Last week we, and a variety of interested souls, had a lovely and unique visit at Southport Memorial Library. A diverse group from near and far had an opportunity to hear Dr. Clarice Yentsch chat about one of her most recent creations, “The Baycliff Saltwater Farm Family," a book about a historically significant and personal parcel of land situated on an inside stretch of the Sheepscot River across from the southern end of Indiantown Island. An accumulation of wonderful text accompanied by an exceptionally diverse collection of art, this book offers an original and historical glimpse into many lives and ways that celebrate place and people. It is a special recognition of how much the natural world offers and how our fleeting presence can reveal who we are and what we have become. It is a glimpse.

I have known Dr. Clarice for a long time, going back to the early days of Bigelow Lab’s location at the end of McKown Point in West Boothbay Harbor. I knew that she and her husband Charlie did some pretty special ocean work for which they received significant recognition, but I never realized the diversity of their interests. “The Baycliff Saltwater Farm Family” book has given me a peek into how this family was shaped by their home and the history of a special location.

Much of this book is dedicated to others. Although most of the writing was guided by Clarice, the book’s contents recognize the significance of a world filled with curiosity, passion and talented individuals. Clarice is not shy about sharing her respect for the gifts she has been given and the people who have come and gone in her life. Throughout the book, she shares stories that clearly demonstrate the high regard she holds for creative thought and interactive design.

The list of people mentioned in this book is substantial. Among them, Joan Barbara Britton, who painted the book’s cover image. For many Southporters, Joan is well known for her art and her love for the Boothbay region. Clarice mentions Joan’s work definitively on the first page, stating, “Her work invites the viewer to linger, notice small truths, and feel anchored in a particular world.”

Clarice’s granddaughter is Ella Cassidy Yentsch, a gifted communicator who specializes in photography and videography emphasizing creativity and storytelling. Ella managed the production of the Baycliff story and was deeply committed to its proper creation. Local artists Sandra Barry, Karyl Bannister and  Hilary Bartlett, among others, shared their work with Ella and Clarice.

The photograph which accompanies today’s story shows, at the far left, a photo of Joan Britton. Next to Joan’s portrait is Ella, then Morgan Mitchell who guided the evening discussion with Clarice, beside whom is displayed the Britton book cover painting. For anyone interested in a copy of “The Baycliff Saltwater Farm Family,” please contact Waypoint Foundation, www.TheWaypointFoundation.org.

The intention of this venture is to benefit Waypoint Foundation with the mission to celebrate human creativity.