The death of two longtime and loyal club members from the past has come to our attention this week. Joe Parker, long the keeper of the entrance to Ebenecook Harbor and active sailor and cruiser, departed after a long illness and courageous battle. Joe was an imposing presence in his beloved sailboat Kara Mia and later he cruised with the club in

his power boat.

Faye Wilson, who with her late husband Newell joined the club with your scribe in the mid-1960s, died at 96 years of age. She was an avid sailor and raced as often as she could in her beloved Foxy Lady (Boothbay Harbor One Design). More often than not, she came home a winner. Faye was also known for the wonderful off season parties she ran at their home on Roads End.

And the third tragedy of the week was the death of Charles Giles, beloved son of members John and Sarah Giles. Charles grew up on Negro Island and had a long relationship with sailing and boating on our inviting waters.

Chef George has been wowing the diners meal after meal. The Thursday evening, market fresh meal was enjoyed by almost 60 people and almost every lunch is crowded and brings rave reviews. On Sunday, the Father's Day brunch was a big hit as was the Tuesday night prime rib special.

Three big events will transpire before our next column: On Sunday night, our first Sunday Speaker series will feature Robert Freeson, Tuesday night our first visit from Danny Beal and his piano music and vocal features, and Wednesday night is fireworks and that means a sold out dinner for the best view of the colorful spectacle anywhere in the harbor.

Saturday is the June board meeting to which all members are invited. By the way, thanks to the Flag Officers for hosting the Thursday cocktail party last week and tonight their predecessors, the Past Commodores, will take up the cudgel. It will be an especially busy night as prospective new members will be invited to the party and the evening will begin with a special event m the Blessing of the Fleet featuring a sail-by by the students from the Junior Sailing Program. The Rev. Peter Panagore, Pastor of the First Radio Parish Church, himself an avid one design sailor, will officiate as we launch a new season. All are welcome.

Concerns have been raised about the internet connection at the club. A new system is due to be installed shortly and hopefully connectivity problems will then be a thing of the past.

The Junior Sailing, Tennis, and Golf programs began on Monday and from all reports we are looking to a highly successful season in all areas. Look elsewhere in the Register for news of two world class sail clinics that will be offered before the Junior Olympics and the Maine State Opti Championships.

The public is invited to the Club for a free Vessel Safety Check and Open House on Sunday, June 23, 0900 to 1500. The safety checks will be conducted by members of the U.S. Power Squadron, who have been trained to inspect boats for the proper safety equipment as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. This is your opportunity to have your boat inspected and to have it sport the safety seal which is a signal to USCG inspectors that you are indeed in compliance with all regulations.