Nov 20th, 2014 - by Martha McCann, Michael '13 Sponsor: Class of 2016/2018 2nd Co Parents Photos

While Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the abundance of blessings bestowed on all of us Americans, the Midshipmen remark every Thursday how thankful they are for the support they receive from Cookie Cafe and all those wonderful moms who remember to bake for them. The day started in typical fashion, with the volunteers arriving early in the day to a very cold Land Hall. The wind whipped the campus all day, literally blowing in the students as evidenced by very red ears and noses. But, as one Mid said, "It smells amazing in here!" Coffee, tea and hot chocolate mediated the chill felt by all.

Bravo to 2nd Company for the job the families did to provide the bounty of sweets this week!!! Mom Julie Scroggins did a fantastic job marshaling the bakers and they did not disappoint. Cute turkeys decorating rice krispy treats and sugar cookies made to look like leaves, sunflowers and footballs were not only good to eat but fun to look at. For an engineering school, there are many "artists" back at home scheming to provide visual goodies for the Midshipmen. Being bakers ourselves, we are amazed to see what we know to be an incredible effort on the part of our weekly sponsors. Often a Mid will try a cookie that is unfamiliar only to come back and seek out another sample after finding the first taste delicious.

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA MCCANN!!!)

We must also recognize the Kentucky State Police Crime Lab staff who sent the most wonderful cookies without one of them even suffering a cracked edge. The precision that they must bring to their job extended to their baking! Thank you to all in Kentucky.

This week we also had a new visitor, Naomi, who hosts an hourly weekly radio show devoted to Senior Citizens, originating from C.W. Post College, with a special emphasis on volunteering. A passing conversation with long time CC volunteer Johanna Essex, wife of Hal '54, led to Naomi's request for Johanna and two other Cookie Cafe moms to come to the radio station last Monday and spend an hour on air talking about Kings Point's sponsor program and Cookie Cafe. After hearing about Cookie Cafe, Naomi asked to visit last Thursday to better understand the volunteer culture at Kings Point. She was thoroughly amazed at the amount and variety of the cookies from 2nd Company and the obvious devotion of the parents. While we did remind Naomi that Kings Point was a service academy, it was still a revelation to see Cookie Cafe in action and realize that it takes place 34 times per year. We explained to her that the exceptional students who attend the Merchant Marine Academy are a product of wonderful parents: can-do people who have a shared sense of volunteerism, be it within their churches, schools or the military. For them, this week and every week, we are thankful.

Happy Turkey Day to all!

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