The Forum

   The Forum, a gathering of Crofton area residents who appreciate a time of informal fellowship, discussions and dining, will meet August 15. The speaker for August is Captain John Hamill, Vice President of the Association of Maryland Pilots. Captain Hamill holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master's licenses for vessels of any gross tonnage and has over 35 years of experience. The Chesapeake Bay is the longest pilotage route on the East Coast with nearly 300 miles of Bay water. Captain Hamill will discuss the duties of the Pilots who bring the large ships up the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore. More than 90% of the foreign ships coming up the Bay are manned by foreign officers and crews. They are required to take on a Pilot to navigate the vessel safely into port. Captain Hamill will discuss the work of the pilots on the "front lines" protecting the environmental balance of the Bay. Lunch at Osaka is $7.49 plus tax and tip with a 20% Senior discount. Attendees are asked to make a donation to cover the speaker's expenses.