2018 Pine Beach Alumni Weekend
AFA 85th Anniversary
April 20-21, 2018
Attention On Deck...The Northern Brotherhood is Back on Campus...
2018 Pine Beach Alumni Weekend Recap...
Own the Challenge Coin given to all at the reunion.
The 9th Annual Pine Beach Alumni Weekend, sponsored by the Admiral Farragut Academy North Association, Pine Beach Reunion Committee, was once again a tremendous success. THE NORTHERN BROTHERHOOD IS STRONG…Over 80 alumni and friends attended the Friday festivities at the former campus and informal gathering at Yesterday’s Family Restaurant. On Saturday, at the spectacular Sea Oaks Country Club, Over 130 alumni and friends gathered to celebrate, reconnect, and just have a good time with the Brotherhood.
The weekend once again kicked off at the former campus where we raised the colors and announced that the brotherhood was once again “Back on Campus”. It was a wonderfully sunny, breezy and slightly chilly day on the banks of the Toms River. Just like so many of us remember, bringing back those fond memories of our times at AFA. After a tribute to the 85th Anniversary, Silver and Blue carnations were passed out and many Alumni tossed them into the Toms River in a traditional Naval Memorial Ceremony. We “Struck the Colors” for the day with the evening colors ceremony and folded the flag with the reading of the 13 folds. After the Flag was folded, it was passed amongst all in attendance as the poem “Old Glory” was read. You could see the pride and reverence in each person as they passed the flag throughout the assembled group.
After the ceremony on the campus, the brotherhood moved to Yesterday’s Family Restaurant for some good food, good drinks, and some spirited revelry while reliving good times and getting reacquainted with old friends. A special edition of the Capstan, our former Alumni newsletter, was passed out composed of several stories of our early Alumni. This compilation of stories was put together by CAPT Frank Porcellini USN ret. He visited and talked with several of these Alumni and was able to collect and preserve their part in the history of Admiral Farragut Academy for everyone to enjoy.
capstan_version_1.pdf |
Saturday kicked off with the traditional Alumni Golf tournament at the Sea Oaks Country Club. Unlike last year, it was a magnificent day to hit the links. The team from the class of 1976 again, took the crown closely followed by the combined 1980/1977 team. During the day, many folks took in the many sights and activities around South Jersey from Long Beach Island to the Renault Winery to Shooters indoor gun range to the excitement of Atlantic City. It was a great time getting to know the old stomping grounds again.
The weekend concluded with the Annual Pine Beach Alumni Banquet. As was previously stated, over 130 alumni and friends descended on the beautiful Sea Oaks Country Club for dinner. This year was a special occasion as we celebrated the 85th Anniversary of Admiral Farragut Academy and it’s founding on the banks of the Toms River in 1933. The night started off with a site that hasn’t been seen in 24 years…an Alumni evening meal formation! Tim Carnicle, the 1980N Battalion Commander, brought the formation to Attention as the newly formed Alumni Color Guard posted the colors under the direction of Charles Groder 84N. They looked great as the flag and gun bearers still remembered their craft!!
The weekend concluded with the Annual Pine Beach Alumni Banquet. As was previously stated, over 130 alumni and friends descended on the beautiful Sea Oaks Country Club for dinner. This year was a special occasion as we celebrated the 85th Anniversary of Admiral Farragut Academy and it’s founding on the banks of the Toms River in 1933. The night started off with a site that hasn’t been seen in 24 years…an Alumni evening meal formation! Tim Carnicle, the 1980N Battalion Commander, brought the formation to Attention as the newly formed Alumni Color Guard posted the colors under the direction of Charles Groder 84N. They looked great as the flag and gun bearers still remembered their craft!!
The dinner program continued with recollections of Admiral Farragut North throughout the decades. Representing the 40’s was Richard Prugh 48N, the 50’s - Ben Antrim 57N, the 60’s – Jason Wolins 68N, the 70’s Ross Mobilia 78N, the 80’s – Salvatore Abbracciamento 88N, and the 90’s – Chris Quincannon 92N. The one thing that continues to ring true, no matter when you attended AFA, is the experience was exactly the same. This, I believe, is what binds us and enables us to connect with alumni from different decades like we were all in the same class. After the testimonials from these brothers, we conducted a USMC style birthday cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Academy. We added this ceremony based on a suggestion from one of our brothers after last year’s reunion. Thanks for the input and we encourage all our brothers to send us comments on what they would like to see at our reunions. The night concluded with the airing of the Admiral Farragut Academy 85th Anniversary Reunion Video. It was an emotional and uplifting ride through the decades and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room at the end.
In conclusion, it was another great gathering of the brotherhood back where it all started. A special thanks should go out to the Pine Beach Reunion Committee who put this epic event together… Frank Porcillini 80N, Brian Fischer 76N, Ace Bottone 80N, Chris Quincannon 92N, Chales Groder 84N, Ross Mobilia 78N, Bob Da Silva 76N, and Rick Creange 77N. It was great seeing everyone at this year’s Alumni Weekend and we hope to see everyone next year. We will be putting out the date of next year’s reunion soon…so stay tuned..
Past Reunion Challenge Coins
are Available for Purchase
are Available for Purchase
Each $20.00 with FREE Shipping.
Limited Quantities Available
Limited Quantities Available
Each year a Challenge coin is minted to celebrate the event. It always carries the AFA logo and the theme for that year. 2017 was the 5th coin minted and as always was given to all attendees of the reunion. This gift to the brotherhood is made possible each year by the generous donations of several alumni who want the keep the spirit, brotherhood and traditions of the Northern Campus alive.
Although the reunions each year are always well attended, we understand that many Brothers and Sisters who want to attend and celebrate with fellow classmates can not for many reasons.
For a limited time, you can now own the same coin that was given out to all in attendance at each reunion. The supply is limited and we will make them available for as long as the supply lasts. The cost is $20.00 and Shipping is Free. So order yours today!!!
(All proceeds will go to help with the operating costs of the Pine Beach Alumni Weekend)