The WaterFront Center promoted its marine education programs for children
The WaterFront Center (WFC) honored their longtime supporter Frinny Storrs, (Mrs. Richard C. Storrs) at their gala fundraiser held June 8 at the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (SCYC) on Centre Island. Auctioneer Mark DeNatale of Locust Valley gave people the opportunity to give $200 each for the Frinny Storrs WFC Scholarship. He started the “bidding” by donating the first $200 and saying, “this is a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the programs of the WFC.”
He added, “She’s a lovely woman and she’s what we all should aspire to.”
Jamie Deming described Ms. Storrs as a special person, and a great friend of the nonprofit groups in town such as the Visiting Nurse Association, the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Friends of Bay and the WFC. Ms. Storrs housed WFC instructors and hosted the WFC weekend speakers series. “She opened her heart and her home and is somebody who makes you feel welcome,” she said.
In the WFC 2012 Log, editor Deming told more of the story:
Frinny was one of the founding board members of the WFC when it was created (as the Center for Marine Education and Recreation of Oyster Bay) in 2001. She was drawn to marine education and youth programs. In the early days, her contributions were mainly in fundraising and board development, but also hands-on chores in Building G. She regularly holds pool parties for the WFC’s junior summer instructors, houses instructors for the summer and hosts the annual WFC Christmas Party. In 2009 and 2012 she hosted the WFC’s Winter Lecture Series in her living room, and in 2009, the WFC Benefit and Auction on her lawn.
The Log added, “Mrs. Storrs is always there for the WFC. Her generosity of spirit and warm friendly nature make everyone who meets her feel welcomed and appreciated. We are grateful for everything she does for us.”
The Log explained, “Frinny had a particular talent for fundraising, especially since she knew everybody in town — and they knew her! She twice won the Congressional Achievement Award recognizing outstanding contributions made by those in the private sector to community programs.”
Some of the student sailors were on hand to walk around the tables spread out on the lawn of the SCYC gathering donations.
Ms. Deming said they were raising funds following the mission of the WFC, to educate people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds so they can become active stewards of the marine environment, and to promote community sailing and other environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the waters of Oyster Bay.
Most Valuable Volunteer
Christina Perez, front desk manager, pointed to Berry Tiska and said, “She’s our MVV, Most Valuable Volunteer.” She was written up in the Log, noting “her positive, don’t-worry-I’ll-take-care-of-it-attitude. Last year signed up to teach every junior summer fishing program: she was their ‘angler professor and master baiter, line untangler, de-hooker’ — you name it. If Hank Del Percio, our other expert, couldn’t help, she’d get her own Hank (Tiska) to fill in. Throughout the season Betty crewed on the Christeen 43 times.”
Ms. Tiska complimented Ms. Perez saying, “She makes out the schedule for the Christeen and makes sure I get the times I need.”
The WFC Annual 2012 Log
Each year, the WFC publishes its Log, a wonderful look into the marine education group. It is a great tool for teaching and includes puzzles for children (and puzzling adults) as well as great artwork showing that the marine environment is a great inspiration for artists. The center spread, done by Sarah Hecker with charm and skill, illustrates statements made by children from the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center and the Youth & Family Summer Experience said about being at the WFC.
New Raffle Approach
The WFC took a new approach to raffles at its gala held under the stars. Nadira Mihlstin, Christina Perez, WFC front desk manager; Mary Warburgh, secretary, and Jamie Deming, co-president, spearheaded the gala. Instead of offering guests a choice of things they might want to bid on – take home and wonder what to do with – they asked guests to bid on something the WFC knew it needed for their youth marine education programs such as rigging for the Sonars. They also had a small exquisite traditional Chinese auction (tickets at $20 for one and $50 for three) and a live/silent auction of a marine painting by Kirk Larsen — which went for $1,200.
The money was for the WFC’s educational programs to get youth out on the water and to hone their marine skills. It gave the guests a chance to help a new generation of sailors.
Exploring Possibilities
Several members of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce’s attended the gala including Tina Mazzarella of Sweet Tomato, Fran Walker of Chef Fran’s Kitchenware and Walter Imperatore of Renaissance Properties. The WFC is a chamber member and Mr. Waldo is on their board.
The chamber will be partnering with the WFC for the annual Bay Day Hamlet Cup regatta to be held July 28 at 9 a.m. If anyone is interested in taking part in the race, please contact the chamber at 922-6464 or the WFC at 922-SAIL.
