It's Bill, 6/14/26: Tina's Party

Last Saturday, June 7, we were on our way to Tina’s party at her home when we passed The Legion with an overfilled parking lot, not an inch left. What was going on? Later, I discovered it was the 100th birthday party of Gladys Kelly, who lives a few miles farther on County Road.

Tina holds her own birthday party the first Saturday of every June. Rain or shine, it is a 2–3 day affair. The Saturday night bonfire goes into the wee hours. Friends and neighbors, from far and wide, are invited. Not to be missed, we talk about it months before and months after. Tina is the Lubec school principal. She is also an active officer in the Legion’s Women’s Auxiliary. Tina is a friend to everybody.

A Change of Plans

We thought we were late; we usually are. We were going to make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Tina. We started at noon with a light lunch and put a fire in the stove, as it was cool and damp. By 1PM, we thought we didn’t have enough time for the cake. So, we made our world-famous gingerbread cookies with extra ginger, cinnamon, and bits of candied ginger. We saved a few for ourselves.

We arrived at Tina’s after 2:30 and parked wherever we wanted. We were early! There were only a few guests there, and they were setting up. We joined them immediately, working together with everybody, Tina directing like a maestro.

As it was cold and chilly outside, the party was inside Rick’s large 30' x 60' construction maintenance garage. We started by setting up and moving tables, getting tablecloths on. Half of the tables were for a generous potluck buffet and the others for eating. We set up chairs at the dining tables. Next, we set up lawn chairs in the garage to sit in, talk with each other, and drink.

I set the bar up on a workbench, complete with tools and gadgets. The deep-fat turkey cooker was set up for TJ to cook fresh halibut bites, scallops, and haddock bits covered with his secret batter. Just heavenly, as always.

The workbench doubled as the party bar, stocked with wine, sparkling drinks, and smoked fish ready to be shared.

Music, Friends, and Fried Seafood

Tina jumped on Ricky’s old 1989 John Deere mowing tractor outside, neatly guiding it between tables filled with goodies and chairs, with guests sitting in lawn chairs, backing it in neatly—and loudly!—into the far back corner of the garage.

Guests were steadily arriving, bringing smiles, casseroles, and favorite beverages. A crowd of smokers gathered outside the massive garage door opening. Alan Cook arrived early to set up his equipment for guitar and voice. Alan is a Lubec favorite.

So, there’s a group of about 10 of us near the open garage door. It’s cool and damp, with rain forecast for later. We thought we had all dressed appropriately, in layers.

Tammy, a longtime party veteran, saved the day. First, she produced a blanket and a cushion for Patricia, next to me, across from Tammy. Later, she brought out additional outerwear and graciously passed it around. Patricia plans to follow Tammy’s lead next year.

Thanks to Tammy’s thoughtful rescue blanket, Patricia stayed warm and comfortable while enjoying the afternoon with friends.

With the garage door open to the fresh air, small groups settled into lawn chairs to share stories, laughs, and a few hours together.

The Halibut Bites Arrive

Oh yeah, TJ’s halibut bites came out, perfectly golden and steaming in the chill. They appeared and disappeared, followed by scallops and haddock.