Before the summer slips by, we must try and put into writing the fabulous celebration on July 25 in honor our retiring superintendent of over 30 years, L. Mike Thompson. After over a year of planning, Carol Burvill and Alice Balcer along with a dedicated committee of LIS members made it all happen. The Casino was decked out with tables decorated with island-themed centerpieces and Island flowers. More than 160 Islanders (young and old) plus Lynn Thompson and Mike’s daughters, son-in law and grandchildren (Monica Thompson and Erin and Kenny Depres with sons, Cooper and Shepherd) and other members of Mike’s family, attended.

The evening began with a photo shoot of countless IOS children climbing and hanging off the new playground (now named the L. Mike Thompson Playground). At the Casino there were appetizers and cocktails followed by honorary toasts and dinner. Back by popular demand was the Moron Tabernacle Choir consisting of Patsy and Will Mackenzie, Judy, Roly and Eric Miller, and Deb Pierce. Their song and dance regaled Mike and the enthusiastic audience with a parody of “Hey Big Spender” (“Hey Mike Thompson!”) from the musical "Sweet Charity." Bob Rogers on piano accompanied the chorus. Next, Jenny Mackenzie showed her documentary film, "We Like Mike!" She had reached out to as many of the islanders as she could round up in 2014 to film them expressing their thoughts and experiences with our beloved superintendent. The film brought both tears to our eyes and smiles to our faces. Check out the IOS website to view the film again and the lyrics of the song parody. (A video of the song will be available when Michelle Mackenzie can put it on YouTube).

After dinner, the crowd tore up the dance floor to Mike’s favorite tunes supplied by Glen McCandless. Many thanks to all of those folks who were involved with making the occasion such a wonderful success! How fortunate are we to have had so many wonderful years with Mike and such talented Islanders to celebrate Mike in high style! We all wish Mike our very best as he transitions to his own next chapter.

August brought new faces ashore as we said good-bye to old friends. Following tradition, the first weekend was filled. Saturday began with an All-Island Meeting led by Rob Reece and ended with the 2015 Annual Meeting at which the Shareholders ratified all the actions of the Board and budgets as proposed. A lovely Sunday brought the IOS tennis tournament. First place winners were Deb Pierce and Andy Mackenzie. Runners up were Jenny Mackenzie and Roland Miller. Congratulations to the winners! During the tournament, Anna Erikson sold her (made that AM) chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. Profits went to the IOS Tennis Club ($51) and the SPCA ($50).

Two Sunday services have passed since the last column. Glen McCandless provided the historical context for a favorite Island hymn, “Let the Lower Lights be Burning” Emily Ayer Thomas spoke this past Sunday about how being present on the Island can be a antidote for life’s everyday worries and stressors.

Reminders: LIS-sponsored Smore roast Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on the West Shore. The Farm Boat comes on Thursdays this year around 3 to 3:30. On Saturday, Aug. 8 is the Children’s Work Party at 10:30 a.m. (meet at the Wharf) and Penny Party at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at Casino. There are opportunities left for anyone who would like to be IOS Correspondent! Sign up at the Library bulletin board.

It’s off to the August Work Party. Thanks to Peter Burvill for organizing and Islanders for participating to make our Island a safer and more beautiful spot!