Epping Forest ushers in new leadership at Change of Command

Epping Forest ushers in new leadership at Change of Command
Annie and Wayne Tutt with daughters Chloe and Sydney

It was a beautiful Saturday on the St. Johns River in the San Jose area May 14, as leadership and the slate of officers raised one flag, while lowering another for the Commodore post at Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club. Thanks to member Bill Prince, a trumpet sounded the National Anthem during the opening of the ceremonies.

Past Commodore Dennis Guidi played host and welcomed guest and other past Commodores, requesting they stand for recognition. Following some remarks by the Immediate Past Commodore George Henley, who shared thoughts and highlights from his tenure, all the while providing good humor and comic relief.

“Good afternoon everyone and thank you for coming out to celebrate my dismissal, and the upgrade to Annie Tutt,” joked Henley. “Thank yous go to our founder Herb Peyton, thank you Mr. Peyton, for your continued commitment and dedication and support of Epping. And thank you to all of the senior leadership of the Gate Clubs and Gate executive leadership.”

Bruce Homeyer with Victor Barbe and Judy Homeyer
Bruce Homeyer with Victor Barbe and Judy Homeyer

“Until serving as Commodore, I hadn’t been able to fully appreciate all of the hard work and effort put towards improving Epping’s offerings, even much more so during the challenging environment of this past year,” he shared, as he continued to list all the staff, by first name, that make an impact on the day-to-day operations.

“Annie is the ideal person to be the key statesman representing Epping in the community,” he said. “I’m proud to have someone with Annie’s background and stage presence representing Epping at these events. Annie, thank you for the commitment to Epping and I wish you well as you take the helm.”

As the flags and cannons fired, the flag was raised for Annie Tutt as Commodore, and Henley’s colors were hauled down. Tutt is the 25th Commodore in the Club’s history and the fourth female to hold the position since its inception.

Mike Balanky with Alex Harrison
Mike Balanky with Alex Harrison

“It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I humbly step into the role as Commodore,” shared Tutt. She thanked her husband for encouraging her to tour the Club with Sarah Small, who warmed them up to membership and started their family legacy.

“Kudos to Sarah for a job well done that day, our membership experience has exceeded all our club expectations – from pool days to birthdays to holiday traditions like Brunch with Santa, the Easter Egg hunt, and the infamous Florida Georgia party – which is, of course – a holiday in my book,” said Tutt. “It was actually Mr. duPont’s love of boating that led him to this particular piece of property, so we are glad to share that love with him,” she said.

“The last few years brought changes and challenges,” alluding to Hurricane damage at the Marina, as well as the pandemic that created a year full of challenges. She closed by thanking the leadership, staff, and those that have led before her, and especially to Mr. Henley and General Manager Dan Cook, as the club navigated its course through the difficult period.

Sarah Small with Gayle Balanky, Debra Braddock and Kami Harrison
Sarah Small with Gayle Balanky, Debra Braddock and Kami Harrison
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