The Marco Island Yacht Club was the setting for the Welcome Aboard New Members Party on March 7, 2017. The evening started out with Happy Hour at the Burgee Bar overlooking the Marco river and the Jolly Bridge. It was a beautiful evening having cocktails and watching boats go by on the water. All the men were handsome in their club uniform and the women were festive in their dressy casual apparel. It was nice mingling and greeting the new members and visiting with the rest of the members who were attending. After a delightful hour at the bar socializing everyone headed upstairs to the Harbour Room where dinner was served.
Commodore Frank X Mulligan Jr welcomed everyone to the event. He called Cindy Brown and Marcia Orsolini up to the microphone. Betty Barter was unable to attend and help her committee due to illness. A fun game Of Heads and Tails commenced. You would think by now everyone would be pros but laughter was heard throughout the room. Everyone joined in and the money the ladies collected will go towards supporting the Power Squadron, the Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The room was decorated in a Nautical theme with blue linens and nautical centerpieces. Commodore Frank X Muligan Jr. invited all the new members to the front of the room. He introduced our new members and asked each couple to give their boat names and a little bit about their backgrounds. It was a way for the old members to learn what brought the “new” members into our club. A red rose was presented to the new members by the Commodore. Welcome Aboard Don & Chris Pearl, Bert Crooks & Rosemary Bulat, Jerry Swiacki & Linda Turner, John & Elaine Hardy, and Mark & Michelle Senda. We also welcomed aboard new members Richard & Diana Clarke, Brooks Wood & Sandy King, Mike Carter & Eva Dotti, Bobby & Susan Costa, and Jack & Marilyn Buinsma who were unable to attend. The new members were seated with their sponsors who helped introduce them to other members at the table. We wish all the new members fair winds and following seas. We are happy to have them aboard and look forward to new friendships and will encourage them all to join us in all our activities so they may know why we are the “fun club”.
Dinner was served following an invocation by Alan Sandlin. Alan always gives a very inspirational and thoughtful speech. A Caesar salad was served followed by a choice of Plum Glazed Short Rib or Chicken Marsala for the main course. Dessert was a Key Lime Tart with Midori Creme Anglaise. Everyone thought the food was delicious.
After dinner we had a special treat. Our own MBYC member Bob White offered his services to the club and was our DJ for the night. He had everyone up on the dance floor dancing and having a great time. Many people were requesting their favorite songs. He even played some ‘Bruce for us Jersey people.
So welcome aboard all new members. We look forward to cruising and socializing with you…….and enjoying all fun activities the club has to offer. As the Commodore Frank X Mulligan Jr always says …….. One of the best things we ever did was finding Marco Island……The second best was finding the club and all the new friendships we have made and all the cruising we have done. Who would think we would be this busy in retirement!
Marianne Mulligan, Social Chairperson