Mary D., The Benefactor of Block Island

Image source: NY Times 

Block Island is a special place for many reasons, one of which includes the residents and local community. It has always been a dream of mine to spend a winter on the Block so that I could experience life as a local and, perhaps, give back to the island that has given me so much.  One resident who gives herself to the island is Mary Donnelly.  Mary is a RN who makes house calls to island residents, works at the island medical center and is an island institution.  Recently, Mary has been gaining fame for her other island job, the bill payer.  You see, Mary takes care of her own.  She pays the bills of year-round islanders who can't afford to keep their lights on, make a mortgage payment and so on.   It is community helping  community in the simplest, but most impactful form. 


There is so much that I admire about Mary, she is a nurse and a mother of seven (like my mom--love you mom!) and a community activist.  In some ways, she reminds me of my Aunt Tommy, who into her 80s served as a nurse on Martha's Vineyard.   


Mary's work was featured on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend and I thought I would share a link for you all to see a glimpse into this special woman's life and the island that she calls home.  


To make a donation to the Mary D. Fund, send a check to Mary D. Fund, P.O. Box 323, Block Island, RI 02807. 


Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com 

Block Island Stripers

This year on Block Island the family set out our annual fishing trip.  Some years are more lucky than others and this year the Gods were smiling down on us.  Many a good fish were happily released and we were still able to make dinner for 30+ while stocking a freezer full of striped bass.

Here are a few photos from MJG that recap the day nicely.  

Big Brother, MSG  (FMQ in the background)

President, Block Island Seafood Co. JFG 

What are some of your family traditions? 

Cheers! 

Craig 

www.blockislandseafood.com 

In the Can

Have you ever seen oysters in the can?  I hadn't until I came across these antique oyster tin cans.  

Apparently, they are a real money maker and can cost upwards of $400.  I think they would look really cool in a kitchen or seafood market.  


Here are some interesting findings that I found here. 
1819 - Oysters first packed in New York.
1840-49 - Oyster packing in tins becoming big business in Baltimore, MD.

1851 - Term "hermetically sealed oysters" introduced.

Mid-1880's - Oyster packing moves to the southern Gulf states. 

1915 - Biloxi, Mississippi surpasses Baltimore in oyster canning.

1931 - Oysters are being canned on the west coast at Puget Sound, Washington.

2011 - Block Island Seafood Co. discovers oysters in a can. 

Have you ever seen oysters in a can? 

Cheers, 

Craig 

www.blockislandseafood.com

Bad Blogger

This poor little blog has been sorely neglected since the summer months.  I promise to change all that starting now.  I declare that October will be the month of blog posts--good, quality, blog posts.  It would have felt much more monumental to start this on October 1, but what the hell.  October 6 is as good a day as any.  


Here are some snaps of what kept me busy through the summer months.   

In-home cooking demo 

Lemon shrimp 

Deliciousness 

New bumper stickers 

We had help from a professional ice cream scooper at a party 

The dream team 

Ice.  It's what keeps BISCo. cool. 

Grillin' & chillin' 

Stay tuned this month for more BISCo. news, recipes, tips and treats!  Oh did I mention, I am running the NYC marathon on November 6.  Come out and cheer for me! 


Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com