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What OBCC provides to the Ossining Community
The Ossining Boat and Canoe Club
is the living continuation of river traditions more than a hundred years old,
when the river men worked these waters, built and maintained the clubhouse, and
told stories as they mended their nets and braided rope. The club’s presence on
the waterfront enhances the Ossining community not only in measurable ways such
as enhancing home owners’ property values, but also in less tangible ways,
bringing people together and providing a living interface between our community
and the Hudson River, one of the country’s great natural resources.
Open Membership —
The club has always been open to the Ossining community, and no membership
application has been denied in recent memory. Dues are kept low to allow access
to the river for anyone in the community, and other requirements are minimal.
The club’s membership reflects all walks of life, and a diversity of abilities,
ethnic, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds, and both genders.
Community Sailing —
Through the Ossining Recreation Department the club supplies moorings and space
for the community’s three boats, promoting public recreation and preservation of
the Hudson River.
Public Ramp —
The club monitors the public ramp and collects fees for the Town of Ossining.
Members often aid and assist public boaters in this process.
Toys For Tots —
Every year the club collects truckloads of toys donated throughout the Ossining
community culminating at an event open to the public at the boat club. The
effort involves the Marine Corps Reserve and a local fire company. All toys are
distributed in Ossining through a local church.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-7 —
OBCC hosts training classes in navigation and boater safety, hosts meetings, and
stores training materials to support the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s mission.
Veterans Ceremony —
Every year a ceremony, open to the public, honors sailors lost at sea. This is a
touching event with speeches, bagpipes, a wreath, and buffet lunch for all.
Scholarship Fund —
Every year the club donates to a fund to benefit an Ossining High School
graduate through direct member donations and an annual breakfast open to the
community.
BoatUS Lifesaver Program —
OBCC is the only boat club in the lower Hudson Valley that promotes boating
safety for children through a life jacket loaner and education program.
U.S. Power Boat Association Poker Run —
In the past,
OBCC has been one of the few stops along the river for this showcase event, drawing
the positive public attention of television and other media to Ossining’s
historic riverfront. Members of the Ossining community have always been welcomed
to the club’s balcony for this spectacular event.
Labor in Kind —
Members of the club donate time that has been valued at over $100,000 per year
toward the maintenance and repairs of the club facilities, providing a savings
of those costs to the Town of Ossining.
Political Party Events —
Both Democrats and Republicans of Ossining make use of the clubhouse at various
times throughout the year for political purposes.
Spring Cleanup —
Every spring the club participates in the community’s waterfront cleanup
project.
obcc.org —
The club encourages participation through a public web site, which contains
membership and historical information, and outlines club activities.
OBCC is more than a boat club.
Many members who do not keep a boat at the club nevertheless put in many work
hours for its continuation and enhancement because they realize the social and
historical value of the club to the Ossining Community. |