Dear Editor:

The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library's Afternoon Tea with the DaPonte String Quartet was not only an educational event but also a fundraiser for the library in conjunction with the Annual Appeal. What made this afternoon so special was not only the lovely performance, the fabulous food and the special edition tea, but because of the collaborative efforts of so many people that made it possible.

Many folks do not really know what an Afternoon or the Queen's Tea is. It is often confused with high tea, which is a just a simple evening meal. Afternoon Tea, a quintessentially English tradition, is a treat in more ways than one, consisting of a delicious array of delicate finger sandwiches, accompanied by freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream and homemade preserves, as well as a selection of pastries; all served on exquisite china.

That is exactly what was provided by our volunteers. Starting off the tea were delicious lemon ginger, cranberry and raisin scones made by Livvy Dinsmore and Jan Reit. Delectable sandwiches included traditional cucumber with dill, curried chicken, bruchetta, borsin cheese and beef with caramelized onion and red pepper garnish, tuna salad and bacon and cream cheese pinwheels, filo cups with egg salad with radish garnish all provided by volunteers Lori Murray, Irene Fowle, Kim Martin of Eventide, Lorie Demers of Mama D's, and Bonnie Ginger; followed by chocolate heart cookies, shortbread with jam and chocolate pecan balls, provided by Susan Reynolds, Liz Lussier and Nicole Poulton.

Jamie House headed up the great serving team of volunteer teen servers, Gretchen Elder, Nicholas Gorey, Molly Thibault, Colette Bertin and Kylie Michael.

Also helping to raise funds for the library is the special edition tea created by Mary Norwood of Merry Auld Tea Company, a delicious blend of black tea, rose and  hibiscus now available for sale at the library, Wansers and Oak Street Provisions.

Special thanks also goes to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences for offering their space for the event; Kitty and Bob at the Boothbay Region Greenhouses for the flowers that graced the tables; Elena Smith for providing the linens, cutlery and other needed items; everyone who set up on Friday; and lastly, thank you to those who attended.

Bonnie Ginger

Boothbay