An overflowing crowd of about one hundred fifty, including many of Monterey's newer owners, attended a MORA-sponsored informal launching of the new canopy and table arrangement alongside the clubhouse on a perfect afternoon sandwiched between two overcast days in January.
Guests quickly filled the new round tables and benches as others strolled about meeting and greeting friends, while some settled their own chairs around the edges and made an evening of it. Many of the women followed the example and request of the chairman to wear skirts and "dress up a little," giving the gathering a definite party flavor.
Pinwheels, pastries, meatballs, and fruit along with plenty of veggies and dip were laid out on long tables at the side of the pavilion, and nobody ever had to worry that the food would run out. As the pace picked up, the conversation too showed no signs of stopping, and the gathering lasted well beyond the stated four to six o'clock time frame.
Don't know how to dress for a DooWop dance? Just come to one - you'll know the next time. At this particular DooWop Dance, as is their style, DJ's Carol and Ron Onorato had everyone up and dancing, with the crowd favorite a "men only" Macho Man number. The "famous people" contest, with everybody going to great lengths figuring out whose name was taped on their backs, stirred things up along the way. But the high spot of the evening was Dave Hillner up and dancing just as he always has! You couldn't help but be heartened to see that. The usual loud and smashing rendering by the entire assembly of Proud to Be an American wound up the night.
Seventeen carolers, dressed in bright capes and bonnets or top hats, shyly paraded into the Yacht Club, two by two, on December second accompanied by two of their teachers from the Hope Rural School. A pre-Christmas appearance by the kindergartners has become tradition at Monterey, and the children always sing to a full house. Admission to the event is an unwrapped toy. A hostess, this year Pat Morgioni, and her friends provide homemade goodies of a holiday nature for the enjoyment of all attending.
After the final song, an enthusiastic version of "We wish you a Merry Christmas," the children mingle with the patrons, sometimes exchanging words and gentle hugs, before adjourning to the porch to examine their bags of presents and savor milk and cookie refreshments.
The Hope Rural School was founded in 1980 to bring hope to the migrant and immigrant families of Indiantown and provides education from pre-K through Grade 5. Emphasis is placed on education for the entire family, and, among others, the school offers classes on English and parenting.
Close your eyes and picture an upscale restaurant in New York City with a runway leading to a dais where Pam, the most well-known of fashion commentators, holds a microphone. The carefully selected audience of one hundred, who have just indulged in a light mimosa lunch, includes some better-known golfers with reputations for favoring leading edge styling in sports attire. The occasion is the annual unveiling of the latest in summer sportswear for both men and women by Florida's most acclaimed department store.
Open your eyes slowly. You're at Monterey watching fellow residents, hand-picked for looks and grace, gradually gaining confidence as they make their way across the meeting room of the Main Clubhouse all dressed up in shirts and shorts, dresses and jackets, in the latest fashions that Bealls can provide.
At the conclusion, door prizes are given away, but they are superfluous. The show is the thing. And it was a good one!
The Halloween costumes at Monterey consisted of scary and not so scary outfits, including a kilt wearing Scot, eggs & bacon, a surgeon, a flower pot, a flapper and her gangster man, plus a variety of spooky devils and goblins. Prizes for best costumes were awarded. First place went to Sam Mondello in drag, peace nik Rob Bennie was second, and third place went to Indian/squaw Marilyn and Bob Schnidt.
DJ Bach had everyone up on the dance floor with a wide variety of musical selections and everyone sang Happy Birthday for Mary Rasmussen and Marion Mecozzi.
The crowd attending this party was a pleasing mixture of newcomers and longtime Monterey residents. As the first social activity on the schedule this beginning promises a delightful and lively turnout in the season ahead.