By the time you read this I should be on safari with my son JJ, in southern Africa (Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Last week there was a lot more to say but my contract clearly stipulates how much verbiage (did someone say garbage? If so, I like your humor) I am allowed. I was about to go over my word allotment which would have meant a doubling of my salary. Management obviously frowns upon that.

So more thanks from the Fourth: my sister Laura for getting a bunch of food and supplies for the BIA meeting. My other sister, Karen who wasn’t needed much this time, but she is also always willing to help out. In fact, the whole family is. To Liz Duncan for baking (and taking the minutes) and to Jill Albaum for balancing the books and organizing the ice cream social. Thanks again to The Band (Boothbay Harbor that is) and to the Spencer Catering Group.

Big congratulations to the newest member of the BIA, Diana Frascella! It was quite the contest and every candidate was incredible, but her plans for the Waterfront Festival put her over the top. In other words, you don’t want to miss it. Just as a reminder, the date is August 11. The day will begin with the Pickle Ball Tournament. Ginger and Phil Robitaille have been seen taking lessons at the Y, so it looks like they are taking defense of their crown very seriously.

Speaking of champions, can Emma Collins accomplish the first back to back Ruler of the Sea victory?

Of course win or lose, it’s a fun event for all ages, and there is food and the Ice Cream Social, so why be anywhere else?

Speaking of fun, on August 4 there will be no shortage of it, as the Annual Lobster Bake makes the scene. We all look forward to Dennis and staff filling our plates and bellies with their delicious treats from the sea. Get your money to Bill LaPointe asap, so you won’t have to watch the proceedings from the wrong side of the lobster trap fence.

That day kicks of with the Bayville Village Corporation meeting at 9 a.m. Come work up an appetite while you chew on all that Greg Merrill, Jim Coleman, Joe Rosenbloom, Andrea Nielsen and the winner of best supporting role, Chuck Wolfram, have been doing to keep Bayville humming.

Don’t forget August 26, when all of your training finally pays off with The Swim to Cabbage. All you need is a bathing suit - sorry Phil - and a support kayak.

A big welcome to Thomas and Linda Hultin from Nevada (can they swim?) who now own the McDonough spread. Congratulations on discovering our piece of paradise.

In a tradition as old as the Boothbay Register, our newest residents, as all new residents do, will be taking over the Buzz. I can’t wait to meet them!

Nice to see that the McDonoughs are easing their way out and are renting the Spencer’s new place this summer.

Great job by Allison and Jack Bagonzi in organizing the blowout for their Mom’s 60th!  It was great to see some old faces. Yes, pun intended. Congratulations on the milestone Liz and on your “kids”.
Fret not, while I hang in Africa, the Buzz is better than ever, as Alina Blakesley is coming out of retirement to take over. In a welcome change of pace, she is determined to actually go out and dig up some facts. Sounds like too much work to me, but please give her some news when she corners you, I mean when you see her. Thanks Alina!

Now, I hate to sign off with something negative, but I feel I have to say something. As we know, we have a noise ordinance. Bottom line is to respect your neighbors. Unfortunately, this year there seems to be one family who has a blatant disregard for us all. You know who I’m talking about, right? It’s the Crow family. What is up with them? They seem to go to bed early which is great, but then they are up with the sun, talking incessantly about God knows what. I can never make out what they are saying, it just sounds like a bunch of squawking to me. Anyway, I have tried talking to them, but they just take off and make even more noise. I’m not sure they subscribe to the Register, (probably not - in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if they can’t read) but if the Crows do happen to see this, please adhere to the rules posted in all of our cottages. I thank you and the village thanks you!