Linda Gagnon hosted two sessions of beginner Maj Jongg training. These sessions were attended by 6 new players and one seasoned member to helped in the training.
Mah Jongg takes time and practice, but these players are now on their way to understanding and enjoying this timeless game.
The winners of the 50/50 drawing were:
3rd place: $22 Hollie Erker
2nd place: $30 Ginny Jermanok
1st place: $40 Patti Jo Wilson
Looking forward to seeing you all on March 27th for March Monday Madness.
The first stop on our January cruise was at Boca Grande Marina where Cookin’ (Brent & Susan Cook), Nauti Buoy (Dave & Mary Ellen Mount), Karine (Bob & Sandy LaMontagne) O Sea D (Vern & Ann Graham), Hoosier Daddy (Dave & Jackie Cox with Guests, Andy & Linda Kelly), along with Mike and Cindy Brown by car all enjoyed a fun four-night stop.
Boca Grande suffered from Hurricane Ian in that a few of our normal haunts were either not open or no longer exist. The South Beach restaurant we always enjoyed was demolished but others were still in business so we enjoyed Scarpa’s, The Outlet at the Inlet, and the two restaurants at the marina.
The ladies enjoyed 4 days of playing Canasta while the men toured, ate, and repaired boats which is our normal past-time on these cruises.
After 3 days we bid farewell to the four friends aboard Hoosier Daddy who had to make an early departure.
Our next stop was at ‘Tween Waters Marina on Captiva for the 4 remaining boats. In contrast to Boca Grande, Captiva had much more hurricane damage with only one restaurant on the Island open for business, one food truck in a parking lot, and one pizza take-out joint.
For two of our four-night stay we enjoyed outstanding meals in Old Captiva House at the resort and one night at the food truck.
As bad as Captiva was, Sanibel was much, much worse. The four couples shared two four wheelers and went to see Sanibel. Whatever you have heard or read, Sanibel is worse off. It appears it could take years for it to return to normal and those people and businesses need all the prayers we can offer on their behalf.
As the 4 boats got ready to depart for home Nauti Buoy had an engine that would not start so Dave and Mary Ellen rode home on Karine and returned for the boat a week later after Cummins installed a new port engine starter. That’s boating!
Our next cruise is February 13th to Sarasota, St. Pete and Venice for 5 boaters, including two new members.
Brent
On January 21st, Bob Gagnon and Paul Schneeberger on Sea-Doos, along with Dan and Deb Lowell on their CraigCat, embarled on a backwater adventure into the mangrove islands southeast of Marco. Temps, winds and tides came together yielding a perfect day on the water.
Thank to Bob and Paul for sharing their back water experience. After a rest stop on Coon Key it was time to head back to Marco as the tides began to turn.
Looking forward to seeing more of you in the backwaters.
On Sunday, January 22, The Marco Bay Yacht Club conducted it’s 53rd annual “Change of Watch” during which the Bridge for the next year is installed. Outgoing Commodore Sandy LaMontagne introduced the 2023-24 Commodore Linda Gagnon. Linda then installed Charles Erker, Vice Commodore, and Paul Schneeberger, Rear Commodore.
Sixty-six members enjoyed a dinner of either Filet Mignon or Grouper with red or white wine and an assortment of dessert options.
A variety of music for dancing and listening enjoyment was provided by Mirage.
We had a good contingent of Past Commodores in attendance and took the opportunity to get a group picture. Included were Larry Sacher, Bob White, Sally Orth, Bob Boland, Rudi Landwaard, Marcia Orsolini, Alex Orsolini, and Brent Cook.
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a roaring success.
