Marco Men’s Club honors local businesses

Marco Men’s Club honored the winners of the Second Annual Award of Excellence at their 2008 Installation Dinner Dance on Saturday.

At the Hideaway Beach Club, the men and their wives showed appreciation to three local businesses for outstanding service throughout the year.

To choose from so many fine businesses on the island wasn’t an easy task for the Club, said Joe Cassidy, outgoing president of 2007-2008. “We are treated so well, so often, it was hard to pick the best of the best,” he said.

Cassidy presented the awards, and the first went to Richard Storm Jr., chairman and CEO of the Marco Community Bank. Cassidy praised the bank for providing superior banking service to not only the club members, but to the community in general. The bank provides meeting rooms and refreshments, and hosts several lunches and BBQs for the men and their wives during the year.

“They have been a real asset to our community,” said Cassidy. “It is for this reason we are awarding our Excellence Award.”

Accepting the award, Storm thanked the Men’s Club and added, “Our commitment to the Marco community, the Men’s Club and other organizations is an ongoing thing. We give back to the community because we like the people — it’s not all about making money.”

Porky’s Last Stand received an award for outstanding food, service and ambiance.

“They provide us with fantastic meals at our picnics held several times a year,” Cassidy said. “Their service and meals are second to none.”

He presented the certificate to Toni Ison, general manager.

“We at Porky’s are happy to be a part of this event,” said Ison. “All of us at Porky’s wish to thank the Men’s Club for their patronage.”

Many of the club’s social activities include music and dancing, and that’s where the duo Hughes & Company comes in. The couple was honored as entertainers of the year for their fun-filled, energetic music.

“You get us on our feet and keep us dancing,” Cassidy said.

Bill and Yvonne Hughes, who perform regularly for the club, feel honored to be chosen for the award. The couple loves to entertain at the club’s functions.

“They’re a great bunch of people,” said Bill Hughes of the members and their wives. “They’ve made us feel like family. We feel blessed.”

Incoming 2008-2009 President Fred Stavola said that during their nearly 100 social events held throughout the year the club members come in contact with many local businesses and the reception and service given to them has been excellent.

“But even with the excellent community reception and support we received, there are those who clearly stand out and deserve to be recognized,” he said.

Marco Men’s Club Officers for 2008-2009

President: Fred Stavola

Sr. Vice President: Joe Varano

Vice President: Mel Daly

Vice President: Ron Moores

Vice President: Joe Radoslovich

Vice President: Bill Sullivan

Secretary: Norm Tererri

Treasurer: Wayne Boose

Past President: Joe Cassidy

Appointed by the Board:

Membership: Ed Vesely

Meetings: Gerry Gibbons

Newsletter: Alan Wetjen

Webmaster: Ed Crane

Member-at-Large: Jerry Masters

Sergeant-at-Arms: Bob Hopp