As we approach the end of a powerful year for HLM I am moved to thank our amazing circle of enthusiastic volunteers, participants and donors who continue to help this organization pull off a long-running stream of wins. It seems that regardless of the undertaking you are there in force to carry us over the finish line with each new endeavor. This was most recently in evidence -- in spades -- at the Icebreaker just before Thanksgiving where Ed, Lory, Michael and a small army took on the daunting task of completely re-envisioning the race that for a decade had been held on the South Shore, returning it to an urban environment with an entirely different set of challenges. The fact that this year's Icebreaker was voted a stand-out success by the visiting crews says it all ... you did it again!

The year almost passed is highlighted by an unusual number of landmark moments, in particular the once-in-an-era Coast Guard events in which the Museum played key roles behind the scenes and out front: the James Commissioning in August and the Coast Guard City proclamation in November honoring our Town and its  Lifesaving heritage. No less important, the much-needed exterior renovation of the Point Allerton Station, completed thanks to the generosity of the Newmyer family and the Humane Society of Massachusetts in particular, as well as many other donors, whose funding enabled us to secure substantial matching grants. This would not have happened without Vicki Stevens' quarterbacking and steady support from our Board. On the rowing front we said so-long but not goodbye to our good friend Rafael Vieira and welcomed Mike De Koster who jumped in with both booted feet at the Icebreaker. Moe's team pulled off another Snow Ball raising over $20,000 in March and Chris Basler's committee pulled off a best-ever Illumination event that eclipsed HLM's other fundraisers in its scope and contribution. In all of these events we are mindful of the close partnership we enjoy with the Town and the Coast Guard, as well as you our Members and boosters who make these things happen - again, and again ... and again. Thank you one and all for who you are and for your talents, energies and HEART.

Finally I would be remiss if I didn't share aloud my hope you will include the Museum generously in your charitable giving this year-end!