The 38th annual Change of Watch and Commodore’s Ball was held at Hideaway Beach Club on Saturday, January 21st.  Commodore Brent Cook’s color request for the evening was red, white and blue.  The beautiful floral arrangements of white hydrangea with red roses and miniature blue tinged flowers on tables covered with red, white and blue linens created a perfect environment for the patriotic theme.
More than 100 members and guests were in attendance to witness outgoing Commodore Brent Cook welcome Alan Rapp as the new Commodore for the next year.
Bill Hamlin served as Master of Ceremonies and Alan Sandlin delivered the invocation.  Commodore Brent thanked the Bridge, Directors and Chairpersons for their contributions to the Club.  Brent also presented the U.S. Coast Guard, Civil Air Patrol and the Marco Island Sail & Power Squadron each with a $1000 donation from the Club.  The Jean Oswald Memorial Fund of the USCG Station Fort Myers Beach was recognized and members were told that a contribution was given to the fund in December.  All four donation recipient organizations had representatives and spouses attending as guests of the Club.
Our new Commodore, Alan Rapp, presented his 2012 Bridge and Board.  His message urged all members to become involved in the many “fun activities” of the Club and to consider contributing to a committee or activity.  Al also presented the outgoing Commodore Brent and his Commodorable wife, Susan, with gifts from the Club as tokens of our appreciation for a wonderful year of “fun”.
Everyone also enjoyed a video presentation of our members at various affairs and activities over the past year.  The photos were set to music and the show was the result of the efforts of Cindy Brown and, especially, her daughter, Robyn.  They worked together to make a memorable presentation.
 Dan Vass once again provided hours of music for everyone to enjoy.  Many members danced while some just enjoyed watching and listening to the music.  As always, there was plenty of time spent socializing with old and new friends.
Thanks to you all for making this year’s Commodore’s Ball a huge success.