As I was down for the count with a fever I did not attend what sounded like an awesome Opening Party on July 6, 2013. The weekend occupants of the Burvill/Nash Cottage kindly submitted this report: “With the Fourth of July fast approaching, the Sawyer’s Island parking lot quickly filled. The ferry ran at full speed with Max at the helm delivering old and new friends to the Isle of Springs.

“Tennis is now in full swing, complimented wonderfully by the sound of squeaky wheelbarrows, as almost all of the cottages filled with friends and loved ones.

“We are excited to announce the most recent addition to our Island family: Owen Barrett Reece was delivered to first-time parents, Cam and Ellen Reece, on Sunday, June 30 in Boston, Massachusetts.

“As we celebrated the Birth of America, many Islanders made their way to the Harbor by boat and car to enjoy yet another beautiful fireworks display, thanks to the town of Boothbay Harbor.

“Sadly, on July 4, Alice Carter Sturgis Grady peacefully passed away at her home in Raleigh, N.C. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Sturgis-Grady family. Born in 1927 in Portland, Alice spent part of the majority of her 85 summers on her beloved Isle of Springs and will be missed by all. (A memorial service for Aunt Alice will be scheduled between August 2 and August 7 when her daughter Carrol will be here.)

“While we all watched the mercury rise to 90-plus degrees, the wharf quickly filled with adventure-seeking individuals looking for a refreshing dip off the pier and dock. Many a belly-flop was observed! Islanders who normally avoid jumping in were actually seen cooling off in the 62 degree Sheepscot River!

“The Burvill/Nash Cottage threw an epic 4th of July party.”

Thank you, Burvills, for such a lively report.

As everyone has probably noticed, the temperatures have stayed hot these days following the Fourth, but as I write, this Monday morning is cool and a bit overcast; a nice respite for workers who joined the Work Party from 9 to 11 a.m.

As we made our way to the Casino on Sunday evening, we were delighted to find fans on our hymnals on our seats. Thank you, Richard Phillips, for the 125th Anniversary fans sporting a Peter McClennan photo on one side and anniversary dates on the other. And a new Wind Machine fan; thank you, Carol Burvill.

The first Sunday Service is traditionally delivered by the President of the Isle of Springs Association and Nick Aeschliman did not disappoint. He began with Island births: Brody Starr Reece (son of Duncan and Valerie), Virginia Brent Reynolds (daughter of Luke and Meghann Sturgis Reynolds) and Owen Barrett Reece, previously mentioned. We only had two Island deaths: Susanne Eustis Bogart and Alice Carter Sturgis Grady.

Our first hymn was “Joyful, Joyful,” which, coincidentally was part of Scott’s and my wedding service 30 years ago. Nice to hear and reflect on those words again.

Nick’s service centered on Rights for All Americans. He reminded us that 150 years ago, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and delivered the Gettysburg Address during the Civil War. One hundred years later, in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I Have A Dream” speech following the March on Washington.

After hearing parts of the Gettysburg Address, which notes our nation’s new birth and freedom, we sang “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” and these words struck me: “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free …”

As Martin Luther King Jr. lamented in 1963 that “the Negro is still not free” he proceeded to “dramatize an appalling condition” since not all Americans can claim the “rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” reminding America of the “fierce urgency of now and to open the doors of opportunity to all God’s children.”

Nick concluded with remarks about a recent 5-4 Supreme Court decision repealing parts of the Voting Rights Act. He noted that there is still racial disagreement, but is proud of the achievements our country has made in the last 50 years. When we sang “My Country Tis of Thee” we “let freedom ring!” He thanked his wife Lea for arranging the lovely flowers graciously provided by Deb and Art Pierce and Elizabeth Pierce for playing the piano.

Late-breaking: Jenny Mackenzie, Anna Loughridge, and Asa Welty swam from Sawyer’s to the Isle of Springs dock “in under 20 minutes.” (Someone said Asa did it in 16. Anyone remember Donald Esterburg’s butterfly time so many years ago?) Judy Miller, Chip and Maddie Loughridge were “saving them” in boats. Bravo.

This columnist is “retiring” for the summer. I am hoping that Patsy will fill us in on the Mackenzie trip to Ireland last week. A little “facebird” told me there were all kinds of IOS reunions on the Emerald Isle … looked like fun!