Thanks to Patsy Mackenzie for her services as columnist last week. Since her column, the Island seems to have become a bit quieter than in weeks past. The Morrells report that several family members have left after a 10-day visit.

Deb and Alan Polackwich have headed home to Vero Bach, Fla., while their son, Scott, and his wife Rebecca and their daughter Rowan flew back to Portland, Ore. Nephew Ben left for Jacksonville, Fla., while granddaughter Jessica and family returned to Richmond, Va.

Betsy Niven continues to appear on and off on the Island staying at the Niven/Parsons cottage and occasionally at the farmhouse. Stuart and Kathy Parsons hosted an old fashioned lobster bake on the West Shore for 16 of the Parsons, Niven and Morrell family members. With all the fun family activities going on it is nice that Betsy can come up from Brunswick easily.

Page Gravely arrived on Saturday happily joining Donna and Roman who have been enjoying their Island time since Tuesday. It is always great to have the Gravely family back on the Island.

Lea and Nick Aeschliman hosted long-time friends and annual visitors, John and Nancy Rohrer. The Rohrers, who usually come by boat to visit, drove up this year from York because of forecasts of questionable weather.

Brenda Bowen’s father, Frank, from Little Silver, N.J., and Brenda’s brother, David, from Alexandria, Va., have been visiting Brenda, Becky, Michael and Emma at the Dawes cottage.

Judy Webster Underkoffler and her son, Mark, with his family are here for a week staying at the cottage, which was once owned by Judy’s parents, Eddie and Phyllis Webster. They have been enjoying tennis again and a boat ride with the Mackenzies. It is always wonderful to have this family back on the Island.

Arthur Pierce reports that on Friday, Aug. 23, Maria Jenness, Stewardship Manager for Maine Island Trail Association, led a team to reopen the trail on Powderhorn Island from the beach to the height of land which provides outstanding views.

The team consisted of Becky, Goodman, Deborah and Arthur Pierce, Maria Jenness (who visited Powderhorn as a teenager) and Maria’s father. This is another instance of the excellent cooperation between the MITA and the Isle of Springs Association, owner of Powderhorn.

The Sunday night service was conducted by John Barbaro with musical accompaniment on the organ and piano by Michael Smith. The service was done in a Quaker spirit with a period of silence affording those who wished to express their thoughts of what the Isle of Springs means to each and its place in their lives. Quite a number of Islanders were moved to share those thoughts. John began the service with the hymn “Amazing Grace” and ended it with “In the Garden.”

A final reminder from the Morrells that the annual Labor Day all-island picnic will be held at the farmhouse on Saturday, Sept. 1. Grills and coffee will be provided. Bring whatever you like to eat and maybe something to share. Rain date will be Sunday, Sept. 2. Hope to see you all there.