The Flying Santa will soon be traveling in an earth-bound car to visit the members of the New England Lighthouse Lovers, to present a program at their first Christmas party, to be held November 27 in York, Me, where we will see the annual lighting of Cape Neddick Light (we New Englanders know it best by the name of Nubble Light). The keeper's house and lighthouse are outlined in white Christmas lights, quite a striking effect. The best time to photograph this beautiful view is when the sky is still a dark velvet blue, so that you can see the outlined shapes of the buildings as well as the lit lights. Bring a tripod and something to weight it down firmly if it is windy.

This Flying Santa, George Morgan, is not the original one; but he carries on the tradition, delivering packages, which are bought from money donations and all wrapped by volunteers, to many lighthouses up and down the coast where Coast Guard personnel have stations. He will be accompanied by his helper elf. We hope to present him with the HL statuette of the Flying Santa at the party.

A "real" Santa and elf will also appear, to hand out presents to children in attendance that day. A delicious luncheon, punch and cookies are planned; along with games for the kids and good camaraderie.

The day will conclude by taking the shuttle down to water's edge to partake in the town's holiday festivities and wait for the lights to be turned on.

Plans are already in progress for next year's party in Newport, RI, to see the huge mansions trimmed for the holidays; have a dinner and program; and spend another day visiting nearby RI lighthouses.

If you are a New England lighthouse enthusiast, check out our club website and see how you, too, can join in all this fun. Our next regular meeting will be in CT on May 20-21, 2000.

www.lighthouses.cc/nelighthouselovers

Barbara Hupp, President
NELL