Promptly at 8 a.m., two full busloads left the Beth El parking lot for a day visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. There were 101 people on the two buses - Seashore Lodge Members, a cross-section of the community, and even Rabbi Plotkin with some of his new congregants. We certainly exposed our name in the Community.

The weather cooperated and we had a delightful day visiting two of our National Treasures. I had tears in my eyes visiting Ellis Island where my parents passed through seeking a better life. And I was thrilled standing in the Lady, a symbol of our freedom. I had the same feeling seeing the Statue as a returning G.I. from Europe.

We stopped for lunch at Harolds in Edison. This restaurant is famous for the humongous size of its portions, and we were not disappointed. How big are the portions? Marcia and I ordered one regular corned beef sandwich, each had a large one for lunch, and made three more sandwiches for the trip. Somebody at our table ordered one apple strudel, and 9 of us sitting there had a piece. So if you're on Weight Watchers, forget Harolds.

This trip was the brainchild of our President Paul Stern, who did all of the planning, made all the arrangements, and got us all that publicity. Paul and Donnie Lapinson, the Captains in charge of each bus, made sure everything ran smoothly and nobody was left behind.

If you missed this great trip, look for our upcoming excursions.