Last Monday, 23 people went on the trip sponsored by the Senior Center to Burnt Island just off Boothbay Harbor. Even though I had wanted to take the tour ever since they started the tour of the island and the lighthouse, I did not go. However several reports indicate that everyone had a good time. People carpooled to Boothbay Harbor High School and then the Rocktide Trolley ferried them to the pier to meet the boat. The boat ride to the island was only about 15 minutes and the weather was beautiful both on the water and on the island. Even so there were no reports of people singing sea shanties. Years ago the “Back-of-the-Bus Singers” would not have missed the opportunity to sing some songs.

The tour of the island is given only two days a week during July and August, takes about three hours and is divided into three parts. The tour guides are re-enactors who portray a lighthouse family from earlier times. They did a very believable job including the children. Guests were allowed to climb to the top of the Lighthouse for a fantastic view of the area. Several commented that this was the highlight of the tour. Ken, our chef, made a bag lunch for everyone and this was enjoyed on the pier prior to going to Burnt Island. All in all it was a successful adventure enjoyed by all.

To hear more about lighthouses and lighthouse keepers be sure to attend the dinner next Wednesday evening when Ernest DeRaps will be the after dinner speaker. Now retired from the US Coast Guard, he will give a slide presentation of his times manning Maine Lighthouses including the one on Monhegan Island.

Keith Bridgham is recovering after complications following surgery. Amongst many other volunteer jobs, Keith sets up the dining room each week for the Wednesday Public Suppers. It was great to see many members step up and volunteer to do this job while Keith is recovering.

It was also good to see Dick and Cecilia Barnard return to Cribbage after some health issues. Best wishes go out to them, Keith and all others who are under the weather or recovering from problems.

The cribbage tournament winners on Tuesday Aug. 21 were Ann Merry 1st, Dot Kidney 2nd, Doc Schilke low score and Ann Merry high hand.  The cribbage tournament winners on August 22 were Sally Sherman 1st, Jean Lannan 2nd, Keith Bachelder and Nancy Schilke tied for 3rd, June Caton low score and Keith Bachelder, Jean Lannan and Duane Lewis tied for the high hand.

Meals for next week

For reservations, call 882-8230 at least two days in advance for meal reservations.

Tuesday, Sept. 4 – lunch, hot dogs/hamburgers

Wednesday, Sept. 5 – dinner, baked haddock

Thursday, Sept. 6 – lunch, Bolognese