Sunday, November 22, 2015

A Great Honor

This blog is also a diary of my life. Not everything revolves around the dogs, though it often seems so. I would be remiss if I didn't include a note about an award bestowed on Dave and me.
The Spencer Alexander Award is the highest award presented at the Eugene Yacht Club. Dave and I were surprised and humbled to receive it this year. All we do is unselfish love of the yacht club, it's members and for the enjoyment of volunteering. Except for Sail School and championing the Women's Cup, most of what I do is in the background supporting Dave's myriad of activities and committee positions. I never expected to be acknowledged. 
The outgoing Commodore read this tribute before identifying us as recipients.
This year’s recipients of the Spencer Alexander Award for service to Eugene Yacht Club exemplify what volunteering at EYC is about. They have become our models. They don’t count the hours they put in, or leave before the job’s done and they take on new problems and needs as they arise. This couple has been tireless workers for the club for decades. They been patient and caring sail school instructors and rescue boat drivers and covered every facet of safety from fire extinguishers and defibrillators, to boat handling and rescue training. They done it all expertly, and they’ve been doing this for years. Our power boats are maintained and equipped by them, including arranging for repairs and long-term planning for our power boat needs. They procured the marks we race around and organize the setting of the marks each spring. Promotion of women’s sailing and racing, our fireworks show, our relationship with the marine patrol, fire department, and Army Corps are all enhanced by these folks. When I was commodore I developed a deep and grateful appreciation for the many roles this couple plays at our club. If you’re on any committee, they are, too. Years ago they built EBB tide. For you newer members it was a custom boat to start and finish races. Racers will never forget them on “Cookie Monster” throwing Oreo cookies to passing boats. And all this is just part of it. Others here know more than I do. So, you probably guessed who I’m talking about. It is with admiration and humility that I am honored to present the 2015 Spencer Alexander Award to Kaylee and Dave Brown. Dave is EYC’s
first two-time recipient of this award.