Tue, 06/20/2023 - 8:15am

Jeff Allison

At some point in our lives, we have all used the dog ate my homework excuse - or something similar. It has been awhile for me, but I am using it again. I got a new laptop and last week had written possibly the greatest Buzz ever, but somehow I hit something I shouldn't have and deleted it all before the final touches were applied. Rather than try to recreate that masterpiece, I begin anew...

Yes, it's back, the first Buzz of the season is here! Maybe someone missed it during its annual hiatus. Either way, each day brings a bit more activity to the Village - on shore and on the water. As always, the first boat ride of the season goes to our fearless Captain Phil who makes sure we can all get on the water. The calendar says summer is almost here - and for a day or two, it has actually felt that way. There are still a few lonely moorings awaiting their dance partners, but most are in place. Kudos to whoever has been out wing surfing!

Bayville Booty Affair. It’s not what you think - or maybe it is. Julie O'Brien - Merrill and her fellow orchestra mates played a couple of concerts with renowned disco/funk band Motor Booty Affair. She has quickly recovered from that and is now gearing up for her book signing on 6/24. There will also be live music as the theme of the book is a song written for her dad while he was running for office in Boston. I’m sure the M.T.A. version won’t be the same that is sung along to in the bars of said city, but more similar to the Kingston Trio hit. More on both events from Julie herself below.

The Bayville Botanical Gardens have expanded to the front of the Community House and will be a great improvement. The (ongoing?) paint job may be another story. The work continues on what was the Harrington property and there is a rumor there may be a new neighbor - with emphasis on the neigh part. That sounds nice.

It’s not quite Wimbledon, but Alton and Phil have worked their magic to make the area around the tennis courts thicket free. This not only looks better, but will also make the multitudes of kids playing at the courts easier to see when they head out to their next destination on their various modes of transportation. Thanks for keeping an out for them - as well as the slow footed adults. Of course, look out for four legged creatures too, but due to Bayville's leash bylaw there should not be any of the canine variety. Speaking of rules, please keep the decibels down to a minimum after 10 p.m. Even if yours is one of the select cottages that have been sound proofed and approved for late night entertainment, having windows open negates those extensive renovations.

Some dates to remember:

July 4; 9 a.m. BIA meeting. Please email your family milestones to allison.laurae@icloud.com if you would like them mentioned at the meeting noon parade and cookout.

July 29; Pickleball, Waterfront Festival, Ice Cream Social etc.

Aug. 5; 9 a.m. BVC Annual Meeting. 5 PM Social and Bayville Buzz Mix Off part 2, followed by potluck supper

Julie O'Brien-Merrill was nice enough to give me some requested news. She says she and David have barely been in Bayville until recently with loads of activities for them this past spring. They had an incredible journey to Ecuador to experience the Amazon and Galapagos. One of the highlights was having sea lions join them as they were snorkeling! Visiting six different islands and seeing the blue footed boobies and giant tortoises was also a thrill.

Now in the words of Julie herself, " I wound up the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra season with two groovy Classical Night Fever concerts last weekend together with Motor Booty Affair. My violin was miked, there were wild and dizzying disco ball lights, smoke on the stage, and people dancing in the aisles - not your typical orchestra concert. Linda Hultin was spotted doing some groovy moves when we started playing Dancin' Queen! She said she just couldn't help herself.

I have been volunteering at the Boothbay Region Historical Society, working on digitizing their history files. The scanning process is interesting, and I was lucky that one of my first folders was labeled Bayville. Other folders have included topics such as Horse Troughs, House Moving, Harbor Businesses, and currently I am working on Damariscove Island. The Historical Society is such a gem, and I would encourage Bayvillians to stop by for a visit or attend the Speaker Series. Even better, how about donations for the July 1st Bake Sale at 9:00 am - whole pies, cakes, or breads are being encouraged. See me if you could make something.

Greg, Annette, Parker, and Haven arrived at Lawn Cottage this week. Greg is anxious to get Celebration in the water and get busy sailing in preparation for the Friendship Sloop Regatta in Rockland in July.

Please come to the Book Talk on Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m. at the Southport Memorial Library where Julie will be sharing some of the historical, political, and musical background behind her book, “Charlie on the M.T.A., Will He Ever Return?"

Thanks for all that news Julie! As if that's not enough, David and Julie are also busy enjoying keeping 4 1/2 year old Wally entertained. Please send your news to thejeffallison@gmail.com and have a great week!