First, a big thank you to everyone who came out last Saturday on the beautiful fall day to support the Post 36 annual Yard Sale and Craft Show! Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $3,000 - our best yard sale total yet! Of course, none of it would have happened without our incredible volunteers, who put in countless hours, along with plenty of sweat, a little blood, and maybe even a few tears.  Our Post 36 Corporation President, Cathy Moroney, led the charge, starting on Thursday when Cathy, Chris Armstead, and I moved an entire apartment’s worth of donations -- graciously given by Andy and Adele Bielli -- from their place above the old Slick’s store. Andy and Adele donated everything to the Post for the sale, and we can’t thank them enough. On Friday, Cathy and her husband Tom, along with Chris, Doug Long, Georgia Beauchemin, Anne Burt, Freda Burnham, and Genie Christoff, spent the day organizing everything under three large tents generously loaned (again!) by Ralph Smith -- thank you, Ralph! The crew returned bright and early on Saturday, joined by Chris Goodwin, Joel Morley, Tanya Thibault, Russ Christoff, Suzanne Harmon, Christian Moroney, Harley Harjula, and Dylan Chryplewicz. And a huge thank you to Ed Harmon, who made sure everyone was well-fed with hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings. Ed not only handled the cooking in the hot sun all day, but also provided the Boothbay V.E.T.S. trailers for use -- before they’re converted into veteran bedrooms, of course. This year’s sale featured some of the best-quality items we’ve ever had, with much of the donated furniture in excellent condition, especially the beautiful pieces from the Bielli sisters, which sold quickly. And in true community spirit, nothing went to waste. Items left after the sale went to the Miles Memorial Hospital League Thrift Ship in Damariscotta, while some furniture was sent to the Elks Lodge in Augusta, where it will help furnish apartments for veterans transitioning out of homelessness.

Now addressing the USCG and the shutdown: As most of us are painfully aware, the federal government is once again shut down -- with a few exceptions. Our military continues to function almost normally, and some essential VA services are still operating (I can confirm my own appointment at Togus is still on).  But, just as in the last shutdown, the U.S. Coast Guard continues its critical and often dangerous work - without pay. Despite promises to fix this after the last time, Congress still hasn’t acted, and Coast Guard families are again facing unnecessary hardship. During the previous shutdown, Post 36 stepped up to help our local Coast Guard members with emergency needs - and we’re doing it again.

Benefit bean supper

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a Bean Supper at Post 36, with all proceeds benefiting the Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard Emergency Fund. RSVPs are appreciated but not required—just come hungry and bring your community spirit! RSVP by calling or texting (207) 607-2965.