Villagers seen and heard at first meeting

The Longbeach Village Association held its first meeting and social of the 2009-10 season Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Craig and Cathy Meldahl’s backyard.

Villagers were happy to be reunited — so much so that when it came time to settle down for the meeting, Michael Drake, president, had trouble getting the group to quiet down, causing one member to compare the gathering to a Manatee County Commission meeting.

As the group settled into their seats facing Sarasota Bay, one member noted: “They don’t have this kind of view.”