Fall Newsletter

Message from the IHC President.

by Scott MacPherson, IHC President

The island is officially shut down for winter! Thanks to all who participated in the fall Work Weekend and to those who got tasks accomplished on their own time. The new windows were successfully installed in the Cookhouse and an enormous load of metal debris was taken off the island, including the old riding mower. And, we were treated to Bob Jones serenading the crowd during an evening burn pile! The officers are working away to streamline our communication and are still missing updated contact information from a few cottages. Please share any updated information with secretary@islandhomeclub.org. We are starting to look at summer 2024 and some important dates to share. Next month we will be looking for any proposals or New Business for the upcoming winter meeting. Have a great November everyone!

THIS MONTH’S

TOP STORIES

Government Center

by Kari Jones, Island Engineer

We have the club boat in the water at the fisherman’s dock, but anyone who goes over in the winter will need to bring an engine. Overall we had a successful shut down of the island with help of Scott, Al, Sam, Frank and Rick. The new workboat is being stored at Corbys and will be good to go for spring.

Treasurer's Ledger

by Will MacPherson, IHC Treasurer

I continue to work closely with the previous Treasurer to climb up the learning curve and start handing over the many tasks and operations that fall under that role. I am also close in identifying a path to allow for electronic payment for dues, donations and, ultimately, weekly meal payments without incurring additional cost. Please continue to send assessments to Janet for the time being. Many thanks for everyone’s patience.

FIYC Update

From David Robinson -

Did you know that Five Islands Yacht Club is world famous…well, at least Maine Coast famous! “A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast” by Hank and Jan Taft cites that, “The club maintains four free guest moorings for visiting yachtsmen – an almost extinct courtesy, Thank you.”

This was an idea implemented by the club to encourage cruising yachtsmen to stop by our beautiful harbor, and for we inhabitants of Five Islands to witness some beautiful yachts as they cruised Down east. It’s especially entertaining to see a 54-foot yacht hanging on the mooring next to TRULY BLESSED!

While Taft’s refers to the guest moorings as “free”, it is really only an implied meaning of Guest. The Club has indeed offered the moorings at No Fee. But don’t we all accept gratuities, gifts, and thank yous from our guests. How about you – do you go to dinner with your friends without bringing your host a bouquet?

So, this season the club put a Welcoming note in a canister on each mooring and suggested that visiting yachtsmen might make a contribution to be used by the club to help maintain its “Guest Moorings”, a move that was initiated as the Club faces costs of up to $1,000.00 to replace chain on a mooring.

And our visitors were only too happy to participate. With an average contribution of $20.00 per night – a bargain when cruisers face minimum mooring fees of $40.00 per night in most ports – and “Thank you” notes from many, we continue to be appreciated in our “extinct courtesy”.

The Yacht Club thanks all its members for their support and participation. Come and stay on your Guest Mooring – free for all Members…for a night. Good job!

Community Announcements

Colin and Kelsey are engaged! A 2024 wedding is being planned. Welcome to our newest IHC member.

Julia Walker married Jason Wheeler in Caratunk, Maine on October 7th. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Important Dates:

Long Range Planning Committee Meeting - Tuesday, November 7th
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting - Tuesday, November 13th

Photo of the Month

Rachel skippering the old mower and workboat on their final voyage.

Island Home Club

Five Islands, Maine