Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Mathews Maritime Foundation (MMF) re-christened the "Peggy of New Point" this past Saturday, Oct. 12, at Kingston Plantation. Locally built in 1925, "The Peggy" is one of the last remaining deck boats still operating in the Chesapeake Bay. The event was made possible only through the generous contributions of many local patrons, and hundreds of volunteer hours. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who had a part, and I would like to publicly express my sincere gratitude for what they have provided.

The celebration culminated five years of activities associated with raising funds, managing the project, and coordinating volunteer efforts. Photos of the restoration were exhibited along with displays from her working past, and many local watermen honored these efforts by attending.

Although The Peggy is seaworthy, The Foundation still needs funds to complete the stepping and rigging of the mast, installing the cargo handling boom, hatch covers, an...