MRA turns 50 with a splash

Written by STAFF REPORTS Wednesday, July 18, 2012 03:11 pm

Mainland Recreation Association members Jeffery Vasser, left, and Tracey Miller-Geary get the children ready for a free throw shooting contest during the anniversary celebration.

LINWOOD – On June 23 more than 100 people were treated to a day of fun in the sun to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Mainland Recreation Association.

President Andrew Palmentieri said the timing of the event was perfect as it occurred the weekend before the June 30 derecho storm that caused widespread havoc and power outages across the county.

"The committee was blessed with beautiful weather, the fifth weekend in a row," he said. Members and guests participated in activities that included door prizes every 20 minutes and games of skill for the children.

The entire swim club was used, from the three swimming pools to the picnic area as well as the sport fields. The adult swim was waived for the day, and member Joe Molineaux spun tunes as DJ and took requests all day long.

The children won prizes with the tennis baseball challenge, free throw shooting contest, bean bag toss and the water balloon competition.
In the evening, the club paid a special tribute to the seven remaining charter members. They were each honored with a monogrammed towel. When darkness arrived, the tennis/baseball field was turned into an outdoor movie event where many people stayed to watch the latest Muppet movie.

"It was a terrific event and all left happy and full as folks enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, salads, chips beverages and special cookies," he said.
Mainland Recreation Association President Andrew Palmenteri of Linwood, left, presents keepsake towels to some of the association’s original members. Pictured from left are Sonya Erlandson of Egg Harbor Township, Gwen Gordon of Linwood, Phyllis and Jimmy Marshal of Linwood and Lee Bergen of Egg Harbor Township. Not pictured but also honored at the event were Daniel and Maryetta Loggi of Northfield. 50th Anniversary Chairman Andrew Palmenteri of Northfield hangs out with co-chair Joe Molineaux of Linwood during the celebration. The grill masters for the MRA 50th Anniversary celebration stand up to the heat. Pictured from left are John Barnhart of Northfield, Joe McGroaty of Linwood, Brian Booth of Linwood and Andrew Palmenteri of Northfield. Not pictured is Tim Longnecker of Linwood.