Kino Bay Chronicle

Club Services

When the Club was organized in 1977, it was thought that a one-time membership fee would suffice for working funds.

Rescue One, of course, continued to be the major service furnished by the Club. But an ever-growing membership expected and needed a growing number and variety of services. This led the Board and officers to shift to a policy of charging annual dues after an initial fee. (Today, the initiation fee for a couple is $100 with annual dues of $35. A single member pays $50 initiation and $17.50 annual dues.)

Office and building services, administered by a small full- time Mexican staff, include boxes for incoming mail, (1) in-house sale of insurance and fishing and boating permits, copy and FAX machine, periodically updated and published membership directories, computerized bookkeeping and membership records. The easy availability of these services, plus business-like management and care of the Club building and grounds, is worth a lot to members, many of whom speak little Spanish and would otherwise have difficulty, for example, in obtaining necessary boat permits and fishing Licenses.

Conscious that health problems are often a concern to older members, the Club early instituted a program of aid in that area. Arrangements are made to help sick people get medical help in Mexico or to get transportation to the States. Club members with planes often are available to fly out emergency cases. Information on procedures to follow in event of a death in Mexico has been researched and is available at the Clubhouse, Oxygen tanks for emergency use are kept there.

Hunting and trapshooting were among the sports activities for which the Club was formed although the number of persons engaged in these activities has never approached those in fishing. The Club helps hunters make arrangements and obtain hunting permits. In 1987, the Club purchased trapshooting equipment and sponsors shooting meets a few times each year.

Two Club breakfasts and two dinners each month, along with Friday night "happy hour", not only make opportunities for socializing but generate funds to support the Club's many projects. Some of the "fun" activities include chili cook-offs, talent shows, Western night dances, and fishing tournaments. Golf tournaments are held on makeshift courses either in the rugged desert behind the Clubhouse or on a nearby dry lake bed. The bocce ball court and the miniature golf facility enable members to enjoy many hours of fun including high-spirited tournaments.

Other activities offered by public demand include line dance instruction, ballroom dancing, Spanish lessons, exercise groups and book discussions.

Club and community announcements are made by radio at the same time each morning to inform people about upcoming events and to pass along any other important information.