moved to a humble dwelling on Neff in the City. After losing his insurance company, he migrated to a small border town in Texas, where he died in 1941. He was sixty-seven years old. Gone, but not forgotten. The Yacht Club board of directors ordered the Club flag flown at half-mast on the news of his passing and posthumously made him an honorary lifetime member of the Club. Thanks to his influence in the Gilded 1920s, we are the club we are today. For more information on the early years of the Club, go to the GPYC History Book, available at the Reception Desk.
By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey
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