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E-mail address:
bleyer@wmich.edu
bleyer@wmich.edu
| Cdr Gary W. Bleyer, S The 2010 Commander of the Kalamazoo Sail & Power Squadron |
Thank you for electing me to be your commander for 2010, our squadron’s 62nd year.
You also selected a fine group of people for the balance of the bridge, executive and other
elected committee positions. With everyone’s help, I hope to advance the accomplishments
made through 2009. . . continuing to add new members, getting people involved in classes and
activities, outreach into the community, connecting with other boaters, increasing the number of
Vessel Safety Checks and promoting Kalamazoo Sail & Power Squadron name recognition.
Lyn and I became members in 2004 after she took Boat Smart (now ABC) for the first time and I
took it as a refresher. Since then we have taken Seamanship and every elective course offered.
From our experience, we found that taking classes beyond that basic boating course was the
single most important step toward becoming active members of the squadron. The interaction of
fellow classmates and instructors helped create a feeling of belonging. A close, second -
important factor - was having other members reach out to us, inviting us to KSPS activities.
A third important factor was having members ask us to participate with event preparation or
committee work. It was like being brought into the fold. We were mentored and shown how to
handle the lines. Now it’s an honor to stand watch and hold the tiller.
I am asking each one of you to think about your role in the squadron. I am asking that you
volunteer to re-enlist as an active committee member, and do what you can to encourage new
members to become involved. Encouraging membership can be as simple as coming to the last
night of ABC class … or introducing yourself when someone new comes to a meeting or
personally inviting them to an event. Make them feel welcome and part of this group.
If you are not yet a KSPS member, I hope you will join us so you can enjoy the many
opportunities Kalamazoo Sail and Power Squadron provides. If you have any questions regarding
membership, don’t hesitate to call me, our membership chair Karen Strand (269-964-6690), other
bridge officers or any squadron member. Check the membership benefits link in our
website's navigation bar to the left.
You also selected a fine group of people for the balance of the bridge, executive and other
elected committee positions. With everyone’s help, I hope to advance the accomplishments
made through 2009. . . continuing to add new members, getting people involved in classes and
activities, outreach into the community, connecting with other boaters, increasing the number of
Vessel Safety Checks and promoting Kalamazoo Sail & Power Squadron name recognition.
Lyn and I became members in 2004 after she took Boat Smart (now ABC) for the first time and I
took it as a refresher. Since then we have taken Seamanship and every elective course offered.
From our experience, we found that taking classes beyond that basic boating course was the
single most important step toward becoming active members of the squadron. The interaction of
fellow classmates and instructors helped create a feeling of belonging. A close, second -
important factor - was having other members reach out to us, inviting us to KSPS activities.
A third important factor was having members ask us to participate with event preparation or
committee work. It was like being brought into the fold. We were mentored and shown how to
handle the lines. Now it’s an honor to stand watch and hold the tiller.
I am asking each one of you to think about your role in the squadron. I am asking that you
volunteer to re-enlist as an active committee member, and do what you can to encourage new
members to become involved. Encouraging membership can be as simple as coming to the last
night of ABC class … or introducing yourself when someone new comes to a meeting or
personally inviting them to an event. Make them feel welcome and part of this group.
If you are not yet a KSPS member, I hope you will join us so you can enjoy the many
opportunities Kalamazoo Sail and Power Squadron provides. If you have any questions regarding
membership, don’t hesitate to call me, our membership chair Karen Strand (269-964-6690), other
bridge officers or any squadron member. Check the membership benefits link in our
website's navigation bar to the left.
(269) 731-5601
