It’s Friday, Labor Day weekend has begun and the Buzz is due. It’s the equivalent of triple witching in the stock market! Not only that, it is a beautiful day, so it’s time for me to crank out this column and partake in the festivities.

That flag flying over Valhalla Shores isn’t some sort of land grab, but instead a symbol of Thomas and Linda’s travels to The Emerald Isle. Erin go Bragh. I’m sure Phil Roberts will have some welcome back gifts for them when they return. I heard that Philbert may even have found a nice roost in their woods.

Unless someone wants to send news, this will be the last Buzz for a while as things are slowing down and I will be away until October. There probably will be one last column after Columbus Day to try and summarize all that has transpired this summer. My recollections are a bit fuzzy, but I do know it was a great summer. The weather was amazing and there were lots of fun things going on and the “Drive for 25” was a huge success! The sad part is we lost too many friends. As I get older, I realize health is the most important thing we have, so let’s do our best to stay healthy and live the fullest lives we can!

The Opera House was rocking Thursday night as Skerryvore brought their Scottish act to our shores. It was a sold out show and the bagpipes, flutes and fiddle had the crowd bumping until the end. Megan and I then headed over to hear nephew Brian sing “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” at karaoke night at Pier One. Brian sounded great. The crowds at the two places were quite a bit different, but there were a few familiar faces from the Opera House, and even the band Skerryvore showed up to enjoy some after work fun. They (as well as Brian and Liam) were still going strong when Megan and I headed home.

We are all so lucky to have so many great things to enjoy right in our backyard. The Opera House is one. Harbor Theater, Boothbay Region Historical Society, this newspaper, Boothbay Region Land Trust and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library are just a few of the others.

Speaking of the Memorial Library, my son JJ and I were there for a fun and worthwhile fundraiser last week. Now 12 years old, Raza Patel, who lives in NYC, but visits here every summer, founded a charity about three years ago that raises money through him playing chess. There were about 10 of us and we all played Raza (who is ranked globally in the top 100 players for his age group) on separate boards - at the same time. He would go from board to board countering our moves. He knocked everyone out very quickly - except for me. Now I do not play very often, but I know the basics. Well, this day I was channeling Bobby Fischer and could do no wrong. I was able to stay alive for over an hour with Raza just playing me. I even was leading for a bit, but once Raza had some food and drink, he quickly got me with just his king and a rook. Anyway, all were impressed with my play - even JJ couldn’t believe it as he always beats me - but as I jokingly told him; when the bright lights shine, that’s when I shine brightest. Raza did a great job organizing everything (including a silent auction with gift cards given by local businesses) and all money raised went to the children’s library. You can learn more at movesforamission.org.

Thanks to everyone who helps make Boothbay the special place that it is! thejeffallison@gmail.com