January 2012 Ship and Shore

MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE NORFOLK YACHT AND COUNTRY CLUB JANUARY 2012

7001 HAMPTON BLVD., NORFOLK, VA 23505 • 757-423-4500 • FAX: 757-423-6764 • WWW.NORFOLKYACHT.COM

IN THIS ISSUE

Around The Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 3

NYCC News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 4

Yachting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 5

Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 6

Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 7

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg . 8

Ship & ShoreShip & Shore

Many call it the highlight of the year at the NYCC. It’s the Annual Meeting and Party and the perfect opportunity to break out the formal dress and tuxes and come out Saturday, Jan 21 for a great evening of food, dancing to the music of the “TFC Band” and camaraderie.

The meeting takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom where we will be installing a new president and a few other new faces as members of the NYCC Board of Governors.

The party follows. It’s for members only, two admitted per membership. Reservations can be made prior to Jan. 19 for $50++ per person. Senior members over the age of 70 are invited to join us for $25.00++ and those 85 and over can attend free of charge.

Reservations after Jan. 19 will be $60++ per person. To register, call the club or go online at www.norfolkyacht.com.

The marina was all a-glow this holiday season thanks to all our friends on the piers who decorated their boats for everyone to enjoy. Read more about the Boat Lighting Celebration and the winners of the 2011 competition on page 5. Photo courtesy of Harbormaster Dino Kunic.

Annual Meeting

From the preSident

From the manager

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It is hard to believe we are closing out another year as we welcome in 2012. The Club will be offering our New Years Eve family dinner buffet again this year. It has proven to be a popular evening at the Club.

The Club restaurants will be closed in January for a short period from the 1st through the 5th for some cleaning and annual mainte-nance. They will reopen on Friday the 6th.

January’s highlight each year is the Annual Meeting and cocktail party. Again this year we will offer a discount for members over 70 and for those 85 and over their will be no charge. With the changing of officers I would like to thank out going President John Deal and Governors Sue Roady and John Murray for their service and leadership to the Club.

On Friday the 13th we are going to plan a “World Traveler’s Night” at the Club. We will start the evening off with a Tuscan Buffet in

We are fortunate to be members of one of the best clubs on the east coast. How do I know that? We hear it from our visitors. Many are members of

other exclusive clubs around the country and they compliment us on our facilities, our food and our staff. Many have written letters of thanks. Another way of marking a successful operation is to look at the staff. Last year we announced that our manager had celebrated his 25th year with us at the club. Our maintenance supervisor, Terry Watson has now been with us 30 years. Chef Marty Riddle has been here for 25 years and his wife Karen for 21 years. In the kitchen, Jimmie Lee Harris has been with us for 40 years, Silvano Cabiao for 34 years and Philip Jamison for 33 years. The total list of our staff with years of dedication to our Club is extensive. We hope to recognize many of our fine people at our annual meeting in January.

For me, as the expression goes, “all good things must come to an end.” It has been my

pleasure to serve as your President over the past two years. It has been a struggle at times in this tough economic climate, but I think we have weathered the storm quite well. We have added a number of new members, particularly younger ones, who will help keep our Club healthy and strong for years to come. While all of the financial numbers are not yet in, I anticipate that once again we have ended the year exceeding our budget. For that our manager and his team deserve a lot of the credit. But each of you as members who continue to support the Club also deserves our thanks. Please plan on joining us at our annual meeting and celebratory party on Saturday evening, January 21, 2012. You will not find better food anywhere.

I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season with your family and on behalf of the Board, I wish each of you a successful and healthy New Year.

Respectfully Submitted,John Deal

the Deck. For those that partake of the buffet we will offer a complimentary after dinner drink in the Fireplace Room where members will be encouraged to share highlights of recent travels and adventures. We hope this inaugural forum will encourage members to exchange ideas which may be helpful to others planning future travels.

I would like to thank all the members and their families for their continued support dur-ing 2011. Your patronage has contributed to another successful year for the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Your directors and staff join me in wishing all our members and their families continued good health and happiness going forward in 2012.

Jim Grady, CCMGeneral Manager

Officers & Committee Chairs

President John L. DealVice President William E. DashiellSecretary Charles S. NusbaumTreasurer David E. MooreCommodore James Forrester

Governors Robert BlackmanChip FinchKatherine B. FinneyRichard KeatleyJohn MurraySusan M. Roady

Committee ChairsEntertainment Chip FinchFinance David E. MoorePool, Health Martha Colenand Fitness House Susan BryantJunior Sailing Randy WebbMembership Patrick BakerTennis Gatewood DashiellYachting James Forrester

Phone Numbers:Main Club: 423-4500Main Club Fax: 423-6764Tennis: 423-6737Fitness: 489-5385

Welcome New Members

Benjamin and Vickie CrumplerVenkat and Pooja Iyer

If you know of anyone interested in joining NYCC in this new year please

contact Betsy Glover at [email protected] or 423-4500 x102.

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around the ClubSanta Claus Came To Town In Style

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Turn, Turn, TurnOur NYCC book club has turned about 5,000 pages so far. Formed in the fall of 2010, the Page Turners will be discussing their 12th book when they meets this month to talk about “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett.

“We’re not book snobs by any means, but we try to read ‘serious’ works,” said Tim Lockhart who calls himself the club’s “coordinator.”“It’s a great opportunity to read some books that we might not tackle on our own.”

The subjects aren’t the only things that are heavy. The PTers haven’t tackled a book less than 300 pages. Most are 500-600 pages in length. At its December meeting, Bill Bryson’s “At Home” was discussed.

They’ve read such works as “Under the Volcano,” “The Great Game,” “Katherine” and “Unbroken” The “summer reading list” included bios of musical greats Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richard.

Lockhart is one of the Page Turners original members. Also among the first members are May Helen and Stephen McCoy, David and Penny West and Joyce Mauney.

The club meets almost every month, gathering in the Grill around 6 p.m. for a drink, followed by dinner with the discussion following at 7:30 and usually lasting until 9.

The rules are simple.

“There are no rules,” said Lockhart. “Except the person who suggested the book we read leads the discussion.”

There have been anywhere from 4 to 17 avid readers at the get together to discuss the Eleanor of Aquitane biography “Eleanor and the Four Kings.”. Everyone is welcome, said Lockhart. And don’t worry if you have to leave early or can’t make every meeting.

“Sharing your views and hearing others’ is one of the great things about being in a book club,” said David West, echoing the views of his fellow members. “Plus you are committed to finish the book. You can’t quit.”

Another, they all agree, is the camaraderie and friendship that develop.

The members, most of whom grew up in the “generation of readers,” would love to see some younger members join the Page Turners.Said May Helen McCoy: “There’s something about curling up with a great book in your hand that you can’t get from the Internet.”

For those interested in learning more about the Page Turners or attending a gathering, contact Lockhart at [email protected].

1. Walter Hamill and his grandsons making some reindeer ornaments.2. Santa arrived at the Club shortly after three with the top down on his shiny red convertible.3. Betty Ritter and her granddaughter working on a ornament for the tree.4. CPL Clint Striblin and LEPL Jeff Kraus with our collection of toys that were donated to Toys for Tots.5. Santa visits with Lilly Robison.

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nYCC newSHitting the Slopes with Dr. Hess

Life has been mostly downhill for Dr. John Hess ever since a friend knocked on his door early one morning in 1958.

“Want to go skiing?”

Hess, who is “sneaking up on 79,” fell down a few times and also fell in love on his first trip down a mountain in the Poconos that day. Since then, the good doctor -- he’s a retired anesthesiologist -- has hit the slopes every chance he gets. That car in the club’s parking lot sporting “Wealski” license plates is his. This winter he is looking forward to a trip to Snowshoe in West Va., and then Breckinridge, Colo.,

“I’m not skiing as fast as I used to when I was young (check out the pix of Hess in a full beard!!), but I’m skiing a lot smarter,” he said. “When you get my age, you sort of let gravity take over and let the mountain do the work. But I still love it.”

Hess stays in shape year-round with five workouts a week on various machines at the Fitness Center and weekend walks, but as ski season approaches he steps up his training.

A native of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, he earned his under grad degree at Penn State and his MD from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He spent 10 years in the Air Force before coming to Norfolk.

“I was in California at the time and a friend told me of an opening in Norfolk and that I might like it. I didn’t have any idea where Norfolk was. But I needed a job.”

There aren’t many of the major ski areas in

the U.S. he hasn’t hit.

“I’ve skied in the north at Stowe and Killington and those places and out west in

Vail, Aspen and Taos and just about everywhere.

“One year I went helicopter skiing in Canada once. That was pretty interesting. You ski down the hill and helicopter brings you back up and down you go again. I must have skied 100,000 vertical feet in five days.”

In all the years he’s been on the slopes, he hasn’t broken any bones, but he’s taken “a few ferocious tumbles.”

There’ve been only three years he hasn’t been able to get away for a ski trip. One year, he was in Vietnam, another he was studying for his anesthesiology certification and the third he was getting chemo to treat his leukemia. He had open

heart surgery in August three years ago.

For years, his wife, Dolores, accompanied him and also their three boys – Jay, who is an NYCC member, and David and Brian.

“Had them on skis not long after they could walk,” he said.

Hess calls skiing “a dance with the mountain.”“It’s just a great feeling. Skiing is almost free-falling, except you are on the ground. It’s exciting and different every time even after all these years.”

Sounds like the good doctor still has a few more “runs” in him.

Oh, The Places We’ll Go

From Atlantic to Pacific. Europe, Asia, Africa. Maybe Australia and who knows where. And you won’t have to pack a suitcase to go on this trip.

Come join us for “World Travelers’ Night” from 8 to 10 p.m. featuring a “Tuscan Buffet” on January 13th and travel the world without leaving Norfolk.

Enjoy a great “Tuscan Buffet” and then share stories of past trips and ones you’re planning, over a drink in the Fireplace Room. Bring pictures.

The buffet will include a selection of appetizers, soups and salads with a Tuscan flare, scallopini of veal cooked to order with a selection of sauces and garnitures, pastas and sauces prepared to order with crusty bread, roasted garlic and olive oil, and a selection of fresh seafood and main dishes, and dessert. The buffet is just $17.95++ person. Those staying for the travel discussion will be given a ticket for a complimentary after dinner drink in the Fireplace Room, good for that evening only. Reservations are recommended.

January Specials in the Club Restaurants

Tuesday NightsAll You Can Eat Steamed

or Fried Shrimp with Soup and Salad Bar and Choice of Two Sides. $17++

Wednesday NightsSurf & Turf Special

Filet Mignon and Grilled Marinated Seafood Kabob. $18++

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YaChting

Our marina’s fueling system has been almost totally renewed. Problems such as pump shut-off in the middle of fueling and difficulties in activating the self-serve pump are a thing of the past.

And thanks to Harbormaster Dino Kunic our gasoline and diesel fuel is competitively priced. Our fuel is tested regularly for cleanliness and water contamination. Test results, which show that our diesel and gasoline are clean and water-free, are posted at the Dock House.

One of our members has used nearly 1,000 gallons of diesel over the past few years and reports no problems.

Please see Dino if you have any questions about using the new system.

Marina Fuel System is Good to Go

Charlie Brown stole the show at the annual Boat Lighting Contest and Party. The “classic” The “Charlie Brown Christmas” aglow aboard Arthur and Shirley Robinson’s Mischief was named Best Theme (2).

Andy and Dawn Lindey, newcomers to the competition, took the top prize in the Best Lights category. Judges described the green and red lights on Breezy as bold and breathtaking (5).

The Judges Choice Award went to Jim and Carol Forrester’s Anjalei which featured a sign welcoming the judges and an angel and Star of Bethlehem. It was all accompanied by libations and plenty of music. The fact that Jim is NYCC’s Commodore had nothing to do with Anjalei winning (3).

Real linens, champagne in nice glasses and a little cash offered by Serendipity’s Jeff and Joyce Heller was the Best Bribe (4). Sonny and Meriel Wright’s Sun Mer and Anjalei were runners-up.

A big thank you to our Head Judge Janita Hess and her “elves,” Kay Keatley and Mollie McCune (1). Winners were announced at a party at the Dock House.

Good Grief

The Frank Batten StoryThis book review was written by club member and avid sailor Norman Mason.

As members of Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, we are fortunate to share our club with many distinguished past and present members. Few, however, have been the subject of a published biography, an honor recently given to former member Frank Batten.

The biography, “Frank Batten, The Untold Story of The Founder Of the Weather Channel,” was written by Connie Sage. Connie is a former reporter and editor for The Virginian-Pilot and member of the Landmark Communications corporate staff.

The book contains many references to NYCC members, past and present, and the impact they had in building the Landmark empire, which included newspapers, television and other media.

Born in 1927, Batten died in 2009. His son, Frank Jr., now heads what is known as Landmark Media Enterprises.

The bio delves deeply into Batten’s love of sailing and his days as an NYCC member. He kept a succession of beautiful sailing yachts at NYCC’s piers. Many will recall his boats, all named Shadow, from the Tartan 34, later owned by Past Commodore Ron Primm, to

his last major racing yacht, a 46-foot Palmer Johnson. He won, or placed well in many prestigious races, including the Newport to Bermuda race, competing against other well known media owners, such as Ted Turner.

Unpretentious, Batten was a brilliant businessman and a regular on the Forbes list of riches Americans. He was known nationally for creating the Weather Channel. Scoffed at in the beginning (“It will be like watching paint dry,”) the Weather Channel became must viewing for many. It sold for 3.5 billion.

Few communities have benefitted from one of their residents as the Hampton Road community and Virginia have from Frank Batten. His philanthropy extends from Old Dominion University, which he served as Rector for eight years, to Virginia Wesleyan College, Tidewater Community College, the University of Virginia and the creation of many local foundations.

Sage’s thoroughly researched bio clearly presents the qualities that made Batten a leader in business, and philanthropy. We were fortunate to have had a man of this caliber with us. He led a life of dignity and honor.Connie Sage’s book is available at J.M. Prince and Barnes and Noble. It will be an enjoyable read for all of our members. You won’t read many pages without encountering a friend or club member.

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tenniS

NYCC will offer tennis clinics in January and February for Dinkers (4-8 year olds), Skill Builders (9-13) and Tournament Group (14-16).

Sessions last 4 weeks and participants can choose to attend as many classes per week as they wish.

Dinkers meet Tuesday and Thursdays, 4:15-5 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-12:45 p.m. Skill Builders meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10-11 a.m. Tournament Group gets together Monday, Wednesday Friday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

2012 Junior Tennis and Squash Clinics

A squash clinic recently was served up by University of Virginia assistant coach Grant White.

This was the second year the club brought in a teaching pro to encourage more members to take up the sport and to offer tips on how aspiring players can improve their game.

“We’ve got two of the best courts around that we’d love to see used more,” said tennis director John Kreis who brought in White. “We especially want to bring the sport to our younger members. It’s a great lifetime sport. ”

As a sport in the U.S., squash is still under the radar, but growing on both the collegiate level, the professional circuit and at clubs. The game is especially popular on the east coast. NYCC now features a group of regulars who play Sunday mornings.

More than a dozen players from college students such as Dirk and Roy Flemmer to “oldsters” such as their dad, Mark, Sandy Harris, John Murray, Douglas Burdett and Claiborn Coupland turned out for the first of several sessions of the clinic.

White took up the sport as a 12-year-old growing up in Charlottesville. He went on to become the Virginia State Junior Champion.

Raisin’ A RacketHe later captained the nationally ranked Bowdoin College (Me.) team. In addition to coaching at UVa (where he coaches Roy Flemmer), White, 29, is the pro at Atlantic Coast Athletic Club in Charlottesville.

White, who describes squash as “a fast paced chess match,” said his goal at the clinic was to refine players’ techniques.

“Things like turning to the ball, keeping your body low and head down and, most importantly, relaxing. Staying relaxed on shots is so important. Everything works better when you are relaxed.

White played exhibition matches against Alex Cancado, one of the clubs top tennis players, and Sandy Harris.

Harris called his match with White “humbling.” Cancado said, laughing, “You discover the shots that normally work aren’t quite so effective.”

But both agreed, as did everyone, they learned a lot.

The NEW squash clinic will be taught on the Fitness Center Squash Courts and is open to all skill levels, age 9 and up. Class is limited to a maximum of 4 students with one instructor. It meets Wednesday 3:15-4:15 p.m. and Saturday 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Participants in both the tennis and squash clinics must commit to come on specific days each session and register in advance.

For more info, contact John Kreis at the Tennis Center.

Top. White demonstrates good form on a backhand cross court against Noel Flemmer.

Bottom. (L to R) Ed Estes, Grant White, Jonathan Estes.

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FitneSS

Back, shoulder and knee are the three most common injuries suffered by those who work out. Personal trainer Laura Mannino will conduct a three-series clinic dealing with all three areas.

Take one class or take them all. Laura will address back pain in January, followed by shoulder pain in February. March is knee month.

Each one-hour class will help you understand the reasons why that particular joint may be causing you problems and offer exercises and stretching techniques to strengthen those areas and reduce pain.

Contact the Fitness Center for class times and cost. Sign-ups required, space is limited.

Pain Be Gone

The Fitness Center will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll be here if you want to get in a workout before the partying starts or after it’s over.

Please check the Fitness Center for youth hours for young members ages 12-15. Happy Holidays.

Our Personal Trainers Want You!!

If your goal for 2012 is to start an exercise program and get in shape or it’s to keep going strong and stay motivated, the Fitness Center has two great Personal Training Packages during January.

For new clients, your first session with a trainer is a FREE 30-minute consultation. Then buy a package of 4 personal sessions and get a 5th one free.

For repeat clients, buy a package of eight sessions and get an additional one free.

We will be featuring a Starter Clinic for all potential 2012 Sea Dragons in January. This clinic will focus on the requirements needed to be a member of the swim team, from swimming a 25-meter freestyle/backstroke to touches, starts and turns.

Classes will be directed toward our younger swimmers, 4 to 6 years old, but not limited to those ages.

Sessions will be held Sundays, starting Jan 8 and ending Jan. 29. Session I will run from 3-3:45 p.m. and Session II from 4-4:45 p.m. Cost is $80 for the four sessions. Class size is limited to 6.

Children should have a basic knowledge of swimming and be comfortable in the water. This includes the ability to float and put their face in the water and blow bubbles.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

Weight Watchers will hold an Open House, Jan. 3. Drop in to learn about the program and find out how you can make those New Year’s resolutions come true and unwanted pounds disappear. The new session begins Jan. 10. Please stop by the Fitness Center for more information or to sign up.

If you’ve ever wanted to get out on the weight room floor and add strength training to your workouts or move up to advanced body builder training, Nick Lynch will show you how. Nick will demonstrate proper use of the equipment and give you tips on how to get more out of your workouts.

Beginners class meets Tuesday, Jan. 3. Intermediate class meets on Wednesday, Jan. 4 and the advanced class is Thursday, Jan 5. All classes are at 3 p.m.

Cost is $8 per class. Sign-ups are required as space is limited.

This class is intended for those who want to learn how to lift weights and build stronger bodies, but may be intimidated by the weight room. One of our strength experts, Michelle Groesbeck, will teach you proper form. She’ll also de-bunk myths about “toning” and “bulking up” and help you get the results you want.

Ladies, seniors and others new to the Fitness Center in 2012, this is a class for you. The prerequisite for this class is zero (that’s z-e-r-o) experience.

The four-session course meets Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and costs $8 per class. No sign-ups required.

Class Session ConcentrationsJanuary 5th

Chest and Triceps

January 12thBack and Biceps

January 19th Strengthening Shoulders and Legs

January 26thIntroduction to Core Strengthening

Lifting Weights with Nick

Strength Training 101 with Michelle

Groesbeck

Weight Watchers 2012 is Coming

New Year’s Schedule

Strength Training 101

Restaurant Hours (Closed Monday):

Main Dining Lunch: Tues-Sun 12-2:30 p.m.Room Dinner: Sun-Thu 6-9 p.m., Fri/Sat 6-9:30 p.m.

The Deck Breakfast/Brunch: Sun 9-2:30 p.m. Lunch: Tues-Sat 12-2:30 p.m. Dinner: Sun-Thur 5:30-9 p.m., Fri/Sat 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The Grill Lunch: Tues-Sat 12-2:30 p.m., Sun 12-9 p.m. Dinner: Tues-Sat 6-9 p.m.,

Annual Meeting and Membership Party 6:30 p.m. Reservations required.

Main Club Closed

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayJanuary 2012

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club7001 Hampton Blvd .Norfolk, VA 23505

PRSRT STDU .S . POSTAGE

PAIDNORFOLK, VAPERMIT 2063

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Main Club Closed

Main Club Closed

Main Club Closed

Breakfast Buffet &Brunch Buffet

Prime Rib Dinner Special

Sea Dragon Clinic

Breakfast Buffet &Brunch Buffet


Sea Dragon Clinic

Breakfast Buffet & Brunch Buffet


Sea Dragon Clinic

All You Can Eat Steamed or Fried Shrimp with Soup and Salad Bar and Choice of Two Sides. $17++

Weight Watchers Begins



Surf & Turf Special: Filet Mignon and Grilled Marinated Seafood Kabob. $18++



Blue Plate Special: Baked Flounder with Crab Stuffing and Choice of Two Sides.


Blue Plate Special: Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Mashed Po-tatoes and Steamed Asparagus. $Ballroom Dancing Begins


Blue Plate Special: Grilled Rockfish with Choice of Two Sides. $

Board of Governors


“Tuscan Buffet” in the Deck beginning at 6 p.m. followed by “World Travelers’ Night” from 8-10 p.m. More informa-tion on Page 4.

Seafood Buffet

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Sea Dragon Clinic

For story ideas or photo submissions contact: Fred Kirsch: [email protected] or Betsy Glover: [email protected]


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Fitness Center Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. 5:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.Friday 5:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.Sat. & Sun. 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Youth HoursMon.-Thurs. 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.Fri.-Sun. 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Main Club Closedfor Seasonal Maintenance and Cleaning

Fitness Center & Tennis Open Regular Hours of Operation

Main Club Resumes Normal Hours of Operation.

January 2012 Ship and Shore

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