Lighthouses

The Brave Astronaut has a thing for lighthouses. In fact on our recent trip to Legoland, I may have bought this. As we all seek shelter in a port away from the storm - here are some lighthouse photos to soothe you.

Or maybe you're looking to get away from it all - and you want to go and live in a lighthouse?  It may not be the life you think it is.  Read more here.

If you live here in the DMV, maybe you'd like to visit some of the local lights.  Here's a list.

1. Turkey Point Lighthouse - Elk Neck State Park 4395 Turkey Point Rd., North East, MD 21901: The 35-foot-tall tower was built in 1833 to direct ships along the Elk River toward the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Perched atop a 100-foot cliff, the lighthouse remains the highest beacon on the bay. Its light can be seen for 13 miles. Another thing that sets Turkey Point apart is that four of the keepers were women, which was remarkable for an era when the physical labor and extreme isolation were seen as conditions only tolerable for a man. The last keeper, Fannie Mae Salter, was appointed after the death of her husband in 1925. In her early 40s, she initially was told she was too old for the job. It wasn't until President Calvin Coolidge stepped in that Salter was allowed to stay. She went on to serve until her retirement in the late 1940s - a feat that earned her the title of last civilian female keeper in the country. The light was automated in 1948 and now runs completely on solar energy. In the spring of 2007 the stairs were rebuilt in the same way they were in 1833, and visitors can climb to the top for a spectacular view. Interesting fact: The cliffs around the lighthouse appeared in Clint Eastwood's 1997 film "Absolute Power."
2. Concord Point Lighthouse 100 Lafayette St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078: This 36-foot-tall tower of granite, with three-foot-thick walls at its base to the 27 steps in the spiral staircase, is not the quaint striped beacon many think of when they romantically picture a lighthouse. But it's absolutely worth a visit. The tower was built by John Donahoo, a legend among Chesapeake Bay lighthouse lovers: He is responsible for building 12 lighthouses on the bay, including Concord Point in his home town of Havre de Grace in 1827. His lighthouse was built to mark the entrance to the Susquehanna River. Despite Donahoo's request to be keeper, the honor went to War of 1812 hero John O'Neill. The responsibility was kept within the family with O'Neill's son, daughter-in-law, grandson and great-grandson each tending the light. The keepers' residence, 200 feet from the tower, went through several reincarnations during its history, including stints as a bar and restaurant. It went through a renovation in 1990 to restore it to its 1884 glory and now serves as a museum and gift shop. Interesting fact: The current light comes from a 100-watt bulb.
3. Seven Foot Lighthouse S. President Street and Eastern Avenue, Pier 5, Baltimore, MD 21202: Seven Foot Knoll is a screw-pile lighthouse, meaning it was suspended above water on long cast-iron pilings screwed into the sea floor. It was built from 1855 to 1856 at the mouth of the Patapsco River and named for the shoal that it marked. Approachable only by boat, it also served as a home for the keeper and two assistants. So how did the bright red, 220-ton circular goliath end up on a pier in Baltimore? After the light was automated in the late 1940s, the structure succumbed to the elements and was retired. The Coast Guard donated the structure to the city, and in 1988, over the course of two days, Seven Foot Knoll was moved to its present location. Original features have been preserved, while interpretive exhibits have been added. Visitors can climb to the watch room (ladder access to the beacon is restricted) and take in a view that includes Federal Hill, the Domino Sugar factory and boats docked in the harbor.
4. Lightship 116 Chesapeake E. Pratt Street and S. Gay Street, Pier 3, Baltimore, MD 21202: The Lightship Chesapeake is docked at pier 3, near the Seven-Foot Knoll lighthouse. First used in 1930, the ship was a movable aide used to direct maritime traffic everywhere from Fenwick Island Shoal in Delaware to the waters off Cape Henry. During World War II it aided in the war effort off the Cape Cod Canal. It was decommissioned and since 1971 has served as a floating museum. Interesting fact: The lightship has a gallery of photographs of dogs that served as mascots on Navy and Coast Guard ships from the 1880s through the 1950s.
5. Fort Washington Park 13551 Fort Washington Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744: It is easy to overlook the squat, 32-foot-tall wooden tower on the Maryland shore of the Potomac River. One's eye naturally goes toward the mammoth fort atop the hill looming behind it. History views the structure in a similar light. George Washington picked the location as a prime spot for a fort to protect the fledgling nation's capital. Subsequent forts were built around the same spot to reflect military advancements and to protect the city. But as maritime traffic along the Potomac River increased and the size of ships grew during the 1800s, a light was needed to direct ships away from shallow water near the shore. Before a beacon was installed, the military was calling the shots. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis approved the light so long as it was "not within any of the fortifications; and the light keeper shall be subordinate to the military command." Two other beacons preceded the one that visitors see today. Interesting fact: The first beacon was an 18-1/2-foot-tall post with a light on it, installed in 1857.
6. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum 213 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663: Hooper Strait lighthouse, now at home on the grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once guided ships through dangerous waters between Tangier Sound and the Chesapeake Bay, 40 miles to the south. The screw-pile cottage was actually the third light used at that location. Beginning in 1827, lightships were used to direct the boats, and in 1867 the first screw-pile lighthouse was built. That lasted only a decade before icy floes carried it away in January 1877. The keepers nearly went down with the house, evacuating at the last minute on a small boat. The latest lighthouse, built in 1879, almost met a similar fate. After being automated in 1954, the lighthouse began deteriorating. It was set to be demolished, but the museum rescued it and moved it to the museum in 1966. Visitors can walk through the six-room house and explore what life was like for a keeper. Children are encouraged to explore and find tidbits of information hidden in everything from empty paint cans to desk drawers to a goose wing. Interesting fact: Youth groups can spend a night in the lighthouse select Fridays and Saturdays in the spring and fall. 
7. Cove Point 3500 Lighthouse Blvd., Lusby, MD 20657: Cove Point is another lighthouse on the bay built by John Donahoo, and, like his structures at Concord Point and Turkey Point, it is a basic white tower with black lantern room. Built in 1828 to mark the entrance of the Patuxent River, the Cove Point lighthouse has been witness to two interesting pieces of history: the very early introduction of a telephone in 1899 and World War II practice landings and invasions. The keepers even once rescued a drunk man who, after losing the oars to his boat, tried to swim ashore. From World War II until its automation in 1986, there was enough room for three keepers and their families to live around the lighthouse. Interesting fact: The light is the oldest continuously operated light in the state of Maryland.
8. Drum Point Light Calvert Marine Museum 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons, MD 20688: At one point in time, you would have no trouble finding a screw-pile lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay - 45 dotted the waterway. Now if you want to see one up close you need to visit Drum Point at the Calvert Marine Museum. Like its screw-pile brother, Seven Foot Knoll in Baltimore, Drum Point fell into disrepair after it was decommissioned but was later rescued and relocated. In Drum Point's case, the 1883 lighthouse was originally at the entrance to the Patuxent River and was moved to the grounds of the Calvert Marine Museum in 1975, 13 years after it was decommissioned. Based on lighthouse logs from 1883 to 1943 kept at the National Archives, the museum was able to lovingly restore the building to its early 20th-century grandeur, and visitors can walk through it. Interesting fact: What passed for bathrooms on lighthouses like Drum Point were outhouse-like structures that opened up over the water.
9. Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park 44720 Lighthouse Rd., Piney Point, MD 20674: When most people think of lighthouses, they think of lonely towers isolated by water and rocks. Not so with Piney Point, on the Potomac River. It was once a popular resort area for wealthy Washingtonians, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who would ride down on his yacht to go fishing. With amazing views of the water and sandy beaches, it remains a popular spot for vacationers. The lighthouse was in use from 1836 until 1964, and in 2002 it opened to the public as part of the museum. The museum's historic park interprets the history of St. Mary's County with exhibits about Dory boats, World War II torpedoes and a separate building dedicated to a Potomac River Maritime exhibit. Interesting fact: There is a sunken U-1105 offshore, marked by a buoy. One of the rooms in the museum is dedicated to the German submarine, which the United States claimed after World War II.
10. Point Lookout State Park 11175 Point Lookout Rd., Scotland, MD 20687: While the Civil War played an important part in the history of many lighthouses along the Chesapeake Bay, perhaps none was more greatly affected by the conflict than Point Lookout. The lighthouse was built in 1830, and during the Civil War, the Union used the land around it as a Confederate prison. It is estimated that 52,000 prisoners were kept there and more than 3,300 died. The lighthouse keeper during the war had Southern leanings, and it is noted in logs that she was reprimanded at least once for aiding the South. It isn't clear what she did, but she was allowed to remain in her position. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1966, and for a while the duplex was rented as a home. After the last resident moved out in 1981, the lighthouse suffered from vandalism and neglect. In 2006, preservation efforts began with the hopes of restoring the lighthouse to its last renovation in 1927. Visitors can take a self-guided tour during open houses, explore the unfurnished rooms and read interpretive posters. One of the former keeper's daughters, who grew up in the house, often visits during open houses to share her experiences during the '40s and '50s. Interesting fact: Point Lookout is believed to be haunted. Former residents and visitors have reported hearing footsteps, smelling a strange odor in one room and hearing disembodied voices saying "abandon" and "get out."
11. Assateague Island and Chincoteague Beaches 8231 Beach Rd., Chincoteague, VA 23336: Assateague Island is perhaps best known for its annual wild pony swim and as the setting of Marguerite Henry's novel "Misty of Chincoteague." But a close second might be its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse. The 142-foot-tall tower was built in 1867 to warn ships away from the dangerous shore between the Chesapeake and Delaware bays. About seven years ago it opened to the public for climbing, and when the weather is especially nice a line forms out the door. Visitors are advised to come early and wear tennis shoes. The parking lot is a short, shady walk from the lighthouse, and then the climb is 175 steps. There is a landing with a window every 25 steps just in case you need a break. Also be sure to visit the oil shed next door to the house, where artists take residence and display their work. The band Three Sheets occasionally performs sea shanties. Interesting fact: During the Civil War, the island sided with the north in order to continue selling seafood to Union states. The soldiers protected the light.

It's Prom Night and Cheverly Day Tomorrow

Tonight here in our lovely little town is the social event of the Spring, known as ChvProm. We were offered tickets and I persuaded Mrs. BA to have the night out - but I am there going stag as we couldn't get a babysitter and Mrs. BA stayed home for movie night with the boys. We hadn't bought tickets and the event was sold out, but I scored a ticket at local pol, Victor Ramirez's table - so I'm in. Although, I was never really a prom kind of guy anyway, as these stories will illustrate, now that I'm older, I like it.

When I was in 9th grade, I bought tickets to the 9th grade formal, with the anticipation that was going to go to the dance. However, that didn't happen, and I wound up burning the tickets in some weird display with my friends. It gets worse. In high school, I was asked to the senior prom by a girl in my class. I went so far as almost buying tickets, when the girl came to me and told me that her ex-boyfriend had asked her to the prom and she was going with him.

I did have one good prom experience - another senior prom, this time in Huntsville, Alabama. A girl that I had met and seen on a few occasions (she was from there, I lived in NY - it was a girl scout connection - some day I might let you in on how I was in many ways one of the luckiest guys around - I mean, whose mother brings 20-30 girls through your house every summer?) invited me to her senior prom and a good time was had by all. A secondary story here is that I went to this prom in a full leg cast - another good story, which I might need to tell as it is 25 years ago this year).

I also noted with interest this history of the Prom from Time Magazine.

ChvProm is the event that kicks off the festivities for tomorrow, which is Cheverly Day in our little town. I will be involved in a number of activities including the annual East vs. West softball game (two years ago, I went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs). From there, we will most likely adjourn to the St. Ambrose Mens Club Beer Garden, where as a member in good standing, I will likely be filling pitchers for a shift.

Cheverly Day will conclude with a fireworks display that is very impressive. I think it has everything to do with the fact that you get to sit up close, where if the wind is blowing the right way, it is not unusual to have debris flutter down on you. Good times, really.

Why I am Supporting Mike Callahan for Mayor

Election season is again upon us here in Cheverly. As most of you know, my faithful readers, I ran for a seat on the Town Council from Ward 2 last year. I was not successful in my candidacy – but I like to think the incumbent discovered that he should be working to communicate better with his constituents. This year, Mayor Julia Mosley announced her retirement and, as expected, Ward 1 Council Member Michael Callahan and Ward 2 Council Member Micah Watson (the man I ran against last year) announced they would run to succeed her. A third candidate, Tom Foley has also declared for Mayor. The election will be held on Monday May 3.

For what it’s worth, I am publicly endorsing Mike Callahan for Mayor. Now there are those of you out there who would say, well sure, he’s against the guy that he couldn’t beat last year. However, it is important to note that if Watson is successful in getting elected, his seat as Councilman would open up and there would be an appointment process to choose a replacement. I am still interested in sitting on Council and I would be interested in the seat, so one might wonder why I wouldn’t support Micah Watson.

Over the period of time that I have met Mike Callahan and gotten to know him and his family, I have come to know a man who is dedicated to Cheverly. He has long standing ties to the town, having lived here for more than 25 years, raising a family, and volunteering with so many of the organizations and charities that make Cheverly great. Mike’s professionalism and his career experience lends itself to the challenges and issues that he would be presented as Mayor. He is passionate about Cheverly and more than anything, he, like many of our fellow residents, really wants to keep Cheverly great. He knows what he wants, he knows how he is going to get it, and he has a plan to make it happen.

Mike’s main opponent in this race, Micah Watson does not have the rich ties to Cheverly that Mike can call upon. As I said on several occasions when running against Micah for Council last year, I don’t think Micah is a bad guy, I just don’t think he is the right guy for Cheverly.

Cheverly needs a mayor who can fully devote himself to the town and its needs. Cheverly needs a mayor who can communicate with its residents and be completely approachable. Cheverly needs a mayor that has firm roots in the community, long established and able to build consensus and accomplish the goals for Cheverly to succeed. Cheverly needs a mayor that is fiscally responsible, with a proven record of being the watchdog that Cheverly needs in these uncertain economic times.

I think that Cheverly will be best served by Michael Callahan. I urge all of you across the Town to get out on May 3 and vote for Mike as the next Mayor of Cheverly.

Goin' to the Candidates Debate

Actually I am there already. I am online and semi-live blogging the Candidates Forum for the three candidates who are running for Mayor of Cheverly. As most you know, my dear readers, I ran for a seat on the Town Council last year, but was not elected. The three candidates are Michael Callahan, current Ward 1 Council Member, Tom Foley, and Micah Watson, current Ward 2 Council Member.

The debate opened with a testimonial for outgoing Mayor Julia Moseley, who is retiring. Debate moderator Aimee Olivio went over the rules and then turned it over to Mike Callahan who gave his opening statement. Callahan stressed his fiscal responsibility and his devotion to Keep Cheverly Great - a statement that many of the residents have said to him is most important to them.

Callahan was followed by Dr. Tom Foley, who gave his opening statement. Foley's primary issue is the Town's fund balance, which has increased dramatically over the past several years, during which time, both Callahan and Watson have been on the Council. Foley wants to reduce taxes and offer a tax credit to residents and allow the fund balance to be reduced somewhat.

The final candidate to speak was Micah Watson. He stressed his career in public service and his efforts on the Town Council and his love for Cheverly.

Of the three candidates, Callahan and Foley offered the most passionate statements about what Cheverly means to them.

The first question went to Dr. Foley and was focused on what attributes and knowledge he would bring to the office of Mayor. The same question was asked of the other two candidates. Dr. Foley mentioned his outsider status and his understanding of the Town's financial structure. Mr. Watson talked about the relationships he has forged in Cheverly. Mr. Callahan talked about his twenty five years in Cheverly and his career managing a 20 million dollar revenue stream.

After a question to the three candidates about peace, there was a short break while another set of bleachers was pulled down to accommodate the large number of people who are in attendance.

The next question concerned public service experience. Mr. Callahan responded by emphasizing his work in the private sector. The responses turned (based a lot on Mr. Callahan's response) to coalition building.

The next question was about public use of public buildings. Dr. Foley is concerned about groups that might be shut out of using public buildings. Mr. Watson echoed the comments and would support a wider policy of using public buildings. Mr. Callahan also agreed but cautioned about the possibility of increased costs to allow greater use of the buildings.

The next question was about the current Town Attorney and what role the Town Attorney would have in the decision making process and if he would consider making a change. Mr. Watson would look at all of the issues before making a decision about retaining him. Mr. Callahan would "absolutely retain" the current Town Attorney. Dr. Foley also believes he would retain the current Town Attorney.

This was followed by a question about Code Enforcement and what would the Town would do about abandoned properties in the Town. Mr. Callahan was first to respond and hopes the Code Enforcement Officer would occasionally get out on foot to see what is going on in the town. Secondly, he believes the Town is doing a good job on abandoned properties but that each house should be handled on a case by case basis. Dr. Foley agreed with Mr. Callahan that abandoned properties should be dealt with on a timely basis and fully resolved. Mr. Watson responded first to the abandoned properties and also responded to the Code Enforcement issue. He believes it should be a more proactive response.

The next question concerned the infamous "booms" that occasionally rock Cheverly. Dr. Foley responded first and believes that a reward should be offered, which might prompt an employee of the alleged boom maker to turn his boss in. Mr. Watson then discussed his efforts to try and stop the booms, one of those efforts was the placement of a camera on top of a local fire house to see if the origin of the booms could be isolated. Mr. Callahan broadened his response to talk about noise in general, mentioning the issue of helicopters landing at the hospital and the road noise from Route 50.

The next question asked the candidates to identify a problem in Cheverly and how they would deal with it. Mr. Watson responded first and identified communication as a larger problem and also mentioned Public Safety and infrastructure in the Town. Mr. Callahan's response focused on the need for greater economic development on the borders of Cheverly. Dr. Foley turned his response around by focusing on what does work in Cheverly, namely the head of Public Works, the Town Administrator, and the Chief of Police. He wants to see more people getting involved and building a larger sense of community.

This was followed by a question regarding bridging the gap that is believed to exist between the police and the residents of the Town. Mr. Callahan responded that one of Cheverly's greatest assets is Chief Robshaw but Callahan also acknowledged the youth of Cheverly's force and hopes the force will interact more with the youth of Chevelry. Dr. Foley would like to see more, if not all, of the police force to live in Cheverly. Mr. Watson acknowledges there is a gap, but was not entirely clear about how to resolve that, other than to echo Mr. Callahan's comments about the strengths of the current police chief. He would "rule nothing out" in listening to ideas about how to best connect the force to its residents.

The next question was about activities for teens in Cheverly and what the mayor could do to resolve issues that can come up with teens with too much time on their hands. Dr. Foley responded first, getting a laugh by saying that "teenagers are always a problem." He would like to see more organized activities. Mr. Watson wants to come up with programs to engage teenagers, but did not offer any concrete proposals on what could be done. Mr. Callahan discussed a proposal the Council has on the books to find opportunities for teenagers. He further remarked about the existing services (Cheverly Soccer Club, the Boys and Girls Club), which many residents are now aware are available.

The next question was about Tax Increment Funding (TIF) and how it would impact the Pointe at Cheverly. Mr. Watson responded first and used part of his time to explain how TIF works and then expressed his support for the Pointe at Cheverly and hopes the Council and future mayor be more forward leaning in their fiscal planning. Mr. Callahan agreed the Council had supported the TIF program for the Pointe at Cheverly but countered that he believes the plan may not have gone far enough and more investigation and communication should be undertaken before proceeding further. Dr. Foley talked about a meeting he had with Mr. Callahan about TIF and the Pointe but wasn't convinced that it was the right move for Cheverly and wished it had not gone forward. For the first time in the evening, additional time was given to the candidates to respond to this issue.

The next question was how the Mayor would administrate the Town Council and make meetings more efficient and build consensus for agreement on the issues they are running on. Mr. Callahan responded first and hopes that Council members would be more prepared for meetings and that possibly consensus could even be reached beforehand. Dr. Foley would "run a stricter ship" and noted that Cheverly is a "weak mayor" system and the role of the mayor is limited to what they can actually do. Mr. Watson also noted his desire to have meetings run more efficiently and hopes the Council would agree with much of the issues he is campaigning on.

This was followed by a question regarding the development of Tuxedo Road on the edge of Cheverly. Dr. Foley was not aware of the plan but pledged to learn about it and would work the issue if elected Mayor. Mr. Watson discussed a plan that has been around for several years and hopes that it would move forward sooner rather than later. Mr. Callahan is afraid the plan has stalled and would want to talk to each of the businesses along Tuxedo Road and see what their goals are and how Cheverly can help.

The next question involved a planned addition to the Town Hall building and what their position was on the previous plan and would they support an expansion. Mr. Watson responded first, slightly dodging the question, saying the planned expansion predated his time on Council and never took a position. He would talk with residents about any planned expansion before doing anything. Mr. Callahan turned the question around and discussed the reconfiguration of the Town Hall space and wait and see if the residents really want and demand an expansion. Dr. Foley concurred with Mr. Callahan.

The next question regarding pedestrian and bicycle access to the Cheverly Metro Station. Mr. Callahan elicited a laugh from the audience by saying the bridge over Route 50 could be blown up and start over. The existing bridge is not pedestrian or bicycle friendly and all issues need to be explored to resolve the issues. Again, Dr. Foley concurred with Mr. Callahan. Mr. Watson recounted the need for better transportation solutions and additional infrastructure to deal with the intersection.

At this point, moderator Aimee Olivio announced there were still a number of questions unanswered and she wanted to reduce the time of responses to one minute. The first question in this new period concerned sound barriers on Route 50. Dr. Foley was not aware of any plan and both Mr. Watson and Mr. Callahan called for increased lobbying and pressure on state agencies to see if the noise levels could be abated.

This was followed by a question regarding trash and littering following pickup by Town sanitation. Mr. Watson would like to see better communication and a better sense of neighborliness to make residents aware. Mr. Callahan would like to see an anti-littering campaign and more facilities for improved walking about the Town of Cheverly. Dr. Foley would like to see an aggressive anti-littering campaign and perhaps the placement of trash cans around the Town.

Next question was about fully loaded trucks cutting through Cheverly Avenue. All three would like to see this curbed and would involve the police to enforce it.

Next question was about the Town of Cheverly's financial support of the Cheverly Prom. Dr. Foley would like to see the event only funded through ticket sales. Mr. Watson would like to see the event be self-supporting but does not object to the Town's support. Mr. Callahan believes that Cheverly should support it fully, because Cheverly Day and the Cheverly Prom is our time to promote the Town.

This was followed by a question regarding instant runoff elections if a candidate does not achieve a majority. All three candidates agreed the idea had merit and bears further investigation.

The next question was about securing grants for the Town. All three men believe that grants should be pursued but they all should be clearly targeted to needs in the town.

The next question (for which the candidates were given additional time to respond) dealt with animal issues, specifically a dog park in Cheverly and the problem of feral cats. Dr. Foley addressed the feral cat issue and would like to see a town-wide TNR (trap - neuter - release) program. Mr. Watson also believes in a TNR program and would like to see a dog park in Cheverly, but the idea has not come to fruition. Mr. Callahan also would like to see a dog park in Cheverly, but it needs to be on the right parcel of land and not infringe of neighbors rights. Mr. Callahan also spoke to the larger animal rights issues (chickens, bees) and wants to see additional dialogs.

The final question before closing statement asked the three candidates to outline their vision for Cheverly. Mr. Watson spoke first and offered his record of experience of building alliances and consensus. Mr. Callahan talked of "alliances being what I live by." From his experience in the private sector and his tenure on Town Council, he has constantly sought to build alliances and partnerships to make things happen. Dr. Foley admitted that he would have to start fresh, making new alliances to get things done for Cheverly.

Moderator Aimee Olivio concluded the debate to thank everyone for coming and for the great questions. She then turned it over to closing statements, starting with Mr. Watson. He offered his five promises for Cheverly if he is elected. Dr. Foley gets a bump for mentioning "What is Past is Prologue" and notes the quote in inscribed on the National Archives, but discussed that he would come in as Mayor and hope to streamline the processes of the Town. He concluded with a statement about speed cameras and chastised the Mayor and Council (including Mr. Watson and Mr. Callahan) about using a loophole in the state law to create a revenue stream for Cheverly, which will also serve to augment the already inflated fund balance. Finally, Mr. Callahan used his time to in part, respond to Dr. Foley's allegations and to discuss budget issues and that the next Mayor will need to focus on continuing to protect the financial health of Cheverly.

Following some closing announcements, light refreshments were served and an offer to mix with the candidates.