New Commodore
Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club Commodore Lou Melillo passed the torch of leadership to Joseph Patsco at the traditional Changing of the Watch ceremony at the club in the Municipal Yacht Harbor New Year’s day, promising the support of himself and all past commodores in continuing the missions of the 70-year-old club.
Patsco, who lives in Little Silver and has been a club member since 2019, assured members and guests at the gala ceremony he will continue the successes the Club has achieved in the past and continue its outstanding programs in Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Club, and 189 Turning Lives Around, a nonprofit organization that provides survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families free, confidential programs and resources to process and heal from their experiences.
Patsco also thanked both club employees and the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council and Harbor Commission for all they all do to keep “The Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club the place to go.”
The commodore welcomed Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, and councilmembers Jon Crowley, Eileen Cusick, and Vito Colasurdo along with Harbor Commissioner Curtis Sawyer. Both Colasurdo and Sawyer are also members of the Yacht Club.
Council Member Alyson Forbes was also present at the Change of Watch ceremony and congratulated the club and its members for their achievements over the years.
As one of his final duties and honors as Commodore, Melillo also announced that the Yacht Club’s dining room, located on the second floor of the Shore Casino Building, will be renamed the Helen Marchetti dining room, honoring the past long time member. Mrs. Marchetti, who died last year at the age of 97, had been a stalwart member of the club since 1962, was also a former Atlantic Highlands Mayor and native of the borough known for her numerous services both to the club and the borough over many decades.
Melillo also recognized other past commodores in attendance at the Change of Watch ceremony, including Lenny Sitar, who has served two terms as commodore and has been a member since 1976, Edward Newins, a member since 1985, and Frank Allsman.
In accepting command, Patsco welcomed members and guests and expressed thanks to Harbor Commission and the borough for their cooperative efforts with the Yacht Club through the years.
Patsco swore in officers and governors for the 2024 year, including Brian Gillen, vice commodore, John Flatley, Rear Commodore, Elaine Hayden, secretary, Barbara Flatley, corresponding secretary, Stephen Mackay treasurer, and Steven Brownlie, Michael Fortier, Bradley Petersen and George Harrington as governors.
Also continuing as Governors under Commodore Patsco are Jennifer Barrett and Bruce Cohn.
The Commodore also recognized with gratitude and appreciation the three governors who have completed their tenure in the positions, Sue Mikaitis, Barbara Nevius and Chuck Parker.
At the request of Patsco, past Commodore Melillo made the presentation of the Tom Duane ward.
The award is presented annually to a club member who has gone above and beyond duties in service to the club. Melillo then contacted by telephone this year’s recipient, Donna Syers, who is currently in Florida. Syers expressed her thanks via telephone to all the members and assured them of her continued dedication to the club. She expressed appreciation at being cited as the club’s “Ambassador of the waterfront and “watchdog of many fields,” and said she was honored by the award.
