2025 annual meeting reflects a strong future

By Rear Commodore Milt Fuehrer, annual meeting Chairman

A weekend of camaraderie, club business and a look toward the 2026 boating season defined the 2025 Great Lakes Cruising Club Annual General Membership Meeting Oct.17–19 in Grand Rapids, MI.

A warm West Michigan welcome

The gathering opened Friday evening at the downtown Grand Rapids Embassy Suites hotel. Members reconnected with long-time cruising friends and welcomed first-time attendees. Laughter and lake stories filled the room as international cruisers from across the Great Lakes celebrated the end of one boating season and made plans for the next one.

Business and exploration

Members gathered after breakfast for the joint annual meetings of the GLCC and Great Lakes Foundation boards of directors. Reports from officers and committees highlighted strong membership engagement, continued success of GLCCSchool programming, and updates on Foundation grants that further the Club’s mission.

Eric Tucker was appointed GLCC Chaplain, as former chaplain Nelson Stone vacated that position to become Rear Commodore for Lake Superior (Region 10). Many remember Carl Tucker, Eric’s father, who served as GLCC Chaplain for many years. Eric’s resume includes being chaplain for the Veterans Administration.

Dee McClure was appointed Rear Commodore for Lake Michigan Northeast and Lake Huron Southwest (Region 39).

The afternoon showcased the best of Grand Rapids. Members toured the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and took advantage of the many activities in this vibrant downtown. The mild fall weather and West Michigan hospitality were appreciated.

Tradition, recognition, and inspiration

Cocktails and conversation included a professional photo session for each member provided by Rear Commodore (Ret.) Mark Lifter’s grandson, Aiden Lifter (photos at end of article).  Following cocktails, the formal dinner began with GLCC and Great Lakes Foundation annual meetings. Commodore Joe McKeown welcomed attendees. Vice Commodore Craig Shantz, Treasurer Niels Jensen, and Secretary Jim Austin presented reports. Sue Camaiore gave the Invocation.  Amy Babinchak offered a toast to Canada and the United States, celebrating the Club’s international membership.

The 2026 Slate approved was:

Officers:

•    Commodore: Joe McKeown

•    Vice Commodore: Craig Shantz Sr.

•    Secretary: James R. Austin

•    Treasurer: Niels R. Jensen

•    Fleet Captain: Cheryl Cheger-Timm

•    Fleet Surgeon: Michael Hritz, M.D.

•    Judge Advocate (Canada): Stephen Selznick

•    Judge Advocate (U.S.): Gregory E. Korstad

Rear Commodores:

•    Region 10 - Lake Superior: Nelson Stone

•    Region 27 - Lake Michigan Southeast: Milt Fuehrer

•    Region 33 - North Channel, Georgian Bay and Canadian Shore of Lake 

                         Huron: David Spencer

•    Region 35 - Lake Ontario and Connecting Waterways: Eric Sunstrum

•    Region 39 - Lake Michigan Northeast and Lake Huron Northwest: Dee McClure

•    Region 47 - Detroit and Saginaw Bay, St. Clair Lake and River: Rob Hillman

•    Region 53 - Lake Erie: James Ehrman

Directors-at-Large

Directors elected with terms expiring in 2028 were:

          Jack Lee Dever, Jim Egensperger, Christine Moore Skrocki

Directors previously elected and recognized at the annual meeting:

          Terms expiring in 2026: Amy Babinchak, Tom Tucker

          Terms expiring in 2027: Julie Thorndycraft, Ardy Barclay, James D. Richlak

Outstanding Contribution Awards presented:

•    William J. Kivell Memorial Award:     Port Captain Dave Obergefell

•    Founders Award:                              Port Captain Mary and Wes Micket

•    Admiral Bayfield Award:                   Larry and Elizabeth Hunter-Blank

•    Award of Appreciation:                     Rear Commodore (Ret.)/Port Captain Bill Bailey

•    Award of Merit:                                 Rear Commodore/Port Captain Dee McClure

Award winners were recognized for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Club and the cruising community across the Great Lakes. Rear Commodore (Ret.)/Port Captain Bill Bailey and Rear Commodore/Port Captain Dee McClure were present to receive their awards. See this month’s Lifeline for additional details on the awards and recipients.

The featured speaker was Valerie van Heest, a maritime historian and author, who was introduced by Director/Rear Commodore (Ret.)/Port Captain Mark Lifter. She gave the audience insights into Lake Michigan shipwrecks and recent underwater discoveries. An informal afterglow followed, with members sharing stories late into the night.

The evening concluded with remarks from Commodore McKeown.

Farewells

Sunday morning’s breakfast provided a final opportunity for fellowship. As attendees headed home, the sense of shared purpose and friendship that defines the Great Lakes Cruising Club was as strong as ever; evidence that while each boating season ends, the GLCC spirit continues year-round.

Professional photos courtesy of Aiden Lifter of Lifter Photography: