Isle of Springs Column: Penny Party, Sunday service and ticks

Tue, 08/22/2017 - 3:00pm

August continues to be a busy and beautiful month filled with all Island activities focused on the next generation!

With much anticipation, the Penny Party commenced on Saturday, August 12th bringing together kids and adults alike for an evening of fundraising and celebration. According to Patsy MacKenzie, Master of Ceremonies, this was the most successful Penny Party in recent history with regards to attendance and fundraising! Kudos to Patsy, Deb Pierce and the Tennis Association for putting on a fabulous evening. Thank you to all for your participation!

Continuing with the children in the spotlight, Brenda Bowen led ~dozen children from ages three to 14 through a beautiful children’s service on Sunday evening the 13th. The poised and articulate older children led us through the story of the founding of the Isle of Springs from the the Swett family to today. The younger set of children were natural born actors taking on a variety roles to help portray the story. Musical accompaniment was provided by Nate Pierce on the piano and Addie Knauer on the violin.

The Wharf party this past Friday was rained out as we received 2 and ⅓ inches of rain here! It was one of two overcast days last week which provided a good excuse to curl up inside by the fire and read a book. The good news is that this week, including Monday’s partial solar eclipse, look to be sunny and warm with the exception of Tuesday evening.

Farrah Mackenzie received a mention in the New York Times for her recent work in the new movie "Logan Lucky." The movie was well regarded by fans and critics and is in theaters now. Congrats Farrah!

Deer have been a plenty on the Isle despite some of the island dog’s best efforts. Recently a deer tick was sent to the UMASS testing facility and did test positive for Lyme - so please check for ticks!

Bob Esterberg led this past Sunday service and spoke about his growing up on the Island in the 1930s, ’40's and ’50s in part back when Erastus Jewett and Paul Abbott were the superintendents and there were horses, vegetables delivered by wheelbarrow, no electricity, and the hotel. Back then Islanders bathed at Deep Cove until electricity brought hot water heaters. A major highlight of the service was the music. The guest pianist was long time Islander, Arthur Norton. With Bob on the drums those two musicians played some vintage jazz ("Sing, Sing, Sing") and spruced up some well-known hymns. The finale was "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In" played twice (by request) with the audience singing and keeping the beat. Bob mentioned that he used to jam with Arthur's dad, Gardner, on the Island many years ago. The Casino rocked with these wonderful renditions!

Upcoming events: There will be S’mores this Wednesday! All are welcome to join firemaster Hugh Reece on the West Shore at 6:30 p.m. Thank you to the Bogarts for providing the delicious supplies. The Farm Boat will be making rounds again providing tomatoes and other goodies. The annual farmhouse picnic is also right around the corner on Labor Day weekend.

Looking ahead to next summer the NeKII Committee is planning an exhibit based on the native American people who were on the IOS hundreds to thousands of years ago. Dr. Arthur Spiess, archeologist for the State of ME, has offered to identify objects found since he was last here in 2007. Photos and specimens are currently being collected by Susan Reece.

Enjoy the sunshine!