2023 END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

115 BBC members and a few guests attended the End of Year Celebration on November 11 at Oregon Ridge.  The afternoon festivities began at 1:00 as people crowded into the former ski lodge.  The buffet lunch provided by Andy Nelson’s Barbecue was plentiful and delicious, with enough food for people to enjoy second servings.  Graul’s carrot cake, as always, did not disappoint.

Larry Kenney gave an excellent presentation about the 2023 Civil War Century (CWC) finances and rider survey feedback.  The proceeds from this event are a significant source of income for the BBC budget.

Mary Menne, longtime BBC member, past co-coordinator of the CWC, gave a heartfelt speech on the importance of volunteers in our all- volunteer organization.  As she explained, the money we raise from our events comes back to all of us being able to have events like this free of charge for members.

Our Business Meeting was held after the meal. Departing President Pat Lapensee talked about the accomplishments during his four years as president including navigating Covid and teaming up Marg Draper-Harris to resurrect the Chestertown Weekend (formerly known as Kent County Spring Fling).

The 2024 BBC Board of Directors was announced: President-Nabil Ali; VP-Ellen Hochman;  Secretary-Steve Zeldin; Treasurer-David Schallich;  and four Members-at-Large: Gene Bayer and Mike Flanigan, returning for 2^nd year; and Rich Burns and Marge Ewertz, beginning their 2-year terms.

Nabil Ali spoke about his near-term vision for the BBC including fiscal transparency and in-person board meetings.

Two BBC members were recognized for their outstanding support of the club.

For his major contributions of time and talent, year after year, Larry Kenney received the Hall of Fame Award.  He has been co-coordinator of the Civil War Century since 2016, ride leader, and RWGPS coordinator.

The Barbara Park Award for a member who has shown promise to be a future leader was given to Gary Flax.  As a relatively new member, he volunteered to work on painting the road markings on the CWC routes.  After hearing riders bemoaning the loss of the very popular Washington County Getaway, Gary decided to revive it.  With some guidance from a few club members, he did it! (See Gary’s home page article.)   He plans to offer the Washington County Getaway again in 2024.

Congratulations Larry and Gary

It was great to see so many BBC members together enjoying themselves on a beautiful November afternoon.

I want to thank my committee for all their help making this event a success…Rich Burns, Jane & John Cole, Evie & Mike Reinsel, and Steve Zeldin.

Let’s all help to make 2024 a great year for the BBC ... volunteer for special events, lead rides, and participate in all of the rides & events our club has to offer.

The years and miles fly by…

Gloria Epstein