I welcome all of you to the 116th year at Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. I am honored and pleased to serve as your Commodore for the 2002 season. I would like to thank this year's Bridge for their support: Vice Commodore Mike Kreutzberg, Rear Commodore Fred Schnoor and Fleet Captain Pati Arth. Thanks also to our Trustees: PC Bob Bahney, Jr., Steve Nagy, PP Jill Cooks, James Frederick, Paul Ladd and Richard French. Special thanks to Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Frederick. Welcome Valinda Vincent, Treasurer, and Bob Bahney III, Secretary. Thank you for bringing fresh expertise and ideas to PIBYC.

As members of PIBYC, this is your club. We have a great tradition here but an organization does not survive for 116 years without leadership and members who care. Changes do need to be made from time to time. With that in mind, new changes have been implemented this year. Would all members please welcome Cathi Schwind as Club Manager and Sharon Conte as Food and Beverage Manager. These changes will strengthen our club and give us added day-to-day management. It is our goal this year to increase revenue and reduce spending. We hope to achieve these goals by increasing membership and having a successful fundraiser. Our long-range plan in being put into effect thanks to RC Fred Schnoor.

As the season begins I look forward to working with the Ladies Auxiliary, especially during Jr. Sail and Swim and the Regattas. A fun year is planned at the club and on the water. The past couple of years has brought new interest in boating activities. VC Mike Kreutzberg, along with PC Pati Arth, have a great cruise-out season planned for this summer. As members, please enjoy our outings and support our social functions. Back by popular demand will be our Friday night dinners, hope to see all of you there.

A special "Thank You" to all of the Past Commodores, especially PC Reni Miller for her expertise and support and to PC Scott Buttrey and PP Linda Buttrey who introduced me to the club and island life. Thank you to PC Bob Bahney, Jr. for his island support. Thanks also to PC Steve and PP Jill Cooks for their wonderful support, island history (great stories!) and a cozy cottage to enjoy. I cannot say "Thank You" enough to our Editor and Publisher Linda Dettmer. She and her husband, Jim, help make us a first-class organization.

Put-in-Bay Yacht Club is proud to be the #1 club on Lake Erie and I am proud to serve as your 2002 Commodore.

- Jack Lain