So there we were, (as all Sea Stories begin, as all Sea Stories are true) on our drunken way to Massimo’s from the Gravino’s garden party, August 2007, Basel, Switzerland.  Massi on his Swiss Army bike, Phil on Regine’s, Daniel bringing up the rear, circling back to the walking stumblers to make sure our bike gang didn’t lose them.

I turned my fourteenth shaky U-turn away from the walkers and back to Massi and Phil, just in time to see Phil doing his best Superman imitation over the handlebars, heading (literally) for the sidewalk.

In a breathless moment, he landed, skidded, rolled, recovered.  Momentary panic on my part, then, back on his feet!  A perfect ten!  If it hadn’t been for Phil and his quick thinking, some 95 year old house frau and her seven schnauzers might have become some sort of flattened international incident.  But no.  Not with Phil at the wheel.  He swerves, he misses, he gives it up to save her.  And yet, no one witnessed it but Massi and I.

Back in the States, at our Annual Mariner Awards Party, we relived Phil’s heroic late night ride with the gift of this fine conveyance, shown with our model, Rogi, to give you an idea of scale.

Here’s to Mr Phil Ritchie, International Hero!

From The Day, Nov 12, 2008, by Kira Goldenberg

Stonington - When state voters had the chance to decide Nov. 4 to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turned 18 by the general election, Corey Prachniak was especially thrilled.

”When I got my absentee ballot in the mail and I saw it, I was really excited. It’s all about getting people involved, and I think this will enable schools to teach students better about primaries,” Prachniak said of the ballot question, which voters approved by a wide margin.

The Georgetown University senior, who is majoring in government, was part of a group of Stonington High School students who first floated the idea before state lawmakers in 2005.

Social studies teacher Richard Walter said his government students that year were discussing the history of voting rights when students asked whether voting could be opened to younger people. Research revealed that the U.S. Constitution’s 26th Amendment forbade denying people over 18 the right to vote but did not prohibit voting at a younger age – and that many other states already allowed 17-year-olds to vote in primaries.

”We were all kind of political science geeks, so we would spend a lot of time talking about this kind of stuff in private,” Prachniak said.

Walter abetted their wonkiness by reaching out to local lawmakers, and four students addressed the Government Administration and Elections Committee that year, including Prachniak.

”[Y]ou don’t really have full voting rights at 18 if you can’t select who you’re going to be voting for at 18,” he said before the committee in 2005.

Lawmakers, especially State Rep. James Spallone, D-Essex, expressed optimism about the idea. But Walter said he learned that what his students proposed as a bill would have to be a state constitutional amendment, and the idea grew dormant. Spallone contacted him in Winter 2007 to help reintroduce the idea, Walter said, and students again participated, this time by discussing the issue with Spallone and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who supported the amendment.

It passed on Election Day, and the state joins nearly 20 others in permitting younger voters a say in primaries.

”I was very happy,” Walter said. “It was kind of strange because there was so little attention given to it. Even now, I’m still out there, trying to bring it to people’s attention that this was a student-driven initiative.”

Here’s Citizen Dick, not in teaching garb, another fine example of Mariners making a somewhat different contribution to our Communities.  Good Man Richard!

Massi and Regine have returned to Basel, leaving New England somewhat short on booze, my liver lookin’ out for better weather, and yet amazingly, the Firehouse cleaner.  Thank you very much. They spread good will, good cheer, good music and good times everywhere we went, and if anyone is wondering if Massi had a good time:Come back soon, we miss you already. 

Welcome to the newest Mariners, Marc Bernier and Keith Chomka.

Having ‘Crossed the Line’ and made their peace with Neptunus Rex (and his lovely wife Amphitrite) last week, they are no longer pollywogs, joining the ranks of that rare brotherhood of Mariners.

The first responsibility of every new Mariner is to enjoy (?) a Dog’s Nose, which they seem to be doing with great gusto.  Congratulations!

 
A light autumn shower is good for the soul.
The bonfire is lit, Jack is lit, tunes are cutting through the grounds of the
Wayside Inn just as they have for three decades. Ahhh, life doesn’t get any better. Wish you were here.

I found this picture today of our very own Noel Sherry sermonizing the virtues of the Mariners to Crystle Stewart, the reigning Miss USA. In his attempt to recruit her into the Mariners Noel promised to sponsor her. Very kind Noel, but do I have to remind you of our policy?
 

The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna passed through Guilford Saturday night, but were no match for the revelry, hawaiian prints and margarita machine at Clint and Carlye’s wedding. 

The bride and groom were beautiful, Dick was properly attired in foul weather gear, and Rogi and Daniel had a scantily clad dip in the pond.  Nuptials and a Hurricane Party all in one.

Congratulations, and Thanks!

Recently, our very own Steve Varhol celebrated the marriage of his daughter, Haley, especially sweet, I’m sure, as it was not to another Mariner.  Congratulations, to you all.

In the midst of the heavy load of proud-papa-preparations, Steve had to take some time away from Mariner activities, which led me to think about other ways Mariners take breaks.

Exhibit One: Woody and Powers cooling down in traditional way, the fountain in Deep River,

Exhibit Two: Beav and Dan wondering why sippy beer has never caught on, and oh, poor Elmo.

Thanks to Wog Jeep for the photo.  That’s all for today, but remember: it’s hot out there, so take some inspiration from your Mariner friends and make the time to enjoy the summer, your family and friends while it lasts.

“”To reap the rewards, you have to do the work.” In its Zen-like simplicity, this is what PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr took home from a 400-mile hike through the northern and most challenging part of the Appalachian Trail. This knowledge, learned years ago, has not only shaped his life but has enabled him to run what is today the single most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation. “  –from Pan Mass Challenge Website.

The Mariners support a variety of causes each year, two of the most notable being Joe Mawn’s (Vice Commodore) and Dick Walter’s (Chief Bass Drummer) marathon bike rides.  Joe rides across Massachussetts in the Pan Mass Challenge, while Little Dick cruises between Boston and New York in three days in the Tri State Trek, benefitting the ALS TDI, frequently giving up the fabled Deep River Muster weekend to do so.

Last weekend, Joe hosted a sunset cruise around Boston Harbor as part of his fundraising efforts. (and what’s a boat ride without a touch of rum?)

Both ride hundreds of miles during the event and untold miles in training, in memory of friends and loved ones lost to cancer and Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The Mariners have lost more than their share to both, and we (and I) thank Joe and Dick for their respective parts, and indeed, work,  in raising awareness and funds..

Both are still actively fund raising for this year’s events if you are so inclined.   Click here for Joe, here for Little Dick, Rider 29.