2007 - COMMANDER'S MESSAGE R. STEPHEN BOSHART New Year’s Eve is a time for reminiscing. We remember the good times we’ve had and eagerly anticipate those yet to come. Many of those good times have revolved around the Rocky Mount Power Squadron. The Luau at Holiday Island was one of my favorites -    I think I look sexy in a grass skirt and big sunglasses. Holden Beach and Bob and Linda Brown’s low country boil was a memorable time as well. While the outings are fun the family nights are enjoyable and informative with the host of great speakers we have had the past year. I look forward to serving as your Commander in 2007 and continuing the education, laughter, and just good old fashioned fun.

After sailing and boating as a teenager in New Jersey, I thought I had outgrown the affliction until we moved to North Carolina. Sure enough, the water began calling my name once again and before long I had purchased a boat. Although boating on the deep non-tidal lakes in Northern New Jersey is a breeze, I quickly learned that the Atlantic Ocean is not quite as forgiving. I had never swam in eighteen inches of water much less boated in it!

Enter the Rocky Mount Power Squadron! Bonnie and I took the Squadron Boating Course in 2001 and quickly learned that “Hard Aground”, a term previously unheard of in New Jersey, is the boater’s  initiation rite in North Carolina. We have been members ever since, thus combining two of the most important things in life, good friends and safe boating.

In closing, I feel privileged to be sworn in as your 36^th Commander. I will focus on recruiting  new  members as well as retaining the old ones, and participating in more rendezvous, weather permitting. I invite each of you to come and play with us. We always seem to learn a little and to eat a lot.

Safe Boating!