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Bird Key Yacht Club celebrates its commodore

140 members attended the annual event that had a Parisian theme.


  • By Katie Johns
  • | 8:11 p.m. November 12, 2016
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

With Chanel-themed vases on the tables, Eiffel Tower replicas placed throughout the club and light pink umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, Bird Key Yacht Club brought its members to Paris on Nov. 12. 

Bird Key held its annual Commodore’s Ball on Saturday evening to honor its current commodore, Lynn Smith. For the last 10 months, Smith has been a head figure for the club’s leadership board.

“This is a special night, and I feel appreciated,” Smith said.

After enjoying a cocktail hour, the 140 guests moved to the dining room where Vice Commodore Charlie Wilson greeted them. He spoke of Smith and her time as commodore. He said the biggest legacy she’ll leave is her warmth and hospitality.

Smith took to the podium next and recalled when her and husband, Kendall, joined the club four years ago without knowing anyone. Smith said that when she looked at all the faces around the room she was reminded how grateful she was.

“I’m reminded of the honor it has been to be your commodore for the last 10 months,” she said.

Commodore Lynn and Kendall Smith
Commodore Lynn and Kendall Smith
Chanel-themed centerpieces adorned each table.
Chanel-themed centerpieces adorned each table.
Mark Coppens, Jamie Murdick and Janet and Lewis Solomon
Mark Coppens, Jamie Murdick and Janet and Lewis Solomon
Alden and Ginny Keyser and Katie and Fred White
Alden and Ginny Keyser and Katie and Fred White
Richard Spinner and Joy Dytyniak
Richard Spinner and Joy Dytyniak
Bob and Betty Gore and Barbara and Tom Gardner
Bob and Betty Gore and Barbara and Tom Gardner
Event organizers Lee and Jenny Duffey
Event organizers Lee and Jenny Duffey
Jenny Duffey, Vincent Nappi and Danica Jokic
Jenny Duffey, Vincent Nappi and Danica Jokic
Donna and Mike Baker
Donna and Mike Baker
Bill and Annette Lloyd
Bill and Annette Lloyd
Carole Stone and Donovan and Trix Yoder
Carole Stone and Donovan and Trix Yoder
Laurie Covert and Dana Kline
Laurie Covert and Dana Kline
Lesli Tauber, David Barach, Marie Gauthier and Riz Rizvi
Lesli Tauber, David Barach, Marie Gauthier and Riz Rizvi
Bruce Myer, Alice Sample and Curt Schantz
Bruce Myer, Alice Sample and Curt Schantz
David Lenihan, Jo Ann Heisen and Eve and Marc Kanoff
David Lenihan, Jo Ann Heisen and Eve and Marc Kanoff
John Rinell performed during the dinner and dancing portion of the Commodore’s Ball.
John Rinell performed during the dinner and dancing portion of the Commodore’s Ball.
Gary and Michele Fischman and Sue Ghezzi
Gary and Michele Fischman and Sue Ghezzi
Lee Duffey, Pedro Perez, project manager, adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, Ilhiana Besic, a motion design student, Cynthia Gravino, associate vice president for collaborative enterprises at Ringling, Danica Jokic and Vincent Nappi.
Lee Duffey, Pedro Perez, project manager, adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, Ilhiana Besic, a motion design student, Cynthia Gravino, associate vice president for collaborative enterprises at Ringling, Danica Jokic and Vincent Nappi.
Susan and Mike Seery with Lynn and Gary Coffin
Susan and Mike Seery with Lynn and Gary Coffin
Commodore Lynn Smith addresses the more than 140 guests at the Commodore’s Ball.
Commodore Lynn Smith addresses the more than 140 guests at the Commodore’s Ball.

 

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