Welcome to the first musical reference - rock/ funk version - of the Buzz. James Brown’s, Living in America, along with Ray Charles, America the Beautiful got my playlist started on the Fourth. It was beautiful weather for all to celebrate our country as the sun shone all day – with the fog rolling in for the next two. I had just spent two weeks in Florida and never burned. That all changed when I got here, but so worth it! (The Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun”)

The festivities began right on time, as the BIA meeting kicked off at 9. Lots was accomplished and security had a fairly uneventful morning. Laura Allison and Diana Frascella kept things moving right along as did treasurer, Lyn Freundlich. Sewer news wasn’t all good. (Lynyrd Skynyrd, “That Smell”)

Then the overflow crowd tried hard not to laugh as yours truly voice wavered, cracked and who knows what else as he gave a BVC update. (Journey, “Don’t Stop Believing”)

A new financial plan was mentioned and details were provided via email later that day and in person at the Community House on the 6th. The next session will be July 17, via Zoom at 7 PM and the last session on July 28 at the Community House at 9 AM. The sooner you get your thoughts to the BVC board, the better!

The real fun began at noon when the Boothbay Harbor Band came marching into town, where they stopped at our post office and got the crowd into a Fourth of July frenzy. Then Laura Allison gave a nice, short history on what the Fourth means. There was also some stat on how many hot dogs Americans consume on the Fourth - all I remember is that it’s a lot!
 
Bayville did its fair share as all 240 dogs were gobbled up by the appreciative crowd. The grill crew really outdid themselves this year, so thank you Merrill’s and whoever else was involved (I know, truly top notch reporting)! And of course, a huge thank you to the Spencers!

Somehow the set-up and break down all seemed to go faster than usual. That’s what happens when young blood (Rod Stewart, Forever Young) is there to help out. Huge thanks to Brian McNamara, JJ Allison, Chris Coleman (again, I’m sure I’m missing others) as well as all the older folk who tried to keep up.

I am happy to report that the Flamingo is back - I must say I was very surprised at how small the northern species is - and seems to be enjoying its new perch overlooking Linekin Bay and Fish Hawk. (“Flamingoes Fly,” Van Morrison)

Speaking of birds, what is up with the Crow family? They seem especially boisterous and vocal this year. The youngsters seem to be questioning everything, so hopefully, their rebellious inclinations - and noise - will disappear soon. (The Beatles, “Blackbird”)

At Fire Pit Friday, Barbara Spencer, played Julie McCoy (anyone get that TV reference?) and had everyone introducing themselves and how they came to Bayville. Barbara had beautiful things to say about Susan Scannon, who had first brought the Spencer’s to our shores.

Speaking of the Spencers (again), Mark Spencer and Phil Roberts made an unscheduled journey to Taste of Maine - by water - as Andy and Amy Fletcher were, in the words of Jackson Browne, “Running on Empty.”

Not to be outdone, John Merrill is now in the market for new wheels as he accidentally (?) launched his car at the same time as his boat. (Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”)

Please send your news – embarrassing or not – to thejeffallison@gmail.com