Thank you from Robby’s Voice

To our friends at the Yacht Club –

As a family, we wanted to take a moment and share our thankfulness and a few thoughts with all of you.

First, we wanted to say a very sincere thank you for all of the support you have provided to ROBBY’S VOICE over the years.  We are humbled by your belief in our cause and by your incredible generosity.  Thank you so often seems so simple, but truly from our entire hearts – thank you.

We wanted to make sure you knew the impact your support and generosity was having.  Last year, we focused our efforts on ROBBY’S; a place here those seeking recovery could come to find the support, direction and resources to pursue sobriety and all that life has to offer.  Your contributions helped get us off the ground and provided resources to those that needed them.  Publically, we all know that the program did not take the direction we had hoped and we chose to follow our values and beliefs and part ways.  BUT, privately, very few were able to witness what we saw.

This facility was a success beyond anything we could have ever imagined.  Yes, we witnessed the realization of a vision that Robby had, but we had no possible way to foresee just how right he was.  We witnessed the coming together of to communities; the neighborhood that went from concerned to supportive, and the recovery community.  The recovery community took ownership of the facility, the programming, and more importantly, of supporting and mentoring those seeking an escape from addiction.  We witnessed incredible acts of unselfishness, growth and love.  We were told directly the impact that ROBBY’S had on so many lives.  Although the name no longer hangs on the building, the spirit that was developed inside those walls lived on, and the recovery community took that and is continuing the work that was started.  New partners, new names, but the same vision and passion that Robby had when he shared his idea.  YOU WERE A PART OF THAT – your contributions saved lives, changed lives and helped families that were in need of miracles.

Now, we have identified a new group that is in desperate need of support; kids ages 5 to 12 that have parents or siblings battling addiction.  It is a group we recognized a few years ago, and now, through a partnership with Rosie’s Playhouse, are in a position to impact.  The founder of Rosie’s is a friend and Team member of ROBBY’S VOICE who has been and is on the journey to recovery with an addicted daughter.  She has done incredible research and has put together a program that we believe will have a profound impact on the lives of the forgotten victims.  We will be utilizing your support to accomplish two goals this year; assist in expanding the program and obtaining the supplies needed to provide the proper therapy.  Once again, your generosity will make a difference in the lives of so many that just need a hero today.  Thank you for being their hero’s.

Overdose death continues to plague our state and our country, but progress is being made, and we will ultimately beat back this epidemic.  Yes, it will take some time, but amazing people are doing amazing things and over time we will win.  Your generosity allows us, and others, to accelerate our pace, to fight bigger and stronger, and to make a difference.  So once again; THANK YOU –

God Bless –

Rob, Carla, Jaclyn and Nolan Brandt

ROBBY’S VOICE

HBYC Fall Report

by Vice Commodore Harvey Rickert

The 2018 boating season started slowly due to weather conditions, and then came a flurry of activity getting our boats in the water.  Now, the weather is turning cold and rainy, and there is another flurry of activity hauling out the boats for the coming winter.  Such is Ohio weather, but that did not slow down the fun of boating on the Great Lakes for our club members!  We had a successful season of cruising, racing, and social activities this year, thanks to their directors and coordinators. 

VC Harvey Rickert presented the Chief Operating Officer of Stein Hospice, Tamara Zuilhof, with the funds raised from HBYC’s Race in the Bay for Stein Hospice and social.

True North pauses mid-race for a photo op!

Another summer of beautiful sunsets!

Art Harden and Mike Petsch pose for a hard earned 2nd place in the Robby’s Voice Regatta.

Barb Steinmetz still looking for the man that belongs to this foul weather gear!

Another solid summer of cruising in books! Check out his group of salty sailors posing at Skyway Marina in Toledo.

The proud crew of Windstar celebrating their first place finish at Robby’s Voice Regatta.

Before the reverse raffle, Bob Brandt addresses the crowd about the good things happening with Robby’s Voice.

It has been rewarding to see that the clubhouse has been used so extensively this season. Large crowds were present at the socials, and many families and friends had cookouts or used the kithcen to prepare breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Families gathered for events, game nights, chess matches between good friends, or to watch their favorite sports on television. Our clubhouse is promoting socialization amongst members.

The Building Committee made clubhouse improvements with the help of volunteers for better function and comfort for the membership. Some of the improvements include new storage for the extra tables and better storage for the roasters and coolers. The main entry door was repaired and painted, and a new hanging pot rack was installed in the galley. A gas detector was installed by the kitchen stoves, along with a better shop vac and outdoor hose rack. Everyone loves the Sailboat on the patio which serves the purposes of both serving and seating. All of these improvements were made possible by the club membership.

View fullsize

Thanks to the Patio Cleanup Crew!
L to R: Mike Zofchak, Hank Reugh, Jeff Biesenberger, Dewey Hughes, Joe Zierko, Greg Lezczynsky, Bob Sinn, Denny Hildich. Not Pictured: Sandy Biesenberger, Susan & Dick Young, Don Petsch, Harvey Rickert.

A couple of major issues have been brought to the Bridge, Trustees , and membership:

The breakdown of the original heating and air conditioning unit required a repair assessment, and Rear Commodore Russ Marks and past Commodore Mike Zofchak were able to repair/improve the equipment.  Thanks to Russ and Mike for addressing this need and getting our heating and air conditioning back in service.

Mike Zofchak of the Building Committee organized a major cleaning of the patio.  The front of the building and the complete patio structure, including the ceiling and fixtures, were power washed.  The concrete pad and bricks were scrubbed.  This was the first major cleaning of the patio since it was built by club volunteers.

A new custom sailboat cover for our patio sailboat server was made and donated by one of our members.  It is beautiful!

V/C Harvey Rickert

As Vice Commodore,  I thank all the past Commodores, Trustees, and the membership who supported their vision.  I appreciate their continued support and confidence in the current Bridge, Trustees, and Officers. Thanks to the volunteers and the membership who support and enjoy their club.

I hope everyone has a great fall and winter. I looking forward to seeing all at the January Rendezvous to welcome in the 2019 season!

SAVE THE DATE: Winter Rendezvous January 18-20, 2019!

Attention all furloughed dogfaces, swabbies, flyboys, jarheads, coasties, hawsepipers, and WACS.  

Attention all USO entertainers and any other military or civilian personnel who wish to have fun!

Your local HBYC USO invites you to the HBYC Winter Rendezvous on 18-20 January 2019 at Sawmill Creek Resort for a WWII / USO throwback.

Preparations are underway to provide the Big Band Jazz and vocal stylings of the likes of Vaughn Monroe, Jo Stafford, Snooky Lanson, Marion Hutton, and many more.  So you Jive Bombers can be Digging the Jive and Cookin’ with Helium while enjoying some Quenchers!

Join us as we honor the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Army Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Mariners from Dec 7, 1941 to Sep 2, 1945.  Grab your favorite guy/gal, break out that old uniform...if it fits...for a gala time to be had by all.

Save the date and I will continue to provide updates as plans evolve.

R/C Russell Marcks

September 29th Social - Designed to Fight Haul Out Blues

September Often Causes Isolation And Longing

Cure the end of September haul-out blues. Finish off the boating season with the final "official" HBYC social of the season on September 29th at 6:30. It is a true pot luck. Bring a dish to share made from whatever is left in your pantry. 

Can't make it? Remember any get together at the club is a social........  time to be enjoyed as our season ends!

Brrrrrrr. 

Robby's Voice Regatta: Skippers Meeting Time Change and Sailing Instructions

The Skippers Meeting for RVR has been moved to 9 AM.

Click the links below Robby’s Voice Regatta (RVR) details:
       RVR - Notice of Racing
RVR - Sailing Instructions

Reminder: September 16th Vote on Dues Increase

A proposed increase of $60 will be voted on at the next membership meeting which is scheduled for Sunday, September 16th at 11 AM.

During the August 18th members meeting, Commodore Don Petsch and Treasurer Pete Rao provided a Financial Overview.   The presentation was a great history lesson on how HBYC was built over the years with membership dues, but that it was time for a dues increase to address the increasing costs of running the club.

Click here —-> Members Only and then click on Financal Reports to access the HBYC Overview presentation.

Get Your Tickets for Robby's Voice Social and Raffle!

This year’s event will be a catered ribs and chicken dinner for $15 a person.  As a club, we have committed to 125 tickets for dinner next Saturday. We Still have tickets available. You must reserve your dinner tickets through Pat Altherr ASAP.  Send an email to Pat with Robby's Voice in the subject line.  Click here to email Pat -> I need dinner tickets.

There are still a few tickets for the raffle. The SHM office has at least 20. If there are others available,  you can purchase them Friday evening at the club house.

We have a number of wonderful prizes:

• SHM will be offering 1/2 off storage or docking up to $2,000 as top prize!

• $500 cash prize

• A Beautiful quilt donated by Melanie Hitch shown below

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the the Marina Office or from an officer at the club house.

Here is a link to the flier below:  Robby’s Voice Social

SAVE THE DATE - Robby’s Voice Regatta and Social

By Larry and Barb Hurst,

On September 15, Harbor Bay Yacht Club will sponsor the third Robby’s Voice Regatta, an afternoon of racing in Sandusky Bay for fun and a very worthy cause.

This year Robby’s Voice is supporting Rosie’s Playhouse, a volunteer non-profit organization devoted to providing a support program to children (5-12 years) whose lives have been affected by a loved ones addiction. The no-cost program offers an opportunity to learn healthy coping skills and age appropriate education addiction.  To learn more click here —> Rosie’s playhouse 

For those not familiar with Robby’s Voice, here is a little background.Robby’s Voice was founded by the Brandt family following the death of Robby Brandt from a heroin overdose. He was 20 years old and the grandson of Bob and Jeannie Brandt. A few months after the funeral his parents found a notebook containing information about a web site that he had planned to start to help young people suffering from addiction. In April of 2012, the Brandt family became Robby’s Voice. The original purpose was to bring education and awareness about addiction to a few local schools. In the 61/2 years since, Robby’s Voice has been heard by over 100,000 students, parents, educators, first responders and those suffering from addiction in 10 counties. The family works actively with addicts at Rosary Hall, a detox unit imbedded within St. Vincent Charity hospital in Cleveland, hearing their stories and offering hope for their future. They are members of the Cuyahoga and Medina County Opiate Task Forces and their respective ADAMHS Boards. Involvement with Ohio’s Attorney General, the DEA, FBI and the Department of Justice has brought Robby’s Voice to a whole new level of involvement. In April of 2017 they were humbled and honored to be the recipients of the FBI’s Community Service Award presented in Washington DC by James Comey. In 2018, The Medina County ADAMHS and Health Boards presented Bob and Jeannie with an award for “Bring Help, Bringing Hope” to those suffering from addiction.

In March of 2016, Robby’s Voice started a family support group called Family Matters located in Medina. They meet every Monday night for 2 hours offering education and support to families with addicted members. A second location that meets on Thursday nights in Wadsworth was added in July with a third planned for sometime in 2019 for Cuyahoga County.

In August, Robby’s Voice signed a contract with The Mercy Health System to develop a program designed to educate their medical staff on addiction, treatment and recovery. This will be presented to all facilities across Ohio. All of this is the culmination by the hard work of dedicated people who are Robby’s Voice.

 To learn more about Robby’s Voice, click here —-> Robby’s Voice

Please support Robby’s Voice by joining the regatta with your family and friends.The Notice of Race is available on the HBYC website and on the bulletin boards. HBYC is planning another great social for Saturday evening, September 15 at the Clubhouse.

“You Gotta Regatta for Robby’s Voice”

HBYC Bridge Proposes Dues Increase

During the August 18th members meeting, Commodore Don Petsch and Treasurer Pete Rao provided a Financial Overview.   The presentation was a great history lesson on how HBYC was built over the years with membership dues, but that it was time for a dues increase to meet the increasing costs of running the club.

Click here —-> Members Only and then click on Financal Reports to access the HBYC Overview presentation.

A proposed increase of  $60 was dicussed and well received by the quorum of members in attendance.   The adoption of the increase will be voted on at the next membership meeting which is scheduled for    Sunday, September 16th at 11 AM.

 We Need You! To Attend the Membership on September 16th to vote on the Dues Increase

Cruisers take on Toledo

By Tim Kemerley

As part of the 2018 HBYC 10 day cruise, 6 boats traveled to Toledo Skyway Marina.  The cruise took us from SHM to MBI to Toledo.  To reach the Skyway Marina, we had to navigate 3 Maumee River bridges, two of which had to be opened for our transit.  While at the marina, we visited the Museum of the Great Lakes, toured the steamship Col. James M. Schoonmaker, some saw a Toledo Mud Hens game via river taxi, and some visited the Toledo Museum of Art.  We had a great meal at the Kobe Bay Japanese Steakhouse.  Most of the group went on to Toledo Beach to finish off the cruise.