- relax on the weekend
                - have a quick meal on the grill after work
                - play some cards
                - enjoy the summer Campout with the family
                - enjoy adult parties and entertainment with our friends
                - help our children compete in the snapper tournament
                - listen to live music "under the stars"
                - watch the fireworks while enjoying the 4th of July holiday 
                                 …and SO MUCH MORE !

So, as the new president of the GHBC, I'd like to thank each of you for being a part of this "special place" where we can all enjoy our summers together. I'd also like to extend my deep appreciation and thanks to Donna and Mick Vigliotti for doing such a great job and, along with our dedicated Board Members, managing yet another year of good times as well as the many managerial and business related issues that come from running a club of this magnitude.

When we think of the good times we all share at the club, we don't necessarily realize all that it takes to run the club. That, in itself, is a testament the strength and dedication of the Board Members. While we were all either playing cards, playing volleyball, watching our kids swim, or looking for the next cannonball champ, the Board was wrestling with issues like: a leaking water line under the parking lot, a leaking kiddie pool, bathroom renovations, painting the club, opening the club, closing the club, dealing with the pool management company and staff, buying and installing a new swing set, repairing fences and security mechanisms, dealing with bills, taxes, utilities, and any other thing that could either break, go wrong, or cost money. Let's not forget, they also put together and, with the help of several GHBC members, ran our entire calendar of events!

The best part: They made it look so easy …even though it's not. And it's still going to be a tough job next year. As we closed the club this year, we had already have begun review and budgeting for several major pool repairs and services that need to take take place over the next two years. Couple these expenditures with the rising costs of supplies, utilities, and just doing business, there will be an increase in dues beginning in 2010. It's unfortunate that we have to do this after three years of not having an increase but we are doing our best to keep it to a minimal, yet realistic, amount. With that being said, this years new dues will reflect an increase of $91.75 + tax (or $100) bringing the new total to $1,650. Please keep in mind that this number does include a sales tax charge of 8.25%. As this past year has been economically challenging for many of us, we’ve tried to keep this year's adjustment as reasonable as possible (@ 6%). Additionally, we will be carefully reviewing the budget throughout the year so as to actively manage any future increases may be necessary over the up-coming years.

I realize that nobody wants to hear that the club is now going to cost more. However, as I said earlier, it's more than just a club. It's a place where we make and share good times…. with our families and friends. There aren’t many places that I know of where you can just come on down, relax, enjoy the company of your friends, and feel like your in your "own back yard" . The Green Harbour Beach Club is one of those places.

In closing, I'd just like to say that I'm looking forward to being your president next year. It excites me to take such an active role in a club that means so much to me. But more importantly, I'm looking forward to just "enjoying the good times". Remember, the club is as good as we choose to make it. So, let's keep a good thing going and have a great year!

See you in spring,

Mike