Commodore's Ball 2010
New Orleans
Mardi Gras Theme
Saturday, February 27, 2010, 6:00PM till Midnight
| Location: | Hella Shrine Temple |
| 2121 Rowlett Rd. (@ Roan) | |
| Garland, Texas |
Invitation Image (opens in new window)
Attendance: 58
Event Wrap-up: For once, the weather was beautiful for our Commodore's Ball - a welcome change from the freezing temperatures and high winds of the last several years. Many arriving guests wore colorful masks and feathers, flashy hats and beads, beautiful dresses, and other Mardi Gras attire and accents. Great job, everyone - thanks for really gettin' in the spirit!
As we enjoyed our first cocktails from the open bar, the DJ played a selection of music that tied into our New Orleans theme, and helped create a little Bourbon Street ambiance.
Our menu was the same as last year - we needed a "do-over". This time, dinner was back up to our high expectations. We enjoyed roast prime rib from the carving stations, rolls and Caesar salad, twice-baked potatoes and Italian green beans. For dessert, we had cheese cake and Black Forest cake, with coffee.
As dinner was winding up, the outgoing Board was thanked for their leadership, hard work and sacrifice of time, in giving us another great year of parties and events. The flag for Past Commodore was officially presented to Commodore Chris Menard. Chris was out of town, so Vice Commodore Mark James accepted it, on his behalf. Speaking for Chris and himself, Mark thanked their officers and the others who helped out with the year's events. He especially thanked J Dock and N Dock for planning and hosting parties, and Jeff Long, for the incredible decorating at our Halloween party.
Extra Bonus - An Election: When the Ball began, the course our club would take, in the
coming months, was uncertain. Our officer and board election had been
postponed indefinitely, because we had no nominees prepared to accept
their nominations, and run.
During the Ball, people were having a great time, and remembering how
much fun the boat club could be. No one wanted to see it come to an end,
but we needed a new slate of officers, in order to embark on a new club
season. So, during dinner, and even during the traditional thank-you
speeches, there was a bit of skullduggery afoot. After a lot of
encouragement, bargaining and arm-twisting, several people were about
half-ready to run for office. Word spread, and hope came alive.
After several impassioned and imploring speeches - including by founding
members, Chris Rogers and Pat Lee - and lots of yelling and cheering,
they accepted nominations, along with a few others. We held an impromptu
election, on the spot. It was rather unorthodox and uproarious - not
surprising, with an open bar. But - what do you know? - we
have our
Officers for 2010, headed by our new Commodore,
Larry Nelson!
As the post-election speeches were winding up, a few people got up to pay tribute to two former members and dear friends, whom we lost, this past year. Pat Berger and Katie Gilbert Dahlem both died suddenly of massive heart attacks. They should - and would - have been there with us. So, we set up a table in their memory, so they could still be there in our thoughts and memories - and hearts.
With fallen friends honored and the club's future now secure, it was time to get
down to
some dancing (between more trips to the bar). Everyone seemed to have a
good time for the rest of the evening, and the Ball ended on a high
note, with people encouraged and looking forward to the Club's upcoming
season.
Our thanks to Kathy Dalby, for again heading up the planning for the Ball (and for not strangling Richard, when he agreed to take on the Treasurer position for the third year!). Our thanks to Mary Sakuta, and the Shrine, for taking extra care, to ensure we had an excellent dinner. Thanks, again, to DJ Marshall Argovitz, for setting the mood during the cocktail/dinner hours, then getting everyone out on the floor, afterwards. We thank Susan and Leatta, and Sandy and Renata, for bringing special "signature" items and arranging the memorial table, so as to give Pat and Katie a presence at the Ball. And, finally, our very special thanks to those who arrived as guests... and left as officers!
Officers for 2010:
Larry Nelson, Commodore
Randy Pritchard, Vice Commodore
Scott Fort, Rear Commodore
Bettye Ann Howell, Secretary
Richard Dalby, Treasurer
Memorial Table:
Pat Berger and Katie Gilbert-Dahlem
Calendar of Events for:
Current Season
2008 Season
2007 Season
2009 Season
April 11, 2009
Easter Egg Hunt and
Dock Dinner
April 25, 2009
'Jumpin' the Waves'
Season Kickoff and Membership Drive Party
May 30, 2009
Blessing of the Fleet and Decorated Boat Parade,
and Pool-side Party
June 13, 2009
Shrimp and Crawfish Boil Party
July 18, 2009
Barbeque Cook-off and Pool Party
August 15, 2009
Tex-Mex Fiesta
September 19, 2009
'Talk Like a Pirate Day' Party
at Chandler's
October 24, 2009
Halloween Costume Contest
and Chili Cook-off
November 14, 2009
Marina-wide Christmas Dock Decorating Work (then Play) Party
December 5, 2009
'Parade of Lights' Boat Parade
followed by
BBC Christmas Party
January 16, 2010
Board and Officer Elections
February, 27, 2010
Commodore's Ball
New Orleans Mardi Gras Theme