History


The Continental Club was founded in 1961 to offer people of Germanic ethnical background a social rallying point in Seattle and to promote and preserve their European cultural heritage. The Continental Club at that time offered discount travel to Europe by renting charter flights for its members. After the airlines were deregulated, inexpensive flights were available to everyone and the travel purpose of the club was no longer needed. Club members continued to gather at frequent events throughout the greater Seattle-Tacoma area and in 1971, proceeds from the Club were used to purchase property and to build the Berghaus at Hyak, which became a place for families and friends to enjoy time together. In 1973, a dormitory building connected to the day lodge was built to offer a larger sleeping area for its members. Today the Continental Club is open to people of all nationalities and continues to offer a base for numerous winter and summer activities.

Mission Statement


To establish and maintain a program of Germanic and American activities to perpetuate the Germanic Cultural Heritage and to operate and maintain the Club's Berghaus.

Membership


Currently there are approximately 104 members of the Continental Club. Any person who shows an interest in the Club and its activities may apply for membership. Visit the Membership page for more information about becoming a member.

Club Operations


The Club continues to operate the Berghaus entirely on a volunteer basis. There are no paid employees of the club. The Club board of directors consists of up to twelve paying members who volunteer their time.

The following is a list of Board Members and their descriptions

Officers

President: Jim Garhart

    The President is the Chief Executive Officer for the organization. He/she presides over the meetings of the club and meetings of the Executive Board.

Vice-President: Charlie Czech

    The Vice-President in the event of the President's absence or disability acts on behalf of the President's office and carries out additional duties as the Executive Board assigns.

Secretary: Mike Hrachovec
Co-Secretary: Joe Kupferling

    The Secretary keeps the minutes of the club member's meetings as well as Executive board meetings. He/she also sends important information to the members on a regular basis.

Treasurer: Micheline Huber

    The Treasurer receives and safeguards the funds of the club. He/she keeps a full, accurate and complete record and account of the receipts and disbursements belonging to and provided for by the Continental Club.

Action Committee Groups

Finance: Micheline Huber, John Frost

    Manages the financial records and club accounts.

Building Facilities: Jay Magruder, Jim Garhart

    Controls the inside and outside maintenance of buildings and submits financial estimates for building repairs and maintenance for the annual budget meeting. The Facilities Coordinator also organizes work parties and maintains building security.

Grounds: Vaclav Kalas

    Manages the grounds, access trails and roads, property lines.

MOD/Caretaker Coordinator: Dawn Frearson

    Organizes Member On Duty signups for winter season, special events and rentals, and maintains MOD responsibilities. Liason to the Berghaus caretaker.

Marketing/Membership: John Frost, Bill Crone, Charlie Czech, Jim Garhart, Maxa Burleigh, James Poirson

    The Markting and Membership groups have been combined. These groups acting as one can better target and maintain the membership levels necessary to sustain the Club. The purpose of this group is to market the availability of the Berghaus with emphasis on the cultural aspects of the community. In addition, the group maintains the mailing list of the members, holds past and present membership records, distributes membership information, sends notice of annual membership renewals, and prints and mails or emails a copy of updated membership list to all members in the Club.

Berghaus Group Use: Jim Garhart

    In charge of any group use of the facilities.

Building Facilities & Improvements: Jay Magruder, Jim Garhart

    Develops long term goals for the Continental Club and the Berghaus including provisions for design and cost of long term goals.

Web Site: Joe Kupferling

    Maintains the Club web site providing detailed information via the internet to the body of the Club and prospective members.

Last modified: November 2005