READERS RESPOND -- Boat parade’s chair jumps ship

I was saddened by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Brett

Hemphill’s resignation from chairing the Newport Harbor Christmas Boat

Parade (“Parade chairman resigns”).

Hemphill and all the people who surround him and work with him to make

this parade happen are to be commended for their volunteerism. Anyone who

volunteers for anything knows the time and effort it takes from your

daily activities. The size and magnitude of this project is huge to say

the least. I thank Hemphill for his time and effort.

The many boat owners that make up this parade are to be commended. The

time and money that it takes to participate in this event is amazing.

I have an idea for those people who complain about the new changes

that will take place next year. Why don’t we set up a program where these

people can “Adopt a Boat.” They can help the boat owners pay for gas and

decorations. Of course, we will need someone to set up this program. Any

volunteers? How about the person(s) who threatened Hemphill’s business?

SUSAN KENNEY

Newport Beach

We have lived in Newport Beach for 55 years, 42 of which were spent in

a house on Bayside Drive. We saw, and participated in, many a boat

parade. What we did not comprehend was the blame that any citizen could

put on the volunteers instead of the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of

Commerce, where it belongs. They had or have a committee, and thus can

make decisions. You realize how often boats dropped out because the

parade went on too long and the natives got restless. Can’t blame

Hemphill for resigning.

IRMELI DESENBERG

Corona del Mar

At work recently, I discussed the boat parade with my boss, Bill

Pierpoint, who is the skipper of the Commodores this year. The Commodores

make up the group that puts the parade together every year.

Pierpoint had just received a phone call from Hemphill, the chairman

of the boat parade committee, stating he had started to receive

threatening phone calls regarding the boat parade changes for next year.

The boat committee is considering shortening the parade route and days it

runs in response to boat owners who wanted to shorten their commitment to

five days and less hours.

The gentleman that called Brett should be ashamed of himself. I’m sure

this man is neither a participant nor a volunteer for this event. For

anyone involved in this event to have his or her business threatened is

ridiculous.

This is a nonprofit group that does this as a community service. This

man and anyone else that thinks it’s their God-given right to dictate to

others needs to put up or shut up.

Sign up to volunteer and get involved for next year’s event. If the

new proposed route does not include your oceanfront view, then I suggest

you pick another spot to view the parade like most of us and thank the

Commodores for working so hard to provide Newport Beach with this great

event.

ROXIE SANCHES

Newport Beach