Congratulations Clara & Joe Fairchild!

Drama! A worried bride, a broken down bus, a fast boat! And that's all BEFORE the wedding! Thanks to a good friend, Joe was able to make his wedding by speed boat. As Joe jumped off the speed boat, the wedding party and their guests boarded the Lantern Queen. Captain Fred Lied led Joe and Clara through their "I Do's" enroute to Northeast where more friends were waiting at the Nautigoose. The four hour cruise to Northeast provided plenty of time for relaxed partying. More drama awaited us in Northeast when we discovered that another boat was docked at the city pier - the only pier that can handle the Lantern Queen. A quick call to the Nauti-goose took care of the problem and the Lantern Queen slid into the berth, and quickly lowered the gangway so that the celebration could move to the Nautigoose!

Joe and Clara, congratulations from the Lantern Queen Crew and Staff! We thoroughly enjoyed your wedding, and wish you many years of happiness.

Memorial Day!

As you can see, the Lantern Queen is all decked out in her patriotic finery. It's a busy weekend for all of us - and the unofficial start to the summer boating season. As we enjoy this wonderfully sunny and pleasant weekend, please join us in remembering and honoring all those who've given their lives in the service of our country. It is their sacrifice that allows us the freedoms we hold so dear.

Happy Birthday, Kristin!

What's better than having a great bartender? Having a great bartender who's celebrating! Yesterday was Kristin Webb's birthday! Kristin, having you around makes every day a celebration!

Happy 25th Anniversary Donna & Steve Goetz!

You know, the Lantern Queen seems to be a magnet for one "endangered" species - successful marriages! Tonight we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Donna & Steve Goetz. We didn't have to ask what their secret was - you can see the love in their eyes, and in the eyes of their family and friends. It was a great party, with great folks. Thank you for spending your 25th anniversary with us!

Great Blue Herons!

Suddenly there are Great Blue Herons at Hutchins Park. These almost prehistoric looking birds are both beautiful and ugly, graceful and clumsy, all at the same time! Here's what the Chesapeake Bay Journal has to say about our Great Blue Herons:

The dignified image is emblazoned on magazines, television, clothing and even license plates. Surpassed only by the blue crab as a symbol of Chesapeake Bay, the great blue heron is the largest and most widely distributed of American herons and probably the most familiar of wading birds.

In recent years, great blue herons have had to face new threats. The deterioration of water quality and loss of habitat threatens herons and other water birds. Areas of shallow water habitat are destroyed during land development, resulting in the loss of fish and other prey.

Toxic chemicals that enter the Bay from runoff and industrial discharges threaten all Bay inhabitants.

Presently, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to relatively stable populations of great blue herons, but we cannot become complacent in our efforts to protect them. The preservation of shallow water habitat, feeding areas and rookeries must remain a priority if we want to enjoy this majestic symbol of the Chesapeake Bay.

Congratulations, Seniors!

On Wednesday evening, May 22, 2008 we hosted a group of John Carroll graduating seniors. First, I have to say that this was the nicest bunch of teens! This group has been Mr. John Low's homeroom for all four years of high school!

This cruise was more special for us than the young people knew! Carroll & Becky met for the first time in Mr. John Low's Edgewood High School biology class - uh...a long time ago. (First period, 9th grade!) In addition to being a great teacher, John was also Carroll's track and cross-country coach. And John's wife, Mary Ann, was Becky's high school phys ed teacher. Long after high school the Low's and Fitzgerald's continue to cross paths, as Becky coached (and Carroll helped) at Harford Tech High, and as both Scott & Erin ran for Joppatowne High and Harford Tech High, respectively. It seemed that John was always there with a quiet word of encouragement for the kids or Carroll & Becky.

After John retired from Harford County Public Schools, he continued teaching at John Carroll High. It is so nice to see this group of high school seniors hold Mr. Low in the same high regard we do!

Harrington Senior Center - Mystery Tour

Another fun mystery tour! Two large motor coaches set out early in the morning, headed for ??? Only the leader knew where they were headed. When they reached Havre de Grace one motor coach headed for the Susquehanna Museum with step on tour guide, Bob Magee. The other motor coach headed for Hutchins Park and the Lantern Queen. And then after a two hour cruise or a two hour tour of Havre de Grace, the two groups exchanged places. It was a wonderful trip - a bit windy, but otherwise fun. I hope these Delaware residents will be back soon for even more fun!