December 18,2019

 

Dear Fellow Alumni,

 

As 2019 comes to an end I would like to reach out to all the Florida alumni to say thank you for the fantastic participation we have seen this year in our efforts to organize here in Florida. Our annual meeting weekend in February in Ft Lauderdale in conjunction with the TS Kennedy's visit to Florida was well attended. We had about 35 guests at Friday night's banquet including a very special guest former Athletic Director Bernie Gillmetti and his two daughters. 

 

Peter Seward Vice President of the MMAAA International Board joined us Saturday for our annual meeting onboard the TS Kennedy to discuss what was going on back in Massachusets. The reception on the Kennedy was outstanding with many of our local alumni attending for the day to enjoy fantastic food and many sea stories. It was very encouraging to see many of our recent graduates joining in these festivities. Coffee and cake later that night in the hotel bar was a blast as we had more alumni who had come for the day join us and the sea stories really flowed but I think our special guest "Crusher" was the star of the show.

 

I would also like to give a special thanks to Captain Chris Karentz ’79 and Jack Manning ‘65 for their continuing efforts to host monthly  get together in the Ft Lauderdale and Venice areas. I am hoping that someone in northern Florida would like to get something started based on all our alumni from Jacksonville down to Coco Beach.

 

As many of you know the TS Kennedy will be arriving in Tampa, FL the weekend of February 14, 2020 so thanks to the Advancement Department and VP of External Elizabeth Simmons ’95 we are planning another weekend of food, fun and networking. I am working on all the final details but I need your input on who would be able to attend Friday night for another banquet. I have attached the hotel information so please start making your reservations and report to me ASAP if you would be able to attend the Friday banquet.

 

On a closing note I would like to wish all you alumni and your families a very safe and happy holiday season.

 

 

John Pardi '79
President Florida Chapter MMAAA