Thank You DSC Volunteers!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012, was dedicated to our wonderfully generous DSC Volunteers.

In an evening of ebullient camaraderie, Siiri Fowler, Chair of the Volunteer Council, presented several of our dedicated Members with the distinction "DSC Volunteer of the Year," by program categories. 

Please join us in an expression of sincere gratitude to each of the following individuals!  (*Note, not all award winners were present at the ceremony.  Those who were in attendance are pictured.)

FLEET & FACILITIES (Two Awards Issued) 

John Wrangle:   John stepped up for the DSC as the member lead for fleet and facilities. He volunteered countless hours at the beginning of the season to get the boats ready for the DSC's youth, outreach, and adult programs. According to Doug Silber, coordinated the overall spring work effort, helped to repair the whalers (He helped design and build new seats for both the Mary Anna and the blue boat).   John takes incredible pride in the DSC, and sets an example that should be applauded.

Jared Ackers: Jared (pictured above with Siiri Fowler) always seemed to be present at the work parties tackling different tasks. Jared (like John) exceeded the number of volunteer hours expected of any DSC member this past winter and spring. He took on the project of sanding and staining all of the rudders of the J22s, he represented Fleet and Facilities at the Volunteer Council meetings, volunteered his time for both the Sail for Kids and YGR.... Jared's selfless contributions truly made a significant impact on the status of the J22 and Sonar fleet this season.

DSC RACER OF THE YEAR 

Scott Kirwin: Scott (pictured above with Siiri Fowler) stepped down from his leadership of the Race Council this winter, but instead of sailing off into the sunset, he spent many hours assisting the new Race Council.   He joined the Race Rules Committee and improved the race rules training and testing. He collected and reported the race results throughout the season. He worked with the Race Management Committee to make sure that Race Committee was equipped and out each week. He volunteered to be the race committee for Sail for Kids. In addition, he represented racers on the DSC's Membership Council. He is well respected by 

CRUISING PROGRAM

Nick Thomas: There were several outstanding volunteers recommended. However this volunteer's consistent presence could not go unnoticed for his dedication and work on the cruising fleet as well as all areas of the DSC facilities    It's a thankless job and not many see the work in process but fully take advantage of the benefits of a DSC working fleet.  Thank you, Nick Thomas, for all the work you did on the boats, including putting in a new head on Frolic.   Nick even helped fundraise for the new head!

SAILING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING 

Charley Tucker:  Charley (pictured above with Siiri Fowler) is a great example of how all programs can work together to achieve the DSC mission. Charley works tirelessly on cruising vessels often times 3 or 4 times per week. He is an avid volunteer instructor who provides great support on open sails and corporate events. For the past three years he has worked with the SIT program on their overnight end of the summer cruise.  Thank you, Charley, for your efforts towards all of the DSC programs.

DSC OFFICE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Chris Quinn:  Chris is a tireless warrior for the DSC. Often times her hours of volunteer time is behind the scenes. She is our branding expert providing her business free of charge. During the crazy summer months she develops flyers, posters and banner designs sometimes at a moment's notice.  Thank you, Chris, for all of your hard work.

ACCESSIBLE SAILING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Lisa Van Sant:  Lisa, (pictured left in the above photograph joined by her very proud Daughter) is a great example of volunteerism at the DSC; started with no dinghy experience, jumped in and learned to sail, now avid sailing buddy, helped with work parties and ALWAYS willing to help where needed. Thank you, Lisa, for your dedication to the DSC accessible program.

RECREATIONAL SAILING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Claire Corcoran: Claire (pictured above with Siiri Fowler) is incredibly deserving of the Rec Sailing award because she consistently put her money where her mouth is, all season long. Not only was she the most consistent skipper (and a recognized open sail coach), but she was also an incredibly strong advocate for recreational sailing members at the DSC and for the inclusion and development of our newest members. If she saw a problem, she took responsibility for it and cut a path to make sure it happened properly. When we had staff transitions, she picked up the slack in the open sails and put in whatever time and effort was needed to make sure absolutely nothing fell through the cracks. She never found a problem without suggesting a solution, and she never proposed a solution without being willing to put in the effort.