Tuesday, October 30 was a festive day at the "Y" as President June Hathaway called the Coastal Club to order at 10:30 a.m. Following greetings and a few announcements from the President, Viv Daniels led us in singing several songs. Several came in costume including the Seamans who came with overalls, ladders, paint brushes and all as "Paintin' Place."

After the pledge to the flag, Chaplain Mary Jo Zimmerli gave an interesting background of "Hallowe'en." It began ages ago when once a year people went to the burial places to pay homage and revere the dead. During the early times of Christianity, they followed similar customs, but revered the souls of the dead, which became a "Hallowed evening." The next day, they recognized and praised all the souls - which then became "All Souls (Saints) Day." Many writers of the New Testament, especially Paul, called all believers "Saints." Hallowe'en has now become the second most celebrated commercial day in our country - right behind Christmas.

Betty Johnson, who was in charge of our Hallowe'en program, introduced the speaker for the day, Dianne M. Ward, the innkeeper of the Kenniston Hill Inn and B&B.

Dianne got us into the mood of the day very quickly as she told some of the history of the inn. She said the inn (then a home) is a lovely Federal (or some say Colonial) mansion, and the owner, at that time, a Mr. Kenniston, was murdered there in 1888, and from that time on, there were stories that the house was haunted. One person said that while asleep in the library room, she awoke to see Mr. Kenniston sitting by the fireplace. Some have said they have seen people in the kitchen, and one person said that an open window was closed while she was sleeping. Another couple staying at the inn, said that they told the owner (Dianne) they needed some soap, and when they returned there were three cakes of soap at the sink - Dianne did not put them there.

Dianne was a delightful and interesting speaker and has enjoyed her first year at the inn. She has had a varied background, including owning and working in a boatyard, and finds running an inn a real challenge, but she loves it. There was a rousing applause and thanks, and we all had lunch together, where Bette had provided some lovely pumpkin cupcakes, and several others shared Hallowe'en goodies. While we were all together, there were a few announcements, including this information about some special upcoming trips and events.

December 12 - A shopping trip to Portland Maine Mall and Christmas Tree Shop with lunch at the mall.

December 21 - A bus trip to The Magic of Christmas" in Portland with dinner on the way home at the Muddy Rudder. There are only 14 tickets available, first come first served. Information at the "Y" desk.

And here are some information about the upcoming programs: (all on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.)

November 13 - Mary Miller and her students, musical program

November 20 - Pastor Lisa Burger from East Boothbay United Methodist Church, Thanksgiving

November 24 - Life Line, concerns about strokes

December 4 - Alina Blakesley - Always a great entertainer

December 11 - Christmas Party, lots of good food, and entertainment. More on this later.

Hope to see you there.