ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS –
Lou Melillo was sworn in as Commodore of the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club at the traditional ceremonies recognizing the change of the watch from Commodore Frank Allsman. This is the second time Melillo has served in the highest office of the Club, having been Commodore in 2004
In acknowledging he was standing relieved of his duties, Allsman addressed club members and their guests, thanking them for a successful and productive year, and promising his continued support to the incoming officer.
New Officers
Melillo swore in the rest of the officers for the year, as well as three governors for the Club. He also presented Allsman with a commemorative gift, acknowledging his service and contributions to the club throughout the past year. The incoming commodore as well as Sue Mikaitis, who introduced the Change of Watch ceremonies, praised Allsman for leading the club through the second of two challenging years due to the covid pandemic and noted his leadership together with the officers and committees kept the spirit of the club alive and well, and pointed out that “interest in our club has never been stronger.”
The club membership roles this year total 1001, reflecting on the 70 years since the Yacht Club was first organized.
With many of the past commodores in attendance at the change of watch, Ed Newins, who was the oldest serving commodore present, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Newins also joined all members and guests in a moment of silence for his wife, Georgette, and the five other club members who died during the past year. These include Jeanne Bergeron, Mary Ellen Staub, Greg Dalton, Len Forys and Maureen Pitman as well as bookkeeper Eileen Brennan.
Joe Patsco took the oath of office as vice commodore, Jack Flannery as Rear Commodore, Elaine Hayden continued as secretary and Helen Parker as corresponding secretary. Past Commodore Susan Hillers took the oath as treasurer.
New Governors
In swearing in new Governors Jennifer Barrett, Bruce Cohn and Stephen Mackay, Melillo also introduced continuing Governors Sue Mikaitis, Barbara Nevius and Chuck Parker. He thanked outgoing Governors who have served on the board for two years, Karen Harris, Kevin O’Brien and Bob Williams.
New Committee Members
The new Commodore acknowledged members of each of the club’s standing committees. These include past commodores Christopher Stone and Steve Graziano along with members Karen Harris, Kevin O’Brien and Amy Kaskiw on the nominating committee, Karen Dalton on the Committee of Members, Corinna Thuss on entertainment and Past Commodore Jack Glass on the finance committee. Stone also serves on the House committee.
Launch committee members are Donna Syers and Tom Curtis and long term planning committee is John Lawler.
Other committees include Ray Hillers on membership, George Harrington on Protest, Karen Harris, Jeremy Herman and Art Olsen on race and Brian Gillen and Mike Fortier on the small boat committee.
Angus Rennie is the committee person for technology, IT and public relations and Bruce Cohn is on the Yachting committee.
Ad-Hoc committees include the AHSEP liaisons Past Commodore Stone and Wayne Tidswell and the CBL committee is Bill Robertson. Continuing education is Chuck Parker, Insurance is John Flatley, Race education is Bob Behringer, Ships Store is Susan O’Connor, Bob Williams is special Olympics, Elaine Hayden is Sunshine, and Past Commodore Elaine Haher is J-24 Captain with Kevin O’Brien serving as liaison with the Harbor.
The new Commodore also acknowledge fleet officers, Fleet Captain John DeFillippo, Fleet Chaplains Peter and Carol Andrews, Fleet Medical Officers Kathy Patsco and Mike Ferguson and club historian Kristen Gnatt Applin.
