The sun was shining, and our members were smiling as they gathered for our 2021 Blessing of the Fleet. The clubhouse looked great from being newly totally renovated.
Its front deck was adorned with red, white and blue bunting and beautiful flowers.
The club grounds were immaculately clean and ready for the event. The club had an all hands-on deck cleanup day, the day prior to ensure all would look great.
This longtime annual event had to be cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Members were happy to have it on again. Some gathered at our memorial flagpole for the ceremony, while others were on their boats getting ready for the boat parade that is a part of the blessing program.
Commodore John Disciglio opened the ceremony with the pledge of allegiance. He welcomed our members and guests, introduced club officers and directors and wished everyone a good summer and boating season.
The boat parade was next.
Members and guests attending came up to the rail at the river’s edge.
Master of Ceremonies Art Livesey with the assistance of Past Commodore Greg Dombroski announced the boats and their owner-drivers as they passed by the crowd which gave applause and cheers.
The Blessing was taken care of by Deacon Peter Haight of Scared Heart Church in Newburgh.
We were glad Deacon Peter could be with us. His thoughtful and kind words are always appreciated. He also officiated at our memorial service held as part of the ceremony. We remember our club members and members of their families who have died during the past year. At this ceremony the list was longer as it included those from the past two years.
We remember those who departed by announcing their name and ringing the club’s bell. A family member or friend then as a memorial to the departed, tosses a flower into the Hudson. (A list of those who were remembered is posted below)
Past Commodore Greg Dombroski was very helpful in arranging for and conducting this event.
A Spectacular and Delicious Brunch was served–
Director Jim Jankun and his wife Karen
Director Jim Jankun took care of collecting the ticket money and the setting up and serving the brunch meal. It was catered by T & M Deli To Go in Washingtonville.
The champagne for our Mimosas was donated by Tom Costa of the North Plank Tavern.
Thank you to Brian and Diane Pine for donating the flowers and bunting on the clubhouse.
To Fleet Captain Dan Galage and all the members who took part, thank you for a Great Boat Parade.
And to Linda Dombroski for her assistance in taking pictures for this post.
Deacon Haight, as he ended of the ceremony took a moment to personally thank Linda, who’s career is nursing and healthcare. He talked about his hospitalization and the care he received from Linda who was one of the nurses who helped him recover and be with us for this blessing service.
The Newburgh Yacht Club Blessing of the Fleet was held June 6, 2021
| Those Remembered in Memorial Service |
|---|
| Michael Costa Brother to Tom Costa |
| Elizabeth Crisci Mother to Angela Galli |
| John Cuneo Past Member |
| Theresa Dombroski Mother to Greg Dombroski |
| Norfe Esposito Father to Joe Esposito |
| David Griffin Past Commodore |
| Mary Kerwick Wife of longtime member Tom Kerwick |
| Mary Livesey Mother to Art Livesey |
| Ann P. Mayo Mother to John Mayo III |
| William Mennerich Brother to Ken and Bob Mennerich |
| Ruth Miller Wife of long time Member, George Miller |
| Bill and Gloria Muller long time NBYC members |
| Jim Munsie Past Member |
| Sue Najork sister-in-law of Karl Najork |
| Anthony Samperi Father to Danielle Marcano |
| Robert ‘Bob’ Shute Long time Life Member |
| Claudia Vargas Wife of longtime member Dr. Felix Vargas |
| Mary Ellen Wright Wife of Jack St. John |
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