December was a hectic month for Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club members.
It started with the Past-Commodore's Food Drive held on December 1, 2, and 3 at the Community Center. The drive for RCS (Religious Community Service) was organized by immediate Past-Commodore Adrian Vergot and staffed by past commodores and yacht club members. This annual outreach is a simple way for Fairfield Harbour to assist in the holiday spirit of giving. In our current economy, the donations of food and monetary gifts will make a significant impact on those who are trying to make ends meet in our local communities. The club collected a truckload (1,295 lbs.) of non-perishables and $2,750.00 in cash donations.
Back row, left to right: RCS Mark Devanney, RCS Randall Church, Julia Thomson, Commodore Barb Robinson, Steve Hustad
Front row, left to right: Past Commodore Adrian Vergot, Erin Vergot
Anita English and her elves organized members to participate in the Fairfield Harbour Christmas Parade this year, getting everyone in place and on time.
The parade is always a chance to represent different organizations. The Yacht Club usually has several well-decorated seasonal boats and marching members throwing candy and greeting neighbors and friends.
Left to right: Anita English is responsible for the FHYC Christmas parade entry with Tom Graves. The dinghy once again represents FHYC. George Stateham and Clancey are ready for the parade.
The Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club held its 2022 Holiday Party "Jingle Aweigh" at Carolina Colours on December 8. Members enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by The Chelsea and danced the night away to tunes provided by BTA Entertainment. A highlight of the evening was the Salvation Army collecting gifts donated to their annual Christmas Angel program, an effort led by Linda Lelli. It was a lovely event; attendees enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, a sit-down dinner, holiday music, and fabulous dancing. It indeed was good food, drink, friends, and good times. Janice Myler and her committee of Kathy Sansone and Paula Mink helped make this fantastic event happen.
Left to right: Dick Gaskill, Ed Doughty, Doug Longhini getting ready to dance the night away. Janice Myler commented on a great evening. The Line Dancers are always in action.
It was a beautiful Saturday night, December 10, and as daylight faded, the Harbour was illuminated with a thousand lights and the season's spirit embraced us all.
An unbelievable, spectacular display of decorated boats cruised thru Fairfield waters and touched the hearts of all. Cruising Captain Phil Katz planned and orchestrated the event, which many believe is the best-ever flotilla. Everything from a canoe to a 40-foot boat was lit up, and the resident cannoneer, Ralph Azersky made it a memorable evening. There were 17 FHYC member boats and two Fairfield Harbour resident boats comprising four sailboats and fourteen power boats, all led by rowboat "Nell" powered by Melissa and Jerry Drake with their dog Bodie.
Club member Laurie Eakins commented, "We have been to the Morehead City, Beaufort, and New Bern flotillas for years and the FHYC flotilla last night is the best we have ever seen! Such a treat. Thank you to all who did so much work to decorate their boats and participate."
Cookies started to disappear as soon as members arrived. Following an amazing 2022 Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club Parade of Lights, club members and guests attended a gathering at the Community Center to put a nightcap on the evening. After the cold temperatures on the water, the group enjoyed a bounty of cookies (brought by attendees). Hot cocoa was provided, and there may have even been some holiday spirits around. Everyone enjoyed a Holiday Bingo game that encouraged learning things about other members of the club by asking questions and filling out a Bingo Card. Of course, holiday music, cookies, and socializing with club members were magical.
The Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club is an active boating club with many additional activities and service projects. Information about membership in the FHYC is available on the website www.fhyc.us or by contacting membership co-chairs Pam Miller or Paula Phipps.
The Yacht Club will kick off the New Year with the New Years' Fun Race at 1300 hours.
Happy Holidays to all!
Written by Elaine Berberich, collaborating with Lois Andrews and Janice Myler
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