View from The Corner Booth   

 
How's everybody doing?

All of us at the Dine-ah are fine, after what proves to be our busiest week every year with Mother's Day falling on Sunday, the last day of the week. It was a marathon of sorts serving 1,991 meals for the week with 665 meals served on Mother's Day alone. Everything went very smoothly, thanks to the efforts of our entire staff led by four very capable individuals - Sherri Glidden and Michelle Glidden out front, Megan Rogers and Ryan Cotnoir in the kitchen or as we refer to it as "back of the house." I would be remiss if I did not mention Ralph Arbour and Nancy Marston who served up 380 breakfasts on Mother's Day from 7 am to noon! I also take my hat off to the rest of our staff, who worked this day to provide a memorable dining experience to all those Mom's and their families. Oh, by the way, each Mom received a carnation as our way of saying thank you for coming in on their special day.    

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Sue Macdonald from Hilton Head, South Carolina whose daughter lives in our area. She is a faithful reader of our newsletter and often writes back commenting on what I have written about, in that given week. Sue always makes it a point to come to the Dine-ah while visiting Maine.  

One of the things Sue mentioned was the fact that Trivia Night is also very popular where she lives and also has expressed her feelings on stories about the men and women, who have served in our Armed Forces. It is obvious Sue has an affection for people and places. On one of her trips she purchased a China Dine-ah hat for her husband and sent me a magnet of Hilton Head, South Carolina while encouraging me to get a magnet made up for the China Dine-ah.      

               Sue Macdonald & Norm

Sue wrote "I am back in SC after having a wonderful albeit too brief a time in Maine. It was a delight to meet you in person during our night out at the Dine-ah. Food was delicious and I enjoyed meeting some of the help, that I often read about in your newsletter." Thank you Sue, it was certainly a pleasure meeting you and from all of us at the Dine-ah, we wish you and your family all the best! We will see you next time when you are in Maine.    

This past Wednesday night was our last night of Trivia hosted by radio celebrity Jon James. We have been running trivia for 19 consecutive Wednesday nights, with 77 players this past week. I can attest that each and everyone of them had a great time and provided quite a boost to an otherwise so-so Wednesday night during the winter and spring months.  As an added gift, we gave all participants who attended last night an engraved coffee mug with the China Dine-ah logo referencing Trivia Night and Jon James. They were a big hit and will act as a reminder of all the fun that was had this past winter.  We are taking a break, having every intention to start back up sometime in the fall. Stay tuned.....  

We are starting to see a return of the snowbirds and others who are opening up seasonal camps on the various lakes in our service area. We also really, really, really appreciate  our local "regulars" who without their support 281 Lakeview Drive could be just another vacant building. Thanks to all, for allowing us, to serve you and for helping us pass the word to come out and "see what everyone is talking about."  

Enjoy this summer like weather and we hope to see you soon (after you have mowed the lawn - work first, play second!) 

Norm