Annual meeting offers more than just business

By Christine Moore Skrocki, event host and GLCC board member

The Annual General Membership meeting this year started with a scheduled 2-hour gathering, but it extended to nearly three hours because those attending so enjoyed the company of their fellow boater friends. 

The group met in Frankenmuth, Mich. Oct. 18-20. The Friday night gathering was in the well-appointed Brahms room in the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center.

Participants enjoyed the food, but were mainly interested in catching up with people, whether new acquaintances or friends of 30-plus years with memories from past GLCC Rendezvouses or rallies. 

Frankenmuth was bustling Saturday with tourists enjoying the weather and the sights and sounds of this top Michigan tourist destination. 

GLCC members dodged the tourists and had a private experience within the Swiss Valley room of the Bavarian Inn restaurant. They found out how to roll a pretzel the proper Bavarian way, while sporting baker’s hats. 

The Board of Directors conducted club business away from the noisy crowds on the sidewalks down below. That was just the morning activities. 

The afternoon brought a leisurely one-hour narrated ride down the Cass River on an authentic riverboat, the Bavarian Belle. 

GLCC members boarded first, with their choice of seats on the second floor for panoramic views, great narration, and an opportunity to keep an eye on the captain (fellow captains’ and boaters’ natural instinct). 

The spirit of caring for and interest in one another continued into the evening as participants shared a family-style meal at the Bavarian Inn restaurant. The Alpine Room was rearranged from the business meeting set-up to round tables that would accommodate the influx of food that kept arriving from the nearby kitchen. 

This night was important for the GLCC. It is the time it gives awards to members who are recognized by the officers. 

This evening also saw the “Change of Watch.” Commodore Doug Jackson from the Columbus, Ohio area, passed his responsibilities to new Commodore Joe McKeown from Ann Arbor, Mich. 

The meeting also saw the election of the 2024-2025 officers and board members. Vice Commodore Craig Shantz was officially elected, as were the current Board of Directors to continue their terms for 2024-2025. 

Great Lakes Foundation Board of Directors includes former Commodore and new foundation president Doug Jackson.

                Also noted at the annual meeting were:

• Founders Award: Beth and Alfred Mansfield 
• William J. Kivell Award: Jim Caraway 
• Award of Merit: Dave Spencer 
• Plaque of Appreciation: Retiring Rear Commodore Thom Serafine

Afterward, members enjoyed a musician singing Sinatra music. 

Next year’s annual membership meeting is open to all. Location and time are to be determined.