We knew that the year had been full of small, yet successful gatherings and that  since timing is essential to the success of most things we were headed for a superior turnout at the 2007-08 Summer Social (which signals the end of one year and the beginning of the next) since we had folks RSVPing who might not have otherwise due to the twin honors that were going to be bestowed, also the location, the hosts themselves, etc, etc, etc - but we were still thrilled that as the attendees streamed in there were faces and smiles from those that we had no idea were showing up!  At the end of the day, we figured the total at 75 and that does not count children and some who entered without "tickets" and we may have missed one or two and still there were three who RSVPd "YES" and failed to appear - Holy Cow !

     At one point all the folks sitting on/in their lawn chairs surrounding the in-ground pool were asked to please take turns and introduce themselves to help facilitate recognition and awareness.  That went fairly well, even though shouting in the open air across the pool with happy children swimming and talking and splashing noisily didn't aid in the carrying of the sound waves throughout the back yard, the process worked just well enough.

      Joe Fodor # 4558, who acted as this reporter's human loudspeaker for several hours before his departure time, had stood by the side of the pool earlier and after asking for quiet: announced that he and Cathy Edwards had recently celebrated the recognition of 20 years since they had first met by Joe proposing and sliding a ring onto her finger!  And yes, she accepted :)

     As salads and cakes and pies and various and sundry other goodies were being placed on the tables President Sabina was introduced and he deftly passed the speaking baton to Dave "Wackie Jackie" Jacquemot # 44022 who collaborated with Bill Northerner (former Brick President) and Jim Inman # 47462 in the moving presentation of Senatorship # 68127 to John "Moonman" Mozart who was absolutely thrilled at receiving the honor in front of his wife, Pam and their daughter.  One day we may put all the pieces together and write up the decade long story of evolution, disappearance and ultimate rediscovery of the "Moonman's" entrance into the Jaycee Hall of Fame.  For more historical accuracy, we will ask Ken Novak # 34507 for his input into that article which may or may not appear on our Senate web site?

    After more time passed with people reacquainting themselves, some cozily in the Rivera home, some around the pool, some around the outdoor bar area, some walking from group to group; then President Joe was re-introduced and the official last meeting of the NJ JCI Senate 2008-09 year was called to order.  A minute of silence was requested to honor and commemorate the Senators who had gone to a higher calling during the past term: Mike Seeley # 38873, George Tarby # 25075 and John Lasko # 19214.  Then treasurer Dick Thomas # 22411 gave his report detailing the various accounts which hold a total upwards of $8,000 at year end; that was followed by this reporter's email chair report and a request that folks send in "good news" possibly concerning children graduating college or grandchildren's accomplishments, or even if a relative was released from jail:)   Our Senate Region II VP from PA, John Robinson #55768, spoke and commended President Joe for his leadership and our state's participation within Region II.  President Sabina #  59688 then reviewed the events of his year and gave credit to all those who hosted and chaired the activities and gave out appreciation gifts to his Board.

     When this reporter completed his email chair report he introduced the 2d place Man Mile Award Winner, Dexter Graef # 16177 (Jerry # 38105 & Vicky Yawnick - up from Florida came in first place)  (Dexter & Nance # 46191 Graef placed 2d coming up from Tennessee) for further comments.  He commenced telling us all about a Cape Fear  Punch from decades past and proceeded to perform a miniature roast on Judi "god" Phillips. Along the way he brought in Bob Neumann # 33580 and then Bob returned the non existent microphone to Dexter (up to this point your reporter had been talking one-on-one to "dues paid" NJ JCI Senators to secure their vote for the Presidential election) and Dex proceeded to amplify his admiration of Judi and extolled her virtues to the heavens and then:  Dexter presented her with BOTH her brand new NJ JCI Senatorship # 68273 AND her 2008 -09 NJ JCI Senate President badge (based upon the secret ballot conducted over the previous couple of hours) and FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ANY PERSON'S MEMORY WHO WAS ATTENDING THE SUMMER SOCIAL, Judi Phillips was absolutely SPEECHLESS !!!!!!!!!!   

     President Joe then stepped forward and swore in newly unanimously elected/ordained President Judi and then Prez Judi called up various folks to be sworn in as her Board.  Their names can be found on our NJ JCI Senate web site.

     A few minutes later those gathered at the Riveras had the pleasure of being part of the traditional Senate "pouring" where new Senators walk among the crowd and pour champagne (and sparkling cider for those who need non alcoholic beverages) into small cups and then all present say a "Hear, hear" to their newly anointed members of the Jaycee Hall of Fame and throw the bubbling beverages down their throats in a grand toast to the finest the Jaycees have to honor:)    

     After the "pouring" - it was a little confused since it had been many a year since we had participated in one - two beautiful cakes were brought into view - One had been requisitioned by cancer-battling Lennie Brzozowski # 41833 for his gorgeous wife, Janice # 48090 to help celebrate her 59th birthday.  There must be a story here, but this reporter's favorite amateur comedian, Wackie Jackie (Dave Jacquemot) had been assigned to procure and deliver this cake to the Summer Social and he fulfilled his obligation in fine style.  The other cake was fittingly brought in by Bob Neumann and his lady, Jeanie, for the new Senate President by overwhelming acclamation, Judi Phillips.  Way too many calories were consumed by those present, but for all the right reasons !!!

     President Joe Sabina then closed the formal portion of the day by calling on the Rivera off-spring, beautiful Christina & Michelle (now mothers in their own right) who had hours earlier mentioned during self introductions that while participating in (missing in action) Ross James # 29976 "Kid's Room" two decades previously that they had religiously practiced the Jaycee Creed and the sight brought a tear to this reporter's eyes as close to 80 folks, both young and old and standing around the back yard in-ground pool of our phenomenal hosts & we grasped hands and fingers and recited the Jaycee Creed in heartfelt unison.

     Hector was marvelous in playing the real life role of chef extraordinare by preparing and cooking most of the main course items that were sandwiched in between the voluminous salads and appetizers and the dessert after dessert brought as the covered dish offerings.  Besides the hot dogs and hamburgers el Senor Hubcap produced mounds of rice & beans, baked ziti, chicken marsala, kielbasa with sauerkraut and I believe lasagna - quite the feast!!  And of course major kudos to the extended Rivera (Hector & Elaine & Nana & Kathy Sawka and Michelle & Christine & kiddies & spouses) clan who were thanked warmly by the guests as they began leaving the party mostly between 8:00 and 10:00PM; there was then the time honored "meeting after the meeting" and finally the last guest wearing his "Designated Passenger" tee shirt trundled out to his car and settled in for the ride back to Metuchen.

John Shelby Wells  #25672