In 1988 Ken Alkire became the new commodore. I remember Ken as a big gentle man who was very proud of having served as the club's commodore. Commodore Alkire died peacefully at his home on Feb.21,2005 after a short illness. He was remembered for his leadership skill, and for organizing events to benefit his community. Commodore Alkire was survived by Lady Francis, 4 children, and 11 grandchildren.
Diane Stieber
In 1989 Commodore Howard Haag and Lady Lori served our club. When he was elected in 1988, Howard Haag was 21, the youngest APYC commodore to be elected. The following are his recollections:
"At the end of 1988 there was a group of members that wanted to move the club in a new direction. P/C Mike Smith nominated me to run against Larry McCloskey for commodore. This was a 'heated' election with the use of proxy votes and I was elected the l989 commodore.
In 1990 a whirlwind of energy became commodore, Ed Fried. He sold gold jewelry from his boat; loved the club; loved his boat. He was determined that we would become members, so he bought us a membership and told Tom (Stieber) that he was elected his Fleet Captain. Most meetings were conducted on the back of his boat or the boat of Tom Taylor, his best friend. Eddie insisted that the club needed a "service project" to help others. From all the discussions came the idea of "a boat ride on the bay with lunch afterwards." Now all that was needed was a group to invite. Tom Stieber suggested "Christie Lane, a special needs school in Norwalk." Since Tom Stieber was Fleet Captain, he was given the job to make it all happen, and it did. Of course, the women helped with the lunch while the men took care of the boating. It all worked out well. Eddie was very proud of his idea. Commodore Edward D. Fried died July 8, 2006.
Diane Stieber
In 1991 another devoted club member, Larry McCloskey,became commodore. Larry McCloskey also became the1991 Commander of GCBA; Lady Naomi was very proud of him. He and Lady Naomi enjoyed all activities associated with boating and yacht club organizations Larry was always a source of information about proper clothing and protocol to be followed at yachting events. He was also helpful to the new commodores. "Just give me a job, and I'll do it for you." Commodore Larry McCloskey died May 8, 1998.
Diane Stieber
At the Oct., 1991, meeting Tom Taylor was elected the 1992 Commodore of All Ports Yacht Club. At this same meeting, Past Commodore Larry McCloskey announced that Venetian Marina would not allow All Ports Yacht Club or South Shore Cruising Club to use Venetian as a home port to qualify for membership in I-LYA. Tom Taylor, some of the past commodores, and John Kula met with Tom Solberg, the owner of Huron Lagoons. Tom Solberg agreed to give APYC home port status in 1992 so that the application and fee could be submitted to I-LYA by All Ports Yacht Club. A shed was offered to the club for the storage of club supplies, and club members volunteered to paint the shed. This activity was followed by a dance with a live band on the concrete pad at Huron Lagoons.
In 1993 John Kula became the Commodore of All Ports. He and Lady Geraldine docked at Huron Lagoons where club activities were held. His boat was named "Navidar," and he docked at D-29. Commodore Kula wanted more club members to dock at Huron Lagoons. Many members did not want to change marinas so there was disagreement and limited club activities that year.