Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 (313) 884-2500 www.gpyc.org
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As we turn the page to February, it’s impossible not to be captivated by this month’s stunning cover photo, captured by the talented John F. Martin Photography. This breathtaking sunset reminds us of the serene beauty that surrounds the Club—even in the heart of winter.
While the chill of the season lingers, the warmth of camaraderie and activity at the Club is stronger than ever. Be sure to check The Weekly Buzz for details on upcoming events you won’t want to miss. From special dining experiences to fun social gatherings, there’s always something happening to brighten your winter days.
Additionally, now is the perfect time to secure your advertising space in the Grosse Pointer! With a reach of over 750 members, it’s an exceptional opportunity to showcase your business to fellow members and expand your connections within the GPYC network. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact me at jbenoit@gpyc.org. Don’t delay—space is limited, and we’d love to feature your business!
Wishing you a February filled with warmth, laughter, and the joys of being part of the GPYC family.
Jennifer Benoit Marketing Director
Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Officers
Fleet Officers
Commodore Robert V. Weiland
Dr. Robert G. Hubbard, Fleet Captain Power
Vice Commodore David M. Schaden
Dr. John T. Seago, Fleet Captain Sail
Rear Commodore Bruce G. Knapp
Commodore's Corner
Treasurer Michael J. Sobolewski
Rev. Walter A. Schmidt, Fleet Chaplain Mark E. Hauck, Fleet Measurer
Secretary Kurt J. Saldana
Com. Sean M. Schotthoefer, Fleet Quarter Master
Dr. Wendy A. Lucid, Fleet Surgeon
Directors
Peter G. Beauregard
Peter T. Gleason
Mark E. Hauck
Front Desk (313) 884-2500 frontdesk@gpyc.org
Christopher Izzi
Editorial
Dr. Kevin M. O'Brien
Information for this publication should be submitted to:
Michael A. Page
William S. Turner
Marketing Director – Jennifer Benoit jbenoit@gpyc.org
Fleet Officers
The holiday season is behind us, and the winter months are upon us. Our Winter Blast event was a tremendous success, showcasing our own version of Olympic competitions and celebrations! Additionally, the Rendezvous Reception has inspired many of us to start planning our boating season in detail. Boat well bidding is underway, with a few prime wells still available for those who do not currently have a boat in our harbor or are looking to bring in a second boat.
Staff Emails
Paul D. Kelly, Fleet Captain Power
Robert D. Eger, Fleet Captain Sail
Dr. Michele G. Ramsdell, Fleet Surgeon
General Manager – Aaron Wagner awagner@gpyc.org
Rev. Walter A. Schmidt, Fleet Chaplain
Douglas W. Manix, Fleet Measurer
Assistant General Manager – Sean Brown sbrown@gpyc.org
While many members take a break from the cold by traveling south for weeks or months, those of us staying in town have plenty to enjoy at the Club. From February 19 to March 25, we will have a limited service period to allow staff and our facilities committee to address various maintenance and update needs. During this time, food and beverage service will continue, so be sure to check The Weekly Buzz for details. We also have reciprocity arrangements with several area clubs to provide additional dining options. While food services will be limited, the Club will remain open! Our goal is to balance service for our members with the need to manage our budget effectively during slower months. Bowling, trap shooting, and the Fitness Center will remain open and available throughout this period.
Michael D. Riehl, Fleet Quarter Master
Chief Financial Officer – Jim DeMasse jdemasse@gpyc.org
Committee Chairs
Thomas Stephenson, Bowling
Membership Director – Alexa Coole acoole@gpyc.org
Marketing Director – Jennifer Benoit jbenoit@gpyc.org
Treasurer Michael Sobolewski, Bylaws & Centennial
Robert Eger, DRYA
Commodore Robert Weiland, Executive
Graphic Designer – Heather Shock hshock@gpyc.org
Director Christopher Izzi, Facilities
Your Board of Directors is exploring a new member incentive program for the spring. A growing club is a healthy club, enabling us to expand services and address capital needs. The Board will soon dedicate a weekend to reviewing and updating the Club’s Strategic Plan, including the draft campus-wide facilities plan prepared by the McMahon Group. This multiyear process will lead up to our clubhouse’s 100-year anniversary in 2029, with ample opportunities for members to review and provide input. Membership feedback from the annual survey will also be incorporated into our "Anchors in Action" initiative, which will be shared with the membership.
Christopher Sheeren, Finance
Human Resources Director – Gregory Martini gmartini@gpyc.org
Anthony Ventimiglia, Fitness & Wellness
Edward & Taffany Van Rossen, Fleet Review
Food & Beverage Director – Heather Aldrich haldrich@gpyc.org
James Mestdagh, Foundation
Director of First Impression – Kaylee Gerniski kgerniski@gpyc.org
Scott Bade, Golf - Men's Marney Ramsey, Golf - Women's Director Michael Page, Harbor
Executive Chef – Eric Voigt evoigt@gpyc.org
Joseph Schaden, Heritage
The Membership Activities Committee, led by Taffany Van Rossen, is working hard to plan a full schedule of events for all members. Upcoming highlights include a fantastic Spring Getaway to Charleston, the always-popular St. Patrick’s Day party, engaging speaker presentations, and much more. Stay tuned in The Weekly Buzz and other Club publications for updates and details.
Vice Commodore David Schaden, House
Past Commodore Carl Rashid Jr, Legal
Harbor Master – Alex Turner aturner@gpyc.org
Our staff and committees are also finalizing preparations for the summer programs. The swim team, sailing, and day camp programs remain extremely popular. Keep an eye out for kickoff events and registration opportunities.
Taffany Van Rossen, Membership & Membership Activities
Catering Director – Maria Dallas mdallas@gpyc.org
Thank you to everyone who helps make our Club a success. I look forward to seeing you all around the Club!
Catering Coordinator – Mary Primak mprimak@gpyc.org
Gregory DeGrazia, Sailing
James MacConnachie, Sportsman
Bowling Director – Gordy Woods gwoods@gpyc.org
Secretary Kurt Saldana, Strategic Planning
Michelle & Thomas Shore, Swim Team
Trap Shooting Manager – Christina Noland cnoland@gpyc.org
Brian Marshall, Tennis
Security Director – Mike Lee mlee@gpyc.org
Past Commodore James Ramsey, Traditions & Protocol
Athletic Director – Peter Wendzinski pwendzinski@gpyc.org
Rear Commodore Bruce Knapp, Wine Appreciation
Bob Weiland Commodore 92
Reciprocal Clubs List
Annapolis Yacht Club Annapolis, Maryland
Bay Harbor Yacht Club Bay Harbor, Michigan
Bel-Air Bay Club Pacific Palisades, California
Buffalo Yacht Club Buffalo, New York
California Yacht Club Marina Del Rey, California
Catawba Island Club Port Clinton, Ohio
Chicago Yacht Club Chicago, Illinois
Cleveland Yachting Club Rocky River, Ohio
Corinthian Yacht Club Tiburon, California
Ford Yacht Club Grosse Ile, Michigan
Grosse Ile Yacht Club Grosse Ile, Michigan
Lauderdale Yacht Club Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Marco Island Yacht Club Marco Island, Florida
Naples Yacht Club Naples, Florida
Golf Reciprocity
Beach Grove Golf Club Ontario, Canada
Gowanie Golf Club Harrison Township, Michigan
Newport Harbor Yacht Club Newport Beach, California
Ocean Reef Club Key Largo, Florida
Palm Beach Yacht Club West Palm Beach, Florida
Pelican Isle Yacht Club Naples, Florida
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Vancouver, British Columbia
San Diego Yacht Club San Diego, California
Sandusky Yacht Club Sandusky, Ohio
Sarasota Yacht Club Sarasota, Florida
St. Francis Yacht Club San Francisco, California
The Union League of Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Traverse City Country Club Traverse City, Michigan
Vermillion Yacht Club Vermillion, Ohio
Windsor Yacht Club Windsor, Ontario
If you would like to visit any of the Clubs listed here, please contact our Membership Director, Alexa Coole, by emailing acoole@gpyc.org.
We will send a letter of introduction to the desired Club, and it will be your responsibility to follow up and make the necessary reservations. Safe travels!
Front Desk (313) 884-2500 frontdesk@gpyc.org
Editorial
Information for this publication should be submitted to:
Marketing Director, Jennifer Benoit jbenoit@gpyc.org
Staff Emails
General Manager - Aaron Wagner awagner@gpyc.org
Chief Financial Officer - Jim DeMasse jdemasse@gpyc.org
What a fantastic winter it has been at the Club so far! From exciting events to exceptional dining experiences, the Club has been bustling with energy. We recently celebrated another amazing Winter Blast, courtesy of our Pointe Club members.
Speaking of the Pointe Club—are you familiar with this group? The Pointe Club is a community of members aged 40 and younger who plan events geared toward a younger audience at the Club. But don’t let the age limit deter you! The Pointe Club welcomes both the young and the young at heart to join in their events and activities. Be sure to keep an eye out for these opportunities and sign up!
Our Membership Team has recently completed a major renovation of our website, mobile app, and email marketing system. Stay tuned for updates on these platforms. If you experience any trouble logging in, please contact Membership Director Alexa Coole at acoole@gpyc.org for assistance.
While you’re exploring the new website, don’t forget to make your reservations for Valentine’s Weekend. The Club will be buzzing with activity, and Chef Eric and his culinary team have prepared some delightful menu features to charm you and your sweetheart.
Winter at the GPYC offers plenty of activities for all ages. The icy cold weather has been perfect for the ice skating rink at the Family Recreation Center. The rink has been getting lots of use for both open skating and hockey. With two hockey nets and lights for night skating, it’s a great spot for winter fun.
Trap Shooting at the Marine Activity Center is also going strong every Saturday and Sunday. This program runs through March, so there’s still time to join in.
Have you ever tried Paddle Tennis? Not to be confused with Pickleball, Paddle Tennis is a unique winter sport. The Club boasts two Paddle Tennis courts and a two-story warming house between them, creating the perfect venue for play.
There are so many reasons to love winter at the GPYC. Embrace them all!
Aaron Wagner General Manager
From the Boardroom
Dear Members,
By Secretary Kurt Saldana
The Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on 12-19-24 focusing on key topics to ensure the continued growth and enhancement of our beloved Club. Below are highlights to keep you informed:
1. Membership Updates
o Four new members joined the GPYC family, while four members resigned, and nine transfers with four member transfers through the Legacy program, which continues to show great success.
o The Membership Committee is actively exploring innovative ideas to attract and retain members, including a pre-pay legacy initiation fee program under evaluation.
2. Financial Health
o The Club remains financially strong, with an operating profit of $20,959 for November, exceeding budget expectations by $26,888. This success is driven by increased Food & Beverage activity.
o Discussions on investment strategies and cash reserves will continue in January to ensure our long-term financial stability.
3. Capital Improvements
o The Board approved $900,932 in capital expenditures for the upcoming year, including $414,100 for immediate wants and needs. Projects are aimed at enhancing member experiences and maintaining our facilities.
4. Facilities and Operations
o Plans to improve facilities include evaluating the installation of a railing for the ballroom stairs and resurfacing pickleball courts. After research with vendors, the courts will be resurfaced in early June rather than before the season. This decision was made to ensure the project is completed during warmer weather and when the appropriate vendor is available. The courts will open in March and remain available for play until the project begins. The resurfacing will take one week to complete, and management is coordinating arrangements for our members to use the adjacent community courts during that time.
o The new GPYC website is set to launch in January, promising enhanced usability and features for members.
5. Harbor and Boating Updates
o Harbor occupancy remained steady, with 30 wells currently open. Communication with members regarding Dockwa will improve based on lessons learned.
o A potential boat rental program is under review, with discussions around insurance, pricing, and additional offerings such as fishing supplies and wake surfing opportunities.
6. Centennial Planning
o The Centennial Committee continues its work, with plans to finalize renderings in early 2025. This milestone event in 2029 promises to celebrate the Club’s rich history and future.
The Board remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community while ensuring financial stability and operational excellence. Thank you for your continued support and engagement in making GPYC an exceptional place for all members.
A Member To Remember
By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey
A Member to Remember: Ed Connelly
Ed Connelly brought enjoyment, wisdom, and above all music, to everything he did. And he did a lot.
One of the famous stories about Ed Connelly – of which there are many – has to do with the time he turned Pied Piper and musically shepherded the Club’s board of directors into a “gentlemen’s club” on Cadieux near Detroit. Ed was a member of the board at the time, and it was not uncommon in those days for board members to reconvene for a friendly cocktail once the meeting was adjourned. In this instance, one of the board members knew someone who owned the gentlemen’s club in question and arrangements were made to host the board when they arrived. As they did, Connelly broke out his ubiquitous clarinet and piped the entire group inside, still nattily attired in their uniforms.
Another Connelly story has to do with a fellow board member who was notorious for his frugality. As that person prepared to board Golden Shamrock, Ed’s 74’ Hatteras motor yacht, carrying an infamously cheap bottle of “wine in a box,” Ed responded, “Here, let me take that.” and promptly threw it in the harbor.
That was Ed Connelly. He worked hard, played hard and served as a calming influence on a board comprised mainly of younger members with strong, often differing opinions. The fun side of Ed included long cruises on his yacht and impromptu trips aboard his private airplane.
Ed was born in Detroit in 1924 and spent much of his early life in the city where he attended St. Catherine’s High School, played football and taught himself to play the clarinet. Those two talents summarized the man to be: tough, yet warm and sociable. After graduation, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming a corpsman attached to the Marines who were part of the U.S. occupation force in Japan at the end of World War II. During deployment, he expanded his repertoire with the clarinet to include Japanese music – no small feat.
Back in the U.S., Connelly joined General Motors and spent 12 years in the Purchasing Dept., learning the intricacies of the automotive industry. Over time, he raised a family of five children, then took a daring plunge as a manufacturer’s rep for a local company. Within three years, he formed the Connelly Company, which he quickly grew into one of the largest manufacturing rep agencies in the industry. From there, he would co-partner to create his own manufacturing company with hundreds of employes and factories in the U.S., Canada and China.
Ed was elected to the Club board in 1991 and quickly made it clear he had no aspirations of becoming commodore. Those who served with him describe him as “astute,” a sharp-minded businessman who made good decisions and was always fun to be with in meetings. When things went astray, Ed would exert his senior status with “Now boys!” Other times, he would break out his clarinet and begin to play. Invariably that got things back on track.
On one occasion, after the board had gone back and forth at length and couldn’t decide on a big capital project, Ed pulled out his checkbook, wrote a draft for twenty thousand dollars, threw it on the table and said, “Now let’s get serious.”
Sadly, pancreatic cancer took Ed’s life in 1995, but he is survived by his beloved wife, Pat (Patricia), who remains a member.
Ed Connelly may be gone, but the strains of his clarinet in the corridors of the Club will be remembered by those who knew and admired him. As the lyrics of the popular song remind us all, “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”
Harbor Happenings
As winter settles in, it’s important to prioritize safety around the Club.
Here are a few reminders to ensure everyone stays safe:
1. Stay Clear of Finger Piers and Docks: For your safety, please refrain from walking on the finger piers and docks.
2. Be Mindful of Ice Eaters: Be aware of the Ice Eaters in operation, and note that safety ladders may be raised or out of the water.
3. Use the Buddy System: Travel in pairs and communicate your whereabouts. Always let someone know if you’re venturing outside.
4. Dress for the Weather: Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. Keep your hands free and out of your pockets to maintain balance as you move around.
By Alex Turner
5. Exercise Caution on the East Bridge: Be extra cautious when crossing the East Bridge, especially if you’re heading out for Trap Shooting. Ice can form on walking surfaces and make them slippery.
By following these safety measures, we can all enjoy a secure and pleasant experience at the Club throughout the winter season.
Summer Activities
By Peter Wendzinski
GPYC Summer Activities Sign-Up: Save the Date!
We are excited to announce that sign-ups for GPYC Summer Activities will officially open on Monday, February 10 at 7:00 a.m. for members, and Monday, Febraury 17 at 7:00 a.m. for non-members. This summer, we’re offering a variety of exciting programs, including Day Camp, Swim Team, and Sailing.
Activities Available for Sign-Up:
• Day Camp
• Swim Team
• Sailing Lessons
Exciting News: We’re Welcoming Back Our Amazing Summer Leaders!
• Caelin Micks returns as our Day Camp Director, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to lead another unforgettable summer.
• Christina Noland will be back as our Sailing Director, ready to guide our sailors on thrilling water adventures.
• We’re also thrilled to have Jim Singelyn, Elizabeth Bourke, and Bill Thompson leading our Swim Team—a talented and dedicated coaching team committed to helping our swimmers succeed.
Stay tuned for an upcoming email with pricing details and the sign-up link so you can get ready to secure your spot.
For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to Athletic Director Peter Wendzinski at pwendzinski@gpyc.org. We can't wait to kick off an exciting summer full of fun, learning, and adventure at GPYC!
To Your Health
Why Social Media Fitness Advice Can Be a Dangerous Game
As a personal trainer, I’ve touched on this before, but it’s worth repeating: taking fitness and health advice from social media can be as risky as taking driving lessons from a TikTok video. It might look cool, but it’s probably not going to end well.
Let’s start with the basics: social media trainers aren’t in it for you—they’re in it for likes, subscribers, and follows. Their job isn’t necessarily to help you achieve your goals safely; it’s to keep your eyes glued to their content. That’s why so many of them love throwing out flashy buzzwords like “bulletproof,” “detox,” and “shred.” Sounds amazing, right? But let’s break it down.
The “Bulletproof” Scam
Unless you’re wearing an actual bulletproof vest (and let’s hope you’re not doing squats in one), nothing about your body is bulletproof. Knees, shoulders, backs—these are finely tuned machines that need care and attention, not a “bulletproof” marketing scheme. Sure, you can strengthen your joints and prevent injuries with proper training, but calling it “bulletproofing” is just clever branding designed to make you click.
The Detox Dilemma
Here’s another favorite: “detox.” Social media trainers love to peddle herbal teas and juice cleanses, claiming they’ll “flush toxins” from your body. Guess what? If you have a healthy liver and kidneys, they’re already doing that job better than any overpriced tea. If you actually need a detox, you shouldn’t be heading to your local health food store—you should be heading to the ER. Detoxification is a medical process, not something you sip from a mason jar while journaling about gratitude.
The Real Danger
The real issue isn’t just the pseudoscience (though that’s bad enough). It’s that these flashy, one-size-fits-all solutions often ignore the complexity of individual health. Everyone’s body is different. Your needs, abilities, and limitations are unique. Taking advice from someone who doesn’t know you—and who is more interested in creating viral content than your well-being—can lead to frustration, wasted time, or even injuries.
What You Should Do Instead
If you’re serious about improving your fitness, skip the hashtags and find someone qualified. A certified trainer or health professional will provide advice tailored to you. Want to strengthen your knees? Let’s design a program that works for your body. Feeling sluggish? Let’s talk about sleep, hydration, and nutrition. These are boring solutions, sure, but boring is where the magic happens.
Social media has its place—there are some knowledgeable folks out there—but treat every post with skepticism. If the advice includes words like “hack,” “guaranteed,” or “game-changer,” it’s probably not advice at all.
So, unless you’re looking for entertainment, keep your health journey off your feed and in the hands of a pro. Because real results aren’t found in the comments section—they’re found in consistency, hard work, and smart choices.
Best in health,
Peter Wendzinski
Athletic
Director,
Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
Swim Team Spotlight
By Michelle Shore
Congratulations to our GPYC Sailfish on their impressive achievements beyond the GPYC pool! Let's see what they've been up to...
8th Grader Katie DeGrazia is a three-sport athlete who puts 100% into everything she does. In October, Katie (pictured left) with her dad, Greg, was awarded the Archdiocese of Detroit’s CYO Scholar Athlete award for the Holy Name Volleyball team. In December, Katie was voted Player of the Game at the Christmas CYO Tournament hosted by Marian High School (pictured right with the Marian Basketball Coach).
Congratulations to Liam and Ronan Zvirbulis for being inducted into Grosse Pointe’s Parcells Middle School chapter of National Junior Honor Society earlier this school year. Success in and out of the pool. Great job boys, keep it up!
When not in the pool swimming for GPYC or Pointe Aquatics, you can find Maddie and Kiki O’Neill on the rink playing hockey for their head coach and dad, Wes, for the Detroit Bulldogs 10U Girls Silver Team.
Bowling is a winter favorite for Sailfish families. On the left, Cecily Van Natter and Kiki O’Neill are having a blast. On the right, Rita Paluzzi, Sofia Panagopoulos, and Johnny and Jack Peabody catch up—likely chatting about the 2025 summer swim season!
Once a Sailfish, always a Sailfish!
Cheering for our hometown Lions are Rita Paluzzi, Sofia and Anna Panagopoulos, and Cecilia Paluzzi.
Dan, Taryn, Mackenzie, and Anthony Simon, had a relaxing holiday season enjoying and celebrating the holidays in Glen Arbor and Traverse City!
Happy 2025! Betsy and Jack Ropke and Campbell Shore enjoyed their annual New Year’s Eve festivities together.
Sarah Sceglio and her alumni swimmers, Nicole, Joey, and Vincent, and current swimmer, Johnny, relaxed spending time over the holidays on the beach in beautiful Grand Caymen.
Let’s Go Spartan Fans! Colette, Charles, and Claire O’Connor were in the Spartan Spirit decked out in their MSU gear for the MSU vs. Ohio State football game in the Fall.
Monday, June 16 @ Lochmoor Club
Thursday, June 19 @ GPYC vs. Birmingham Athletic Club
Thursday, June 26 @ Edgewood Country Club
Tuesday, July 8 @ GPYC vs. Country Club of Detroit
Thursday, July 10 @ Great Oaks Country Club
Tuesday, July 15 @GPYC vs. Red Run Golf Club
Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27 MICSA Championships @ Edgewood Country Club
Intense, firm pressure is applied to the deepest layer of the muscle. Relieving chronic muscle tension.
Up Your Alley
By Gordy Woods
The second half of the season is up and running, and we’ve already seen some impressive scores in the first week!
Monday Mens League:
Commodore David Schaden bowled a 277 game and achieved a career-high 725 series. Andrew Christians followed up with a 256 game and a 696 series.
Wednesday Night League:
Dominic Neumann scored a 233 game. Dianna Smith bowled a 189 game, and Lynn Turner had a 180 game.
Thursday Night League:
Sean Fannon bowled two 256 games and a 710 series. For the ladies, Laura Schroder rolled the high game with a 199.
We currently have an opening in our Monday Men’s League. If you’re interested in bowling on Monday nights, we’d love to have you join! The league accommodates a wide range of averages, and you don’t need to be an established bowler to participate. Everyone receives a handicap, so the playing field is level.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end eventually. Our streak of seven interclub victories in a row has ended. The GPYC bowlers recently competed against the Country Club of Detroit at the CCD Lanes, where we were defeated by a total pinfall of 228 pins.
Ladies’ Division Highlights:
Connie Buffa led with a handicap score of 713. Marilyn Stephenson followed with a 631.
Men’s Division Highlights:
Paul Navetta led our group with a 688 series.
Sean Fannon contributed a 643 series.
Our next interclub match will be on February 8, against the Detroit Golf Club.
During the winter months, we continue to offer open bowling on weekends. Bowling times are 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights. Please call ahead to make reservations. We’re also available for bowling parties at this time of year! If you’re interested in hosting a bowling party, contact our Catering Coordinator, Caroline Kalmar at ckalmar@gpyc.org.
1st Annual Member & Guest Bowling Tournament
Saturday, February 15 | 10:00 a.m.
$100 per member
The Club will have a Member and Guest Bowling Tournament starting at 10:00 a.m. The cost includes bowling, a food buffet, and prizes. This will be the first tournament of its kind for the Bowling Recreation Center. If you’d like to bring a guest to this event, please email gwoods@gpyc.org to register.
GPYC Upcoming Events
Mahjong
Wednesday, February 5 | 1:00 p.m.
Interest in this game has been phenomenal. The game provides you an opportunity to meet new people as well as play with existing friends.
If you are interested in more information or lessons, please contact Nancy Hohlfeldt at (313)418-0800 or Joyce Rubino at (860)305-6174.
Additional Dates:
Wednesday, February 12 | 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 19 | 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 26 | 1:00 p.m.
Ladies Book Club
Wednesday, February 5 | 6:00 p.m.
The group meets at the Club on the first Wednesday of each month (unless that falls on a holiday). The book of the month is discussed over dinner and cocktails.
Please contact Mariann Channell at medievalmd@aol.com if you are not already on the Book Club email list.
Pointe Club Bowling Event
Saturday, February 8 | 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun bowling event open to all members! Bowling will take place from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and will feature prize giveaways. This is a great way to enjoy the Club during the winter months.
$20++
Includesassortedappetizers Drinks are by subscription.
Tower of Love Karaoke
Saturday, February 8 | 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of karaoke in the Tower Pub, hosted by GPYC members Sarah and Rich Rozewicz! This free event is the perfect opportunity to sing your favorite tunes while enjoying our special Valentine's Day drink menu. Drinks are available by subscription. Don’t miss out on the music, laughter, and good vibes—see you there!
Vino & Valentines
Thursday, February 13 | 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us in the Front Lobby and Rotunda—and don’t forget to bring your friends! Indulge in wine tastings from Woodberry Wine, Great Lakes Wine, Veritas, and Vintage Wine. Enjoy complimentary sips and charcuterie as you toast to friendship and fun!
Valentine's Day
Friday, February 14 | 5:00 p.m.
Bring your Valentine and make a reservation for à la carte dining on Valentine's Day! Enjoy live entertainment and a special treat—each guest will receive a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry.
Euchre Night
Saturday, February 15 | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a light dinner, dessert and a fun night with friends. Please bring $10 that will be collected when you arrive toward game play.
$20++
Drinks are by subscription.
Trivia Night
Friday, February 28 | 6:30 p.m. Gather your team and join us for an evening of fun and friendly competition during Trivia Night in the Pub! Enjoy slider stations while showcasing your smarts across a variety of topics.
$30++
Drinks are by subscription.
GPYC Ice Rink
If you would like to make a reservation for any of the upcoming events, please contact the Front Desk at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.
The GPYC Ice Rink is back and better than ever! Located on the Pickleball Courts, the ice rink will be open for use, weather permitting. Spotlights and hockey nets are already set up and ready for fun!
Join us for Trap Shooting on Saturdays and
TRAP SHOOTING
Come out to the Marine Activity Center and enjoy Chef John's complimentary chili. Members and guests must bring their own firearm and eye protection. The GPYC has eye protection for sale.
$30 per person. Includes ammunition and hearing protection. After rounds are completed, drinks are available by subscription. We accept drop-ins and will do our best to keep rotations going.
Please provide guests names when reserving your spot. To make a reservation, please contact Trap Shooting Manager Christina Noland by emailing cnoland@gpyc.org.
The race may end here but your family legacy never does. At Famiglia Wealth, “wealth is about family….always.”
Jason M Geisz, has competed in the Bayview Mackinac Race for 24 consecutive years, winning back-to-back in 2009 and 2010, and being on the podium 4 other times in the last 5 years, after campaigning his Tripp 36, ‘Affirmed’, from 2011-2015. Jason is currently crewing on the SC70 ‘Evolution’, a member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and CEO and Founder of Famiglia Wealth.
Contact Jason at: 248-341-0592 or jason@famigliawealth.net www.famigliawealth.net
X SERIES: X50
M SERIES: M51 | M55 | M60 | M64| M75
S SERIES: S51 | S55 | S60 | S75
OFFSHORE SERIES: M600 | S600
M-LINE: M48
X-LINE: X60 | X70
FLYBRIDGE: 420 | 460 | 520 | 590 | 690
S-LINE: 420S | 460S | 520S | 590S
Culinary Excellence
By Chef Eric Voigt & Chef Christina Wood
Savor the Romance: Dining Delights for Valentine's Day
As we say goodbye to January and step into the most romantic month of the year, there’s so much to look forward to. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we hope you’ll join us at the Club to celebrate with a delicious meal. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a special night out, there’s no better way to express your love than with great food and good company.
Valentine’s Day is known for heart-shaped treats and plenty of pink, but it’s truly the dining experience that makes the day unforgettable. Whether you’re indulging in oysters or savoring a spicy dish to awaken the taste buds, the meal is an essential part of the celebration. For some, there’s nothing like a glass of bubbly or champagne to toast to a wonderful evening ahead.
Let’s not forget the magic of a perfectly caramelized pizza. Picture this: a pizza baked to perfection on a hot stone, with a crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. We recommend pairing it with a Barbera d’Asti, a wine that beautifully complements the pizza and its toppings, elevating the entire experience.
For those seeking a more indulgent feast, consider our Dover sole, plated tableside with elegance, or a perfectly cooked steak, enhanced by our signature zip sauce. James, our new Food & Beverage Director, has thoughtfully curated a wine list to pair with each dish, including a robust Cabernet that perfectly accompanies the steak.
No meal is complete without dessert, and Chef Christina’s chocolate creations are sure to impress. Her decadent, life-changing desserts deliver rich textures and flavors that leave a lasting impression. Pair them with a dessert wine or a fantastic espresso to bring your evening to a perfect close.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you this month, whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner or making a toast to love with friends and family.
Pearl Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 ea 12” pizza
- 10 oz. pizza dough
- 6 oz. GPYC pizza sauce (or your favorite sauce)
- 1–2 tbsp garlic purée
- 5–6 oz shredded mozzarella
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Basil, to taste
Method:
Garlic Purée Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peeled garlic
- Oil, enough to cover
1. Preheat oven to 500°F. Place a pizza stone in the oven and let it heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Sprinkle semolina flour on your pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking.
3. Stretch the pizza dough evenly by gently moving it around your hands without puncturing it. Use the back of your hands to stretch the dough into shape, then gently lay it on the pizza peel.
4. Spread the garlic purée over the dough with the back of a spoon, ensuring an even coating. Next, use a ladle or large spoon to spread the pizza sauce evenly over the garlic layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, followed by the sliced tomatoes.
5. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone by gently shimmying it off the peel. Let it cook until the crust starts to caramelize on one side. Using a metal peel, rotate the pizza ¼ turn and repeat this process until the crust is evenly caramelized, golden, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are fully cooked.
6. Remove the pizza from the oven. Slice it into 6–8 pieces using a knife or pizza wheel, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Garlic Purée Method:
1. Preheat oven to 325–350°F (low fan setting).
2. Place the peeled garlic in a bakeware vessel. Cover the garlic completely with oil and roast for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is a light golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool.
4. Once cooled, blend the roasted garlic into a smooth purée. Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
Valentine's Day History
By Jennifer Benoit
The History of Valentine’s Day: A Celebration of Love Through the Ages
Valentine’s Day is a cherished holiday that brings people together to celebrate love and affection, but its origins are steeped in history, mystery, and even a bit of controversy. How did a day dedicated to romance become the global phenomenon it is today? Let’s take a look at the fascinating journey of Valentine’s Day.
The Ancient Roots of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13 to 15. This pagan festival was held to purify the city and promote fertility. It included rituals where men would sacrifice a goat, use its hide to fashion whips, and playfully slap women, believing it would increase their fertility. Despite its unusual practices, Lupercalia symbolized a time of renewal and courtship. By the late 5th century, Lupercalia was abolished by Pope Gelasius I, who sought to replace it with a more Christian-friendly observance. Around this time, the date of February 14 became associated with St. Valentine.
Who Was St. Valentine?
The identity of St. Valentine remains a bit of a mystery, as multiple saints named Valentine appear in early Christian history. The most popular story involves a priest named Valentine who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century. According to legend, Claudius banned marriages for young men, believing single men made better soldiers. Valentine defied this decree and continued to perform secret marriages, earning him the ire of the emperor. He was eventually imprisoned and executed on February 14. Another legend suggests that Valentine befriended and healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, he sent her a note signed “Your Valentine,” sparking the tradition of exchanging romantic messages.
The Evolution of Valentine’s Day
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had become associated with love and romance, partly due to the belief that birds began their mating season around mid-February. This idea was popularized in literature, particularly in Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poem Parliament of Foules, which referenced Valentine’s Day as a time for courtship. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the tradition of exchanging love notes and tokens of affection began to take shape. Handmade cards adorned with poetry and romantic symbols like hearts and cupids became increasingly popular, particularly in England and France.
Modern-Day Valentine’s Day
The industrial revolution brought mass production, and Valentine’s Day cards became widely available by the 19th century. In the United States, Esther Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine,” revolutionized the holiday by creating elaborate, decorative cards in the 1840s. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe, with couples expressing their love through flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and romantic dinners. While its commercialization is often critiqued, the day’s core message of love and connection endures.
Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day
- Around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.
- Red roses are considered the symbol of Valentine’s Day because they were the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
- Valentine's Day is a major occasion for the floral industry, with consumers spending approximately $2.3 billion on flowers for the holiday in recent years. Roses are particularly popular, with estimates suggesting that over 250 million roses are produced for Valentine's Day each year.
Valentine’s Day has come a long way from its ancient Roman roots and tales of saintly sacrifice. Whether you celebrate it with grand gestures or simple acts of kindness, the day offers a chance to honor the people you love and cherish. As February 14 approaches, let us remember the rich history that makes this day so special.
Membership Matters
Alexa Coole Membership Director
As we bid farewell to January, we can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful start to the year it’s been at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. From the lively Winter Blast party to the warm camaraderie at our New Year’s celebrations, this month was filled with memorable moments and cherished gatherings. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our members who joined us and helped make these events so special.
Looking ahead to February, we are thrilled to share some exciting news about our Club’s reciprocity with local clubs. During our limited dining period, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club members will be invited to enjoy dining privileges at the Country Club of Detroit, Lochmoor Club, and Red Run Golf Club. I am currently working closely with these clubs to finalize the days and times dining services will be available. As soon as these details are confirmed, I will share them with you. Be sure to keep an eye out for this exciting announcement—it’s a perk you won’t want to miss!
For our members, this is also a perfect time to start thinking about friends or family members who may have been considering joining GPYC. I’m thrilled to let you know that I have an exciting opportunity in the works, and I can’t wait to share the details with you soon. It’s going to be a fantastic way to welcome new faces into our vibrant community.
Thank you for making the start of 2025 so remarkable. Let’s continue this momentum as we move into February and beyond. Stay warm & I look forward to seeing you around the Club soon!
Limited Winter Service
February 19, 2025 through March 25, 2025
We’re excited to announce our Winter Dining Schedule, running from February 19 through March 25! During this time, Chef Eric and his talented culinary team have prepared a delicious lineup of themed dinners for you and your family to enjoy. You can also enjoy cocktails in the Spinnaker on Friday & Saturday nights from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Join us for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5:00–9:00 p.m. in the Bowling Recreation Center & Fo’c’sle, where each evening features a unique theme:
Wednesdays: Burger Bash
Thursdays: Pasta Palooza & Half of Bottles of Wine
Fridays: Seafood Sauté
Saturdays: Chef’s Prime Rib Feast
Themed dinner pricing will be consistent at $24.00++ per adult and $12.00++ per child. Each themed experience includes soft drinks, fresh salads, dessert, and a wide array of additional fixings and accommodations for all!
Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcomed. Carryout services and Sunday Brunch & Bowl will be unavailable during this time. Come savor these delicious themes and make lasting memories with us this winter. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to these special evenings!
Club Highlights Santa Brunch
Sunday, December 15
The holiday spirit was in full swing at this year’s Santa Brunch! Families gathered in the beautifully decorated Club to enjoy a festive feast, complete with an array of delicious brunch favorites. Santa himself made a special appearance, delighting children with photo opportunities and holiday cheer. Laughter filled the air as little ones shared their Christmas wishes, and guests of all ages soaked up the magical atmosphere.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us—it was a joy to celebrate the season together. We can’t wait to make more holiday memories next year!
Grinch Brunch
Sunday, December 15
What a mischievous morning at our Grinch Brunch! The Grinch himself made an unforgettable appearance, causing a bit of trouble but spreading plenty of holiday cheer all the same. Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch while the Grinch interacted with families, joined in on the fun in Brunch and Bowl, and even helped the bartenders make cocktails.
Club Highlights
The Polar Express Event
Sunday, December 22
All aboard the Polar Express! Our magical holiday event took families on a journey to the North Pole, where the excitement and wonder of the season came to life. Upon entry, each person received a golden ticket, just like in the movie. Guests enjoyed a hot cocoa station and delicious treats as they traveled through a winter wonderland. Cookie decorating was a huge hit, thanks to Pastry Chef Christina Wood.
Pointe Club Bowling
Saturday, January 11
Members and their guests kicked off 2025 with the first Pointe Club Bowling event of the year! It was the perfect way to enjoy the Club during the winter months. If you missed out on the fun, don’t worry—join us for the next event on Saturday, February 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The cost is 20++ per bowler, which includes assorted appetizers, bowling, and shoe rental. There is also a chance to win prizes! Drinks are available by subscription.
GPYC News
Harbor
Please contact Harbor Master Alex Turner if you have any questions by emailing aturner@gpyc.org.
Fitness Hours
Daily 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
GPYC Reciprocity
Don’t forget that the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club has reciprocity with numerous Clubs all over the world. Please contact Membership Director Alexa Coole within 48 hours’ notice of which Club you would like to travel to and the duration of your stay. Once Membership has obtained all information necessary, we will reach out to the Club of your choice and provide them with a Letter of Introduction, as well as a point of contact to the Club you are visiting. Contact our Membership Director, Alexa Coole for any additional information at (313) 640-3188 or email acoole@gpyc.org.
Cancellation Policy
Members canceling a reservation for Club sponsored functions with less than 24 hours’ notice or not attending the function without giving notice will be charged the established price for each person involved. Thank you.
GPYC ServiceConcierge
All members can enjoy services such as menu requests, carry-out dining, event reservations and more! Save it as “GPYC Concierge” on your phone and start texting (313) 306-2437.
Winter Clubhouse
Attire
Gentlemen (ages 12-up): Collared shirts with tailored pants or denim may be worn. Hoodies, t-shirts and hats are not permitted. Athletic attire, pants or denim with holes or rips are prohibited. Sandals, rubber shoes, Crocs or slides may not be worn.
Ladies (ages 12-up): Blouse, sweater or collared shirt with tailored pants or denim. Dresses and skirts worn in good taste are also permitted. Hoodies and t-shirts are not permitted. Ladies may wear appropriate hats. Leggings are permitted when worn as undergarments with a mid-thigh length top, sweater, skirt or dress. Athletic attire, pants or denim with holes or rips are prohibited. Sandals, rubber shoes, Crocs or slides may not be worn.
Athletic Attire: Athletic attire is restricted to the Fitness Center and Locker Rooms. Members and guests wearing athletic attire are encouraged to enter and exit through the south side of the Clubhouse, either the locker room entrance on the lower level or the entrance nearest the Fitness Center.
Outerwear: All coats and outerwear must be worn or kept at coat check. Coats and outerwear are not to be hung on chairs in the dining room.
Event Specific Attire: Any events that require specific attire will be outlined in the event description or invitation.
Online ReservationsDining
Make your reservations for our dining rooms through OpenTable! Simply visit our website or phone app, log in, and go to the “Reservations” tab. There, you will see an OpenTable widget where you can select the day and time to dine with us. Parties of 9 or more will need to call the Front Desk to make a reservations for all rooms.
Sips and Savories
Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while sipping on your favorite cocktails in the cozy Spinnaker. Drinks are by subscription. You can also order from the a la carte menu. The last day for Sips and Savories is Saturday, February 15.
A La Carte Lunch Service
Lunch will resume May 1, 2025.
A La Carte Dining
A La Carte Dining is available Wednesday through Sunday at the Club for dinner. Limited Winter Dining will start on February 19. At this time, you can dine in the Bowling Recreation Center from 5:00 - 9:00 Wednesday through Saturday. Please be sure to check The Weekly Buzz and other publications for dining hours and dining rooms available.
Grog Shop Pop-Ups
Please be sure to check The Weekly Buzz and other publications for Grog Shop Pop-Up hours. If you have any questions, please call (313) 774-0187 or email jbenoit@gpyc.org.
Kid's Club
Children must be three years old and potty-trained. $30 for the first child, $25 for each additional child in the family, this includes a buffet made up of your children's favorites!
To maintain the appropriate staff-to-child ratio, the maximum number of children who can attend Kid’s Club is 6 children per sitter. Reservations are required. The cut-off for reservations is by 4:30 p.m. the day of. We understand things can happen last minute, but there will be an additional $20 charge per walk-in visit.
Please note that the Binnacle is closed for the season. However,the Main Dining Room will be open.You can also order from the a la carte menu in the Spinnaker.
By Carol Stephenson
Looking Aft The Annual Meeting and The Commodore's Ball
Some things never change. This year’s Commodore’s Ball featured gentlemen in black tie and ladies in high fashion, and that is exactly what the photo on the cover of the first 1959 issue of The Grosse Pointer portrays, but there the similarity ends. The photo shows a crowd of GPYC members spilling from the Main Dining Room, filling the Rotunda and climbing the Ballroom stairs behind new Commodore Robert Weber and his wife. The caption reads. “Commodore and Mrs. Robert F. Weber led the traditional grand march from the main floor, up the wide staircase to circle the ballroom on the upper level.”
Those of us who attended the 2024 ball in December did not march up the stairs behind the new Commodore, nor did we circle the Ballroom prior to taking our seats. When and why this tradition changed is unknown. But a careful read of the schedule of events in 1950s Grosse Pointer publications presents another interesting question. They list the Annual Meeting as being held in early December with no seemingly inevitable Commodore’s Ball that should follow. Logic would say that the ball would have to have been held in January, but was it?
Past Commodore Mark Weber, son of Past Commodore Robert Weber, recalled the Grand March tradition but could not specify exactly when or why the Annual Meeting was moved from December to November, shifting the timing of the ball to early December. Several other past commodores were also asked but were unaware of when the meeting's timing had changed or that it was originally held in December.
A deep dive into the archives was required, and, amazingly, the answer to the question of timing was uncovered. The Grosse Pointer from January 1960 includes an "Entertainment Schedule" listing the Annual Meeting as scheduled for December 14, 1960, with the Commodore's Ball to follow on January 21, 1961. The entertainment schedule for the following year, January 1961, shows the Annual Meeting set for November 1, 1961, with the Commodore's Ball on November 25, 1961. Thus, there were actually two Commodore's Balls held in 1961.
So the mystery of when the tradition of the Annual Meeting changing from December to November and the timing of the Commodore’s Ball was solved, but the “why” will probably always remain unknown.
2025 GPYC Calendar
FEBRUARY 2025
Saturday, February 1
Trap Shooting, Kid's Club
Sunday, February 2
Brunch & Bowl, Trap Shooting
Monday, February 3
Monday Men's Bowling League
Tuesday, February 4
GPYC Staff & Member Bowling Party
Wednesday, February 5
Mahjong, Women's Book Club,
Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, February 6
Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Thursday Mixed Bowling League
Friday, February 7
Friday Couples Bowling #1, Kid's Club
Saturday, February 8
Trap Shooting, Pointe Club Bowling, Open Bowling, Tower of Love Karaoke, Kid's Club
Sunday, February 9
Brunch & Bowl, Trap Shooting, Superbowl To-Go
Monday, February 10
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, February 12
Mahjong, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, February 13
Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Vino & Valentines Event,
Thursday Mixed Bowling League
Friday, February 14
Valentine's Day, Kid's Club
Saturday, February 15
Trap Shooting, Open Bowling, Euchre, Kid's Club
Sunday, February 16
Brunch & Bowl, Trap Shooting
Monday, February 17
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, February 19
Mahjong, Limited Dining, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, February 20
Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Limited Dining
Thursday Mixed Bowling League
Friday, February 21
Limited Dining, Friday Couples Bowling #2, Kid's Club
Saturday, February 22
Trap Shooting, Limited Dining, Kid's Club
Sunday, February 23
Trap Shooting
Monday, February 24
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, February 26
Mahjong, Limited Dining, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, February 27
Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Limited Dining, Thursday Mixed Bowling League
Friday, February 28
Limited Dining, Open Bowling, Trivia Night, Kid's Club
MARCH 2025
Saturday, March 1
Limited Dining, Open Bowling, Kid's Club
Monday, March 3
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, March 5
Mahjong, Limited Dining, Women's Book Club, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, March 6
Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Thursday Mixed Bowling League, Limited Dining
Friday, March 7
Limited Dining, Friday Couples Bowling #1, Kid's Club
Saturday, March 8
Pointe Club Bowling, Limited Dining, Open Bowling, Kid's Club, Euchre
Monday, March 10
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, March 12
Mahjong, Limited Dining, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
Thursday, March 13
Limited Dining, Thursday Mixed Bowling League
Friday, March 14
Limited Dining, St. Patrick's Day in the Pub, Kid's Club
Saturday, March 15
Limited Dining, Open Bowling, Kid's Club
Monday, March 17
Monday Men's Bowling League
Wednesday, March 19
Mahjong, Limited Dining, Wednesday Mixed Bowling League
