Final Words
It’s Gala Sunday, the pinnacle of a summer full of fun, friendships a friendly competition!!!! The familiar sounds of CBSC are all around me as I write the final message of the summer; kids laughing, coaches calling, parents cheering, and friends catching up on the pool deck. It’s a familiar rhythm and it’s hard to believe another summer has already flown by.
What a summer it’s been! From early morning swims to the variable winds of Boundary Bay to the last volleys on our beloved old tennis courts, we’ve shared memories that will last a lifetime. And speaking of courts, today is the final chapter for the ones we’ve known for decades. When you return next year, you’ll find brand new courts waiting for you, ready to carry forward the many tennis traditions.
For me, today is a personal milestone. It’s been my honour to serve as your President these past two years, and I’m filled with gratitude for the volunteers, coaches, families, and especially the kids who make CBSC the magical place it is. With confidence and excitement, I now pass the torch on to Morgan Brewster, who will lead us with the same dedication and love for the Club that has guided generations of his family. CBSC could not be in more capable hands.
So, let’s celebrate today with laughter, cheers, and maybe a few happy tears as trophies are handed out and we close the curtain on our 107th summer. Take your memories with you and know that in just 307 more sleeps we’ll be back together to do it all again.
Enjoy this gorgeous day and congratulations to all the participants in the gala, tanker and half-mile swimmers and award winners.
Cheers,
Sid Landolt
President (Summer 24 & 25)
A special award, “The Chair”, was awarded on Thursday night at the summer AGM for our long-standing leader-volunteers who are the best amongst the best. This is a lifetime achievement award, and yet they continue to volunteer! Congratulations to Rod and Mary McNeil, and thank you for all that you have done for CBSC.
The Noble Order of the Chair
CBSC – 2025
💚
‘Tis the end of the summer and time to reflect.
And as for The Chair, it’s time to select.
If there are worthy recipients sitting right here,
It’s our duty to name them and give them a cheer.
Good news! We have just the right couple at hand.
A lifelong seahorse and her married-into-it man.
They are deeply accomplished, and they’ve made the club better.
They sometimes act alone, but they are always together.
She was fourth out of seven but stood out from the pack,
So a flashy sporty husband was no chore to attract.
And to ensure a strong future for our CBSC
They birthed four girls in four years; and those four birthed 13!
He was a ski bum, a teacher, and always a Scot.
She went from kitchen cabinets to cabinet minister; I kid you not.
He can fix and build anything, loves his trains and his cars.
She’s an organizing machine, even colour-coded her girls.
They lived several summers in an RV named Harvey,
Making them the first homeless recipients of the chair.
Then they moved up the hill to a house with a pool
And invited the club to join them up there.
They missed all the screaming from their days on the farm;
But Art Swim and Diving have been just the charm.
So now they’ve supplied two pools to the club.
Double-dipping it’s called, for the powers of good.
One project of hers deserves special attention.
Having digitized our archives, it became an obsession.
Her 100 Summers book put oral history on paper
And future seahorses will want to repay her.
While she organized and planned and just got things done,
He was building and fixing and having great fun.
Kiosks and starting blocks, sling shots and trophies;
And wooden seahorses that make a great showpiece
Together they ran sandcastles for many a year
And he served on the board – indeed a man without fear.
Even coming from a clan of uber-CBSC-boosters,
These two stand out as the shakers and movers.
Few have set a better example for their kids and ours,
Leaning in with passion and giving their hours.
Our club is stronger thanks to all that they do.
Rod and Mary McNeil, we raise a toast to you!