We are coming up on the annual Christmas Gathering to be held on Dec. 19 at the home of Past Commodore Marianne Reynolds. Jim will send out notices about directions and parking (carpooling is a great idea, especially if the weather is poor).

Marianne wants to remind us all that the focus of this party is local food pantry Christmas contributions. Bring dry goods or canned goods that can be stored and easily distributed by the good folks who run this very special, totally local charity. If you can't come to the party, you can still participate by dropping off foodstuffs at the Congregational Church or by sending a check for contribution of funds by mail to the Congregational Church and show food pantry on the envelope (you can also give checks to Marianne at the party and they will all go in one batch from BHYC).

The leadership of our summer instructional programs is now complete! In previous issues we told you that Geoff McCuskey and Sally Lloyd had signed on for the 2014 season and now we have word that Larry Rioux, head of the tennis program for the past two years, will return for his third season. This is good news for both adult tennis folks and for the Junior Program as well!

Speaking of the Junior program, the foundation folks report that response to the annual appeal for foundation working funds has been met with enthusiastic response, and the goal is in sight. There is still time to contribute and donations can be sent to the foundation in care of its treasurer, Tony O'Neill.

The foundation has also announced that it is accepting donations earmarked for the purchase of 10 new 420 sailboats for the Junior Program. Gifts in any amount are appreciated and there is an opportunity for naming gifts of nine of the boats. Naming gifts must be of $4,500 or greater value.

One boat of the 10 has been named and that name will be disclosed in next week’s paper along with any additional names reserved to date.