Bayview Boat Club News

Latest News, Announcements and Updates

July, 2010

7/25/10
Boat Raffle to Benefit Tom and Roxie Madison
As earlier reported, the Madison's lost their boat to an explosion and fire, on July 2. A couple of weeks ago, folks gathered on M Dock, in a show of sympathy and support for Tom and Roxie, and to enjoy another great M Dock dinner.
The Madison's were touched and grateful to find that over $5,500 had been collected, to help them begin to get back on their feet. Several individuals donated $500 or more.
Additionally, Stephen Bull (former M-docker, now at Chandler's) very generously donated a boat, to the benefit of Tom and Roxie.
The boat is a 28 foot, 1988 Wellcraft Antigua, and it will be raffled on Saturday, August 14, after a Spaghetti Dinner at 7 PM, on M Dock. Tickets are $20 each, $100/6 and $200/13.
For the full details and pictures, see the online flyer.

7/7/10
Al Osborne's Son Killed in Afghanistan
Remember Al Osborne, of 'M' dock, in your thoughts and prayers. Al's son, Heath, age 20, was serving his country in Afghanistan, in support of 'Operation Enduring Freedom'. On July 4, our time (July 5, local), Heath and a fellow soldier, 19, were killed by an insurgent I.E.D. attack - as they worked and fought to protect the freedom we were celebrating, back home.
Dept. of Defense news release

7/3/10
Houseboat Burns at Bayview
(Benefit 'Spread' on M dock, Sat., July 10 - see below)
On Friday afternoon, July 2, Tom and Roxie Madison suffered the total loss of their 43 foot houseboat, Law and Disorder, to a fire. The boat was slipped on the north side of 'M' Dock, about 2/3 of the way down, directly across from John and Jeannie Miller. John, Jeannie, Roxie and Tom in July, 2008
John, Jeannie, Roxie and Tom - July, 2008
The fire began when Tom went to start the engines, checking them, in preparation to take the boat out to watch the fireworks, that evening. After turning over several times, there was an explosion in the engine compartment. Roxie was on the dock, and saw parts of the interior and contents of the boat flying forward, towards Tom. Very fortunately, Tom was not injured, and was able to get out before flames spread through the boat. The blast and the extreme heat blew out a window and blistered part of the neighboring boat, and flames scorched and buckled the metal dock roof, above the boat.
People on the dock fought the fire with some initial success, with hoses and fire extinguishers, but once the fire extinguishers ran out, the fire flared back, and the intense heat drove them away. The fire department, and the fireboat Marine 1, arrived, after about 20 minutes. Then, there was a further 10 minute delay - the dock's pipe for the fire hose connection starts dry, and the system needs to be primed, first. By the time they were able to suppress the fire, the boat had been gutted, and soon sank, stern first, just outside the slip, between 'L' and 'M' docks. Only the bow and front of the charred flybridge showed above the water. Tom and Roxies sunken boat
Tom and Roxie are retired and spent most all of their time at the marina. They had all their belongings on the boat, and lost everything but the clothes they had on. All their personal belongings - including their computer, Roxie's purse, even her wedding ring - all went down.
Tom and Roxie are kind and friendly folks - the type, as they say, that "would give you the shirt off their backs". Only, now, that's all they have left. Their close friends on 'M' dock made sure they had a place to stay, food and some clothes, in the immediate aftermath.
Please remember these members of our marina community in your thoughts and prayers, as they deal with the financial and emotional shock of their loss. If you wish to contribute towards helping Tom and Roxie get back on their feet, you can:

drop off donations to Past Commodore John Miller, at 'M' dock, slip 1330 (call 214-244-8149 to make sure he's on board).
Mail a check, made payable to "Tom and Roxie Madison", to:
John and Jeannie Miller
PO Box 876
Rowlett, TX 75030

Or, just come to the 'M' Dock Benefit Dinner, on Saturday, July 10, at 5 PM. To bring everyone together in Tom and Roxie's behalf, Jeannie's organized one of their trademark spreads - smoked brisket, fried fish and puppies, etc., along with all the great sides and desserts people always bring. Eat well, have a good time, and if you're able, please slip a donation their way. And to those who have generously helped out, all ready, thank's so much, and hope to see ya'll, there.
Benefit Flyer

May, 2010

5/28/10
National Marina Day Event
National Marina Day will be celebrated on Saturday, June 12, in Rockwall, with proceeds benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children, our own traditional charity. The event, sponsored by Cici's Pizza, and hosted at Chandler's Landing Marina, runs from 4:00-9:00 PM, and features live music, Shriner clowns, a bounce house and various fun booths. Bring your kids or grandkids and have a great time, while contributing to the mission of the Shriners Hospitals.

March, 2010

3/30/10
M Dock Fish Fry and Easter Egg Hunt
Spring has finally sprung, and just in time for the 4th Annual M Dock Fish Fry and Easter Egg Hunt, on Saturday, April 3. Everyone at Bayview Marina is invited. John and Jeannie Miller, and their fellow M Dock-ers, are building a tradition that's fun for everyone, but especially for the kids.
Dinner on M Dock will be at 2:00 PM, with the egg hunt to follow. Please bring along an extra dish, side dish or/and dessert, to go with the fried fish and hush puppies, and BYOB.
Bring out the kids or grandkids for the Easter egg hunt - BYOEB (Bring Your Own Easter Baskets) - and enough dyed or candy eggs to fill each basket. Don't forget the camera! There will also be special prize eggs, and every child gets at least one prize. Teenagers, they can sure use your help hiding the eggs.
Don't have kids? Come anyway -the food and folks are great, it's lots of fun to watch those kids going egg-crazy, all over the lawn, and the Easter bunny (Jeannie) can always use extra egg-hiding helpers.

3/2/10
Election Breaks Out at Commodore's Ball
Partiers were having a great time at the Bayview Boat Club Commodore's Ball, last Saturday night, Feb. 27. But beneath the dining, dancing, drinking, and general Mardi Gras merriment, ran an undercurrent of concern. Our club was in limbo, our future in jeopardy. No one had run for office, the previous month, and the Officer Election had been postponed, indefinitely. The current officers' terms, and all regular memberships, would expire at the end of the next day. Was the club headed for dissolution?
"We just can't allow this to end, this must not be the last Commodore's Ball", was the sentiment in the room. So, amidst all the laughter and dancing, conspiracy was afoot! Plots were hatched, and schemes discussed among "press gangs" of three or four, with the goal of recruiting nominees for office. The behind-the-scenes tactics employed ranged from friendly encouragement (whilst plying the subject with liquor), to heavy-handed arm twisting, and even to the issuing of conjugal threats! Meanwhile, the microphone began passing, testimonials were rendered, and speakers implored attendees to breathe life back into the club, to answer the call to service. Each speech was more impassioned than the last, and finally - whether from enthusiasm, or if only to stop the speeches - an impromptu election broke out!
Nominations were shouted - some declined, others accepted - votes were cast, by hands and by acclamation, and our officers for the new season were shanghaied..., uh, elected, I mean. And there was much rejoicing.
Yes, the procedure was unconventional , boisterous and chaotic, sometimes hilarious, and sure to remain a topic of debate, decades from now, by Bayview Boat Club historians and scholars. But,...
we have officers for the 2010 season!
Viva la Boat Club!

2010 Officers (terms began March 1):

Larry Nelson, Commodore

Randy Pritchard, Vice Commodore

Scott Fort, Rear Commodore

Bettye Ann Howell, Secretary

Richard Dalby, Treasurer

Our thanks to outgoing Commodore Chris Menard, Vice Commodore Mark James, and all those who helped them, for giving us a great 2009 season of events.
And, our thanks to Commodore Larry Nelson, and his fellow officers, for stepping up to serve the Club, in the 2010 season,... and just in the nick of time!