Brian Gillen, Red Coach Lane, Locust, was sworn in as the new Commodore of the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club at its formal Change of Watch ceremonies on New Year’s Day at the Yacht Club in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. Gillen assumed the watch from Commodore Joseph Patsco of Little Silver.
In assuming the office, Gillen thanked the Yacht Club members for their dedication and their confidence in him to take the lead of the active yacht club for the next year.
In a ceremony that began with a welcome from Commodore Patsco, and a pledge of allegiance to the flag led by past commodores, members also remembered past members who died during this year. During the prayers led by Peter and Carol Andrews, members offered a moment of silence for Bob Casper, Madeline Muise and Launch Driver Joel Cunningham.
In standing relieved after swearing in Gillen, Patsco also expressed thanks to all who had contributed towards the many successes the Club realized during 2024.
Commodore Gillen then sworn in officers and members of the Board of Governors for 2025, including Steven Brownlie assuming the office of Vice Commodore, Claudia Lucey, Rear Commodore, Elaine Hayden, secretary, Barbara Flatley, corresponding secretary, Stephen Mackay, treasure, and board of Governors Jennifer Barrett, Jeremy Herman, Robert Kneller, Helen Parker, as well as continuing board members Michael Fortier and Bradley Petersen. Board members leaving the board after one or two years of service, Bruce Cohn and George Harrington, were also recognized and thanked for their service.
Gillen also named his standing committees and the club members who take the lead in the variety of committees that keep the club running efficiently and smoothly while providing service and activities both for the club and the community.
Carl Sohl, a senior member of the Club from Eatontown, was honored as the recipient of the Tom Duane Award. Patsco represented the word which is presented by the Board of Governors recognizing a member who has gone above and beyond service to the club during the past year. Gillen also presented Patsco with a gift and appreciation of his leadership and work throughout his term as Commodore.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner and council members also attended the Change of Watch ceremony following their own swearing in at the Municipal reorganization meeting held hours before the Change of Watch ceremony., The Commodore also introduce and expresses thanks to Chairman Tom Wall and all the members of the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission, as well as Harbor Master Lou Fligor.
Sue Mikaitis of Atlantic Highlands, who with her husband Hans has been a member of the Club for more than 20 years, opened the ceremony and introduced the outgoing Commodore, welcoming the members and guests to the annual celebration.
“Interest in our club has never been stronger,” Mikaitis told the crowd. “We continue to grow our membership, and we applaud those who have joined the Yacht Club family.” The spirit of the club is “alive and well,” she continued, “thanks to the leadership of our officers, board members and committee chairs.”
Many of the 25 living past commodores were present for this year’s event, with four former members, Leonard Sitar, Edward Newins, Jeff McDaniel and Lou Melillo each serving more than one term as Commodore and all presented for the swearing in of Commodore Gillen.
