Longboat Harbour names woman of the year

As part of a time-honored tradition, the Longboat Harbour Men’s Club took the reins in orchestrating a brunch celebrating the community’s ladies, and one woman in particular. The club selected Mary Bock for woman of the year, particularly citing her contributions to improving the facilities at Longboat Harbour Condominiums.

Bock said she was delighted to accept the recognition at Sunday’s brunch, which featured quiche, sparkling wine, pastries and other treats dished up by the approximately 20 club members.

They pulled out all the stops to show their appreciation for the women in attendance at the post-Valentine's Day celebration, treating them to the musical stylings of clarinetist Bob Geraci and bright carnations as a parting gift.

Central to the celebration was Bock, who has been a staple community member since she and her husband, John, moved here in 1996.

“It’s the culmination of a lifetime of joy here at Longboat Harbour,” she said.

In addition to serving as a building representative for 20 years, yacht club commodore and newsletter editor, she and her husband led efforts in the early 2000s to turn a mostly empty space into a dazzling gym for all to enjoy.

“When we first moved here, the gym had two or three pieces of mostly dumped equipment, and it was always broken,” she said. “The board president heard about our trips to the office, trying to get it fixed, and she asked, “Would you and John work on the gym, and make it a real gym?’”

It took effort to organize the funding and reconstruction, but Bock said she now considers it one of the nicest facilities on the Key.

The couple has enjoyed seeing it flourish over the years.

“It’s a wonderful, welcoming community, and everybody works hard to keep it that way,” she said, which she noted was especially challenging during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said she is glad residents have continued to welcome new generations and build a stronger sense of community.

Men’s Club President Mark Spillers said Bock’s name came up repeatedly as the club considered whom to award special commendation for its Women’s Appreciation Day. He said she has continually gone above and beyond to make the community a better place.

“We appreciate everything she’s done,” he added.

Former honorees include Karen Pashkow, Ginger Driscoll, Margie Clarke and Bonnie Coughlin.