The great unveiling of the club's new dormitory, Pond House, is tonight, May 9 at 5:30. Bring your beverage, your glasses, your specialty in the hors d'oeuvre world, and come to 6 Old Ice House Road, next to the West Boothbay Harbor Post Office. Park in the club's lot and walk over -- there's not room for many cars. If you're bringing a sizable contribution for the house, and we hope you are, drop it off on your way. We still need furniture like bureaus, but we don't need them tonight! However, we will take other gifts, like dishes, curtains, lamps and related items that can be carried. After tonight, we'll do an inventory and let you know the specifics of other needs. And if you don't like the name the commodore has selected for this dwelling, tell him tonight. Those of you who can't make it can visit Pond House on May 18, during Work Day.

Speaking of Work Day, you might as well lay in your supplies now -- gloves, tools if you plan to work outside on various dock and boat projects, plus your own favorite type of cleaning materials -- we have stuff, but maybe it's not as good as yours. Hand lotion is probably a necessity. Does it all sound like a mess? It's not that bad; but we do have to wash silverware, etc. Just remember, if we all show up at 9 a.m., we should be through in a couple of hours.

The potluck supper will also be held May 18 at the club, beginning at six. Your assignment for food are this: A-D, bring an hors d'oeuvre, E-K, dessert, L-S casserole for 6-8, and T-Y, a salad. This may not work because I have no idea how many people will come, or even how many will be here at that time, but give it a whirl. We've never run out of food so far, and I'm sure we won't this time. The Restaurant Committee will furnish setups, plates, ice., etc. Just bring your dish and whatever you want to drink.

Well, I did it all by myself -- I moved Bud and Arlene Logan to Barter's Island, not once, but twice. Although Bud thinks that such a move might be beneficial in some ways, I doubt if he could stand the rigors of adapting himself to a rural neighborhood. As a result, the Logans still live on Sawyer's Island, and that's where you're supposed to go on May 16 when they host the last "winter" cocktail party. Go to the end of Tavenner Road and turn right at whatever signal Bud has put up. And I apologize for being asleep at the computer keys two weeks in a row.

This summer, because of the ever present parking shortage at the club, members will be required to paste their cars with a parking sticker or face the threat of towing. Actually, we have better parking than many establishments, which are swift to threaten immediate removal if you have no business there. Even so, it is a constant problem. Cruisers could help by getting someone to drop them off, leaving their vehicles safely in their own driveways. Many of us would be glad to provide this service and even would deliver your car so it's there on your arrival, especially if you come back home in the middle of the night. Whatever, cars will be inspected for stickers, so pick up one at the desk when we open. They have a tendency to fade and your old one might now be colorless.

Recent arrivals include Jane and Ted Heidenreich, Karen and Jim Sutton, and Todd and Mary Lou Poole. Nice to have you back where you belong! Jack Virden is laid up in St. Andrews while he heals after a fall. Visitors are welcome, but check first to see that he's still there.

Next Tuesday, you mariners can learn more about the history of the Bounty at a program in the Boothbay Region High School. Raymond Maloney, who has done extensive research on the ship's adventures, will narrate his slide presentation and answer many questions about the real story. It starts at 7 p.m. and there is an admission fee. We are lucky in this area to have unique maritime historians who will share their knowledge in an informative and entertaining way -- particularly since our lives are tied so closely to the sea. The program is sponsored by Adult and Community Education.