"Every time I visit or even think of the SBYC, I am reminded of what a unique and wonderful place we have to do our boating, and to socialize. I personally have searched far and wide across much of the U.S. and never found such a fabulous combination of location, convenience, protected marina, and price. The cost to keep a boat at the SBYC is among the lowest on Long Island. As everyone knows, one of the ways the Club is able to keep the expenses so low is through the use of volunteers and Service Hours."

Not too long ago Fred Sterbenz wrote an article for the Chatter "The Best Deal in Town" stating "We operate a waterfront yacht club with over a hundred slips and a clubhouse but still maintain one of the lowest membership dues schedules of any club around. Until the other evening I was not quite sure how we do it. I believe I found the answer. Although the total number of volunteer service hours required yearly by the entire membership is 667, the Duty Officer recorded 1,338 volunteer service hours completed."

Over the last several years it has become increasingly difficult to get volunteers to do some of the necessary work around the Club. These are busy times for everyone, as we all seem to be doing more, more of the time. And even though so many of us are busy, the Club needs volunteers more than ever. The combination of higher expectations for Club amenities along with the physical aging of the facility, contribute to make a long list of things that need to be done. There are consequences of not getting member support, like having to close the club when we can’t get bartenders, or having to pay for services we need, which is very unfair to the members who do meet their obligation. In order to alleviate this potential unfairness, the Board is forced to impose penalties on those who do not meet their obligation.

And while service to the Club is an obligation for continued membership, nearly everyone has experienced the side benefits of their service hours with new friendships, camaraderie, and sense of helping to maintain and improve the Club. In fact, there are many members that routinely exceed their required hours due to their friendships and team spirit. As Fred Sterbenz stated in his article, "thirty-four people contributed 536 more hours than required to maintain their membership in good standing. Forty percent of the tasks performed for the Club were completed by these people. Give some thought to joining this special group in the future." It is really simple to complete your service requirements, and the actual required hours are quite low.

There are so many ways to complete your hours, ranging from bartending to spring clean-up. Nearly every committee is in need of volunteers, and all would greatly appreciate a call. In particular, there are some committees that could really use some help, as well as other functions. These include:

House Committee: Our Vice-Commodore, not only has the responsibility for the House, he is also in-charge of Entertainment and Special Affairs. The House Committee alone is more work that one person can handle. There are many areas that require assistance, so please contact the House Committee Chairperson or Vice Commodore.

Entertainment and Special Affairs: There are numerous functions throughout the non-summer months that require assistance and many opportunities to help. In particular, set-up, clean-up, and some shopping for the St. Pats Dinner (March 16th), the Easter Egg Hunt (April 13th) as well as the Fitting out Dance (May 3rd). There is also an urgent need for help for Opening Day. Please contact Entertainment and Special Affairs Chairperson

Bartending: There is almost always a need for bartenders. This is an area that the Club continually struggles with. It is a great way to get to know people, find out what is going on, and have a good time. And, it is easy. It is also a way to get your required hours out of the way before the summer season. Contact our Bartender Coordinator.

House Maintenance Committee: There are numerous opportunities to repair and improve the Club. Even if you are not particularly handy, you can help. Projects range from something as simple as painting or clean-up to installing a new door.

Grounds: Yard maintenance, clean-up, and this year in particular, snow removal.

 

There is always a need to repair something, help with an event, clean-up, or even help construct something new.

Completing your hours can be fun. You can meet new friends, improve the Club, enhance your boating experience, reduce our operating costs, and simply have a good time. Give one of the Committees a call, you will be glad you did.