After a 3-year hiatus, the Newcomers Club pulled off the return of the legendary Barge Party, with 13 Barges and over 100 guests. This was a joyous resurrection of a Lake Barcroft tradition, marking the 50th anniversary of the first Barge Party held in 1971. We had perfect weather and a full moon for this outdoor event held on September 18th at the home of Marcia Diamond and Mo Bloom on Beachway Drive. The planning committee, led by Merri Brown and Nomi Taslitt, exceeded all expectations. The party began with cocktails and appetizers ashore before guests embarked upon pontoon boats to continue the cocktail hour. Guests returned as the sun set and festive lighting and table décor set the stage for a delicious candlelit dinner catered by Duangrats Thai. All enjoyed the musical entertainment by local favorite Groove Jet playing beautiful jazz music from their elevated screen porch stage. All attendees received beautiful Newcomers Club wineglasses as party favors.
Since the restart of Newcomers Club events in June of this year, the club has grown from 65 to over 100 households. At the Barge Party, established residents enjoyed meeting numerous “true newcomers” who joined our community since the start of the pandemic and were anxious to take advantage of the many activities that make Lake Barcroft special. Additionally, many of our “new-ish” residents with less than 5 years in the community took significant roles in pulling off this party.
Events such as this are only possible because of the generous participation of volunteers. Many thanks to Barge Party committee members Donna Black, Marcia Diamond, Marilyn DiPaolo, Liz Gill, Ginger Hayes, Michelle Major, Rusty Metz, and Courtney Riccio. This team worked tirelessly to get every detail right including lighting, decorations, barge assignments, food, music, party favors and of course the beverages. The set-up crew of Phil Boggs, Gil Brown, and Chris Buehler (in addition to the committee) made the vision a reality. And of course, no Barge Party would be complete without Barges. Huge thanks to Chris Buehler, Seth and Diane Davidson, Matt and Suzy Friedman, Ken Kastner and Eva Kosztarab, Donna Black and Rusty Metz, Jerry and Randa Mendenhall, Sharon Pacchiana, Tom and Trippi Penland, Joe and Cindy Reid, Ted and Lucie Seward, Cyrus and Jenny Talati, Nomi Taslitt and Reid Voss (who also bartended) for the delightful sunset cruise.
We are looking forward to the holidays and hopefully will be able to host the annual Newcomers Club Holiday Party with the famous secret Santa (hosted by the man himself and his elf). We will let our members know and update our website at https://lakebarcroftnewcomersclub.wildapricot.org once we have determined if we can hold that event and when. While there, login and check out our new store section where you can purchase Newcomers Club wineglasses to complete your set as well as Newcomers Club insulated totes. And remember, Newcomers is for EVERYONE!
Some of the amazing Newcomers Barge Party committee members. Pictured Left to Right: Courtney Riccio, Marilyn DiPaolo, Michelle Major, Ginger Hayes, Nomi Taslitt, Merri Brown
Photo Credit: Katie Boggs
