The 2025 Commodore's Ball was held November 8th at the Silver Reef Hotel-Casino in Ferndale, WA. A Social Hour kicked off the evening's festivities and was enhanced by the soft music of "The Atlantics". Hors d'oeuvres served during the Social Hour, much to the enjoyment of those in attendance, consisted of meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp, and brie cheese.
Somehow, with around 50 people "underfoot", the Silver Reef staff magically transformed the "Social Hour" scene into a "Dinner Hour" setting, such that the dinner started right on time at 6:00 PM. Everyone sat down for a memorable dinner of their choice: pan-seared local coho salmon, grilled tenderloin of beef, or a vegan vegetarian lasagna. As he has always done, "So" (the maître d'hôtel) and his Silver Reef team did a fantastic job of organizing and servicing the event. Kudos to "So" and team!
Being that it was the Commodore's Ball, Commodore Mel Kolstad brought a number of family members to join him and Louise at the head table. Introduced to the assembly, it became clear that they came from far afield: California, Pullman, Seattle, Lynden and, of course, Mel & Louise from Lummi Island.
Mel & Louise Kolstad's family at the Ball
Past Commodores and current and 2026 Board Members in attendance were also introduced. It was announced that MemberDave Hewlett volunteered to serve as next year's Secretary, giving us a complete Board for 2026! Thank you, Dave!
Traditionally, a "Commodore's Award" is presented to someone at the Ball each year. This year's Commodore's Award went to Life Members Colleen & Dick Hardman for their many years of deep involvement in, and multiple contributions to, the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. They have served as Officers on the Board and offered the Club use of their Silva Bay/Gabriola Island, BC property for many SYC "Pig Roast" cruises. In addition, they have generously allowed Club members to use their Silva Bay dock (with advance OK) as an "unofficial outpost" for the Club, participated in multiple land and cruise activities over the years, and...the list goes on! Congratulations Colleen and Dick...well deserved!
Colleen & Dick Hardman
2025 Commodore's Award Winners
This year's award for the "Best Collection of Cruise Buttons Proudly Displayed on a Bright Blue Sash by Those In Attendance at the Commodore's Ball" went to...(buttons were given out to members attending, serving as Hosts, etc. at cruise and land events during the year):
- 1st Place - Lisa & Jeff Lee
- 2nd Place - Linda & Mike Rawls
Mike Rawls and Lisa Lee
"Most Buttons at the Ball" Winners
The Commodore's Ball also featured a strong collection of Silent Auction items and door prizes, largely due to the well-organized efforts of Susan Barlock. Thank you, Susan! Overall, the Club took in $1,400 to help support the budgeted charitable contributions that the Club will be making to maritime and/or youth boating organizations on both sides of the US-Canada border in 2026.
Some of the donated auction items (we had a lot) were set aside for use as door prizes at future events. A big THANK YOU to all of you who solicited or contributed items or experiences to the Silent Auction. On a slightly 'eyebrow raising' note, Mel's brother-in-law and Dick Hardman's cousin won 50-50 Raffle prizes...but, we have been assured that it was not rigged!
Following all the announcements, awards, the dinner, the auction and giveaways, it was finally time to dance to the tunes of The Atlantics! While things seemingly wrapped up too early for some who were ready to "party on", in the words of Commodore Mel, "It was a wonderful Ball. Thank you very much, everyone!"
(NOTE: Due to popular demand, next year's Commodore Ball is scheduled a month earlier to enable those who "get away" for the winter months to have a better chance of attending. See the Land Event Schedule in this Borderlines for the date.)
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