Memorial Day 2005

Jim Fletcher volunteered to organize our Memorial Day event - and what a great job he and Maribeth did. Wearing his judges robe, he announced that Maribeth was the official referee. They kept things moving and a lot of fun. Here he is explaining how the great on-water balloon chase competition will work.

Is long time member Walter DeGruyter telling Ed Clarke, "I think these may be the best brats we have ever had". If so, did Ed agree? Or, were they discussing something else?

Marge Clarke and Larry Koster check out the desserts brought by members. Yummmmmmmy.

Some of the younger picnicers were in high spirits.

Maribeth Fletcher and Sandy Vietti mug for the camera.

Some of the "guys" share stories during the picnic lunch on Memorial Day 2005. They had just finished a lively game of bocce ball, won by the blue team. Are Red Team members Ed Clarke, Sid Mook and Larry Koster trying to bribe Blue Team member Bob Miller to give up team secrets? If so, do you think any of them bought Bob's story?

Loeschers, Millers and Austins share a story.

After Bocce Ball and Brats, three teams were organized for a volleyball playoff. Team Laser defeated Team Sunfish to score 5 points toward the overall score. Then Team Lightning defeated Team Sunfish to add 5 points to their score. Team Sunfish scored 3 points in each game however to come out ahead of both their opponents.

Most fun of all activities was Balloon Chasing. Three teams went on the water to gather in as many balloons as possible. Each balloon had a piece of paper inside with a number on it. Totalling the numbers provided the team's score. Here the competitors line up to begin their chase.

Two teams close in on a balloon. "Starboard" says one boat - hoping to use their right of way to capture a prize.

"I think we missed that one" says Ed Clarke to skipper Walter Degruyter. "No problem" says Walter, "we'll gybe and pick it up."

The "Bananas" Team closes in on one balloon as Sandy gives directions. Meanwhile, Bob Miller and Alanna Harvey are on the lookout for more balloons.

Jim and Maribeth Fletcher set balloons afloat from the Safety Boat - then monitor the competitors to assure fair play.

Julie Pierce, on the "Wind Dancer" Team, lines up a balloon.

"I will use two hands, just to make sure I have it," says Julie.

The "Bananas" Team closes in on one balloon as Sandy gives directions. Meanwhile, Bob Miller and Alanna Harvey are on the lookout for more balloons.

Ed and Marge Clarke celebrate a successful pass and retrieval.

Larry Koster leans out to grab a balloon. He snared it.

Sandy Vietti shows up with two handfuls of balloons while Alanna Harvey and Pat Dolan cheer her on.

Team Shibumi is the last boat to arrive at the dock with their balloons. Will the extra time on the water mean they have more than the other teams?

The judges tallied results. Everyone excitedly looked on as each balloon was popped, the paper inside found and unfolded, and the number read off. It turns out there were some negative numbers, bringing heartbreaking news to team members.

Then, the overall scores were computed and prizes handed out.

Susanna Tellschow was the overall winner. Bottles of wine were handed out to Susanna and other top scorers. Cheese and crackers went to the others. Soon prizes were pooled, corks were popped and a game of euchre was part of the celebration. Afterward, some went back on the water to enjoy the remains of a beautiful day.