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138 Bashan Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, United States
860-873-8356 [email protected]
April 2021:  Message from Club President

April 23, 2021

Gentlemen,

I’m writing on a Friday evening to let you know of several exciting developments at our Club.

Our Board of Directors has decided to re-open the Clubhouse for lodging—with a key stipulation as you can imagine.  All lodgers, members or guests, must be fully vaccinated against COVID.  You may make reservations via the Club website reservation feature. 

The Clubhouse kitchen is available for limited use—coffee and incidental breakfast items, but no dinners or group meals, please.  We have purchased a hot plate and electric griddle that will handle most breakfast items.  Please clean up after yourself and do not use the commercial gas stove or the old electric range which is due for retirement.

If you are in the vicinity of the Club at dinner time, please support East Haddam and the local economy by having dinner at a nearby establishment.

Our Board has also decided to host at least one (and more if possible) outdoor evening meal, in the style of our traditional Friday dinners, and to hold a weekend daytime ‘cookout’ in the style (or substance) of the traditional Shad Bake.  The Board has turned planning over to the House Committee.  Volunteers are welcome.  Please contact Ben Cooley or Brian First if you would like to be involved in putting these events together.  There will be more news to come on this exciting prospect.

I learned late today (April 23) that the new docks for Martin Pond and the Moodus Reservoir lakeside will be here soon.  Our tentative delivery date is April 29, although that could change due to supply chain issues.  A shortage of floats is one of the odder consequences of the COVID pandemic.  Our dock vendor is experiencing shipping delays because their float manufacturer is behind on production.  I have been promised an update early in the week of April 26 and will keep you posted.

The new docks have generated considerable enthusiasm and generosity toward the capital budget.  A $5,000 member gift made the new dock at Moodus lakeside possible.  Another member issued a $1,600 challenge for matching gifts up to that amount for the Martin Pond dock.  One member (so far) has given $500 toward the match.  We are looking for $1,100 more.  The total cost of both docks is just north of $15,000.  Member support made it all possible.  Won’t you step up?

When I became your club president, I told you that membership would be my first priority.  We will soon welcome our 11th and 12th new members on my watch, bringing Club membership to 44.  The bylaws limit membership to 45.  With the Board’s consent, I am recommending a pause at 44.  Pausing at 44 keeps one spot open so that we have flexibility to act if a truly exceptional candidate comes along.

The Bylaws authorize the Board to establish a waiting list which we will do.  The waiting list encourages members to continue introducing promising candidates to the club.  It’s better to be first than last.  I know.  I came off the waiting list to join the club in January, 2001. 

Thank you for your support of our wonderful club and for all you do to make it a welcoming place of shared sportsmanship and camaraderie.  Make time to go fishing soon.

Sincerely yours,

Mike

Phone: 860-873-8356
138 Bashan Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, United States