Under the peaceful glow of the Lighthouse …

… beside the gentle waters of Salt Run ….

A rocking holiday party was underway…!!!

About 70 Marsh Creek’ers, members of the Spoonbill Neighbors social group, took over the St. Augustine yacht club Thursday night to dance, dine and drink to the melodious beat of Billy Buchanan and his “rock and soul” band.

Formed during the first year of the Covid pandemic, Spoonbill Neighbors has since become a driving social engine within the community. Each gathering feels like a family reunion, whether at one of the many interest groups, or at larger gatherings like this, the third annual holiday party. Each event is more successful than the last.

Lorri Maloney (L) and Lisa Stern, (above) both of “Go-Go girls” fame, again took on the task of choosing an ideal location, tapping a superb band, choosing delicious food offerings. A surprise bonus was the appearance of a caricature artist whose striking appearance was sometimes more compelling than his funny creations.

“To all that worked so hard to make this Holiday Party amazing, thank you!!”, wrote Sharon and Mohammed Mirzai the following morning. “It was the best party that we have attended in a long time! The music, the food, but most of all the laughter and love shared by a wonderful group of people. So much fun!!”

“YES YES….many thanks for a great fun event!! The music was awesome!!”, wrote Mark Turgeon.

“Everything was perfect, it was a great way to start this beautiful season”, wrote Anthony and Grace Murphy.

Joanne Naglieri agreed. ”Absolutely the best”.

The two best costume awards went to Scot Brunke, a creative green elf equally matched by the seasonally alluring Sharon Wasmer.

Scott Herrington, making an infrequent appearance after being freed from MC board duties, was the winner of the night’s raffle and took home a pot of money.

Other prizes included a gesture of gratitude to the two founders of Spoonbill Neighbors, Meri-Kathryn Peed and Louise Nelson. The two were each awarded a large Spoonbill decorative ornament as thanks for creating “the biggest and best improvement in Marsh Creek… allowing us all to become great friends and have a real sense of community”.

Spoonbill Neighbors is a social group open to all Marsh Creek residents. It provides a variety of social activities for neighbors to meet and socialize. If you are interested in joining Spoonbill Neighbors, please contact the Spoonbill Neighbors co-chairs, Jana Synatschk and Lorraine Novinger at spoonbillneighbors@yahoo.com