2020 Commissioning
2020 Commissioning Night
Last Tuesday evening, the Board of Directors and their guests gathered on the deck of the club to celebrate the annual Commissioning of the club for the new season.
It was not your usual festive evening when hundreds of members would enjoy cheese dips, cut fresh spring vegetables and fruits set out on a large buffet table covered in a nautical print table cloth with large bouquets of cut flowers from Pat Collins' garden. And the beer and wine, encrusted in chopped ice, would fill a sailboat shaped tin bucket.
This is the year of the Masks. In keeping with the guidelines set up by the state of Rhode Island, all guests wore masks and practiced social distancing. The number of attendees, however and unfortunately, was limited to the number of people who could gather in the space according to the state mandates. The ceremony took place outside on the foyer at the top of the stairs. There was no buffet table and no vases of bright summer flowers.
The times are different this season but the enthusiasm of the directors was evident in their talks of summer sailing events.
Before the speaking program began, Gregg Morash, the master of ceremonies, ordered the flags to be lowered. Dr. Joseph Boivin and head steward, Tova Ibbotson, performed this duty. Gregg introduced the immediate former Commodore, Phyllis Ibbotson. She thanked all for their support and graciously, with a swooping motion of her left arm, symbolically passed the torch to Marc Pfeffer, Commodore.
At this time, Dr. Boivin and Miss Ibbotson raised the two flags, the American and the state of Rhode Island. Dr. Ralph Padilla set off the canon as the last part of the colors. Now, the summer season was officially begun.
Commodore Pfeiffer welcomed all and gave an overview of the summer activities. He noted that Sail Training classes have begun this week and that the pool will open on next Sunday, July 5. He thanked all for coming together to meet the challenges that the pandemic has caused. He noted that all members should consult the TYC website, www.tivertonyachtclub.org for updated information on this summer's activities.
As the ceremony ended within a half hour most guests stayed on and enjoyed conversing with each other, reminiscing about last summer and eagerly planning many sailing adventures for the current season. Many enjoyed the colorful summer gardens that Jim and his assistant, Callie Moran, planted during the late spring. The garden is in memory of Jim's wife, Dee Rogers, who worked with the juniors on all their events including founding the annual Junior talent Show which showcases the native talents of the TYC youth.
The 2020 edition of the TYC Log Book is now available from the steward at the club during the daytime. The book contains the list of members, their boats and information on club activities. Please pick one up at your convenience. And, they are free!!
Jim Rogers
