I remembered the gala New Year’s Eve Formal Balls when 275 members and guests dined, danced and lifted a midnight toast amidst the glittering
sparkle of the ballroom. I recalled the monthly dinner dances where 150 to 175 people enjoyed pre-dinner cocktail parties, a sumptuous meal and hours of revelry.

The competition and camaraderie of mixed bowling in which more than 30 teams of 6 participated, the Men’s Sports Nights, filled to capacity, and many more heavily attended events, were all there again in my mind. As Archie Bunker sang, “Those Were the Days”!

Why do I bring up those bygone days? It’s not the nostalgia of an aging man and it’s not because I think we should go back to the activities of such fond memory. I’m well aware those things which attracted prior generations don’t necessarily
appeal to, or work for, later generations. Our experience in recent years confirms that.

But I do believe we should try to restore a time when the Neighborhood Club was much more than a place to enjoy fine dining and the service of a dedicated staff in elegant surroundings. It was a place where we all got to know one another well through gathering frequently at fun events. Fast friendships were made, some lasting for a lifetime.

There was a certain aura of vitality in the Club! I’d love to see it return. Bob Foy shares that desire, I know, and this revised newsletter is a
step along the path. He and the Board could sure use your help as we go forward.

Let’s hear your ideas and opinions; send along your thoughts on the activities you want; participate in those offered.

When we get back to “The Way We Were”, I think you’ll be glad you helped.

Bob Dwyer F

The entertainment Committee is working to present an exciting calendar of events for the up-coming season. Members include Kathy Mitchell and Barbara LeBel, co-chairs, Darlene Babb, Diane Caledonia, Fran Foy, Kathy Galvin, Bobbi Leary Linda Mantville, Anita McNulty, Deanna Seymourian, Lucy Talanian, Barbara Walsh and Mary Wessling.

Our first event, on September 15, is a tour of the Adams Houses and Mansion, (those of you who followed the TV series will know it as Peacefield) followed by a Neighborhood Club prepared box lunch in the Carriage House on the Mansion property. Club members will visit the birthplaces and then return to the Mansion for a tour of the house, library and gardens. Seating is limited so we suggest you make your reservations with the Club as early as possible.

On October 1st, we inaugurate our new President, Mr. C. Robert Foy. Your committee plans a wonderful evening celebrate Bob’s inauguration. Working with Marty, we have a delicious menu of passed hors d’oeuvres, a surf and turf dinner with a sumptuous chocolate dessert. This black-tie-optional event will include dancing to the fabulous vocalist, Linda Chase. Bobbi Leary and Diane Caledonia are working on centerpieces and favors to enhance the mood of the evening. At our early summer meeting, the Committee discussed Christmas decorations for the Club. We decided to ask members for help. If anyone is downsizing their Christmas ornamentation this season, please consider donating your well-cared for large trees and large wreaths to the club. Should anyone wish to donate items, please call Kathy Mitchell or email her at kmitchell2000@yahoo.com.

The Entertainment Committee looks forward to seeing you all at our upcoming events.

Treasurer

Our Club generates over 60% of its revenue from outside (non-member) functions, including weddings, showers, christenings and corporate meetings. The revenue from these functions helps to subsidize the cost of operating the Club. Please support your club by dining here frequently with family and friends, and, if the opportunity presents itself, please recommend your Club to someone who may be planning a function. Our use and outside functions are our only sources of income.

Bowling

This year’s bowling teams are set and ready to start the 2011-2012 season. If you are interest in joining, leave your name with Deanna Seymourian and, if possible, a new team may be formed. Members are encourages to come down to the alleys to either watch or bowl as a substitute. Most new bowlers have started after a 30-year sabbatical.

Membership

The Membership Committee is excited over the plans and goals to develop the membership over the coming years. As the Neighborhood Club is approaching its Centennial, it is a special time for all members to encourage family and friends to join the Club. We welcome them to share in social and civic activities, along with the fine dining and entertainment and also to become a part of the Club’s rich history. The present membership totals are Class A 142, Class B 102, Class F 16 and Class H 12 for a grand total of 472 members. We welcome the Club’s newest members:

Centennial

The Centennial Committee has been active making a video documentary recording the Club’s historic past. This production will also visually commemorate the Club’s revitalization plans, special events and activities leading

The Club was made possible by the generous financial backing of a considerable number of the members. The more assistance in this line, the less will be the cost of maintaining the Club. The Governors are desirous of making the original cost of constructing the Club and furnishing it as widely distributed among the members as possible and to that end another opportunity will be given to subscribe to those who have not already done so. Such subscriptions will be cheerfully and gratefully received.

It is doubtful if there is any club in the Commonwealth that offers more to its members for dues averaging about 66 cents a month than does this Club. For this small charge is offered the use of house and land costing $40,000 – a house richly but dignifiedly furnished, where one may obtain quiet or indulge in bowling-pool-bagatelle-skeeball-indoor golf-squash and other facilities the Club offers at moderate prices; and it should be observed that should it become necessary to add to the revenue of the Club the proper place to begin is in the schedule of dues.

Those who frequent the Club often and pay for the facilities of using the game outfits pay more in proportion than those who come but seldom. It is the privilege afforded to all to enjoy the full use of the Club that stand the burden of the expenses – and that privilege is represented by yearly dues. This Club, like all clubs and business activities, feels the result of the war. We are proud to say that some thirty of the finest types of our members are temporarily away in foreign lands and home cantonements in the service of the Country – and, as in the family, their absence in the Club is keenly felt. Again, the Neighborhood Club helps fill the void. Missing the faces – the exuberance of spirit and enthusiasm of our boys, we may yet all meet together to lessen the loss by our social intercourse and take new courage and help from one another.

The summer is quickly coming to an end. The children will be going back to school and the Club’s holiday season will be rapidly approaching.

The Inaugural Ball will be held on Saturday, October 1st , at the Club. This will be a very special event. As I mentioned in my previous messages that this is the first time in the Club’s history that we will have a father and son as Presidents. President C. Robert Foy along with the Board would like to extend an invitation to all members for a night of dinner and dancing. The entertainer Tom Pittman will guarantee a great night for all. The staff will work diligently to ensure that you have fantastic food and service as well as great wine and drink options. Please be sure to put this special date on your calendar. It will be an unforgettable and historic event that you do not want to miss!

All of us at the Club would like to encourage its members to use the dining and function facilities. We are dedicated to serving you and would like to see more of you here at the Club. Those of you who are seeking banquet facilities for company Holiday events should contact the office as soon as possible as dates are filling up quickly.

I hope that you are all having a wonderful, relaxing summer.

Best Wishes, Mart

When my father became president in 1979, the Club had its share of problems that had to be addressed and those problems were solved. Today, we have similar problems.

The economy is in flux, income is down for the average person, college costs are shackling many families and yet our Club continues. Due to economic pressures and increased competition our revenue has decreased and costs for food, heat and most everything else have increased. This problem is our focus. I’m confident that, together, our current problem will be successfully addressed.

Working with our sales team, Marty, Wendy and Linda, a comprehensive sales campaign is being developed to reestablish the Clubs leadership position in Quincy and the South Shore as the finest function facility.

An aggressive campaign to attract new members, including corporate members, is under consideration. We have put together a team of Committee chairs along with Officers and Board members ready to do their part to move the Club forward. I have asked the past Presidents, with their knowledge and experience to contribute again, by establishing the Past Presidents Council, led by past President Robert Dwyer. They will be meeting regularly.

We are updating the website to make it easier to use and to make it a better sales tool. The newsletter is going to become more informative, more warm and friendly. We want to offer you more pictures of the activities around the club, a reminder of the wonderful history of the Club, updates from the committee chairs and the Treasurer, remembrances from past Presidents and more. This is the first edition. Let us know how you like it.

Each of us can help by becoming involved, reminding our neighbors and co-workers about our function facility and by supporting our events and special nights. Introduce your friends to the “Neighborhood Club Experience”. They won’t be disappointed.

In closing, I want to thank each of you, our members, for the opportunity to serve as Club President.

I appreciate and need your support.

C. Robert Foy , President

The Club participated in the 17th Annual Father Bill’s Food Fest on July 26th. Joel, Peggy, Sergio, Robson and I represented the Club. The weather was a little cooler compared to previous years so we did not have to battle the elements this year. We were rewarded by the many compliments that we received! As in the past there was a great turnout and it is always nice to donate our time and energies for such an important cause.

I would like to welcome our new House Committee members.

In July’s newsletter the Committee members had not been announced. Welcome, Peter and Pat Donadio, Kevin and Linda Mantville, Fran White, Richard Meade, Pat McKelvey and Kathy Galvin. I know Chairman Sean Galvin and his Committee members will be a great asset to the Club.

I hope that you are all having a wonderful, relaxing summer.

Best Wishes,
Marty