In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Grace Hathaway

She brought joy and happiness to every heart she touched. She's our little girl Elizabeth Grace.
We love her and miss her very much.

Please continue to keep Kirt and Renee Leyhew in your prayers. If you’re looking for another way you can help them out, join them at one of two upcoming benefits in honor of Elizabeth:

Angel Ride Benefit
Saturday October, 22nd. Register at Buster’s 1615 N. Broad St Murfreesboro by 10:00 am and the ride leaves at 11:00am. The ride includes a poker run to Busters, Willie's Wet Spot, Nobody's, and back to Busters

Two Man Golf Scramble at the Champion Run Golf Course
Saturday October 22nd at 8:30am – It will be a “Shotgun Start.” Please register by October 12, 2011.
Entry is $75 per person.

Wrap it all up at Busters at 4:00 pm with music, dinner, auction, and cornhole.
For more information contact Linda Frost - 615-274-3700 or Faye Milton at 615-516-4718.

Hidden Harbor Marina – October 2011 Newsletter

We want to thank you all for a great season. It seems like the season keeps getting shorter and shorter; however, your loyalty to us remains high. We will have a few more good Fall Days, so please don't put your boats away completely. We would love to see you one more time (at least). Speaking of which, our annual Chili Cook-off is Saturday, October 8th at 4pm. There will be food, cornhole, and karaoke. Bring your favorite chili and maybe a side dish (cornbread, salads, chips, etc...) and let's have some fun!!!

Because many of you are done with your boating, you may want to have some last minute work done and perhaps go ahead and beat the rush and have your boat winterized. You may try:
Maritime Marine at 615-218-1469
Clarks Marine at 615-597-6001
Center Hill Sports Marine at 931-731-3196

Because things have slowed down our store hours of operation for Fall will be changing to:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Friday- Saturday: 8:30pm – 6:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 5:30 pm
 

If you need assistance during non-store hours, please give us a call at 615-597-8800. Thank you

Hidden Harbor Marina - August 2011 Newsletter

All I can say is WOW!!! Stacey and I never imagined this year’s Rib and Wing Cook-Off preceded by the 1st Annual Plywood Boat Race would have attracted so many people. All the parking was gone, the marina walkways and store area were packed, and there were no places left to park a boat. It really was unbelievable, and we want to thank you. I know at times it looked like Stacey and I had lost it, but that is because we did. But the crowd was great showing your fun spirit, patience, and generosity. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

The Plywood Boat Race had 30 boats and after a few struggles on the start, we were able to give everyone an opportunity to race. After several heats, the top two contestants from each heat raced. In the end, it was our younger contestants that raced to the top. The following awards went to:

First Place: Casey and Kayla Thyen riding in “Girl Power”
Second Place: Cole Hogan and Tyler Vernon riding the “Cole and Tyler Mobile”
Third Place: Ian Drugmund in “Liberty Bail”
Creativity Award: Eric Barlow showing “Break-N-Wind”
The Sinker Award: Justin Paschal with “Poseidon”

The Rib and Wing Cook-off was as good and fun as ever. TWRA Officers were once again the judges and once again packed on a few pounds. This year’s awards went to:

The money for this Jolly Angel Fundraiser is still coming in, but we are over $8,000 and looking to go over $10,000. We owe a special thanks to Austin Notgrass for being our Auctioneer, but once again we cannot thank each of you enough for your generosity. Your food contributions kept us all fed very well, and all the meals served added a lot to the Jolly Angels’ bank account. We also want to thank the band Legacy for providing entertainment. You are a talented bunch of guys. All our Facebook fans need to go to their web page www.legacyclassicrock.com or directly to Facebook to give them some positive feedback.

Once again, thank you all for your participation. You all are a very special group of people: working hard, playing hard, and giving when in need.

2011 Hidden Harbor Marina Rib and Wing Cook-off

It’s almost time again for the annual Hidden Harbor Marina Rib and Wing Cook-Off – JULY 30th. TWRA will be joining us again as the judges of our contest. There is no cost to enter and bragging rights if you win. There may even be a trophy in it for you. Cost of the meal is $10 per person with ALL proceeds from the cook-off going to support the Jolly Angels Charity. Please sign up for the rib/wing cook-off at the marina store.

Additionally, we had a fantastic auction last year, so if you have something you or your business would like to donate in support of the auction, it would be greatly appreciated. Please bring it by that morning so it can be on display throughout the day. Last year, the money was used to help the children of wounded warriors at Ft. Campbell and for college scholarships of local Middle Tennessee kids needing assistance. Good fun for a great cause.

Over the years the number of people joining the event has grown, which is awesome. However, this year we are asking each person or family to prepare their favorite dish to be served. Don’t have time to cook? Drop by your favorite store and pick something up. We just want to make sure everyone has something to eat. Please bring your items to be served to the store by 6:30pm.

This year we are adding a plywood boat race! The rules and registration forms ($20 entry fee) are at the marina store. All boats need to be registered at the store prior to the big event. Everyone is welcome to enter the contest, so show your ingenuity and join in on the fun!!!

Schedule of events:
4pm: Closing of registration for plywood boat race.
6pm: Plywood Boat Race
6:30pm: Rib and wing entries must be into marina store for registration.
7:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm – 11pm: Band
8:00pm: Auction

We thank you for your support last year, and we look forward to seeing all of you again this year!

Brian and Stacey

Hidden Harbor News - June 2011

Summer is here and the heat is on!!! It is good to see you coming back to your home on the lake. We have received a lot of compliments on the new store and we thank you for appreciating our hard winters work. We certainly are proud of the store and the staff that put it all together. We also want to thank each of you for your patience. We know there are some things around the marina that need attention and maybe now we can get caught up.

This year TWRA will be holding boater safety course at the marina on Saturday June 18th. The class is two hours followed by the state boaters licensing test. Remember, everyone born after April 1988 requires a license to operate a boat or PWC. You can pick up the course book at the marina store.

Although it seems like we are just getting started, the 4th of July is just around the corner. This year we will be having the fireworks on Saturday, July the 2nd. It is always fun with the show and music so plan on joining us.

The first annual "Build it and it will float" race will be held Saturday July 30th. It will be held prior to our on the same day and just prior to the 4th Annual Rib/Wing Cook-off. Registration and Rules are at the marina office so come by, get signed up and build the winning boat. To get some ideas, visit www.schoonerwharf.com. THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!!!

To all our houseboaters. Our guys started the garbage pickup on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This was and still is designed as a courtesy to pick up a bag of trash so you don't have to start your day climbing the hill. It is not designed to haul your weekend's trash up the hill. So please either limit the amount of trash you leave out to one or two 13 gallon kitchen bag(s) or think about compensating the guys working for you. Also, as a friendly reminder, we need you to think about your neighbors all the time but especially after 10pm. Sometimes we get comfortable and forget that some people (like me) go to sleep at night because they can't sleep during the day. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Once again, welcome back and we look forward to another great boating season with you.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter - April 2011

Spring is here and we are rushing to get ready for you. The store is close to completion, and we are excited for you to see the improvements to your marina. We couldn’t be more proud of what our work crew has accomplished this year. You will be, too.

Stacey is adding a few things to the menu including Hunts Brothers Pizza. She will be offering pizza by the slice and whole pizzas. There will be free delivery on whole pizzas within the confines of the marina, cabins, and campground area. Of course, the burgers will still be her thing, but pizza may be the right change of pace on Friday or Saturday night.

Tell your friends about our new 18’X50’ covered slips. If you can get a friend to join us in one of these new slips, you can save $100 on you next month’s slip rent.

In other news, regarding our immediate marina family, Sean has moved on to bigger and better things. Sean graduated in criminal justice at MTSU this last fall and was hired immediately by the Murfreesboro City Police Department. Additionally, he will be getting married this June to Jessica and starting their new life together. He has been a part of Hidden Harbor Marina since 1998 doing everything from picking up trash when he was in the 5th grade, to helping us move a marina a few years back, to participating in building a new store this year. Along the way, he has interacted with countless number of our customers including most of you. We will miss his daily presence both as a friend and co-worker, but I expect we will be seeing him around from time to time. He better or his Mom will be real mad. You may have an opportunity to get to see Sean in the streets of Murfreesboro, but we hope it is not for the wrong reason. However our paths cross, Sean, “Just don’t Taze me Bro!!!” Good Luck, Sean and Many, Many, Thanks.

Stacey will be coming out with a calendar of events for the season soon. One idea we are hoping to promote this year is a boat race at our annual rib and wing cook-off. It is not just any boat race, so stay tuned for the details. It is going to be a great time at the lake!!!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter - February 2011

The New Year is upon us and we are continuing to move forward. As most of you are aware, we have been working on our new store for this up-coming season and things are progressing well. We could not be more please with the outstanding performance of our staff.  

Rick and Harry have been unbelievable in their abilities and resourcefulness to pull this off. From the ground (water) up and inside out, both have lead the way on this project. As with all great projects, the managers/builders have had good help to lend a hand. Cory, Sean, Ryan, Alex, Alberto. Of course, Stacey has been there all winter with her specialty being the interior wood work. And a special heating and air conditioning thanks goes out to James Stem. We will really appreciate him this summer. 

We all know it has been cold, but it has been so cold in the store that the 30 gallon cans of water set in place as a counter balance while we build have been frozen solid since the beginning of December. It has been like working in a giant walk in freezer.   Anyway, we are excited about the progress and think you will be too.   We can’t wait to see you soon and show it off!!!    

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter - October 2010

We have reached that time again when the boating season on Center Hill Lake comes to an end. Although many of you find this to be one of the most enjoyable times of the year, most have moved on to something else until spring. As a result, we will be adjusting our store hours. During the week, we will be available on call, so please call ahead if you have specific needs (615) 597-8800. We will continue to operate on weekends from 9:00am – 5:30pm. Trash pickup on the houseboat docks will also stop until spring. Thank you and have a safe fall and winter.

Many people will not be seeing their watercraft for some time. However, before you hang it up for the season, please make sure your tie lines are good, boat covers are fastened correctly, boat plugs are in boats up on hoists, and gas lines are disconnected from outboard engines. Also, with the temperatures cooling, it is time to plan for winterizing your boat. Remember boat mechanics will get overloaded with last minute requests, so don’t be last on the list. It may be too late. Remember, SPACE HEATERS CANNOT BE LEFT ON UNATTENDED.

We’d like to thank Ricky for managing the area. He is really taking it upon himself to keep improving our 40 acres of land, plus all the docks, and meeting our customers’ needs. As always, we want to appreciate Alberto and Alex for all the mowing, weed-eating and just keeping the marina and campground maintained and clean. It is hard and endless work that we sometimes overlook. We’d also like to thank Sean, Ryan, Josh, Cory, and Benjamin for all their help with the customers, houseboat and pontoon rentals, etc. Picking up all the trash and service with a smile is not always easy. Last, we thank Dianna, Valerie, Jessica, and Samantha for keeping all the cabins and houseboats clean, along with working the store, and Pat for answering the continual phone calls we had throughout the summer. Their behind the scenes work keep our customers happy and coming back for more. Too all, thanks for making our lives easier!

As for Brian and I, we look forward to winding things down but we thank all of you again for your continued loyalty. Enjoy your fall and winter and please don’t be a stranger to us.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – July 2010

Wow! What a great turnout we had last Sat. for our Rib and Chicken Wing Cook-off! We want to thank all of you who participated and all those who brought the delicious side dishes and desserts. Everyone seemed to have a fun time and the food was great. A special thanks goes to Danny Guthrie, Darryl and Debbie Baker, Tony Laskey, and John and Lil King for providing the great music throughout the day and long into the night. Also, our sincere appreciation goes out to Rachel of TOOT’S Restaurant in Symrna and our very own Austin Nodgrass, professional auctioneer. The impromptu auction of Toots gift certificates, koozies, and t-shirts raised $1400. In total, more than $7,500 was raised throughout the night, and we appreciate everyone’s generosity. Once again TWRA enjoyed plate after plate of ribs and chicken wings and even had room for a few desserts. And the winners are... 1st place Ribs went to Matt Davis, 2nd place Ribs went to Ted Richards, and Rainey Hunt and Joe Hugh tied for 3rd place Ribs. Bill Ausderau took 1st place in the Chicken Wings, 2nd place went to Marsha Harrington, and Matt Davis and Joe Hugh tied for 3rd place. We’re already excited about next year, so find that special recipe and join in the fun!

Although school and sports are already here, don’t forget about Customer Appreciation Day on Sat., Aug. 14th. Come join us for a free lunch as we celebrate our 20th season on Center Hill Lake.

We are also planning our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. So mark your calendars for Sat., Oct. 2 and come join in the fun!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – July 2010

The Fourth of July is here already!!! Remember to join us Saturday, July 3rd for fireworks and live music. We are proud of the show our guys have put on in the past, and we expect it to be every bit as good this year. And remember to take the time to be thankful to live in this great country. Happy Birthday USA!!!

A couple of other important dates we’d like you to put on your calendar are:

Sat., July 31st – Hidden Harbor Marina’s 3rd Annual Rib and Chicken Wing Cook-off!!! Our favorite TWRA Officers will join us again as they judge the best ribs and wings of 2010. Sign up and enter in the store. If cooking ribs and wings aren’t your thing, bring your favorite dish and join in the fun. All proceeds go to the Jolly Angels.

Sat., Aug. 14th – Customer Appreciation Day! We would like to thank all of our loyal customers as Hidden Harbor Marina celebrates our 20th boating season on Center Hill Lake! Stop by for a free hot dog or bbq sandwich and soda and enjoy cheaper prices at the pump. We hope to see you there!

Thank you all for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – May 2010

May is here and it literally came in with a flood. We hope that you, your family, and friends survived the rain with little or no damage. The lake did its usual rise, but we managed through it all just fine. Maybe the weekend storms will be over soon, and we can get on with the 2010 boating season.

We completed the Memorial for Rick Latta this week, and I know each of you will be impressed. I could not have imagined a more fitting way to honor our best friend than to give him a front row seat looking over Center Hill Lake and Hidden Harbor Marina. It is located over the second houseboat pier, so drop by and take a moment. Please make sure you give recognition to those that made it happen: Harry Beers, Harry Gerhart, Alberto, and a special thanks to Rick Teal. Stacey and I are unbelievably proud and you will be, too.

Also, new for May is our web page. I guess we are bragging, but we think it’s the best on Center Hill Lake. Visit it and tell your friends.

Having a day party and need something to do with a large group of people? Plan a day on the lake with our new double-decker pontoon boats. It is packed with nothing but fun!!! Tell your friends.

Recycle your cans. We are going to try to do a little more on our part to recycle. Garbage cans are set up on each of the houseboat piers and the first pier of the covered slips for your convenience. Proceeds will go to the Jolly Angels Charity. Thanks for your help.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – April 2010

Is spring finally here? Wow, we have actually had a few nice Saturdays in March, and we are starting April with some nice boating weather. It has been a long cold winter, but we are starting to see people show up and we hope to see more of you soon. Remember, your boat has been sitting for some time so try to be mentally prepared for those beginning of the year hassles of batteries, etc… Also, remember the store is still open on a limited basis, so please call ahead if you think assistance might be needed.

Because more of you are starting to return, it is a good time to go over a few “Rules that help us all.”

• Please only use our dumpsters for garbage from eating, drinking, etc… We just do not have the space for waste from remodeling projects, old furniture, and boxes from new furniture, etc… If you have this kind of waste, please take it back with you or at least contact Rick, Brian, or Stacey for assistance. Thanks.
• Please clean up your pet’s waste. With the return of people comes the return of pets. Please help keep our main entrance clean. Remember, it is the entrance to your home away from home.
• Please only vehicles and no trailers in our main parking areas. It won’t be long before parking becomes a premium, and I know you and your boating neighbors will appreciate not competing with boat and utility trailers.

With all of this being said, we are looking forward to the 2010 boating season. The economy has seen better times, but staying close to home and boating with family and friends will always create the best of memories. Thank you all.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – March 2010

It’s finally March and it’s still too COLD! Maybe we’ll have fewer frigid days ahead and the sun will finally come out to stay. We hope everybody has had a good winter and is looking forward to having some fun on the water in the next couple of months.

Although we do not have any major projects underway, Rick, Alberto, and Alex continue to put in a lot of hours in cleaning up the area. It looks great and I’m sure you’ll be impressed. We certainly appreciate all they have done in making Hidden Harbor Marina even better, so please let them know how good it is looking. Rick has taken real ownership in this dock and is doing all the little things that make our dock feel like our home. Thanks.

Are you hungry for some Hickory Smoked Roast? The DeKalb County High School Tigers and Lady Tigers Soccer teams are selling 8-10 lb. Boston Butts for $25 each. They will be delivered on Fri., Apr. 2 and Sat., Apr. 3 for the Easter holiday. They are delicious and make an easy meal if you have company over the weekend. If you are interested in purchasing a roast, please give Stacey a call at 615-597-8800. The orders and money need to be turned in by Mar. 19.

See you soon!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – Nov. 2009

Brrrr. I think the boating season has come to an end. The leaves were beautiful last week, but with all the rain and wind yesterday, a lot of the leaves are gone. We ended the season with a chili cook-off at the playground (it’s getting a makeover and will be done by next season!). It was a little cold and muddy, but we enjoyed each other’s company, some delicious chili, and a great fire. Sandy League won bragging rights for the best chili, while Tommy King and Rickie Teal took 2nd place, and Sharon Richards took 3rd place. Cindy Boyd took 1st place for the best cornbread.

As I’m sure you know, the marina store is closed now. If you do need assistance or gas over the winter months, please give us a call ahead of time (615-597-8800) so we can arrange to have someone there for you.

The holidays are near and we hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for. We have been blessed with a wonderful family and great friends that we can count on.

As the weather starts cooling down, please remember to winterize your boats. You may want to try Clarks Marine at 615-597-6001. Take home items such as trolling motors, depth finders, ski equipment and propane bottles. Please don’t leave behind what someone else may want or what may create an unsafe situation. Also, please do not leave personal watercraft and boats behind your houseboat. Houseboaters, plan on running off of your water holding tanks. It is recommended year round, but especially in the winter months. Lastly, NO UNATTENDED SPACE HEATERS ALLOWED IN BOATS.

Thank you and once again, Happy Thanksgiving.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – Oct. 2009

Well, I guess the season is coming to an end. Although we hope to have a few more nice boating days, certainly the lake traffic is decreasing. So while we have a chance, we’d like to thank all of you for your continued support. Even with the economy the way it has been, you all have hung in there, and we appreciate it.

The store will be closed during the week starting Mon., Oct. 5. If you need gas or assistance, please give us a call before you come down, so we can arrange someone to meet you. We will still be working around the area, just not sitting in the store.

For those who are done boating for the year, think about winterizing your boat. Clark’s Marine and Center Hill Sports Marine will come down and do it for you. Also, please take home anything that can blow away or walk away.

We will have our Chili and Cornbread Cook-off next Sat., Oct. 10 around 5pm. We had a fun time last year, so make a pot of chili or bring a side and join us! Please contact the store if you are interested in entering (615-597-8800). Hope to see you there!

Thanks again. Have a great fall and winter!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – Sept. 2009

Well, I can’t believe the season is almost over and Labor Day is here. We’ve had a good season and appreciate all of you who have been here to support us. We still have a month or more of boating weather, and we hope to continue seeing you all, but we also know that once school and football start, things slow down to a crawl around here.

We would like to thank you all for making The 2nd Annual Rib and Chicken Wing Cook-off a great success. Due to your hard work, delicious food, and generosity, we raised $3,990 for the Jolly Angels. We had 24 entries and thanks to our seven dedicated TWRA officers, we had some winners. Our 1st place rib winner (with a perfect score) was Jimmy League, 2nd place was Jesse Sanders, and 3rd place went to Ted Richards. Our 1st place chicken wing winner was Patsy Burger. We had a 3-way tie for 2nd place going to Judy King, Alan Jennings, and Jeff Edwards. 3rd place went to Matt Davis. Go ahead and BRAG; you certainly deserve to! The evening was filled with fun, food, great music by The Corbitt Brothers, and our fireworks show (leftover from the 4th of July) was beautiful. We look forward to doing it next year, and hope even more of you will participate.

For those who missed the rib cook-off, we are planning on having a Chili Cook-off on Oct. 10. Even if you don’t bring chili, bring your favorite dessert, crackers, etc. We had a great time last fall, enjoying good food, a nice bonfire, and each others’ company.

Hope to see you this weekend!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – August 2009

August already? The 2009 boating season is flying by fast. We got off to a cold rainy start, but we sure couldn’t beat the weather in July. August is looking to be hot, so we look forward to a few more good boating months with all of you. You have been very gracious to us this season, and we thank you.

Progress around the marina area continues, although sometimes slower than we would like. There has been some additional lighting and improvements made to the walkways and roads. We also have purchased a new transformer for the houseboat dock. We are hoping to install the transformer when the season quiets down to reduce the impact on the slip-holders. Additionally, we feel fortunate to have hired Rick Teal. Rick has been a “Jack–of–All Trades” from driving houseboats, to backhoe work, to miscellaneous construction. He has also been a big help with many of the individual customer requests like slip repairs, boat hoist installations, etc… and has kept things going. Thanks, Rick.

AUGUST MEANS RIB and Wing COOKOFF!!! The 2nd annual rib and wing cook-off is set for Saturday, August 22nd. If you plan to have an entry, please contact the store in the next few weeks for details. Our favorite TWRA Officers will be there to judge. You don’t want to enter? No problem, just bring your favorite dish to supplement all those great wings and ribs to the marina store Saturday at 6:00pm. We hope to have live entertainment, and we hope to see everyone there.

We know the kids are headed back to school and football season is just around the corner, but it is still summer on Center Hill Lake. We look forward to seeing you.

May 6, 2009- Lake Levels on the Rise

Wow, we have some water in the lake now. We are doing our best to adjust to the higher than normal lake levels at our new site, but you are likely to be impacted getting to your boat if you are in the covered slips. Contact us and we will make sure you get to your boat. Thanks and we will keep you posted.

Hidden Harbor Newsletter – May 2009

Wow, it’s already May and the 2009 boating season is under way. We saw many of you in April, and we look forward to seeing the rest of you soon. Let’s hope we can get some consistently good weather. Our hearts go out to all of you affected by April’s storms.

As with each new season, there is a lot to pass on; much is repeated from prior years, but then again, many are new or we might have forgotten. Anyway, here we go.

Please remember to watch your pets. We need to make sure that all those around your dogs, cats, birds, and whatever you bring, are comfortable. Even if you know your pet, often times, others don’t. Also, especially those using the main entrance, we need to make sure we keep up with the pet deposits if you know what I mean. The other entrances are doing a little better.

Only put your food waste in the dumpsters. We do not have room for remodeling waste, furniture, boxes, etc… Remember, our costs are your costs.

Many of you are using the boat ramp by the covered slips. I know it is easier because it has a walkway nearby and no boat traffic; however, that area is designated for covered slip parking. If you need to use that ramp, please coordinate with us. Right now it is ok, but in the coming weeks there will be people here to use their boats, and we will need all the parking we can get. Thank you. We have asked the Corps to put a courtesy dock on the other side; however, they declined our request.

Some of you may have noticed some of the new lighting near the store area parking. We still are working on extending it around to all parking areas. Additionally, those in the covered slips, we have ordered some metal plates to make the bridge area and pivot points a little safer. We have also ordered lights for the walkway. We hope to have all of it completed around Memorial Day. We are also putting in a ship to shore radio on the first covered slip building. If you need assistance, give us a call on channel “8”. It will hopefully save you a trip over to the store if you need assistance.

There is going to be a dedication to Rick on May 30th. A park bench and garden area is being set up over by the store entrance. We encourage all to attend.

• DATE: Saturday, May 30th, 2009
• TIME: 5:00 pm
• PLACE: Hidden Harbor Marina (houseboat area). Food to be served on or around “Top Heavy” (Harry and Tess’ boat
• BRING: One covered dish per family
• INVITE: Anyone who knew and loved Rick!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter –March 2009

We want to thank you all for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers as we have mourned the loss of a dear friend and employee. Rick was an incredible man and a blessing to us and everyone who came in contact with him. We miss him tremendously. It won’t be the same without him, but we will try to do our best. This poem was read at the funeral and truly expresses our feelings:

Your presence we miss

Your memory we treasure

Loving you always

Forgetting you never

Many of you have expressed an interest in a small celebration in remembrance of Rick at the beginning of boating season. We will keep you informed once plans start taking shape.

Spring is here and along with the sound of chirping birds, the sound of boat engines are starting up. The season will be here very soon, so everyone get ready. A few spring projects we are working on are the parking lot lights at the gas island / houseboat pier, the lighting on the main walkway of the covered slips, cleaning up the area, etc. It will take a few more months, but they are needed improvements.

We have had a satellite TV company approach us to offer service at the marina. The cost would be $10 to hook up and $20/month. It would include 30 stations to include local channels, ESPN, CNN, FOX News, and ESPN2 to name a few. In order to get this price, it would be like cable at our old location: It would be mandatory for all to participate. Please e-mail or give us a call to express your likes or concerns.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – Dec. 2008

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly didn’t miss a bite! The end of the year is here and each year it seems like time goes by faster and faster. We’ve had quite a year, and we thank you, once again, for being loyal customers.

Demolition of our old site is complete. We still have some clean-up work to do, but the house, cabins, and motel are gone. Although, it was sad to watch, we are very thankful to be at our new location with WATER. We now can concentrate on the future and continue to make improvements around the area.

Please remember that the store is closed now; however, if you need gas or assistance, please call us at 615-597-8800 before you come down. We can provide better service with a little advance notice.

Houseboaters, we will continue to provide pump-out service and water throughout the winter months as long as it is not too cold. We may need to shut off the water or not pump out holding tanks to avoid cracking the plumbing; this will only cause additional delays. We will get to it as soon as the weather permits.

Last, please remember winter brings wet and icy walkways and the low water causes the entrances to be difficult to manage. We are glad many of you want to continue to use the marina, but please, for your safety, avoid early mornings when ice and frost are an issue and wear shoes with appropriate soles. We don’t want you sitting down unexpectedly. Thank you.

Merry Christmas from all of us!

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – Nov. 2008

Brrrr. I think the boating season has come to an end. October was a beautiful month and many of you enjoyed the Fall Cruise. We also ended the season with a chili cook-off last weekend. It was a little cold, but we enjoyed each other’s company, some delicious chili, and a great fire. Bobby and Robin Graham won bragging rights for the best chili, while Harold Rader and Valerie Teal took 2nd place, and Jeff Edwards took 3rd place.

As I’m sure you know, the marina store is closed now. If you do need assistance or gas over the winter months, please give us a call ahead of time (615-597-8800) so we can arrange to have someone there for you. For those who were around this fall, we did take pre-orders for sweatshirts (zipper, hoody, adult/children) and have sold almost 8 dozen. If you are interested in ordering one (white, gray, black, or pink), please give me a call in the next week or so. I need to have at least 12 orders in the same color.

The holidays are near and we hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for. We have been blessed with a wonderful family and great friends that we can count on.

As the weather starts cooling down, please remember to winterize your boats. You may want to try Clarks Marine at 615-597-6001. Take home items such as trolling motors, depth finders, ski equipment and propane bottles. Please don’t leave behind what someone else may want or what may create an unsafe situation. Also, please do not leave personal watercraft and boats behind your houseboat. Houseboaters, plan on running off of your water holding tanks. It is recommended year round, but especially in the winter months. Lastly, NO UNATTENDED SPACE HEATERS ALLOWED IN BOATS.

Thank you and once again, Happy Thanksgiving.

Hidden Harbor Marina Newsletter – October 2008

It is hard to believe a year ago we began the new changes. As the season progressed, many of you visited the old location and it became evident as to why we made our decision. With the continued prediction of the low water we experienced this season, it would have been close to impossible to operate had we stayed, and I don’t think there would have been a government bailout.

A lot has happened this last year, but the one thing that remained the same is that the best patrons are at Hidden Harbor Marina. Even with a tough economy, high gas prices, and all the changes, you showed us what great people you are. Over this last year, we counted on many of you to chip in and help us; of course, you responded and the names are too numerous to list. The move was disruptive to all and perhaps those on Holmes Creek Road the most, but you continue your support. It called for changes in routine, but you adapted and new routines became more comfortable. Whether you maintained your slip or not, you were understanding and supportive of this new venture. Thank you.

Much has been completed and we are proud of many of the accomplishments, but much more remains to be done as we head into fall. Things like improving entrances, completing some of the electrical infrastructure, and lighting for safety. Hopefully now, we can begin the little things that make the big differences. We are also starting with the demolition and restoration process at the old location. In fact, we are holding a sell of furniture and building items this weekend, October 4-5. Stop by and see us.

Stacey is still looking for e-mail addresses so please help her out. It will make billing and communication better for all. You can e-mail us at hiddenharbor@dtccom.net.

Trash pick-up on the houseboat dock will end Sunday, October 5th. Also, we will only maintain one dumpster which will be located at the main store entrance during the fall/winter. Also, remember that Caney Fork Electric will be implementing a 15% increase on electricity beginning Oct. 1. Your Nov. invoice will reflect this increase. Sorry.

On a final note, we are holding a Chili cook-off October 25th. All are encouraged to enter. In case you missed our last wing/rib cook off, you missed one great time. Even if you don’t cook chili bring your favorite dish, chips, crackers, desserts, etc… It will make for a great fall afternoon. Thank you.