CMS Club Annual Banquet – March 21, 2018 | The Coronado/Mainland Shuffler

The tables and chairs were set, the decorations were done (thank you Johnnie and her team of volunteers) and all was made ready for the Annual Banquet. Johnnie Connor and Betty Buccini greeted us at the door while Joan Best collected for the 50/50 (won by Felix (the cat) Piscitelli). Everyone enjoyed the Hors d’oeuvre and found a seat with friends. Joan Best lead us in the pledge of allegiance and then a prayer.

Allen Best was the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed all our new members. He called out the tables for the buffet and we lined up for Turkey, Ham and Roast Beef supplied by the club and prepared by some members while other members supplied all the scrumptious side fixings. So much wonderful food. Once dinner and desert was finished Allen called the hall back to order.

He thanked all the people responsible for our club running so smoothly throughout the year. Dennis Buelk trained approximately 95 new members in 2017 and has already trained 20 more for 2018. Marguerite and Paul Fortier’s fellow volunteers ran the kitchen. Johnnie served not only as Vice President but head of the Decorations committee. Al Bessette will be retiring as one of our Games Managers and Jerry Jabaut will be assuming the role. Rich Kordeleski and Mary Ann Pabst will stay on for another year of InterCity play. Rich, John Fortini and Felix did a wonderful job of Court managing this year. Allen thanked Sid Pomainville for running Cribbage, Joan Best for running Mahjong and Mary Harlow for continuing the scoring. He also thanked all the members of the board and we all applauded the outgoing members. Betty Buccini has served the club well as the Treasurer for many years and will be missed.

Bob Tager took over the Ceremonies to install our new Executive Board Members. Dennis Buelk and Tom Grubb were sworn in as the new Directors. Arlene Jabaut was sworn in as our new Treasurer and Barb Fortini will continue as the Secretary. Bob Tager then swore in our new President Tom Carbonell for the next two years. Congratulations Tom Carbonell for taking over a very difficult job of keeping this club in order. Tom will be following in the footsteps of our marvelous, effective and very well appreciated President, Al Best, who successfully guided the club for the last four (4) years.With the help of all our wonderful volunteers, it will continue to run smoothly. A Great Big Thanks goes to Allen Best who will remain on the board as the Past President.

The tables and chairs were then all cleared away and all the dishes washed. Close to Thirty (30) people remained to play Bunco. What a wonderful way to end our shuffleboard and social season. We wish our snowbirds farewell, safe travels and will look forward to their safe return in the Fall. Ciao till then.