If you are like me, the warm, January weather already has me thinking of the upcoming summer months. Summer was always my favorite time of the year. When I was young, my parents took the family to my uncle’s lake house in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin every summer where I idyllically whiled away the days swimming, fishing and eventually learning how to water ski. Those were the days!
Then they bought their own lakefront summer home in Twin Lakes (for $15,500! I’ll take three, please!) and there was more water skiing, fishing and lots of laughter at family barbecues with my brother, sister, aunts and uncles and teaching my cousins, nieces and nephews to water ski. To this day, they will all tell you that those times on the lake with the family are some of the most cherished memories they have, and I know they were for my Mom and Dad, who are no longer with us. Thanks Mom and Dad, for making that possible!
Later on I became involved in show skiing and as a show director, helped found the Aquanut Water Ski Show in Twin Lakes, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. What a fun, exciting learning experience it was to create, organize and perform in water ski shows every week, while using our wits to survive on the donations from the audience. Later on we started competing in show ski contests, and we won several state and national titles. My wife and I came to Florida when I was hired to be the assistant show Director at Cypress Gardens. That was in 1979.
In 1985, shortly after we moved to Orlando, a friend gave me some of the best advice I have ever received, to join the Orange County Sportsmen’s Association. And I did.
My three children learned to drive a boat, jet-ski, fish, ski and wakeboard at our club. We made wonderful new family memories that will last a lifetime, and you can, too, when you renew your membership!
You will soon receive your renewal notice for the 2012-2013 season. Even though we are finishing OCSA’s second lakefront building for you to enjoy next door, at 9012 (more on that in this issue and on the website), there is no dues increase this year, nor is there one planned for the future.
You see, The Board of Directors realizes that the secret to our 80 years of success is providing a clean, safe, enjoyable lakefront setting on the amazing Butler Chain of Lakes so you, your family and guests can make your own wonderful lakefront memories for a very modest membership fee. Your OCSA Board of Directors and staff have been working very hard to make this another great year at OCSA. Don’t miss out on the fun and the memories! Renew today!
See you at the lake!
Karl A. Schuberth
President, OCSA
Please join us in welcoming our new Association manager, Phyllis Vickers. Phyllis is responsible for managing all office and grounds operations. Phyllis comes to us with more than 35 years of worldclass customer service experience including operating a Hallmark shop, managing retail pharmacies for Florida Hospital, and directing concierge, guest services and maintenance operations for a five-star timeshare property. After enjoying our club as a guest for two years, Phyllis became a member and then fulfilled a dream to become part of our great OCSA staff. She enjoys being part of the team that maintains our property in pristine condition and delivers the courteous, personalized service our members deserve.
Stop by the office to say hello the next time you visit the club!
We now have our very own OCSA hat for sale. It is white with the full-color OCSA logo, and is one-size-fits-all with a Flex-Fit stretch headband. It's made from comfortable, Cool-Fit stretch mesh.
Show your OCSA pride and get yours today. Available from any OCSA staff member for only $25.
There is so much to learn and enjoy from being on the water and OCSA, and the Butler Chain of Lakes can provide lots of great life experiences and cherished memories.
There’s no better or safer confidence booster than learning a new watersport, or learning to drive a boat or a jet-ski (or how to fix them when they break down!).
Is there a better way to learn patience than by fishing? Have you ever heard people laugh more than they do when watching someone being pulled behind the boat tubing? Have you ever seen a child’s smiling face after learning their first watersport on the lake?
What could be a better day than cruising the Butler Chain with friends or family on a nice sunny day? If you don’t have a boat, you can enjoy a nice family picnic or barbecue on our front porch pavilions and have the beautiful lakefront view while the kids play volleyball, swim, or fish off the dock.
Don’t miss a chance to experience these things yourself this season at OCSA.
Last year when you renewed your OCSA membership, we sent you a permanent membership card. This year when you renew, we will be sending you a small red “2013” decal to affix to your permanent membership card.
Please carefully follow the instructions enclosed with the decal when affixing it to your card and please don’t lose the decal. That is your proof that you renewed your membership.
During construction, we have moved the pet walk to the southeast corner of car and trailer parking by the tool shed. Our regular pet policy is still in force.
If you are a member and your son or daughter turned 23 since the last renewal, please remember they need their own OCSA membership to use the facilities on their own.
For more details please contact our Association Manager Phyllis Vickers in the office or e-mail her at .
A valid membership card must be carried by the rostered member and/or spouse, and shown upon request of an OCSA staff member when using the facilities. To validate membership, OCSA reserves the right to check membership cards against the member’s driver’s license.
Any immediate family member under 16 must be accompanied by a rostered member and/or spouse. The rostered member and/or spouse are responsible for the minor’s conduct and personal safety.
Loaning a membership card to anyone other than an immediate family member is prohibited and will result in the suspension of membership. The immediate family member must be 16 or older.
Here’s another great shot that illustrates our great heritage!
If you have a classic photo from the club please send it to us at .
In addition to our regular facilities, there are many amenities you may not realize we offer:
If you have questions or require assistance for anything while visiting the Club, don’t hesitate to ask the staff. They are always happy to serve you!
In addition to all the fun on the water, OCSA members can also rent any of our beautiful lakefront facilities for family events like barbecues, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties or weddings, for a very modest fee. Dates fill up fast, so don’t hesitate to reserve your date for that special event!
For information and rates, check the Web site at www.ocsaclub.com under “Facility Rental”, or, for date availability, please call the office.
Member renewals will be here before you know it!
If you have a relative or friend who would like to become an OCSA member, have them see the staff to fill out a waiting list form, or go to the Web site under “Become A Member” and fill out the online form. There is no fee to get on the wait list.
If you haven’t been to OCSA lately you have missed a lot!
The official OCSA groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of our second lakefront facility on the Butler Chain was December 10, and the walls are already up. This building will be in addition to Blaine Hall, and will take full advantage of the lakefront view with a 106-foot long by 18-feet wide covered front porch. The view is only one of the many other member-friendly features. CLICK HERE to open the Photo Gallery to see how much progress has already been made since the groundbreaking. Check out the outside elevations and floor-plan and more progress pictures on the website on the "New 9012 Building" Page. We still expect a late Spring completion, but don’t worry! Both boat ramps are still open during construction. For your safety though, the entire 9012 property is closed during construction.
Here’s a photo of some members of Citrus Council Daisy Troop 911 and their troop leader presenting OCSA President Karl A. Schuberth with a picture of the troop as a thank you to OCSA for allowing the troop to have their weekly meetings at the club. OCSA is happy to help. Have fun, girls!
We would love to see photos of our members enjoying the club so that we could possibly share them in our newsletter and on our website. We also would like to see any historical club photos so we can publish those as well.
E-mail high resolution photos to Dee Brandt, .
If you have any information or suggestions that might be useful to our newsletter, please direct them to the editors Mike Turner and Karl Schuberth c/o Orange County Sportsmen’s Association or e-mail us at .
We look forward to hearing from you.
Here are OCSA President Karl A. Schuberth, Secretary Jeannie Beagle, Treasurer Albert Gallof and directors Blaine Hensley and Bill Toppari at the loan signing that got the ball rolling for the construction of the new member facility next door at 9012.
Wow, what a parade!
With close to 20 boats all decked out in true holiday fashion, and more than 250 attendees cheering them on, it’s easy to say “fun was had by all” at our Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on December 10. Directors, staff and volunteers kept the hot dogs, chili, apple cider and hot chocolate warm, while members enjoyed the Christmas music and a roaring fire in Blaine Hall. Everyone waited eagerly to see how the judges would make the difficult decision on who would be the prize winners. First prize went to member Bud Verschage, followed closely by Al Baerenklau and Nick LeLoudis. Congratulations to you all! Watch for the date in 2012 and be sure to make this event part of your holiday celebration.
OCSA encourages all members, especially new ones, to take and pass a certified boater safety course for the protection of everyone on the Butler Chain of Lakes. Here are links to some online courses.
(OCSA has no association with any of these services).
http://www.boat-ed.com/Florida
http://www.floridaboatingcourse.com
http://www.americasboatingcourse.com or call 1-800-BoatABC (1-866-262-8222)
Fellow OCSA Members,
I am happy to announce the launch of our brand new Web site www.ocsaclub.com!
This was one of the important goals I had when I had the honor and privilege of becoming your president last April and now it’s here!
I am also happy to introduce our first full-color newsletter which shows the web-site home-page to give you a feel for how easy the new site is to navigate and how much great OCSA information we have loaded onto the site for your convenience.
By using the Web site navigation tools, you can easily access all the information necessary for you to get the maximum use and enjoyment of your OCSA membership.
Here are some of the tabs you can select from the home page:
Other features of the home page include dates and times of upcoming events, frequently asked questions (FAQ), a link to our location on Google maps, a printable map of the Butler Chain, and a link to the “Florida Wildlife Commission” site to get a fishing license so you can catch and release a nice big bass off the 9012 dock like Wyatt, who is pictured on our home page.
You can also find our e-mail address and phone number and the operating hours of both the office and the grounds.
If you are planning a day at the club or are out on your boat and wondering what time the club closes, just click on “Closing Time Today” and you will see the closing time for that day or scroll to the day you want.
You can also find pictures of the Directors and Staff, information for new members, and details on our very exciting 9012 building project on our lot next door.
We know the site will be a great, helpful resource for our members and you will find it easy to use with your favorite browser or smartphone.
I want to thank Kimberly Roberts of Kimberly Roberts Design for an amazing job of including all of our web-site design requests. If you need a web-site designed or have any issues or questions about the site please contact Kimberly at
Thank you for the great turnout for Memorial Day at the OCSA. Your Board of Directors had the pleasure of serving you and great time was had by all.
This year’s annual Labor Day Family Picnic will be Monday, September 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Your Board of Directors will serve complimentary hot dogs, chips, lemonade, iced tea, Pepsi soft drinks, sno-cones, watermelon and desserts! Music and karaoke for dancing, listening and singing will again be furnished by Joanie Hall.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Eighty years ago our founders had the foresight to purchase our wonderful family boating site on the Butler Chain, and founded the Orange County Sportsman’s Association, originally called the Panther Club.
The Panther Club was a very successful institution created to relieve tired minds and bodies during the dark days of the Great Depression.
In 1933, the Association’s name was changed from The Panther Club to The Florida Sportsmen’s Association. The current name was adopted in 1941.
In our early days, quail, wild turkey, deer, and ducks were abundant. It was not uncommon for a pair of quail hunters to bring in a hundred birds in a one-day hunt.
One of our founders, Merlin Mitchell, served as club president for seven years and helped form The Florida Wildlife Federation in 1937. He also wrote and helped pass a Florida constitutional amendment creating the Game and Fresh Water Commission.
So you can see as members, we owe a great debt to our founders and we have a responsibility to carry on the legacy that is the Orange County Sportsmen’s Association.
For more about our unique history Click Here.
To celebrate this great milestone, on Labor Day we will serve 80th Anniversary cake from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (first come, first serve) and give a free 80th Anniversary commemorative floating keychain to members who present their member card to the staff. One per member, please!
We would like all past OCSA Presidents to join us for the 80th Anniversary celebration on Labor Day. If you are a past President of the club, please contact us immediately so we can extend an invitation. We are presenting a special “Presidents Plaque” to all attending past Presidents!
One way the board is honoring our special legacy is the building project next door at 9012 Kilgore Road. At 12:30 p.m. on Labor Day, we will unveil the front elevation of the building. We hope to break ground within two to three months and to be finished in the Spring of 2012.
Your Board feels this development will be a great asset to our current members and to generations to come. The Boards of the past 80 years had the wisdom, vision and fortitude to grow the club for the future. Our current board wants the same for our children and our children’s children.
The OCSA Oktoberfest is planned for Saturday October 15, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with great Bavarian food, beverages and live music by Dr. K and Friends.
Tickets are $29 per person or $50 per couple, payable in advance by reservation only. Make your reservation early; this event sells out quickly! Mail the Oktoberfest Reservation form with your payment. Click Here to Print
This event is always great fun. Don’t miss it!
Our annual holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be December 10 from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Decorate your boat with lights and celebrate the holidays with this cruise along the Butler Chain. Participating boats must be in the water by 5:15 and ready to go by 6.
Free hot dogs, chili, cookies and refreshments will be served.
Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will go to the top three member boats!
Click Here to fill out the Reservation Form
One of our members, Hank Wendt is a member of an Antique Outboard Motor Club.
The local chapter is going to be meeting at the Club from 8 am-2pm on September 17th. Come out and see some antique outboards as old as 1918 and see some history in action!
We would love to see photos of our members enjoying the club so that we could possibly publish them in our newsletter and on our Web site. We also would like to see any Club Classic photos so we can publish those as well. E-mail high resolution photos to Dee Brandt, djbmco@mac.com.
If you have any information or suggestions that might be useful to our Newsletter, please direct them to Mike Turner, c/o Orange County Sportsmen’s Association.
I would appreciate any input you might have.
Spring 2011: Another cold, wet, winter has come to a close and the warm, bright, sunny spring is arriving with all its new color, growth and the promise of all the wonderful things that the new year offers. Your OCSA is busy getting ready for another great, wonderful year on our grounds and around the beautiful waters of the Butler chain. Your staff has been busy painting, cleaning, repairing and renovating our grounds and facilities. Making the club safe and ready for your enjoyment is always our top priority.
Please be reminded that Spring also brings with it your dues renewal notice. You should have already received this. This year, the Board of Directors felt it necessary to raise our dues. We realize that during these tough economic times, this might put a strain on some of our members, however, after much belt tightening and working as efficiently as we possibly can, rising costs and expenses have caused the board to make this decision. Please note that we have not had a dues increase since 2003! Your board is also still planning on moving forward with the development of our property at 9012 Kilgore Road. I have been describing this wonderful addition in the past few newsletters and we are presently in the design and bidding stage.
You are encouraged to pay your dues upon receipt of your statement. This will avoid any late payments and possible loss of your membership. Truly, the OCSA is still the Best Value that you will find anywhere!!!
Also, if you have friends or family that are interested in the club, please have them contact Kathy in our office. There may be a limited number of spots available this year.
For your planning purposes, please note that the following event schedule has been set for 2011. Please mark these dates on your calendar!!!
Annual Memorial Day Family Fun Day May 30
Annual Labor Day Family Fun Day Sept. 5
Octoberfest Event Oct. 15
3rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 10
Again, please be reminded to follow the clubs rules and regulations. If you need another copy, please call the business office. They will be glad to send you another copy. Also, please use the re-cycling containers that are provided and please pay special attention when tying down your boats at the docks. When tethering your boat, please wrap your rope around the posts a few times before tying off on the cleats. We continue to have these cleats ripped out of the posts because boaters don’t wrap. Please practice “SAFE WRAPPING”.
In closing, as my two years as President comes to a close, I wish to thank the OCSA Board and of course you, the members, for your help in making our club the wonderful, family oriented facility that it is. We have accomplished much and with a little luck, we will be seeing a wonderful new, multi-purpose building beginning to grow on our land at 9012. This is a dream that I have and its because of the hard work and dedication of your board, we will soon begin to see this dream come true. My thanks for a wonderful and truly rewarding two years as your President.
Please note that at the Board meeting in March, the OCSA Board elected new executive committee members. Please join me in welcoming this new executive committee and in pledging to work with them as we continue to grow and improve our great club. We have some huge challenges these next few years and they will need all your help and support.
The new Officers are:
President Karl Schuberth
Vice President Brian Gibson
Treasurer Albert Gallof
Secretary Jeannie Beagle
Again, please accept the Boards thanks for all your help and support. We continue to work diligently at keeping our club neat and clean, safe, well-maintained and orderly while still trying to keep that “old fashioned”, family-friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy this beautiful Spring and have a Happy and Safe time at the OCSA and see you on Memorial Day!!!
Best Wishes,
Albert Gallof
President – 2010/11
MEMBERSHIP NOTIFICATION OF CONSITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Per our Corporation Charter, Article VII, Section II, please be advised that your Board of Directors has approved a constitutional amendment to the Charter Article X during it’s regularly schedule Board meeting on March 22, 2011. Charter Article X was established in 2003 and it set the Corporation indebtedness at $750,000. Your board voted in quorum, by majority, to increase this limit to $1,200,000 and to revise its Florida Charter accordingly.
Upon revision, Article X shall read: “The highest amount of indebtedness or liability to which the Corporation shall at any time subject itself, shall be the sum of 1 Million and Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000).”
The general membership is invited to appear at the Board’s next scheduled meeting on April 12th at 7:30 PM to discuss this issue. If 5% of the active membership contest this revision, the board will announce a constitutional referendum to conclude the issue.
The OCSA Board recommends your support for this amendment due to the following:
OCSA Memberships Available:
Please be aware that the OCSA has a very limited number of club memberships available. Each of you are aware of the enormous benefits you have as a member of the OCSA. Should you have a family member or friend that might be interested, please have them contact Kathy at 407-876-2010 for membership information. This is the first time in a number of years that there have been a limited number of memberships available. They will not last long!!!
ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OCSA
The election was held on February 5th all seven incumbent directors were re-elected, each for a term of four years. Congratulations to Albert Gallof, Brian Gibson, Blaine Hensley, Bob Krohn, Kelly Owen, Karl Schuberth and John Stephens.
A special thanks to the election committee and all of the members and candidates who participated in the election process.
OUTGOING AND INCOMING
Our thanks to outgoing BOD President Albert Gallof for his staunch leadership over the past two years during this crucial time of expansion, kudos to you Albert.
Now it is time to support our new President Karl Schuberth as we move forward in this endeavor and as we strive make the OCSA the best it could possibly be.
MEMORIAL DAY – Monday May 30th
Welcome new members orientation 9 am to 10:30 am. Any other members who would be attending this orientation, please RSVP the OCSA , 407 876-2010 no later than May 26th. Refreshments will be served.
Immediately following the new members orientation your Board of Directors will host a Memorial Day Picnic from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for all members and their guest.
Complimentary food, refreshments and entertainment will be enjoyed by all. This is our way of showing appreciation to our members. We look forward to meeting and celebrating with you.
OCSA RULES
Guest policies: During the peak season (April 1st through Labor Day,) by policy, members are permitted to bring a maximum of 10 guests to the club. Group outings of 11 or more guests during non-peak season (defined as all non-holidays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays and all weekends after Labor Day through March 31st) requires advanced notification to the OCSA business office/staff for scheduling purposes and approval.
FROM THE EDITOR
Any information or suggestions that might be useful to our newsletter will be greatly appreciated.
Please direct them to the editor: Mike Turner, c/o the Orange County Sportsmen’s Association
As this holiday season winds down, I hope that each of you and all of your families are well and excited about the promise that the New Year holds.
We all hope that the cool, refreshing mornings we now have will also offer a new, clean, happy and refreshing start for a tremendous year in all respects. Your club will be here, as always, for the fun, entertainment and wholesome recreational activities you are accustomed to.
As stated in past newsletters, the OCSA Board of Directors is committed to finally developing the land we purchased in 2003 on 9012 Kilgore Road. We spent most of 2010 going through the rezoning process and working on the site and building plans. The site and building plans were approved by the Orange County Commission in October and the club is now moving forward with the next phase.
Here are a few of the major upcoming changes:
As you can tell, the scope of our work is huge, but the board feels that it is extremely important to continue to move forward. Over the next months, we will finalize the design, submit for permitting, bid out the project and, if it is within our financial means, begin construction.
The OCSA Board has been diligent in its process and still feels that this development can become a reality. The boards of the OCSA of the past 70 years had the wisdom, vision and fortitude to grow the club for future generations. Our current board wants the same for our children and our children’s children.
Please note that the OCSA’s biennial election of board members will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 10 a.m. until noon.
You will be able to speak with all the candidates, but if you cannot make it, you will be able to learn about the candidates from a brief overview in this election packet. This election will seat seven (of 15 total) board members. They serve four-year terms and as volunteers, provide the leadership to operate, maintain and improve the club.
Please note the important information contained in this newsletter concerning the voting process. Your vote is an important measure of the membership’s support and of Board accountability. Please participate in this process!
As my two years as your President wind down, please accept my thanks and appreciation for the kindness, support and thoughtfulness that you have shown. The Board of Directors that I have had the wonderful pleasure of working with has shown great passion, interest, loyalty and resolve during a very busy time in the club’s history. I am truly fortunate to have been able to lead this wonderful “Band of Brothers and Sisters.” All individuals with great ideas, making decisions they feel are always in the best interests of the OCSA. My thanks to each of them.
Again, Best Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011.
See ya’ at “The Club”!!
Albert Gallof
President 2009-2011
Election of Board Members. Please see the enclosed information for a brief biographical overview of each candidate.
Also included in the newsletter is your official ballot along with the voting instructions. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
New Permanent Member Cards. Renewals are coming up in March so you should be excited to know that renewing members will be getting a brand new permanent credit card-type membership card that you won’t have to trim to fit in your wallet.
Renewals and Waiting List. Please take the time to update your address to make sure you get your renewal info on time. We will have limited openings this year, so if you have any friends or family who want to become members, have them call our office at 407-876-2010 to be added to our waiting list.
Contractors Needed. As soon as we finalize our construction plans, we will share more details with all of you. We hope to break ground in the next six months.
If you are a contractor with a commercial building license or if you have a specialty trade and would be interested in bidding on some of the work, please contact us as soon as possible. We are gathering cost estimates now.
FROM THE EDITIOR
Any information or suggestions that might be useful to our newsletter will be greatly appreciated.
Please direct them to the editior Mike Turner, c/o Orange County Sportsmen’s Association.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, please accept our Best Wishes for a great Holiday Season. We wish everyone a safe, prosperous and wonderful time with your families.
Please note that the club will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (noting that the facility will be open from 8 am to 4 pm on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve).
As stated in our last newsletter, the OCSA will hold its biennial election on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The purpose of this event is to seat 7 Directors from the membership, to the volunteer OCSA Board. Top vote getters will serve four year terms beginning April 1, 2011. “Call for Candidate” information is included in this newsletter. We encourage anyone interested to feel free to run for the board.
Again, our Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Albert Gallof
President
CALL FOR CANDIDATES:
Members interested in becoming a nominee for OCSA Director must personally pick up a copy of the Director’s Commitment Statement (to be signed and returned), the OCSA By-Laws, and the Club Rules from the OCSA Business office. A brief letter of introduction, background, and request for consideration is also required. It must be suitable for posting/publication to the membership. Materials must be returned by January 5, 2011 to:
OCSA
Attention: Ray Schoeffler
Nominating Committee Chairperson
P.O. Box 690367
Orlando, FL 32869-0367
The candidate slate/selections will be determined by the Nominating Committee and decisions will be final. There will be no write-in candidates. A listing of the candidate slate will be published in the January 2011 Newsletter which will also contain further election instructions.
HOLIDAY REMINDER
The Orange County Sportsmen's Association will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. However, the facility will be opened for your enjoyment 8 am to 4 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
BOATING TIPS
Make sure that your boat has all the safety equipment required by law. Inspect your boat and equipment each time you use it. Remember your flotation device will not work if you are not wearing it.
OCSA RULES
A valid membership card must be carried and shown upon request of an OCSA Staff Employee when using the facility. The loaning of a membership card to any one other than an immediate family member is prohibited. (immediate family consists of children and full time students living at home up to the age of 23.) Such action will result in the suspension of membership. To validate membership, Orange County Sportsmen's Association (OCSA) reserves the right to check membership cards against the member's driver's license.
FROM THE EDITIOR
Any information or suggestions that might be useful to our newsletter will be greatly appreciated.
Please direct them to the editior Mike Turner, c/o Orange County Sportsmen’s Association.
To reiterate the sentiments of your Board of Directors, as expressed by it's President, Albert Gallof; we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
Yes, Fall is here and we are truly thankful for this wonderful club that we all belong to!
Your club hosted two unbelievably successful events over the past few months. The Labor Day Family Fun Day was attended by a huge crowd that enjoyed a beautiful day of music, food and fun! Then in mid- Oct., the club hosted its annual Oktoberfest Event that was also enjoyed by a large group.
Also, please note that in October, the OCSA received approval from Orange County to move forward with its planned development of its property on 9012 Kilgore Road. As stated earlier, the club plans to demolish the old house and build a first-class, multi-purpose building that will offer our members another lake-front facility to use for either a place to come in, out of the sun or rain, offer additional rest room facilities and limited use for various special events. Final plans are being drawn and as soon as they are completed, we will post the look of this new facility in Blaine Hall.
Also, please note a couple of other very important up-coming dates:
3rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade - Sat., Dec. 11th . Parade begins at 6:15. Please call Kathy to reserve a spot. Food and Drinks will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded.
Board of Directors Elections will be in February. Please see information under the Call for Candidates.
In closing, for all of you that sent positive notes and comments in to Orange County regarding our zoning change request for 9012, we appreciate your help. I would also like to thank this years Board for all their help and support during this process. It was long and tedious and put a lot of strain on our board, however with their help and perserverance, we were able to move our club forward. We feel that we will soon have a wonderful addition to the OCSA. One that our members will enjoy for years to come and one that will work in harmony with our neighbors, the land, the water and all of natures creatures.
My Best Wishes for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
See ya at the Boat Parade!
Albert
OCSA RULES
There shall be no water skiing or non idle speed operation of any boat or personal watercraft, (PWC) from OCSA beach property or within the waters defined by OCSA buoy markings.
BOATING TIPS
Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as (idle speed no wake) must operate at the minimum speed that will maintain steerageway. The best example of this is to put a car's automatic transmission in "drive" and allow it to idle forward.
HOLIDAY REMINDER
The Orange County Sportsmen's Association will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. However, the facility will be opened for your enjoyment 8 am to 4 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
On Wednesday, November 24, the day before Thanksgiving, OCSA hours will be 6 am to 4 pm.
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
As stated in the President's message any one who wishes to participate in the lighted boat parade on the evening of Saturday December 11th, please call Kathy at 407 876-2010 to reserve a spot. Prizes will be awarded.
ELECTION- BOD, OCSA
For those members who are interested in running for the OCSA Board of Directors, there will be a Call for Candidates posted in the December Newsletter along with pertinent information and instructions. The elections will be held on February 7th, 2011
FROM THE EDITIOR
Any information or suggestions that might be useful to our newsletter will be greatly appreciated.
Please direct them to the editor Mike Turner, c/o Orange County Sportsmen's Association.
To reiterate the sentiments of your Board of Directors, as expressed by its President,
Albert Gallof, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
Wow – what an eventful summer at the club, with big changes getting ready to blow in with the Fall winds.
Another wonderful summer spent on the beautiful Butler Chain and in using the clubs great facilities. Numerous parties, cookouts, volleyball games, Scout meetings, weddings and of course, swimming and boating with your friends and families. This is what summer is all about. With a very tough economy, more and more members stayed close to home and used the club and your Board of Directors and the staff worked hard at providing the best possible place for all of these activities. Our membership has held steady at 1700, and we continue to juggle the wants and needs of as many members as we can, always mindful of our goals and in trying to protect our natural setting, our members and our valuable, beautiful natural resource.
The change I mentioned will be in finally beginning the development of our property on 9012 Kilgore. Your board has decided it was time to move forward with the demolition of the old house and the building of a new, multi-purpose, LEED certified - Green activity center for our members. In fact, the new look of the site and of the building and the landscape plan will be on display at a community information session for our neighbors on Sept. 16th. We will then have an open house for all our OCSA members to see what the future will look like at the property. This date has not yet been set due to the various governmental hearings that must be held first. We will definitely let everyone know as this process moves forward.
Also, please note the following events that will be up-coming:
Annual Labor Day Family Fun Day Sept. 6
Oktoberfest Event (flyer enclosed) Oct. 16
3rdAnnual Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 11
Watch for more information on all of these events.
Also, please remember to follow the clubs rules and regulations, be mindful that we are using re-cycling containers and please pay special attention when tying down your boats at the docks. When tethering your boat, please wrap your rope around the posts a few times before tying off on the cleats. We continue to have these cleats ripped out of the posts because boaters don’t wrap. Please practice “SAFE WRAPPING”. Also, your help in separating trash is very much appreciated.
In closing, please accept the Boards thanks for all your help and support. We continue to work diligently at keeping our club neat and clean, safe, well-maintained and orderly while still trying to keep that “old fashioned”, family-friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy and have a Great End of the Summer and a wonderful start to the Fall.
My Best Wishes,
Albert Gallof
President -2010
THANK YOU for the great turnout for Memorial Day at the OCSA. Your Board of Directors had the pleasure of serving you A great time was had by all in attendance.
LABOR DAY:
Labor Day picnic, Monday September 6TH, 2010, 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Your Board of Directors will be serving complimentary hot dogs, chips, lemonade, iced tea, cold Pepsi soft drinks and watermelon/desserts. Music for your dancing, listening, and singing will again be furnished by Joanie Hall. We look forward to your attendance.
OKTOBERFEST
The OCSA OKTOBERFEST is planned for Saturday,October 16th, 2010, 6 PM to 11PM. Ample beverages and great food, typical of this themed event, is included and will be enjoyed by all. Music for your dancing, singing and listening pleasure will be provided. Priced @ $29.00 per person or $50.00 a couple, payable in advance by reservation only. SEE ENCLOSED FLYER/RESERVATION FORM. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION EARLY. WE WILL SELLOUT.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
3rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 11th, 2010.
THANKS PEPSI COLA
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Pepsi Cola Company, represented by Dave Merriman, for their generous donations of soft drinks for the OCSA member picnics.
LIVE FISH BAIT?
If you are interested in having live bait available at the club, Email us @www.ocsakd@hotmail.com
or call 407-876-2010
OCSA RULES
“All boats and personal water craft, e.g.: jet skies must maintain idle speed (no wake) within all waters defined by OCSA buoy markings. Negligence or hazardous actions may result loss of membership.”
Disregard for the above rule presents a safety hazard to other boaters who are maneuvering their water crafts within the “no wake” zone. It also creates a serious hazard and difficulty to those members who are in the process of launching or loading their watercraft. We implore all our members and their families to obey the law and our rules, and thereby operate their watercraft in a courteous and safe manner.
No boat shall block the ramp access channels. This venue is for loading and unloading purposes only. No prolonged “standing” in this area. After unloading, immediately relocate the boat away from the ramps.
FROM THE EDITOR
If you have any information or suggestions that might be useful to our Newsletter, please direct them to Mike Turner, c/o Orange County Sportsmen's Association. I would appreciate any input you might have.
OCSA MEMBER
EVENT CALENDAR
New Member Orientation
Monday, May 28th
9:00am - 10:30am
Memorial Day Picnic
Monday, May28th
11:00am - 1:00pm
4th of July
Monday, July 4th
OPEN till 10:30pm
Labor Day Family Picnic
Monday, September 3rd
11:00am - 1:00pm
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 13th
6:00pm - 10:30pm
5th Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 15th
5:30pm - 10:30pm
(407)876-2010
Suggestions, ideas, comments?
7am-3pm Monday - Friday
Closed: Sat. - Sun.
Open Daily at 7am
Closing times posted at boat ramps.
Closing Time Today
