Ho, Ho, Ho!
On December 13, 2025, more than 50 Semiahmoo YC members and guests gathered at the Birch Bay Village Club House (Blaine, WA) to celebrate the holiday season and the conclusion of a very successful year on land and sea. Although Santa, himself, was not present, his spirit was definitely in the room!
With holiday tunes playing in the background, the evening kicked off with pre-dinner appetizers and socializing before everyone sat down to an amazing prime rib dinner, with all the trimmings, prepared by Commodore Mel Kolstad and his team of "elves". The meal was capped by several "hard to resist" desserts. Drawings for door prizes and the pointsetia plant table centerpieces followed.
Commodore Mel honored several members with "Outstanding Service Awards" for 2025: Paul Dumbleton for his work on the Annual (Jamie Paterson accepted for Paul); Bob Simpson for "getting the word out"; Lisa Lee for "taking care of the money" and hosting events; Jason Sloan for handling the cruises; Susan Barlock for taking care of membership issues and coordinating the Commodore's Ball auction; Bryan Jones for organizing the land events; and, Janice Cosenzo for serving as the Club's Webmaster. Mel also presented a special "Behind the Scenes Award" to his wife, Louise, for all the work and support she gave him over the past six years of his being on the Board.
As a Chrismas Party tradition, SYC members brought non-perishable food goods and/or cash donations to benefit Food Bank organizations on both sides of the USA - Canada border. Through the generosity of those present, some $540 US was collected and delivered to these charitable organizations to help make the holiday season a little more enjoyable for those in need.
Here's wishing all SYC Club Members (and readers) a Happy New Year and an invitation to boat and/or socialize with us in 2026.