A Busy Week-End For Opening Days …
Mary & I put some miles on our car this past week end as did many others, however Bordentown YC Officers were lucky enough to put some Nautical Miles on a boat as they attended Anchor YC by water J What a Lucky Crew !!
Queen Siobhan and a large group of Officers from clubs up and down river attended Anchor YC for a 2:00 Ceremony. Upon arrival the first thing that I and everyone else noticed was the wonderful aroma of smoke that was emanating from the smokers that were smoking the meats that everyone would enjoy later in the day. Nothing is better than anything that comes out of a smoker in my opinion. Anchor YC Commodore Coyne officially opened the 2009 Boating Season for Anchor YC and after a little mingling it was off to Bordentown YC for their Opening Day Ceremony. A caravan was formed with 5 cars and we arrived at Bordentown YC well after their Officers who travel by water. FYI - Bordentown YC Fleet Captain DeRemer tested the Delaware River water temperature while in full whites when the boat was docking at Bordentown YC and during the ceremony he reported to Commodore Morton that “ The BYC Fleet is in order and ready for the 2009 boating season – and uh , the water is cold “ J There was a slight delay in the start of the Bordentown Ceremony as he had to get his uniform to a dryer and I still do not know where he got it dried and pressed that fast as he looked dry, cleaned, and pleated for the ceremony. It had to be a special day for The Morton family as Commodore Tim Morten who is a 3rd generation BYC member had his parents and his grandfather who is still an officer for the club were in attendance. What a wonderful thing to have 3 generations of a family in a club and to have the youngest generation at the reins says a lot for the family as well as the club. After Bordentown YC Commodore Morton officially opened the 2009 Boating Season and Vice Commodore Melanie Horahan (who by the way is a past Bordentown YC Princess) opened the house/bar the caravan was off to Riverside YC for their Opening Ceremony. It was a long ride to say the least and when you couple in we missed our exit and had to double back one exit to cross over the WW Bridge, it was close to 6:30 when we finally arrived at Riverside YC. Riverside YC held off their Opening Day Ceremony until we arrived and with the chance of rain lurking over head, the crowds who were restless (well at least one in the crowd) and the dinner food ready to be served, they decided to wait for those that were in route. This very kind gesture not only showed the support of the Queen, the League, and the visiting clubs Officers and Princesses who were in the caravan but their thoughtfulness as well. This did not have to be done but it was just another way that Riverside YC proved they are a great club that is run by an elite group of individuals. Upon arrival to Riverside YC, (as someone who has not missed an Riverside YC Opening Day in close to 20 years if not more), it was strange and sad to walk in and not see P/C Tom Cranford at the table working the door as he has worked the door for almost all the clubs events over for the last few years. Tom recently passed away losing his battle with cancer and I am sure he will be greatly missed.
RYC Commodore Warrington opened the Riverside YC Boating Season and the evening festivities started. All in all it was a great Saturday at all the clubs but another hi-light for me was watching the Phils beat the Mets in extra innings with a walk off game winning run due to a bases loaded walk – good to see that this is the start of the 3rd season in a row of the Mets choking to the Fightin’s!
So, with Saturday under our belt it was now Sunday afternoon and off to Ran-Del YC for their Opening Day. Sadly, Mother Nature could not hold off another day and let Ran-Del YC have a dry Opening Day. It rained but it did not stop visitors from up and down river and from the Bay in a chance to show respect and wish Commodore BettyAnn Patton and the members of Ran-Del YC the very best for 2009. After the singing of The National Anthem by members and guests the visiting Officers and Princesses were introduced and Commodore Patton opened the 2009 Boating Season for Ran-Del YC. Over the years I have attended a few Opening Days at Ran-Del YC and I must say for the smallest club in our organization they do go all out with a steak and chicken BBQ with all the fixin’s, and an open bar. Unfortunately Mary & I could not hang around for the Steak & Chicken lunch Ran-Del YC was cooking up as it was a long week-end and my neck and back had a date with my recliner.
Next week-end Westville PBA has their 100th Anniversary Opening Day which is a milestone that not many clubs of any sort can give claim to and how fitting is it that their club Princess is our DRYL Queen. Also, HYLC will be Opening their season as well. Hope to see you all soon.
