Winter 2021 Grosse Pointer

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The

GROSSE POINTER

GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB

Established 1914

DECEMBER 2020 - FEBRUARY 2021 IN REVIEW Published April 2021

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Katie Susko ksusko@gpyc.org

Editor

Publisher Towar Productions 19803 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 313.882.0702 www.towar.com Advertising Director Kim Towar kim@towar.com Art Director Stephanie Lortt stephanie@towar.com Writers Maureen Gleason Commodore Gary Gonzalez Past Commodore James L. Ramsey Carol Stephenson Katie Susko

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Table of Contents Person of Interest 4-7 300 Club 8-11 Ocean Reef Club Visit 12-13 Board of Directors Strategic Retreat 14-15 Santa Visits 16-23 Winter Fest Family Week 24-39 Three Year Club’s Virtual Cocktail Class 40-41 12 Days of Christmas 42 Snaps 44-45 Looking Aft 48

Photographers Martin Chumiecki Thomas Kliber John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Y

Established 1914

788 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 (313) 884-2500 FAX: (313) 884-7956 www.gpyc.org

Welcome Aboard

December Mark and Mary Napolitano

The Grosse Pointer (USPS 576-940) is published four times a year under contract with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Subscriptions are $75 per year to members. Periodical postage paid at Detroit, Michigan. Postmaster, send address changes to: The Grosse Pointer, 788 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club ©2021—all rights reserved. This publication is the property of the GPYC, for member use only. No unauthorized use, sale or dissemination of information herein shall be made for commercial, personal or other purposes, without the written permission of the GPYC.

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PERSON OF INTEREST

A Typical Day in the life of an Investigative Journalist

Heather covering the 2019 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview.

Photo credit: John Martin

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PERSON OF INTEREST But wait­—there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ in the life of member Heather Catallo.

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey

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tanding nearly six feet tall, with a cascade of blonde hair and an elegant Roman nose, she would be a standout in any setting. But Heather Catallo’s claim to distinction goes far beyond that. For more than 20 years now, she has excelled in a mostly male profession where perseverance, doggedness and a tough skin are prerequisites of the trade.

she works at it seven days a week. Her task is often difficult because of widespread public disdain for the media.

three times previously, in 2010, 2009 and 2007.

So what is this intrepid crusader like in person?

Answer: About as pleasant and down to earth as “Some people hate us,” she says flatly. “It can be one could imagine. Forthcoming. A ready laugh. scary, even dangerous.”

And laser focused. Heather was born in Detroit at Grace Hospital, attended Andover High School in Even so, her incisive reporting has reformed laws, Bloomfield Hills and earned her first paying job brought criminals to bay, unseated corrupt public in broadcast at 16. By watching “Today” host Jane As an investigative reporter for WXYZ Channel officials and helped everyday citizens prevail over Pauley, she knew from an early age that there was 7 Action News, Heather’s job is to focus her bureaucratic indifference and civil incompetence. In a place in the world for women broadcasters, and journalistic spotlight on issues of every sort so return, Heather has earned some of her profession’s she was determined to be one of them. A motivated people like us, watching from the comfort of our highest honors: no less than 13 EMMYs, a Regional Heather enrolled in what is one of the country’s top homes, can know the truth about what’s going on Edward R. Murrow Award and the duPontschools of journalism, the S.I. Newhouse School in metro Detroit. The backdrop for her work is Columbia Award, said to be the most prestigious of Public Communications at Syracuse University. often an array of raw images: flooded shorelines, prize in all of broadcast journalism, the broadcast Her career focus and willingness to work soon paid burned-out buildings, pad-locked factories, prison equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. In 2013, the off, and she was hired while still a student by NPR walls and drug-riddled neighborhoods. By her own Michigan Association of Broadcasters named her (National Public Radio) to anchor one of their admission, her job is tough, sometimes chaotic, and Reporter of the Year. She also won the ROY award radio newscasts. Heather’s performance was well-

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PERSON OF INTEREST work on the probate court system in Southeast Michigan is her most important. Heather’s investigation revealed major corruption in the system, which allowed predators to steal the estates of deceased owners from their intended heirs.

Because of her diligence, three public officials were ousted and the state law was changed. From there, Heather focused on lax probate court guardians and conservators who arbitrarily and unfairly removed vulnerable adults from their families. After a First Amendment court fight, Heather’s side prevailed and her stories reunited several families.

received, and upon graduation she was hired as a reporter by CBS affiliate television station KREMTV in Spokane, Washington.

“It was a great experience because I got to cover stories that were unique to the region -- stories I’ll probably never cover again – military deployments, wildfires, an avalanche, even a serial killer,” she recalls.

Heather moved back to the Detroit area two years later as a 23-year-old reporter for WXYZ. Once again, she clicked with her employer. “I was fortunate to have a boss who saw that I would go the extra distance to get the true story,” she says.

“I never really thought of being an investigative reporter, I just sort of fell into it. But I was always willing to dig a little deeper, like go to the

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courthouse to find a document, to take things to the next level.”

Of all the stories she has covered, she believes her

Despite a work schedule that requires covering as many as three stories a day, Heather and her photographer are it. She has no staff, no researchers, no producers. She does all her own background work, all her own fact-checking and assembles her interviewees. She writes her own stories, attends to her own makeup and wardrobe, and delivers all that in front of the camera.

The bane of Heather’s existence is the misperception of her profession, due in no small part to social media. “We as professionals are heavily trained to

PERSON OF INTEREST

A typical day

(continued)

be ethical, to be fair, to be thorough, to get every side to the story before it airs,” Heather says. “If I’m going to say something, it has to be true.

Otherwise, it doesn’t go on the air.” To that end, she can spend an entire day trying to phrase one sentence because of the way it will impact a story.

Unfortunately, that level of caring doesn’t occur everywhere, so all journalism gets tarred with the same brush.

Heather, who lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, became a GPYC member over 10 years ago. She saw the Club as a place to dine, relax by the pool and be with friends, of course, but also as a place where her daughter Addison, now 14 and the center of her off-camera life, could learn to play tennis and swim competitively. Another interest the daughter has apparently inherited from her mom is a flair for the stage. Before theatre closings were mandated by the pandemic, she won a spot as an orphan in the cast of “Annie,” performed by the Grosse Pointe Theatre, where she is said to have performed like a trouper. Heather was in attendance for nearly every rehearsal. And according to her, Addison is now quite interested in the theatre, perhaps even as a profession.

So this is Heather Catallo: award-winning journalist, devoted mother, GPYC member and all-around good person. Think of that the next time you turn on Channel 7 Action News and see her delivering a report.

Whatever the topic, you know Heather is doing her best to tell it straight.

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GPYC FEATURE

The 300 Club By: Katie Susko

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with his wife, participating in the Friday “No Tap” league, the Monday Night Men’s, and the Thursday mixed league. After a few years of bowling in three leagues, he bowled his perfect game.

here are many “clubs within the Club” at the GPYC. But not many know about our most exclusive Club – one that can’t easily be Seago bowled both of his first two 300 games joined, it must be earned. It currently includes only during the Monday Night Men’s league, which is apparently a lucky night for all of the 300 bowlers. three members at the time of this printing.

“There is always some luck involved to not leave a ringing 10 pin,” said Seago. “A solid pocket hit The 300 Club is comprised of members who have bowled a 300 – or a perfect game – in our Bowling is still needed to achieve a strike.” And during the writing of this story, Seago bowled his third 300 Recreation Center. That means getting a strike on game in the Bowling Recreation Center. After every single frame, something that is not easy to bowling 300, he bowled an additional eight strikes achieve physically or mentally. into his next game, totaling 20 straight strikes in one night.

The first to make it into the 300 Club was Howard Smith on November 27, 2006. Howard has been bowling since the 1990s at the GPYC, and still bowls today (when he’s not prepping for knee surgery). On the day he bowled his perfect game, Howard was in the middle of a poker game. “I was in the Monday Night Men’s League. I was learning how to play poker from some friends in the Bowling Recreation Center, and every time I threw a strike, I was allowed to draw another card,” said Howard. “I was laughing, goofing around, completely relaxed on the day I threw 300. Not tense at all.” Perhaps that was his key to bowling the perfect game.

John Seago came next with 2 perfect games on March 26, 2012, and February 15, 2015. Seago has been a lifelong bowler, starting at the age of 7 with ABC leagues. His parents, also bowlers, signed him up as something to do in the winter. He took a break from the sport once he became an adult, instead filling his time with college, military service, marriage and children. But in 2009, he started bowling at the GPYC’s Bowling Recreation Center

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On January 18, 2021, a Michael Jozefiak IV joined the 300 Club on his first game back from the Bowling Center’s two-month COVID hiatus. “I was wondering how I was going to do [during the Monday Night Men’s League] after not bowling for a while. During practice I was throwing a nice ball, but wasn’t hitting the pocket how I would have liked. But I felt confident that I could make adjustments,” said Jozefiak.

He started off with three strikes but didn’t get his hopes up. He hit the next three strikes and figured he would bowl a decent game. But once he got to the eighth strike, he got nervous. “To me, the eighth strike in a row is the most critical one, not that I get there a lot. Once I hit my ninth strike, I got excited,” said Jozefiak.

On the tenth frame, Jozefiak was starting to garner some attention from the other bowlers. He had to hit three strikes in a row on the last frame. “On my last throw I started to shake a little inside. I

took a couple of deep breaths to relax, then threw a perfect ball and nailed it. It was nice that other members seemed just as excited as I was, and they congratulated me. Some members even said they never witnessed anyone throwing a 300 game, so it made me feel special that I could be part of them experiencing that!” he said.

All five 300 games have been witnessed by Bowling Director Gordy Woods, who has been running the bowling program at the GPYC for over 25 years.

Woods has been an avid bowler himself for over 45 years, and many members credit him for helping them out when they’re struggling during a game.

“I have to give Gordy a lot of credit. He is great at running the Bowling Recreation Center and always throws in a helping hand when he sees that help is needed!” said Jozefiak. “I actually credit him [for my 300 game]. Before bowling was shut down, I was struggling and getting frustrated a little bit.

Gordy noticed and told me to slow down my speed and move where I was standing. I credit him for his help, which I am very thankful for. I know in bowling it’s the little things that make a huge difference.”

Way before Gordy Woods came on board, The Club built the Bowling Recreation Center in the 1940s, when the first four alleys were completed. Two more alleys were installed in 1942. In 1946, the GPYC even formed a bowling association with other clubs to provide more competition amongst members. And the Bowling Recreation Center just kept improving from there – automatic pinsetters were installed in 1956; the alleys were rebuilt in 1989; automatic scoring machines were installed in 1998; and the BRC you see today was completed in 2019. It features state-of-the-art bowling equipment, a bowling locker room, flat screen TVs and a full bar, which is all thanks to member donations.

GPYC FEATURE The Club continuously strives to improve the bowling program and recognize the league bowlers.

300 Club member Howard Smith, who is cochair of the Bowling Committee with John Seago, has been working hard on creating a wall in the Bowling Center that memorializes all the great bowlers of the GPYC. The Wall of Fame will feature members of the 300 Club, of course, but it will also include stand outs from the women’s leagues and trophies from wins in private club leagues of the past.

Bowling a perfect game isn’t easy, and it takes many years of practice to build the confidence and skill to hit 12 strikes in a row. Only 3 bowlers in the Bowling Recreation Center’s almost 80-year history can say they’ve mastered the sport. But many of our members participate in bowling leagues today, and there are undoubtedly a few that have their eye on becoming a member of the exclusive 300 Club.

Members of the 300 Club before Michael Jozefiak joined in 2021.

L-R: John Seago, Bowling Director Gordy Woods, Howard Smith

The original GPYC Bowling Center.

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GPYC FEATURE

Members of the 300 Club L-R: Michael Jozefiak IV, John Seago, Howard Smith

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GPYC FEATURE

The Bowling Recreation Center is enjoyed by league players on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; and by bowlers of every age every other day of the week.

Bowling leagues take place from October through April.

If you’re interested in joining a league and becoming the next member of the 300 Club, contact Bowling Director Gordy Woods at gwoods@gpyc.org.

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GPYC FEATURE

GPYC Leaders Visit Ocean Reef Club

By General Manager Aaron Wagner

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had always heard stories of Ocean Reef Club (ORC) from GPYC members, friends and family who had visited. ORC is known throughout the world as one of the premier club communities featuring a large harbor where hundred foot yachts are as common as Boston Whalers, multiple golf courses that even the most discerning golfer would envy, a racquet sports complex, a fitness center and spa, private shopping district, and many great dining destinations throughout the property. Did I mention there is a private air strip as well? That

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was pretty neat to see! This trip all began with Commodore and Mrs. Boll offering to sponsor Harbor Master Alex Turner and I to visit in order to do some recon work for the GPYC. Special thanks to Jim and Kris Mestdagh for coordinating as well. At the GPYC, we are constantly trying to raise the bar with our services and the quality of our amenities. To do so, you have to experience the “gold standard” and then make changes to your operation in order to get there and even exceed it.

One specific area we are keying in on this year is

the Harbor. We are very fortunate to have one of the finest Harbor Masters in the country in Alex Turner. Turner serves as an Ambassador for the Clean Marina Program and sits on their Board of Directors. Turner is a jack of all trades. He leads his team of about 20 attendants, works with the Harbor Committee on renovations and maintenance and he even suits up in his scuba gear if members drop their watch or other items in the water. However, our Harbor has been underfunded over the past three decades in terms of capital, and requires

GPYC FEATURE some attention. Alex also needed permission to do more in terms of services. He has been directed this year to beef up the staffing levels with a focus on member service and satisfaction. When a boat arrives, there will be Harbor Attendants there to greet them. When a member requires assistance loading/unloading their boat, staff will be there in a blink of an eye. Alex has also worked in partnership with Harbor Chairman Chris Izzi to establish and promote a menu of Harbor Concierge Services.

The Ocean Reef Harbor was a prime example of what our docks should look like. Alex and I were able to meet with the ORC Harbor Staff to discuss their operation and we plan to initiate changes back at GPYC per those conversations based around Harbor Maintenance, Staff Appearance, and Dock Renovations.

Pictured L-R: Harbor Master Alex Turner, Past Commodore John Boll Sr., and General Manager Aaron Wagner in front of the Boll’s Ocean Reef Home.

The trip wasn’t all about the Harbor though. We were fortunate enough to tour the entire property with their Vice President Mic O’Keefe and we were able to witness their Fitness Facility as well as the Racquet Sports Complex. It became clear that we should be taking a look at investing in these areas more in the future for our club. The world wants more and more fitness and they also want to be able to use their club for services such as haircuts, spa services, and massages. ORC Vice President Mic O’Keefe said, “if you build it they will come!” It was great to be able to tour the various operations and speak directly with the staff who manage them.

Both Alex and I left feeling very inspired and are looking forward to implementing some changes that members will enjoy at GPYC.

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GPYC FEATURE

2021 Board of Directors Strategic Retreat

February 25-28 in Charlevoix, Michigan

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GPYC FEATURE

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n 2018, then Commodore Sean Schotthoefer and Strategic Planning Chairman (and Past Commodore) Jim Morrow instituted the idea of an offsite retreat for the Board to discuss the Strategic Plan. This trip is completely funded by the Board Members themselves and the participation has been almost 100% every year since. The Strategic Plan is intended to be a document that guides the Board of Directors and Management through capital renovations, capital maintenance, as well as aspects of Club culture and current trends in society. It guards against any one Board, Manager, Committee going down the proverbial rabbit hole and keeps the Club on track to fulfill its mission of being one of the finest clubs in North America.

The 2021 Retreat took place in Charlevoix, Michigan and was based out of the newly built Earl Hotel, owned and operated by GPYC Member Paul Silva. The Meetings were led by newly appointed Strategic Planning Chairman (and Director) Rick Lueders. The Board worked on and completed the VISION 2026, a five year plan derived from the Strategic Plan and Member Feedback to improve the Clubhouse, Grounds, and Harbor. All projects within Vision 2026 are generously funded by member donations. If you’re interested in donating, please contact Jim DeMasse at jdemasse@gpyc.org.

The Board enjoyed great food paired with unique wines at Chandlers – a restaurant in downtown Petoskey.

Pictured L-R: General Manager Aaron Wagner, Director Paul Silva, Director David Schaden, Director Rick Lueders, Vice Commodore Jason Grobbel, Commodore Gary Marowske, Rear Commodore Brian Fish, Director Bruce Knapp, Director Amy Krueger Malow, and Director Pete Beauregard.

Wine tasting in a private tee pee at Boyne Valley Vineyards

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Santa Claus Gets Creative By: Katie Susko

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his year, the GPYC offered several COVIDfriendly options for families to visit with Santa. First up was a drive-through Santa experience at the front entrance of the Clubhouse.

On Sunday, November 29, families drove up to the Clubhouse and rolled down their windows for Santa to have a chat with the kids. GPYC kids brought letters to Santa to drop off in the mailbox, told him what they wanted for Christmas this year and took photos with him. At the end, kids were given goody bags filled with wintertime treats to take home.

Another COVID-friendly option for families was the GPYC’s virtual visits with Santa. With three different time slots available, families signed up for their kids to talk to Santa over Zoom. Santa came to the Clubhouse and took a seat near the fireplace in the grand ballroom, surrounded by Christmas trees and wreaths. Santa read classic Christmas stories to the kids, and each one took their turn telling Santa what was on their wish list.

Vice Commodore Jason Grobbel and Melissa Bodmer

Ben Thompson

Finally, the Club offered in-person Santa visits in a large, heated tent on the East Lawn. With social distancing precautions in place, families came by to take an in-person picture with Santa. Some families even brought their dogs in for the fun!

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MEMBER SCENE

Kirsten and Ryan Moran with son James

The Bachand Family

Elena and Johnny Martin

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Nicholas Abuel

Melissa Bodmer and Vice Commodore Jason Grobbel

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The Posby family

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The Ropke kids

The Wegner family

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Johnny Martin

The Van Natter family

The Haney family

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Winter Fest Family Week

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By: Katie Susko

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OVID brought some challenges to the annual Winter Blast, which is typically held inside a heated tent with a large group of members. Instead, the event was held fully outdoors and expanded to five days!

The Club constructed four igloos that members rented out for hour and a half increments.

Each igloo had furniture, blankets, games and tableside hot cocoa. On the first day, the culinary team provided delicious pulled pork sliders and macaroni and cheese. On both Friday and Saturday, food trucks pulled up to the Club to provide fun new eats for our members.

On Sunday, Chamberlin’s Mobile Petting Zoo set up behind the Clubhouse, where GPYC kids could play with goats, an alpaca, chickens, ducks and bunnies. A full ice rink was also constructed on the East Lawn, but unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate enough to allow for skating.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we hosted our Winter Beer Tasting and Italian Wine Tasting, which were both huge hits. Members rented out the igloos and were served flights of drinks, paired with tasty food from our culinary team.

The event ended with a live DJ on the East Lawn for members and their families to dance along to. The first Winter Fest Family Week was a success.

Assistant General Manager Colby Newman

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Vice Commodore Jason Grobbel, Commodore Gary Marowske and Melissa Bodmer

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Grog Shop Manager Jennifer Benoit with Events Intern Ellen Post

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The inside of the igloos were cozy with seating, blankets, games and tableside hot cocoa.

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L-R: Bruce Knapp, Christine Knapp, Amy Schaden and David Schaden

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Matt and Henry O’Laughlin

The Crandall family

The Stahl family

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MEMBER SCENE Niko Squires

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The Crandall Family

The Marshall and Van Natter kids

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Jason and Gloria Hinz

The Marshall and Van Natter families

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Three Year Club’s Virtual Cocktail Class

By Katie Susko

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embers who have been part of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club for three years or less form the Three Year Club, which has events throughout the year. To kick off 2021, the club got an exclusive virtual cocktail class with a member favorite, bartender Kishor. Members were able to pick up all of the ingredients to make three different cocktails at home, along with recipe cards to keep. Then, they logged onto Zoom on January 28 ready to learn.

Kishor was stationed at the old Spinnaker Bar with Commodore Gary Marowske, who was the official on-site taste tester for the class. Kishor demonstrated how to make each cocktail while the members at home worked alongside him. The rosemary maple bourbon sour was the crowd favorite, but the honey-kissed cosmopolitan and the hot tea toddy were also well loved.

The group loved the conversations and cocktails with Kishor and Commodore Marowske.

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Bartender Kishor and Commodore Gary Marowske

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Three Year Club members offer a virtual cheers during the cocktail class

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HOLIDAYS

12 Days of Christmas

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his year, the Club decided to put together the 12 Days of Christmas to give our members some special deals and giveaways. Some of our promotion days included Grog Shop discounts, Fitness Center packages, and free Kid’s Confection Connection kits. Lucky winners of our giveaways received free bowling parties, free boat pump outs for one year, and holiday wine baskets. Over 400 members participated, and one lucky member won a $300 credit to their GPYC account. If you were one of these participants, we thank you for playing along in our “Reindeer Games” this holiday season!

This Helly Hansen pullover was part of the 12 Days of Christmas sale

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One of the wine baskets that members entered to win

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SNAPS

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elena Haney, daughter of Joseph and Tammy Haney, has started a customized hat business, with proceeds going to women’s shelters in the Detroit area. Helena has been sewing since she was in elementary school.

So when she realized that she wanted to help local women’s shelters, she used her sewing skills to create a profitable business. 30% of proceeds go towards shelters (Helena tries to choose shelters that aren’t getting a lot of support), and the other 70% goes towards buying materials to make more hats. She’s currently only selling customized beanies, but hopes to expand into other headwear as the weather warms up. Orders can be placed through her Instagram page, @hatsbyhelena.

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SNAPS

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he Chief Commander of the United States Power Squadrons has awarded GPYC members Fred Reif and Past Commodore Theodore Smith merit marks for furthering the interest, programs and objectives of the Grosse Pointe Power Squadron (also known as America’s Boating Club of Grosse Pointe). This is both Reif and Smith’s 50th merit marks, which awards them both the title of Governing Board Emeritus with the United States Power Squadrons. Congratulations to both!

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eneral Manager Aaron Wagner has received the prestigious Distinguished Club Executive Award from BoardRoom Magazine, in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.

The award is given to General Managers who have made significant contributions to their club’s member experience, and reflects his outstanding leadership and commitment to continued learning and improvement. Congratulations Aaron!

Board Director Joseph Backer Jr. has proposed to GPYC member Amanda Vintevoghel.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

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LOOKING AFT

Surprising people, places and events from our past.

A Man For All Seasons

GPYC’s Second Commodore, 1919 – 1925

By Larry W. Stephenson, M.D.

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arry Jewett was born in Elmira, New York on August 14, 1870. Not long after his birth, the family moved to Chicago.

He attended Notre Dame Prep School, where he excelled in athletics. As a student at University of Notre Dame he won varsity letters in every sport the university recognized at that time: football, baseball, rowing and track. Football didn’t start at Notre Dame until 1887, and in 1888 Harry made a 110-yard run to score the school’s first touchdown in its historic rivalry with the University of Michigan. In 1890, he was the world record holder in the 100-yard dash.

Harry graduated in 1890 with a degree in civil engineering and worked briefly in Chicago. He was then recruited to Detroit by members of the Detroit Athletic Club, due to his skills in track and field events. He won dozens of medals for the DAC, including a national title for the 220-yard dash, in which he was the first person to break the 22-second barrier.

Harry’s first job in Detroit was assistant engineer on the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1895, he cofounded Jewett, Bigelow and Brooks, wholesale dealers in coal, becoming president of the company as well as president of the J.B.B. Coal Company.

was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

Another Detroiter, Henry B. Joy, also served on the Yosemite, and soon after the war ended, brought the Packard Motor Company to Detroit.

In 1909, Harry Jewett built a home at 625 Lake Shore Road in what would become the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores. He became president of Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company in 1910. The company sold 800 cars that year and 100,000 by 1925. In 1921, the company introduced a new line of “Jewett” automobiles. That car was an outstanding success, totaling nearly 10,000 sales in 1922. During this period, he served as both Vice President and President Pro-Tem of the Shores council and as Commodore of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club from 1919 to 1925. In 1924, he also served as president of the Detroit Athletic Club.

In 1927, at age 56, Harry retired from Paige-Detroit and turned his attention to the 7,000 acres of land he had purchased near Gaylord, where he built a large hunting lodge he named Grouse Haven.

Harry Jewett died suddenly of a heart attack at his Shores home in 1933. Among those listed as honorary pallbearers were many top automotive executives, including Henry and Edsel Ford. Twelve years after his death, Harry’s widow gifted a portion of the Grouse Haven property to the State of Michigan, which today accounts for 4,449 acres of the Rifle River State Recreation Area.

Harry was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, and served on active duty aboard the cruiser USS Yosemite during the Spanish-American War in 1898-99. The Yosemite was involved in naval combat in the waters around Cuba and Puerto Rico, Commodore Jewett was truly a man for all seasons. and as a result of their success, every crew member

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