OSSINING BOAT AND CANOE CLUB PREPARES FOR 2014 SEASON, CONTINUES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Every Saturday morning since the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club re-opened on March 6th, volunteer members have gathered for their weekend “work parties” to prepare the historic building for the upcoming 2014 boating season. Coffee and jokes are shared, the task list is discussed, and decades of tradition and teamwork continue as they have for close to a century.

It’s an exciting time for the organization. Having recently brought the building to complete compliance with contemporary codes, OBCC is making plans for 2014 to be their biggest and best year yet.

“The docks have begun to be positioned, and the moorings and lines are all being inspected to make sure they’re all in good working condition. Members have passed down methods for opening and closing this house from generation to generation, and it’s something that we take a great deal of pride in, honoring our heritage in these ways.  The house is being cleaned and readied for our Open House on Earth Day, Saturday, April 19th, and for our official opening day, Commissioning Day, on Sunday, May 18th, which will include a celebration of our 99th year, and as always, our Veteran’s Ceremony. In addition, we are really looking forward to Scott Craven’s upcoming historical lecture at OBCC on Friday, April 25th, “The Hudson River: A Transportation Corridor,” said Charles Carroll, one of the club’s working members.

OBCC is also continuing to encourage new membership in the century-old organization, with a membership drive and new membership orientation once a month, on the second Wednesday of the month, at 6:45 p.m. April’s membership meeting and orientation will be this week, on Wednesday, April 9th.

“OBCC offers membership at both boating and non-boating levels, so that there will always be an opportunity for all of Ossining’s community to come down to the waterfront and take part in Ossining’s most historic, cozy, family-oriented and most affordable access to the Hudson River. We look forward to sharing the season with you!”, states Meaddows Ryan, OBCC Trustee. “Please contactmembership@obcc.org for more information. We also hope you’ll visit during Green Ossining’s Earth Day Celebration at the waterfront on April 19th, or feel free to stop by the club on any Spring Saturday. We’ll be there working, and we’d love to talk to you and show you around!”

Next year, in 2015, the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary as Ossining’s beacon on the Hudson.

For more information, including the club’s activities calendar, or to contact the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club, please visit www.obcc.org.