As we all continue the slow recovery from the July 4th fun, there are more thanks to go around. In addition to those already thanked, (let’s thank the Community Band and Carousel Singers again!) kudos to the grill crew of Greg Merrill, John Merrill and Mark Spenser, the distribution team of Tom Higdon (dogs) and Karen McNamara (chips). For the second year in a row, wavy chips out sold salt and vinegar with barbecue chips coming in last. Beverage tenders were sisters Barbara Spencer and Mary Beth Tallwood and Barbara’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who was visiting from Tampa.

The watermelon crew of Laura Allison and Megan D’Eramo. More thanks to Mary Beth as I am finally in the annual July 4 Village photo, as Mary Beth took the picture. Thanks to Kate Geiselman, you can view the photo on our website or Facebook page.

Julie and David Merrill have escaped the craziness of Bayville and Lawn Cottage and have been spending the past week sailing the Maine coast in a windjammer. 

World Cup watch parties have been all the rage around the Village. The Norwegian rowers have headed home but the English fans are holed up in Alina’s cottage.

I have watched quite a bit of the World Cup and must say, I’m not impressed. 90 minutes of futbol and not much action. Give me American football anytime. I played soccer - and coached kids - for a number of years, and though it is a great game to play, the crowd is the best part of what I’m seeing. 

The police tape around Fletcher Park was the result of a big misunderstanding. As some of you know, I had recent hip surgery and Lucky was the proud recipient of said bone. Someone saw said bone and became alarmed. It seems all the other dogs are jealous of Lucky as he has had quite the time defending his windfall, so Wayne Lafferty, who is having the same surgery on July 20, has put his hip bone out for bid, with all proceeds going to charity. If you really love your dog, there is still time to get in on the action.

After the brief respite to reach Hot Dog 250, training has resumed for the upcoming Waterfront Festival on July 25.

Things kick off at 8am with Pickleball Palooza. Both courts will be busy as everyone tries to unseat Nate and Julie Merrill from their perch atop the leader board for the past 3 years. Hopefully, it’s already taken care of, but as of press time we need a volunteer or two to make sure the young kids early edition of the Waterfront Festival happens. It’s never too young to learn traditions. At around 1 (time to be confirmed), events such as musical chairs and water balloon toss take center stage. Once the competitions are over, it’s time to put the grudges aside and enjoy the tasty treats at the Ice Cream Social.

Never one to sit around, Alina reports the following;

“I recently participated in the Yankee Classic and New England Dancesport Championships, competing in the Senior Ballroom category. I danced four traditional ballroom dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Quickstep.

“I was pleased with my results, but for me the real goal is not so much winning as continuing to improve my technique while enjoying the experience. Ballroom dancing provides many benefits, including improved balance, musicality, fitness, and the joy of moving to beautiful classical music. As the saying goes, presenting what we have learned is rewarding, but it is the journey itself that brings the greatest satisfaction.

“On another personal note, I recently traveled to Scotland to take some of my husband Robert’s ashes to the Isle of Iona, where our relationship began nearly 50 years ago. A larger Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Blakesley Cottage in Bayville. Robert’s wish was for his ashes to be scattered in Linekin Bay alongside those of his father.

“Family, friends, neighbors, and members of the Bayville community are warmly invited to attend.”

Thank you for that Alina! Since I am stuck doing PT at home, please get your news to thejeffallison@gmail.com and have a great week!