

Committees Information
HOUSE COMMITTEE
The House Committee: Stewards of The Club’s Hearth and Home
Our remit is broad, practical, and essential: stewarding the House Rules, overseeing the
amenities within the building, setting maintenance and repair priorities, managing member
donations of artwork, and prioritizing the General Manager’s activities as they relate to the fabric
of the clubhouse itself.
The House Committee is co-chaired by Katherine Carvalho and Michelle Bothof (also on the
Board of Directors). In addition, our team includes Tina White (Harbormaster), Cheryl Caplan
(editor of The Buzz), and Dan Morosan (the original building manager during the clubhouse’s
construction), plus the General Manager as ex officio.
Keepers of the House Rules
The House Committee is responsible for reviewing, refining, and recommending updates to the
House Rules so that they reflect who we are — welcoming, respectful, and mindful that The
Club is a shared home. From guest policies to decorum, from use of spaces to expectations
around care of furnishings, the House Committee ensures that our rules are clear, fair, and
aligned with our values. We do not set the rules; we see what works, listen to what members are saying, and codify the rules accordingly. And, as The Club evolves, we adapt the rules.
Curators of Amenities
The comfort and functionality of our clubhouse do not happen by accident. Seating, lighting, AV
equipment, bar layout, storage, Wi-Fi reliability, outdoor furnishings — these are all part of the
member experience. The House Committee:
- Evaluates existing amenities
- Recommends upgrades or replacements
- Balances member requests with budget realities
- Thinks about both daily use and major events
When a chair wobbles, when a screen needs replacing, when members suggest a new amenity —
the House Committee is where those conversations land first. You can contact the House
Committee directly by emailing House@TheClubAtWestpoint.com with your suggestions, ideas,
and questions.
Setting Maintenance & Repair Priorities
In any building — especially one by the water — maintenance is not optional.
The House Committee works closely with the General Manager to:
- Identify maintenance needs
- Distinguish between cosmetic improvements and structural priorities
- Sequence projects responsibly
- Recommend capital expenditures to the Board
Paint, plumbing, HVAC, dock-adjacent wear, flooring, fixtures — these decisions may not be
glamorous, but they are mission-critical. A clubhouse that feels cared for encourages members to
care for it in return.
Managing Member Donations of Artwork
One of the great joys of The Club is the generosity of its members.
When artwork is donated or loaned to The Club — maritime paintings, photography, artifacts,
trophies, or memorabilia — the House Committee evaluates:
- Suitability and alignment with The Club’s character
- Placement within the clubhouse
- Long-term care and preservation
- Documentation and acknowledgment
The goal is not simply to hang items on walls, but to curate a coherent and evolving visual story
of The Club and its maritime heritage. If you have something you would like to donate or place on loan to The Club, you can share details about the item with the House Committee.
Prioritizing the General Manager’s Building Work
The General Manager sees the day-to-day realities of the building. The House Committee serves
as a sounding board and a prioritization partner. This partnership ensures transparency, shared
ownership of decisions, and thoughtful stewardship of member dues.
How a Member Can Help
- Treat the clubhouse as you would your own home.
- Raise maintenance issues early — small problems rarely stay small.
- Offer constructive suggestions with an appreciation of budget realities.
- Consider donating artwork or artifacts that reflect our maritime spirit.
- Volunteer expertise (architecture, design, facilities, preservation, AV, etc.).
Shared spaces thrive when members act as owners — because here, you are.
Membership Committee
Every member of The Club has gone through the membership process, so in many ways, the Membership Committee is the one committee we all already know a little bit about.
The Membership Committee is chaired by Amy Oliver, who also serves on the Board of Directors. The committee includes Robin Driscoll, Past President of The Club, and Kevin Parker, Founder and General Manager. Together, the committee focuses on welcoming new members, supporting existing ones, and helping ensure The Club continues to thrive as a community.
What we’re here to do
The committee is responsible for recruitment and retention of members, managing the membership process, vetting applicants, and recommending applications to the Board of Directors for approval. We work closely with applicants’ sponsors to make sure prospective members will genuinely benefit from their membership—and to encourage sponsors to act as mentors by helping new members get involved, attend events, and connect with like-minded members.
If a member wishes to change their membership status, the committee reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the Board. When necessary, the committee is also responsible for initiating disciplinary actions. What we don’t do is set fees or dues—that responsibility sits with the Board of Directors.
How the process works
Most new members first encounter The Club through an event or by arriving at the harbor. Once someone decides to apply, they complete an online application, which kicks off the process. The Membership Committee contacts the sponsors to learn more about the applicant’s background and motivations for joining. Then a meet-and-greet is scheduled—usually in person in the clubhouse. These conversations are intentionally open and transparent, giving applicants space to ask real questions and helping everyone determine whether The Club is a good fit.
If there’s mutual agreement, the application goes to the Board for approval, followed by orientation (a behind-the-scenes introduction to Club life) and onboarding into all of The Club’s systems (newsletter, special members-only website, The Club app, SlipStream, etc.).
What we’re working on right now
Current priorities include working with members to learn about ways in which The Club can improve member amenities in the clubhouse and on the water. How can we reach new audiences of prospective members through our partners, and the best ways to encourage members to bring friends, family, and colleagues to events so they can experience the legendary The Club at Westpoint hospitality?
How members can help
A warm welcome goes a long way: reaching out and greeting new members, inviting non-boat owners out on the water, and volunteering at events like the regatta or boat show all make a difference. If you’ve been a member of a club before, we’d love to learn some of the ways you can share about how other clubs recruit members.
How to learn more
Reach out to Amy Oliver at Membership@TheClubAtWestpoint.com, come to Thirsty Thursdays (second Thursday of the month starting in March), read The Buzz each week, check the notice board, explore the members-only area of the website, review the House Rules—or simply volunteer.
EVENTS COMMITTEE
Introducing the Events Committee
The Club at Westpoint has one of the most active and diverse event calendars in the Bay Area. That’s because of the dedication of the Events Team and the generosity and enthusiasm of many members who volunteer to create and host events. The Events Committee doesn’t have a formal chair. Instead, it’s run as a collective by a small group of members includes, Mary Ann Rothgery (a member for two years), Daphne Locati (a member for two years), Julie Parker (one of the Club’s original members), Amy Oliver (a member of the Board of Directors), and Kevin Parker, the Club’s General Manager.
What we’re here to do:
The Events Committee is responsible for The Club’s four major annual events (Spring Party – Gatsby Party this year, July 4th BBQ and Dinghy Out to the Fireworks, Charity Clambake-August, Saloon Party-November) and for supporting many other club-sponsored events throughout the year. These include events like the Westpoint Regatta After Party and the Boat Show. Just as importantly, the committee exists to enable members who want to run their own events. Any member can organize an event, and many do—from Thirsty Thursdays and Pub Quiz to Movie Night, Book Club, Ladies Lunch Bunch, Sunday Supper Club, Chill and Chat mindfulness sessions, and a steady stream of pop-up events. What we don’t do is execute Cruise-Ins, private rentals, or harbor-run events—though we often support them with scheduling, facilities prep, and coordination.
How events actually happen:
In the final months of each year, the Events Committee works with the Cruise-In team to map out the following year’s event calendar. Some events are set in stone; others are penciled in. Planning takes into account everything from the tide height on the day, the day of the week, harbor activity, what sister clubs are doing, local and national events, and even international calendars like the Olympics or World Cup. By January, the calendar is published—but it remains a living document. Members are encouraged to always check the website, the calendar, or SlipStream for the latest updates.
Behind every event is a set of practical questions—about timing, attendance, accessibility, location, staffing, catering, bar service, AV, setup, and signage. For large “spectaculars,” the Events Team manages all of this. For most member-led events, only a few basics are needed.
Why this matters:
When events feel effortless, it’s because a lot of care and coordination happened beforehand—so members can simply show up and enjoy being together.
How members can help:
Events at The Club succeed because members step in at many different levels—often in small, but meaningful ways. Help doesn’t require a long-term commitment or event-planning experience. But we are always happy to add members to the Events Team. Members can contribute by welcoming newcomers at events, helping with setup or teardown, pitching in during large “spectacular” events, or simply offering to be an extra set of hands when needed. Many of our best ideas also come from casual conversations at the bar or on the dock—if you’ve ever thought, “We should do something around…,” that’s often how new events begin. Members who enjoy hosting can also play a role by organizing or co-hosting recurring or pop-up events. The Events Team is always happy to help you turn an idea into something workable and enjoyable for everyone. The best member events are telling stories about your adventures – they don’t have to be on-the-water stories.
How to get involved or learn more:
The best place to start is by keeping an eye on The Club calendar, which lives on the website and in SlipStream and is regularly highlighted in The Buzz (links above). The calendar is a living document, so checking online is the best way to stay up to date.
If you’d like to propose an event, volunteer, or simply learn more about how events come together, reach out to the Events Team or speak with any of the “Charlie’s Angels” at the clubhouse. Ideas don’t need to be fully formed—part of the Events Team’s role is helping members shape and schedule them. If you enjoy bringing people together, chances are there’s a place for you in the events life of The Club.
Did you know?
Since The Club began, there have been over 500 events, that’s 60 plus per year. Over 5,000 members attended, and more than 2,000 guests. You can sign up for events on SlipStream and on the web and see who is already signed up. If you want to host an event, take a look at The Club calendar first, and then you can reserve the space online from the “I want to put an event on the calendar” page. Once you register your event, the GM will reach out and confirm your booking.
THE BUZZ COMMITTEE
THE BUZZ: THE HEART OF THE CLUB AT WESTPOINT
The Club's weekly newsletter is The Buzz. Sent via email every Monday to your inbox, The Buzz provides a variety of information for your use and enjoyment. It's editor is volunteer member Cheryl Caplan, with most content contributed by committees, members, or our GM. If you'd like to see something in The Buzz, let us know. Occasionally, we send important updates to our members, but generally, you will hear from us just on Mondays.
THIS WEEK AT THE CLUB
At the top of each ClubBuzz, you'll find the calendar of events in "This Week at The Club". It's compact, highlighted and designed to pique your interest. For more details, click the red FULL CALENDAR link at the top of the page or, if the event is highlighted in red, click it to access SlipStream for additional information and sign-up options.
EVENTS
Two weeks before monthly events, a poster will announce the event with all the details about location and timing. Special events are typically posted 3 to 4 weeks in advance, giving you time to respond and add them to your personal calendar. Events requiring registration include links in their posts. Cruise-outs are member-led events usually posted 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the date so leaders can coordinate with destination yacht clubs and harbors.
FEATURE ARTICLES
The editor creates feature articles based on member interests. Currently, there's a series called "What's in a Name?" exploring the origins of members' boat names. We're on the third story and plan to include more, including yours…send it to us! We are also highlighting a series about the committees that shape our club. This is the third in that series, with more to follow. If you have ideas for a feature series, contact the editor at editor@TheClubatWestpoint.com.
HAPPENINGS AROUND THE BAY
"Happenings Around the Bay" appears intermittently in The Buzz, sourced from organizations sharing news about their activities and upcoming events. These articles expand our opportunities as members of TCAW.
HOUSEKEEPING
Certain posts are always featured in The Buzz. These include Club Food and Beverage Hours, The Club Calendar, instructions for accessing the Members Only area on our website, The Member Suggestion Box, and FAQs. While all of these can be found on our website, the weekly Buzz makes them easy to access.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As your editor, I review and refine the content provided. However, I invite members to offer suggestions to make your weekly ClubBuzz issues more interesting and useful. I am also your website webmaster and would like your feedback and suggestions there, too. It takes a village, so keep in touch!
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Members expect The Club to be there when they want to use it. They expect the amenities to be
first class, the service to be exceptional, and the facilities to be well equipped, clean, and safe.
All that happens by using the member’s dues in the most responsible and effective manner
possible. The finance committee exists to ensure that every dollar entrusted to The Club is handled with care, clarity, and purpose and that the future of The Club is secure and prosperous.
The Team
The current Finance Committee consists of:
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Kenny Carvalho, Controller (the “Treasurer”) and Chair of the Committee
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Russell White, our President
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Steve Wullschleger, advisor
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Katie Nelson, our external accountant, Katie Nelson (a paid contractor)
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The General Manager
In addition, we engage an independent CPA who prepares our annual tax filings and ensures we
remain compliant with all applicable regulations. This structure gives us something important: operational visibility, Board oversight, professional accounting rigor, and independent review. Did you know that members can review The Club’s finances at any time by coming into the office and looking through the accounts and records?
What We Do
The Finance Committee’s remit is straightforward:
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Oversee financial reporting and internal controls
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Review monthly financial statements
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Approve expenses
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Review and model pricing of everything from dues and fees to facilities rental and bar
margins
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Monitor accounts receivable and payable
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Oversee budgeting and forecasting and facilitate projects led by the committee chairs
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Ensure proper handling of member accounts
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Support the Board in long-term financial planning
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Coordinate annual tax preparation with our CPA
There is nothing exotic about our approach. In fact, the highest compliment one can pay a
Finance Committee is that it is “standard.” Predictable. Methodical. Automated. Calm.
How We Operate
Every week the team checks in and everyone gets to ask questions, raise concerns, make
suggestions. Each month the Accountant, Katie, prepares the detailed monthly financials and
summary trending and tacking to budget summaries. Variances are discussed and explained and
corrective action agreed and assign if needed. Assumptions are always challenged. If something
looks odd, we dig. If something trends well, we verify it.
Operational and Committee Budgets are not treated as guidelines. They are commitments to
deliver the programs promised to members and to our partners be they vendors or customers.
We pay attention to:
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Membership revenue and trends
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Event profitability (or intentional subsidy)
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Cost controls in bar and galley operations
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Vendor relationships
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Capital expenditure priorities
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Cash flow and reserves
We are a member-owned 501(c)(7) social club. That status does not reduce our responsibility; it
increases it. There are no outside shareholders.
Why It Matters
Financial clarity builds trust. Members should know that when they pay dues, sponsor an event, or contribute artwork, those resources are respected and accounted for properly. Good governance is not glamorous — but it is foundational. The Finance Committee also plays a quiet role in enabling ambition. Want to expand programming? Improve facilities? Invest in staff? Host larger events? All of that rests on sound financial footing. A Club that understands its numbers can choose its future.
Members Can Help
You do not need to be an accountant to support financial health.
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Pay your dues and fees promptly.
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Close your bar and restaurant bills promptly
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Come to events.
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Make recommendations for operational efficiencies.
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If you see something that concerns you, raise it constructively.
Transparency works best when it flows both ways.
Get Involved
If you do have professional experience in finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, banking,
investment management, or audit — or simply a strong interest in stewardship — we welcome
that expertise. Service on the Finance Committee requires discretion, diligence, and a steady temperament. If that sounds like you, speak with Kenny or Russell.