The 2006 Change of Watch was held at the Belleair Country Club on Sunday, December 17th. Master of Ceremony, Jim Ostrosky, started the evening introducing the current Commodore's and their wives. John Speck, Club Chaplain, gave the invocation before the meeting was turned over to Commodore Mason Rascher.
Commodore Rascher presented the winner of the 2006 Members of the Year Award went to Marcia and Past Commodore and Fleet Captain Bill Blum. This award is for the members who go the extra mile, and then some, in helping the Club have a successful year. Rascher concluded his remarks by reflecting on the year and thanking everyone for their support.
Current Vice Commodore Tom Smith was sworn into office by Commodore Rascher who then took command of the meeting. Rear Commodore Wayne Millington was sworn into the office of Vice Commodore and Fran Briskman was sworn into the office of Rear Commodore. Commodore Smith introduced the 2006 Board of Directors: Jack Heckert - Secretary, Patricia Ostrosky - Treasurer, Bob Landreth - Two-Year Director, and John Speck - Two-Year Director.
Commodore Smith ended the formal part of the evening with a short presentation and a personal commitment to uphold the privileges and responsibilities of Commodore and to do his best to make 2006 successful and enjoyable. Smith's command will begin January 1 at the traditional New Year's Day Brunch.
The Island Estate Yacht Club Change of Watch was chaired by Marcia Coxhead and Jo Dean with support from committee members Linda Garrity, Lauralee Bernard, and Terry Murray. The entire team did a wonderful job of orchestrating a first-class evening.