Cheger-Timm happy to see more women leaders in GLCC
Cheryl Cheger-Timm
Current Boat: S/V Meretricious
Home Port: Bay City, Mich.
Joined GLCC: 1993
Joined GLCC Board: 2011
Title: Fleet Captain
Lifeline: Where did you go to school? What was your occupation?
Cheryl Cheger-Timm: I graduated from the University of Michigan with a double major in music education and performance in organ. I taught music (choir, guitar, and piano) for 31 years in the Saginaw Township Schools. This, of course, was incredibly valuable for participating in our sing-a-longs at Rendezvous and rallies!
I am a die-hard Michigan fan and even when traveling abroad, I plan my itinerary so that I don’t miss a single Michigan football game. Did you know that Michigan has one of the largest international alumni groups? I’ve met great new friends on trips to Paris, etc. Go Blue!
(Lifeline comment: this is likely NOT news to anyone who has ever met Cheryl. She wears her colors literally every day and boasts an impressive collection of Michigan attire and jewelry.)
Lifeline: Tell us about your boating ownership background.
I was buying a Freedom 28 when I met my husband, Larry, and he owned a slip. Voila! We have owned only two boats, both Freedoms. Our current boat is a 36’. Both have been named Meretricious. The 36’ is the perfect cruising boat for two people.
Lifeline: What aspect of boating do you find most interesting or challenging?
The most interesting part of boating is going to new places, exploring new ports of call and searching for outstanding local breweries - of course!
Lifeline: What attracted you to join GLCC in 1993? What have been the biggest changes since you joined?
We joined the GLCC in 1993 after speaking with John Winter, a GLCC member, in Gore Bay. The biggest change I have seen is increased involvement of women members in leadership roles.
Lifeline: What are the top 3 benefits from your GLCC membership?
As many have said before, the top benefit of joining the GLCC has been the friendships we’ve formed with Americans and Canadian boaters. This is what kept us as members for over 30 years.
The next benefit is the annual Rendezvous that provides specific purpose and destinations which led to us getting the Bayfield Award for significant cruising in all five Great Lakes.
Harbor reports, of course, complete the trifecta of benefits.
Lifeline: Best rendezvous/rally experience?
My favorite memory was from an annual Rendezvous Bilge Auction. For those not in the know, flyswatters are typically the No. 1 highest grossing item. We finally were able to get a flyswatter from John Winter, auctioneer par excellence. We still use it. It’s always funny how much flyswatters can go for at the Bilge Auctions!
Another great memory also occurred at a Bilge Auction. Our daughter, Xandra, was around 7, 8 years old and had sold handmade ties for zippers as a money-maker and donated a pair to the auction. She usually sold them for a dollar or two.
Mike Sutherland’s son, Scott, from Victoria, had bought some from her the previous summer. As the auction proceeded, he went up to the mic and gave a fantastic testimonial about how they had proven invaluable when he was in heavy weather as a life-saver in Vancouver marine rescues. At the bilge auction that day, a pair of these zipper ties sold for $70!
The annual Rendezvous in the Rous Islands was memorable due to a devastating storm that hit during our event. It was inspiring to see GLCC members helping each other and others and demonstrating the club spirit.
Lifeline: What is your typical summer cruising area?
We cruise for about 3 months each summer and typically don’t overly preschedule our route. We look at weather, consider where we’ve not yet explored, or wish to revisit and make or adjust our cruising plans accordingly. We didn’t this summer because Larry had a hip replaced. We are planning on being in Little Current next summer.
Lifeline: What keeps you occupied in the winter?
We keep busy traveling and cross-country skiing in the winter when there is snow. We visit our daughter, Alexandra, in Chicago quite often.
(Lifeline editorial note: Cheryl’s enthusiasm for everything she does for GLCC shines like a lighthouse. She is always one of the first to any event, offers to help in any way she can and is an all-around great ambassador for GLCC. Our sincere thanks to Cheryl for going above and beyond at this year’s Rendezvous. She took it upon herself to assist in obtaining prescription medicines for one of our members who did not have a car and needed the prescription quickly.)