Fred (Big Bopper) Reed and Judy Law were the Chairpersons of another spectacular party in the big tent at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour. Members were treated for a month to the ‘Big Bopper’ advertisements Monday, Wednesday and Fridays on the VHF RMHYC meetings at 8AM. Fred surely stayed-up all night to come up with his clever ads. He was our entertainment each VHF meeting with all members looking forward to hearing the next pronouncement of the ‘Big Bopper.’ For members not in the Abacos, I have included below one of Fred’s advertisements and you can understand why this party turned out to be one of the highlights of the season.
“Let’s roll up our old blue jeans. Let’s make it a night like it used to be. When our hearts were young and our souls were free. Let’s Twist and Shout, just like in those good old days. Put on your Bobbie socks, baby.
It’s all going to happen at the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club’s big SOCK HOP and Rock N’ Roll Party. That’s Tuesday evening, March 11th, inside the Marquis Tent at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour. The fabulous decorations by Carolyn Wilson and her crew will absolutely amaze you. From the very moment you walk in, you’ll be whisked back in time to those Magic Moments of the 50’s and 60’s.
In addition to "rocking to the oldies", there will be a request list, games, photo opportunities, prizes, and lots and lots of friends meeting, greeting, and dancing. Fortunately, even the rustiest dancers can get well lubricated at the legendary OPEN BAR. Think about it, you might want to be chosen for the “best costume”.
If you have a special song to make your evening even more special, let us know. If you want to sing something, let us know. If you want to Lip-Sync a song, or put together a skit, let us know. If you want to participate in any way, let us know. This is your party and we want it to be extra special for you. Mark your calendar now, that’s Tuesday March 11TH, from 5pm until past your bedtime. After all, it’s for the times of your life.”
Galen and Connie Siler Enjoying the Sox Hop Party (Photo credit –Fred Reed)
At the Sox Hop evening on March 11th, the Club had about 200 members attend the event. Everyone wanted to see and greet Fred (the Big Bopper) Reed and Judy Law. They truly put on an event that got everyone out on the dance floor twisting, strolling and rocking away.
Fred and Judy had some very special assistants that helped make the social a great success. First there was our DJ, Ray Vallerie from the m/v Last Dance, and our MC, Jim Fenn from the m/v Fennders who both kept the music and the activities moving and grooving. Decorations were done by Carolyn Wilson from the m/v Sea Island Girl and her many assistants. They turned the Marquis Tent into a sox hop rocking and rolling party with a juke box, request box, poster of Elvis, 78 and 45 rpm records, banners from members high schools and sparkly music notes and symbols from the 1950’s and the 1960’s.
Check-in registration was handled by members from three boats- Milt and Fran Ohlsen from m/v Sea Fox, Pat and Pat Dwyer from the m/v Salty Dawg and Jim and Judy Howenstine from m/v The Silver Foxes. They managed to handle the crowds well and move everyone into the party quickly.
Entertainment was provided by the Balladeers who sang an old Statler Brothers’ song with music complement by musicians from Dock 7 and Dock 4 in Boat Harbour.
The Singing Balladeers (Photo credit –Fred Reed)
It was followed by a rolling skating dance routine by Wilma Thornton (the rolling skating car hop delivering malted milk shakes) from the m/v John Henry. She was fantastic; the crowd went crazy with applause. Wilma’s dance was done to the song by Buddy Holly, ‘That will Be The Day.’ Later in the evening, Henry Jamrozinski from the m/v Oh Henry II, sang two of Neil Diamond songs in costume with attendees singing along in their seats and clapping to the music like at a rock in roll concert.
Lily and Henry Jamrozinski From the m/v Oh Henry, Henry Sang Two Neil Diamond Songs (Photo credit –Fred Reed)
We even had a visit from Elvis via our own Commodore Robert Wilson. He came in a great costume with a gold cape and sang two of his favorites Elvis songs. The members went wild and Elvis (Robert Wilson) gave out to his fans autographed red scarfs. He was a big hit!
Commodore Robert Wilson as Elvis (Photo credit –Fred Reed)
Toward the end of the festivities Jan Albright sang Summertime from ‘Porgy and Bess.’
What would a party be without some contests? The winner for best costume went to our ‘Car Hop’ roller skater, Wilma Thornton, from ‘Johnny’s-Restaurant.’ Wilma wore a great costume that she had made for the party. She was able to dance the night away on her roller skates. What energy!
Judy Law Co-Chairperson with Wilma Thornton Best Costume Winner
(Photo credit –Fred Reed)
The best dancers for the twist dance contest were Milt and Kathy Sales from the m/v Lo Kee. They were perfect and moved like teenagers across the dance floor.
Milt and Kathy Sales Dance Contest Winners with Judy Law Co-Chairperson
(Photo credit –Fred Reed)
No event would be perfect without our open bar which was run by Paul Graham assisted by Steve O’Brien and Bob Mueller. These three gentlemen kept everyone from suffering from heat and dance exhaustion.
The dancing continued until 10pm when the Resort cleaned-up the tent. I think everyone would have continued dancing until the morning. Many members are still commenting about how much fun they had that evening and they will look forward to the next party.
Rita Wieczorek, RC
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Channel Marker Maintenance
Back in 2004 the RMHYC realized the need for channel markers buoys to mark the approach channel for recreational vessels in Marsh Harbour. At the time, maintenance was not a thought. But maintain them, we must. That job falls on the shoulders of Rear Commodore, Projects, Ray Vallerie, m/v Last Dance. One of the buoys broke loose this year and was rescued by Past Commodore John Mitchell, Fanny Bay. Another went on walkabout, never to be reclaimed and a new channel marker had to be ordered.
After much discussion as to the benefits of chain vs. poly line, and how to best attach them to the concrete blocks, the team was ready to replace the buoys and chose a nice calm day to complete the task. The channel markers are a great benefit to boats entering Marsh Harbour and direct them away from the commercial shipping dock.
Shown here, from left, are RC Jim Fenn, m/v Fennders, RC Ray Vallerie, m/v Last Dance and Past Commodore John Mitchell, Bay Fanny.Kathy Fenn, RMHYC Secretary
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AGM 2008
February 13, 2008, 3:00PM
The Annual Meeting of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club took place in the Marquis Tent at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour February 13th. Over 150 members attended from the Abaco’s, United States and Canada. Commodore Robert Wilson called the meeting to order on time for this record crowd. Peggy O’Neil gave the invocation, followed by the welcome by Margo Caldy, Vice Commodore.The minutes of the last General Meeting were read by Kathy Fenn the Club secretary. They were approved as read.
Officer Reports were given for the past year. Margo Caldy overviewed her activities which included work done on the RMHYC cookbook MORE MARSHED POTATOES and a review of the Club By-Laws. There were not any changes suggested by Ms. Caldy and her Committee.
The Treasurer, Ted Baker, gave his report on the financial state of the Club. The major points made were the Club is in good financial standing and income over expenses had a positive net of $1,159. It was also projected that the 2008 budget would also end in a positive mode.
Rusty Angstadt, Rear Commodore, gave the Audit Report. He stated that the RMHYC is in good stead and the Committee acknowledged the financial vigilance of the Officers and Committees of the Bridge.
The Membership Rear Commodore, Linda Gassmann, reported about the strength of the Club. The total membership on December 31, 2007 was 971.
There were 183 new members recruited in 2007. Some members were dropped because of non-payment of their annual dues. At the beginning of 2008, the RMHYC had 797 members. At the rate that the Membership Chairperson is recruiting new members, the Club may break 1000 in 2008.
Jim Fenn, the Rear Commodore for Socials, gave his report. The Club has one general event per month during the winter season and several smaller events that are impromptu or planned by Judy and Bob Williams the Port Captains for Marsh Harbour. All major events are posted on the Club’s web site and announced in the VHF meetings held three times a week in Boat Harbour.
David Bauereis, Rear Commodore for Chapters and Port Captains, reported about the general activities of the Club’s Port Captains and Chapters. There are 5 Chapters in the US and 20 Port Captains located along the ICW and the eastern coast of the States. David introduced the newest Port Captain from Palm Coast, Florida aboard the vessel PEACE. A complete list of Chapters and Port Captains can be found on the Club’s web site. Members are encouraged to contact them as they travel to Marsh Harbour each season.
Rita Wieczorek, the Rear Commodore for Communications, presented the Club’s plans for the Newsletter. It is published twice a year and it is sent to each member at their address of record. The newsletter is also placed on the web site. In 2008, the newsletter will be expanded and reformatted to better serve the interests of the Club.
Ray Vallerie, the Rear Commodore for Community, reported on the work done on the channel markers maintained by the Club. He also discussed the new storage area in the basement of the hotel made by his Committee to store the regalia of the Club and other material required for its operation.
Rich Fickes, the Rear Commodore for Member Benefits, is the newest member of the Bridge. He has formulated two letters to start off his new assignment. One letter will be sent to current organizations and businesses that provide benefits to Club members and one will be sent to businesses supported by RMHYC members asking them to consider providing benefits in their future.
Committee Reports were next on the Annual Meeting’s Agenda. Terry Ziegler, the Chairman of Donations, reported about the monetary gifts given to organizations in the Abaco’s. He also requested those members wishing the Committee to review potential awardees to contact him or a member of the Bridge.
Fred Gassmann, the Budget Chairman spoke about the 2008 Budget. He stated the Club is in good financial shape and that he predicts a positive year in 2008 because of the successful membership drive in Marsh Harbour.
There was no report from Nominations. The Bridge has all of it’s slots filled at this time.
Commodore Wilson presented Awards and Recognitions with the assistance of Vice Commodore Caldy to the following individuals received applause: Linda Gassmann, Karen O’Brian, Rich Fickes, and Pam and John Mitchell. Two past Commodore’s were lost in 2007. Recognized were Charlie Murphy, a founding member of the Club and Bob Toler, known as Barometer Bob in the Abaco’s.
Commodore Robert Wilson remarks was next on the Agenda. He was very positive as he thanked all the members for their help in making the Club a success. He has particularly enjoyed the team spirit which has made his work easier. Commodore Wilson has also done a lot of work on our website site and he is a great ambassador for the Club.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15PM. It was followed by a wine and cheese party for the attendees.
Rita Wieczorek, RC for Communications
Pictured: Back Row Left to Right - Ted Baker -Treasurer, Margo Caldy - Vice Commodore, Robert Wilson - Commodore, Kathy Fenn - Secretary, Rita Wieczorek - Rear Commodore
Front Row Left to Right - David Baureis – Rear Commodore, Karen O’Brien – Rear Commodore, Richard Fickes – Rear Commodore, Jim Fenn – Rear Commodore, Ray Vallerie Rear Commodore
-photo by Fred Reed
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Commodore’s Ball Gala
February 15, 2008
The Marquis Tent at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour was the scene of the Commodore’s Gala. It was a great event chaired by Kathy Sales and Susan Vallerie. Each year for the past 4 years these co-chairpersons have really outdid themselves. The affair was elegant. Some members were almost unrecognizable in their black and white attire. Everyone looks very different when they take off their usual boating attire, crocs and Tee-shirts and go out for an elegant evening of cocktails, dancing and a wonderful dinner put on by Angler’s Restaurant.Kathy Sales from the M/V Lo Kee and Susan Vallerie from the M/V Last Dance had several key assistants in planning and executing the event. Milt Sales did the financial planning and kept the records and helped Ray Vallerie with the spectacular lighting display. Ray also orchestrated and planned the music for the Ball. Rear Commodore and Social Chairman, Jim Fenn, and his partner Kathy Fenn, the Club’s Secretary, from the M/V Fennders were key helpers getting the table decorations and the tent ready for the party. Other Club members who helped were Linda and Tom Thompson from the S/V Tomlin II and Rose Dowling from the M/V Wild Rose.
The tent was decorated like a sparkling wonderland in a Disney movie. The theme this year was black and white. Table linens, napkin rings and the white candles were beautiful. These were all accented with elegant centerpieces of red coral-like branches. There were plenty of sparking lights and plants around the decorated tent. A word for the environmentalists, the branches were found on the ground under the palm trees and they were spray painted to look like red coral. Needless to say the decorations were spectacular.
The dinner provided by the chef Frank of Angler’s Restaurant was a tasty salad, chicken marsala, rice, broccoli, rolls, butter and topped off with a rich chocolate cake accented with whipped cream. Everything was excellent!
“AJ the DJ” provided the music for evening. Everyone had on their dancing shoes and they really danced the evening away. The music was primarily “rock and roll” from the fifties and sixties. “AJ” looked at the crowd and choose the music that got everyone quickly in the groove. Members were enjoying themselves so much they continued dancing as the tables were cleared. The evening resulted in a lot of tried and exhausted members the next day. Let’s just say some members were not as “chipper” the next day, but they were all smiling and they were still talking about the great time they had at the 2008 Commodore’s Ball Gala.
Rita Reis Wieczorek, RC
A group of Members at their table in the Marquis Tent
-photo by Linda Thompson from the M/V Tomlin II
Dave and Audrey Crone from the MV Jaftica with their guests from Canada
-photo by Linda Thompson
Commodore Wilson and Carolyn Wilson
-photo by Linda Thompson
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Walking and Fishing
Physical Activities RMHYC
Men from RMHYC preparing for their morning walk
-photo by Commodore Robert Wilson
RMHYC members also enjoy activities that are not directly related to drinking and eating but related to having fun with other members while soaking-up the sun in the Abaco’s. We have women’s and a man’s walking team that leaves Boat Harbour at 8:30 AM six days a week Monday through Saturday. We rest on Sunday so we can let our muscles recover and start another perfect week in the Abacos on Monday. There are about 12 women and about 8 men who walk. We separate as soon as we leave the Resort. The women usually walk to Pelican Shores and the men alternate walks with one day to Eastern Shores and the next to Pelican Shores. Some of the women and men after their walk continue their healthy activities and go to the pool for water aerobics. This is a very determined and fit group. Everyone splits–up into small groups and they walk at their own personal rate but there is a lot of encouragement from the faster walkers to speed it up. Personally, I am thrilled when Sunday rolls around because I do not feel guilty about taking a day off to rest and go to church services on Sunday.
The women walkers preparing for their 4 mile walk
-photo by Commodore Robert Wilson
RMHYC Members prepare to walk for the Abaco Cancer Society
There are many Members who absolutely love to go sports fishing. This is a good way to spend the day and it also has the potential for a fresh fish for dinner that evening. There is always the chance that maybe there will be enough fish for more than one supper. There is really nothing like fresh caught and cleaned fish for dinner. RMHYC members have become fish cooking gourmets after many years of visits to the Abaco’s. Fish appetizers and main courses are described in the RMHYC cook book, More Marshed Potatoes. The latest cookbook was dedicated to the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club’s 25th Anniversary in 2006.
Ben from the M/V Diva, Kathy Fenn from the M/V Fennders
and Robert from the M/V Magnum Opus.
Kathy Fenn was the Helmsperson for this fishing trip
One fishing group with their catch of fish-Judy Williams from
the M/V Shade Mor with little Johnny Piperato, Ben Bechard
from the M/V Diva, Kathy Fenn from the M/V Fennders,
Robert Wieczorek from the M/V Magnum Opus and Jim Fenn
in the foreground the Captain of the M/V Fennders
Other physical water sports enjoyed by Members include snorkeling, deep sea diving, lobstering, kayaking and any type of boating. We have many certified divers in the club. They dive in several spots in the Sea of Abaco and the Ocean. There are members on all 7 docks at Boat Harbour who enjoy a day in the sun boating, fishing and walking!
Rita Reis Wieczorek, RC
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January 26th and 27th
RMHYC Rendezvous at
Sea Spray Marina on Elbow Cay
Bob and Judy Williams from the m/v Shade Mor planned a wonderful two day party at Sea Spray. Thirty-one boats left Boat Harbour to head for Sea Spray on Saturday morning. It was a parade of boats led by M/V Shade Mor that headed to Elbow Cay for parties, games, fancy dinners, lots of drinks, music, dancing and a Sunday brunch.
Boats docked at Sea Spray
Junior, the manager of Sea Spray, helped dock 28 boats at his facility and three other members found moorings in Hopetown because of the blow expected on Sunday the 27th. Some boats had guests aboard so more than 70 people attended this event. Every year, this rendezvous is bigger with a focus on fun, laughter and an opportunity to renew and make new friendships with other Club Members.
Cocktails by the dock before the dinner at Sea Spray
Junior provided music for the RMHYC attendees by his band, “The Islanders,” Saturday evening. He plays the drums and Rodney, the Dock Master at Sea Spray, also plays in the band. The music helped get everyone in a party mood during cocktails on the dock.
The band entitled “The Islanders”
Saturday night dinner at Sea Spray was under the stars. The evening was terrific and 69 members and guests enjoyed the evening. The weather cooperated and a light jacket was all that was needed for warmth. Junior really went out of his way to accommodate the needs of the Club. He did a lot of planning to make this adventure run smoothly. Judy and Bob Williams’s phoned and made several visits to Sea Spray to make sure the event would go according to the plan.
On Sunday a front came through the Abaco’s, as predicted, and it blew 25-30 knots with heavy rains. A Sunday Brunch was planned by the members. All the gourmet RMHYC chefs planned an excellent buffet, however, the wind did not cooperate so the meal was served on Shade Mor and several boats hosted members in small groups so the meal could be enjoyed without a worry about the weather. The hosting groups were: M/V Brenda J, M/V Odyssey, M/V Tourelou and M/V Shade Mor.
Sunday afternoon Sea Spray opened their restaurant to the Club for games. Members played cards and dice games from 2-5pm. Some members learned new games that they can enjoy again on a windy day. This impromptu afternoon turned out to be so much fun people forgot about the weather.
Card game at the restaurant at Sea Spray
Sunday evening 41 members had dinner at the Hopetown Lodge. The Williams’ worked with Tom at the Lodge to plan the event. Several members are still talking about their wonderful Prime Rib dinners. Other Club members cooked aboard their boats as they were partied out. These dinners can be very rough on the diet. It seems like many members who are on daily exercise programs; forget that these parties are hard on the waistline. However, everyone looks forward to these events and they just exercise a little more when they return to their home port.
Fred Reed from the M/V Amarse was the photographer for this Club event. It certainly looks like everyone enjoyed the trip and many are still talking about the good time they had at Sea Spray. It has become an ‘annual event’ for the membership in the Abaco’s planned by our Port Captains Bob and Judy Williams, who deserve our hardy thanks.
Photographer Fred Reed and his partner Judy Law
Rita Reis Wieczorek, RC
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Walk For The Cure
Members of the RMHYC were out in force to support the first Abaco Cancer Society Walk for the Cure on Saturday morning, January 19. Participants were asked for a donation of $5 to register and walk the 5k course to the end of the road at Pelican Shores, then to the entrance of The Abaco Beach Resort and back to the Marsh Harbour Marina and Jib Room. Walkers were then treated to juice and delicious muffins and danish. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful morning and gladly supported the community cause.
Registration for the Walk for the Cure at the Jib Room
Many RMHYC members participated, including this enthusiastic group
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Deep Sea Fishing
Bringing in the fish is hard work
Commodore Robert Wilson shows off his first deep sea catch - 2/3 of a Wahoo. Pictured w/him are from left,
Carolyn Wilson, Sea Island Girl, Kathy and Jim Fenn, Fennders, and Judy Williams, Shade Mor
Three dolphins follow the RMHYC burgee
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