The First Mates organization is the ladies auxiliary of the Ford Yacht Club. We operate the Ship Store gift shop and hold fundraisers for the benefit of the women and children's activities in the club. We traditionally hold an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Pumpkin Party, and Christmas Party along with providing events for the women of FYC such as a Spring Fashion Show and a shopping event in the Fall. The First Mates is a terrific way to meet new friends. We meet once a month in the boardroom and all ladies are welcome. Ship’s Store Don't forget to volunteer a few hours of your time to keep the store open. Call Peggy Cote, Ship's Store Manager, for the current schedule. 2011 Thursday, January 13 - Meeting 7:30 pm February -- Club Closed - no meeting Sunday February 27 - Spaghetti Dinner First Mates Membership Drive Thursday, March 10 - Meeting 7:30 pm Thursday, April 7 - Meeting 7:30 pm Sunday, April 17 - Childrens's Easter Party 12:00 Noon Thursday, May 5 - Meeting 7:30 pm Wednesday, May 11 - Fashion Show Summer Break Thursday, September 22 - Meeting 7:30 pm Thursday, October 13 - Meeting 7:30 pm Sunday, October 30 - Children's Halloween Party 12:00 Noon Thursday, November 10 - Meeting 7:30 pm Sunday, November 20- Decorate Club for the Holidays 12:00 Noon Thursday, December 8 - Meeting 7:30 pm Saturday, December 10 - Children's Christmas Party 12:00 Noon Sunday, January 8, 2012 - take down Christmas decorations The First Mates organization was formed in 1959. The formation was strictly as a venue for the wives to become involved in the club. Although it is still a women's organization, it has developed and grown into an auxiliary organization that welcomes gentlemen as boosters and encourages all women who are members or companions of members to join and participate. The First Mates run the Ship's Store which is located in the hallway of Ford Yacht Club. Our store carries not only nautical gifts and Ford Yacht club clothing but first aid kits, pump out fittings, burgees and various other boating necessities. All proceeds from the sale of items are used to support the children's events that are held each year. These traditionally include an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Party and a Christmas Party complete with Santa and gifts. We hold a major fashion show each year and decorate the club house for Christmas. Our organization also supports various committees with donations whenever possible. Additional funds at the end of each fiscal year are used to purchase items for the club house or donated to the club as additional funds used to purchase major items such as the large screen television. We offer work hours if you help at an event or help in the Ship's Store. Unless otherwise noted, we hold open meetings on the second Thursday of the months of January, March, April, May, September, October and November at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room upstairs (see First Mates calendar). We enjoy having demonstrations or informative discussions on topics of interest at the meetings. Please submit any suggestion you may have. We also act as a representative for the needs of the women and children at Ford Yacht Club and will take issues and requests to the Commodores and/or the Board of Directors. I encourage you to attend whenever possible. It is a great way to meet other members. We need your help getting ready for events and during the events. Yearly membership is only $10.00 each for the First Mates and for Male Boosters. Please join us! Sincerely, Nancy Thomas First Mates President 2011