So much has happened in the three weeks since the last column! A quick summary includes: a special decade birthday for Bob Esterberg; a reception given by the Welty Clan in honor of Asa and Maddie Welty’s marriage. The reception also focused on memories of Jim Welty which made it both joyous and sentimental; the Opening Party, hosted by Pat Ridlon and Patsy at the Casino; an All-Island meeting with a spirited dialogue with the Board about shareholder concerns and proposed by-law changes; the first Sunday Gathering; and the July 2 Work Party organized by Peter Burvill.

On July 4 and with the Boom of the Cannon, the July 4 Boat Parade took off under the direction of Commodore Peter Burvill. Decorations ranged from patriotic (vintage flags, red, white and blue bunting, pennants, and pinwheels) to humorous (stars and ‘strippers’ and super heroes to Save America). Winners were: 1^st place, the Burvills’ “Hot Ticket” (patriotic with Lady Liberty at the bow) and 2^nd to the Mackenzies’ “Choppy C” (effective with nude body suits). On the dock were the spectators and the July 4 bake sale. In addition to edibles, inedible donations by Peter Burvill and Nancie Bogart added to the proceeds (a beautifully decorated glass window with sea glass, a starfish shell etc., and a wonderful handmade lobster pillow). Thanks to all for donating and supporting the sale. July 4 evening found a bug-free picnic on the West Shore making it a perfect spot to be on a lovely evening to meet up with old friends while the bell buoy rang in the distance.

On the 6^th and just as the LIS was beginning to gather for its July meeting, the folks at the top of the hill lost their water. In short order, the Olsens got the expert over and he quickly solved an electrical issue with the pump. Water was restored by noon. The good news was that this event turned out to be an opportunity to field test the Island’s new emergency call system. Both cell and land lines were activated to let Islanders know that the water was back on. Even if you happened to be as far away as California, you were called and informed that the “Water is back on!” If you haven’t already, consider signing up for the system per the emails that have been sent out.

Sunday Gatherings: On July 1 Rob Reece reflected on changes on the IOS over the millennia. He started with references to our prehistorical evidence at the Museum and then brought us up to the rapid demographic and social changes of the present. On July 8 Deb Pierce organized a gathering highlighted by Nicole Welty’s reading of her beautifully described Island memoir, and Tom Thomas’s reading of an essay about growing up on the Island written by Maddie Medwid, his granddaughter. Each of these written works captured these young women’s love for the IOS and its impact on their lives.

During the 2^nd and quieter week of the month there were two noteworthy items: Jeremy Stillman (friend of Jenny Mackenzie) swam the circumference of the IOS followed the next day by a run around Southport! And, the 1^st Wharf Party was a success despite a cool and cloudy evening.

Finally, on 7/23/68, my mother, Jane McClennan, wrote the following in a letter from the IOS to me while I was traveling abroad. It is her description of the fire 50 years ago at the Warner cottage: “The children (Betsy & Peter) and I were relaxing after lunch when the bell rang. Pete flew with a bucket, Bets and I not far behind. We arrived at the Casino and Millie (Potts) said it was the Weeks’ cottage. I ran to the West Shore. It was the Warners’ – flames high & trees burning – very frightening and nothing you could do with just pails and brooms. As others had called the BH Fire Department and Coast Guard, it occurred to some of us that the electric wires were snapped. I ran to Wings’ and called CMP to turn off electricity. When I returned, the fire was more contained. The pump worked well for the first time (earlier it took an hour to get it going in the Reeds’ pool). The wind shifted and by wetting Weeks,’ and due to the wind shift the only loss was the Warners.’ By the time the Fire Dept. came, it was under control. Keith (MacGilvra) and Peter manned those back tanks and each emptied two. I managed to get a bucket of drinking water for the men, but not much else. Frank’s (Blake) men patrolled the area all night. I went home around three. I did cook dinner for two of Frank’s men (the first shift that could not go home). I had visions of the whole West Shore going, perhaps the Island, but the wind shift saved us. The Brueckners who rented the cottage, had gone to the harbor on the 11:30 ferry. They lost everything but their dog. The Warners arrived yesterday. Don’t know any outcome of all this, except more fire protection!” This 50-year old letter was a poignant description of a terrifying event that we all continue to dread. Her message at the end remains relevant, especially during this dry summer! Thanks again to Matt Bogart for setting up our new Emergency Notification Call system! With that we’re much better prepared today!

Reminders: Today, Thursday, July 19, at 7:30 in the Casino, Dr. Arthur Spiess of the Maine State Historical Commission will be giving an hour-long presentation on Maine Prehistory and Environment. It is a direct tie-in with this year’s exhibit at the Museum. All are encouraged to attend. Also, try out the simulated archeological dig outside. S’mores roast on the West Shore on Wed. 7/25 and a Pot Luck dinner on the 28^th.