By Shilpa Menezes

New Jersey, Jun 11: The annual summer picnic of the Mangalorean Catholic Association - East Coast Inc organization was held at the Duke Island Park, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 10.

The organisation received an overwhelming response this year and was attended by over 200 members and guests. Many Mangalureans came together to spend an entire day of fun, games and fellowship. And, for some, the conversations, the food and the spirit reminded them of their very own backyard, 'Amche Kodial'. 

The check-in activities for the registered guests started early in the day, with effortlessly managing by Diana, Reshma, Eric and Violet. The registration desk and checking-in transpired in a timely manner.
 
Comperes Anita Soares and Saritha Pinto welcomed the members to the picnic and helped guests to stay engaged through the day’s activities. There was never a dull moment for the guests throughout the ice-breaker activity, entertainment, humor session, and announcements. The programme came about smoothly.
 
Following breakfast, the park transformed into pockets of game zones for people across age groups - the little ones, the older children, adults and the young-at-heart senior citizens. There were 15 different games conducted during the entire day, managed by the wonderful volunteers but most importantly, the amazing fun-loving participants.

The current president of MCA-EC, Sydney Lasrado, introduced the new executive board members in the most creative manner. He picked a song that aptly described the position of the member on the board. Short, but sweet introductions followed by a warm welcome to all the members of the MCA-EC organization, their family and friends.
 
The 2017 MCA-EC Board Members are  Sydney Lasrado – President,  Royce Macwan – vice president, Reshma Mendonca  – treasurer, Premilla Mendonca – regional coordinator, and Shilpa Menezes – general secretary.
 
The best moments during the event was captured by the creative eyes of Don Lewis. With such a large family of the MCA-E C organization spread across the pavilion and the fields, Don made it his mission to help make more memories with his wonderful clicks.
 
The spiritual director of MCA-EC for this year, sister Gretta said a small prayer before meals. The luncheon was a large spread of authentic and scrumptious Indian dishes from Dou Oven.

The volunteers who helped conduct the event served gracefully and followed through every detail of the games or activities as a team. They worked very willingly and upheld the values of the MCA-EC organization and helped make the event a huge success - “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” - Proverbs 11:25

The winners of all the games, tournaments were given beautiful medals, trophies, and rosettes. Sydney distributed the  prizes. The previous board, former gurkar or gukarns, previous advisory council members were felicitated as well.

Jacintha Fernandes volunteered for the Bucket and Balls game. Kaydi Saldanha and Aaston Seravo won it.
 
Legged race - Aston Seravo and Irel D'Souza won the first prize, and Kaydi Saldanha and Aurna came second.

Sack race - Shannon D'cunha placed first, followed by Dale D'Cunha in the second position.

Bangle and Straw -  Kiera, Shannon, Shanessa and Isha won the first place. Vedika, Sasha, Joanne, and Nathan won the second.

Sack race - Cleon Monis came first, and Luke Menezes, second.

Balloon Race - Darrel Dsouza and Jonathan Pinto won the first prize. Michelle D'Souza and Melanie Mendonca won the second.

Flip the Bottle - Meldon Mendonca came first, and Jonathan Pinto came second.

Clap and Catch - Melanie Mendonca won the first prize. Caroline Lewis secured the second.

Scavenger hunt -  Melanie Mendonca, Neil Correa, Sheryl D, and Caroline Lewis were the winners.

Senior Citizen

Marshamallows and Chopsticks - was won by Josephine Macwan in the first place, and Lucy Aranha in the second.

Game of 2 -  was won by Deog and Mahendra

Cooking Contest - was won by Anthony Serravo

Cricket Tournament victors were Victor Sequeira, Savio Soares, Avis D'Souza, Glen Saldanha, Arvind D'Cunha, Arvin Sequeira, John B, Monthu D'Silva, Santhosh Dmello, Violet Monis, and Suprith D'Mello.

Throwball Tournament winners were Fabina D'Souza, Maria Pereira, Norma, Aarti D'Souza, Arlene Sequeira, Shilpa Menezes, Rajani Sequeira, Anita Soares, and Priya D'Mello.