On Saturday November 11, 2017, the Southern New England Chapter held their Annual Dinner at Gaetano’s Tavern on Main in Wallingford, CT.
A total of 44 Chapter members were in attendance and we were fortunate to have Dan Gyoerkoe, ACBS Executive Director as our guest speaker.
After everyone arrived, we indulged in delicious appetizers before being treated to a lovely buffet. Then it was down to Chapter business. Chapter President Lynn McFarlin thanked everyone for attending and requested that we observe a moment of silence to remember Anne Marie Dombroskas who recently passed. Ed Dombroskas is our Chapter Vice President.
The proposed Officers and Directors for 2018 were introduced, including our newest board member, Dan Ross. The assembly unanimously voted in the Officers and Board for 2018. She thanked everyone for their continued support of the Chapter and asked that we all try to solicit new members for 2018. Lynn advised that there would be Spring Workshop in April 2018 with additional information forthcoming.
Dan Gyoerkoe was introduced to the attendees and Dan gave us an overview of the new programs and ideas that he and the ACBS Committees will be implementing in the coming years. Dan also gave us the dates for the ACBS International meetings for the next 5 years. The 2018 International Meeting will be held in Port Huron, MI. We enjoyed Dan’s Power Point presentation as well as the new video that was developed by ACBS.
Lynn advised there was a special award to be presented at the dinner. She explained that she had submitted Bette Heinzman’s name to the ACBS Committee for the Founders Award. After Committee Review, Lynn was advised that the Committee felt Bette would better qualify for the Mary Herwig Award. Dan and Lynn called Bette up to the podium and Dan presented her with the Mary Herwig Award. This award, donated by the Manotick Classic Boat Club is awarded for the purpose of honoring an individual who, through activities at the chapter level, has contributed broadly and in an outstanding manner to enhance and further the aims and objectives of the society. Needless to say, Bette was very surprised!
Lynn presented the President’s Cup to Chris Johnson for his support and contribution to the Southern New England Chapter and boating over the years. Chris was surprised and delighted with the award.
Lynn then called the entire Board up to the front of the room where Bette was presented a beautiful painting of her two dogs – Dakota and Cheyenne, done by a portrait artist in Guilford, CT as a special “thank you” for all of her assistance and work with the boat show and the other things that go along with making our show and the Chapter run seamlessly. Needless to say – Bette was speechless!
The evening ended on a high note and we all look forward to Spring and Boating Season! Thanks to all that were involved with the coordination of the dinner! – Lynn McFarlin, Chapter Presidenti