A third of the way through winter and today, as I am writing this column, we are enjoying the first snowfall of the season.  Where was all this wonderful white stuff when we had the tree and all of the holiday lights on display down at the port?

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas holiday enjoying the traditions and fellowship of the season. Additionally, I hope you were all able to get down to the marina and enjoy the light show that the port staff and a dozen volunteers created for you to enjoy. We even bundled up my 93-year-old mom and brought her down for a look.  She was duly impressed.

As the snow covered our park, all of the bulbs that Ray and the grounds crew planted a month or two ago are preparing to bloom to bring you yet another springtime full of color. I’m ready for some spring color.

In December, the Port was invited to become part of the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) by serving on the Transportation Policy Committee. This appointment will help our town be represented over issues dealing with important local transportation. The KRCC examines many issues throughout the county and brings recommendations and priorities for consideration to the Legislature.

Among the projects at the Port this winter and spring: replacement of a lot of our creosote-coated piles with new steel ones.  That should be done by the end of February. Next, we are going to replace all of the gated entrances to the permanent moorage docks with new modern gateways.  That project should be done by the start of boating season.

As we enjoy our winter weather, the committees that bring us all the fun in the summertime are busy.  I talked with Nancy Martin the other day and she already has five concerts lined up for our Concerts on the Cove series. The Kingston 4th of July Celebration board is meeting to keep the party going for our Independence Day celebration. This year, July 4 is on a Wednesday so a two-day event is being planned for July 3-4. The Beautification Committee of the Chamber of Commerce has all of the hanging baskets stored and being replanted up at Fox Glove Nursery.  Call the Kingston Chamber if you want to sponsor a basket.

Nautical term
In the days of the square riggers, when a crew member onboard became sick, his name was placed on the Binnacle List: A ship’s sick-list. A binnacle was the stand on which the ship’s compass was mounted. In the 18th century and probably before, a list was given to the officer or mate of the watch, containing the names of men unable to report for duty. The list was kept at the binnacle.  Many modern Navy and Coast Guard ships continue to publish a Binnacle List, keeping departments informed as to who may not be available for duty.

As always, thanks for reading this column.

— Pete DeBoer is a Kingston port commissioner. Contact him at pete@petedeboer.com