The First Mates celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2009 The First Mates organization was formed in 1959 to be the Ladies auxiliary of the Ford Yacht Club. We operate the Ships Store gift shop and hold fundraisers for the benefit of the children's activities in the club. We traditionally hold an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Pumpkin Party, and Christmas Party. The First Mates is a terrific way to meet other club members and to form new friendships. We meet once a month in the boardroom of the club 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 Mary Hall, Ship's Store Manager, for the current schedule. Schedule of Events for 2010 Teresa Pettry, First Mates' President Wednesday, January 13th - Meeting, 7:00 pm February -- Club Closed - No Meeting Sunday February 28th - Spaghetti Dinner and First Mates Membership Drive Wednesday, March 10 - Meeting, 7:00 pm Sunday, March 28th - Children's Easter Party, 12:00 Noon Wednesday, April 14th - Meeting, 7:00 pm Wednesday, April 28th - Fashion Show Wednesday, May 12th - Meeting, 7:00 pm June, July, and August - Summer Break Wednesday, September 15th - Meeting, 7:00 pm Fall Womens get away- Date to be Determined. Wednesday, October 13th - Meeting, 7:00 pm Saturday, October 16 - Children's Halloween Party, 12:00 Noon Wednesday, November 10th - Meeting ,7:00 pm Sunday, November 21nd - Decorate Club for the Holidays, 12:00 Noon Wednesday, December 8th - Meeting, 7:00 pm Saturday, December 11th - Children's Christmas Party, 12:00 Noon Sunday, January 2, 2011 - Take down Christmas decorations, 12:00 Noon The First Mates organization was formed 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 Ladies event each year and decorate the club house for Christmas. Our organization also supports various committees with donations whenever possible. One of our projects in 2009 is to design a children’s activity room including new shelving, computer games and video games which will provide activities for the children and young people of the club. 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. We offer work hours if you help at one of our events or in the Ship's Store. Unless otherwise noted, we hold open meetings on the second Wednesday of the months of January, March, April, May, September, October and November at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room (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, First Mates' President