Complete with a Project Update from Robin's Nest!
January, 2026

Christmas Party Kicks of Holiday Season!

More than three dozen WBA members, friends and family members attended the annual WBA Holiday Party, held at Maggiano's at North Park on December 3, 2025.

Our host and President, Phil Brosseau, and First Lady Karen, presided over the festivities, having planned the gathering down to the last detail.

 

 

Maggiano's has a very large and well-appointed group event space on their second floor. The food was served family style, and the staff's hospitality was exceptional.

It's fair to say that the WBA Holiday Party marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many of us, and this year's party was a delightful time of fellowship.
Bring Your Best Ideas to the January 15 Planning Meeting!

At the beginning of each calendar year, the WBA reserves its first meeting as a planning session. It is at this January 15 meeting that we'll make note of events already on the books, decide on what other events we would like to add to the calendar, and discuss any new ideas for activities and programs for the 2026 calendar year.

So, it's very important that you bring your best ideas to the meeting and let your voice be heard. See the meeting notice below for information on location, time and how to attend virtually if you can't get to Dallas. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

 

 

Project Updates from the Robin McGeorge Boat Shop!

(Above) Alan Oppenheimer and Pat Vinson's Yellow Jacket is coming right along, with its snappy red and black dash and steering wheel. Horn and lights are wired.

(Above) Carl Lapiska's meticulous surface preparation is really starting to pay off. Here is the second coat of varnish, already shining smoothly. Imagine 12 more coats!

(Above) Carl Lapiska and David Kanally pause for a photo during the installation of the gauges and wiring in the Oppenheimer/Vinson Yellow Jacket.

(Above) Scott Masikowski has his Continental at Emerson Bay Boat Works in McAlester, OK. Jay has been working hard on the boat, and mentoring Scott along the way.

The donated Yellow Jacket is now back on its restored trailer. Next steps will be interior stripping and filling, and replacement of the decking.

(Above) Alan Oppenheimer cleans a glass windshield donated by the late Glenn Nerwin. The guys are researching a way to mount the windshield to the Yellow Jacket. Any input?

(Above) The aft deck of Carl's Super Sport is looking equally beautiful. Carl chooses varnishing days when others aren't around kicking up dust. Recent warm weather helped.

(Above) The McKeehans are very happy with the new trailer they had built for their '59 Continental. By this time next month, the boat will be back at the shop!

(Above) The Lucas crew uses the shop's gantries to flip the donated Yellow Jacket. Bill Mott did most of the bottom painting, and now the boat is ready for topside work.

Mark and Chris McKeehan check out the old decking of the donated Yellow Jacket. Dark darts on a blond deck mark the boat as a 1955 model.

Next Monthly Meeting January 15, 2026

boatOur next meeting will be Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Two Guys From Italy in Dallas. Come at 5:30 and join us for the pre-meeting dinner. You'll receive an email reminder for the meeting a few days prior. We'll be continuing our door prize tradition, giving out an e-book, or print book of the lucky winner's choice, or a complimentary design of a boat show placard. In lieu of a presentation, we will be using our time together to lay out the plans for the 2026 season, including events throughout the area, program ideas, and other opportunities to enjoy our hobby together.

If you can't join in person, you'll be using the Zoom application for your cell phone or your home computer. To make things easier at meeting time, it would be a good idea for you to go to your normal smart phone app store to download Zoom Cloud Meetings, or go to Zoom.us on your home computer and sign up. Prior to the meeting, you will be sent an email with a link to join the meeting, and further instructions. Those who wait to download Zoom will also receive a link to do that just before the meeting starts. If you are among those who need a few attempts to be successful with technology, you may want to get the downloading taken care of ahead of time.

Our meetings are a great opportunity to socialize with fellow WBA members and to talk shop on questions on everything from paint and varnish to carburetor kits. Please join us on Zoom to be a part of our monthly fellowship!

Shop Talk and Musings: Anchor of Excellence Award Much Appreciated

Several months ago, Phil Wolff presented a new idea for an "Anchor of Excellence" award to recognize members who have served the club in exceptional ways. Phil wrote up the proposal, and it was adopted by the Club. Phil assembled a nominating committee, including Jim Donovan and John Ables, and they solicited nominations from the membership and decided on a recipient. Jim Wolfe designed and built the award. At the WBA Holiday Party on December 3, Phil and Jim presented the award to David Kanally.

David feels extremely honored to be so recognized by his fellow WBA members, and even though he would happily continue his work with the Club without this recognition, he is warmed and encouraged by the acknowledgement of his efforts. For many of us, the deep and enduring friendships developed through WBA collaborations, boating events and social activities are what it's all about. Let's make 2026 the best year ever!

And finally, please take a look in the shed or garage for leftover parts or other salable items you would like to donate to the Club. Contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for more info.