Already August is half past, and we are saddened to see folks leaving the Island for their winter homes. Regardless, we enjoy reminiscing about all of the wonderful things that have happened on the Isle of Springs this busy summer. Since our last column activities have fallen into two major categories: those important to the future of the Island and its residents, and those for fun and pleasure.

Serious Activities of Import. Among the more serious activities were two emergency training sessions; CPR, AED use, and first aid. These informative learning sessions were very helpful, especially when one considers the length of time it may take for EMTs to arrive on the island in acute health emergencies. If you have not already, check out the three locations of the AEDs on the island and plan to attend next year’s sessions. Thank you to Kim Olsen for setting them up.

Rob Ayer, president, hosted a well-attended All-Island Zoom question and answer session in preparation for the Annual Meeting held Aug. 1. At the Annual Meeting all actions of the BOD were acted upon and approved for the coming year including a vote to allocate the residual the contingency pier funds to Capital Reserve Account.

Social/Fun Activities

S’mores and Memorial Swim. The end of July included the S’mores on the West Shore Beach (thanks to host, Elizabeth Pierce), the All-Island Memorial Swim on one of the cooler days of summer. Deb Pierce’s provided her annual contribution, a homemade chocolate sheet cake (a treat both for the swimmers and observers).

The annual Mixed Up Doubles Tournament. There was the exciting and competitive Mixed-Up Doubles Tennis Tournament Aug. 2. Starting at 8 a.m., the tournament played on until almost 3 p.m. Winners were Jenny Mackenzie and Brody Reece, and runners-up were Dina Hutchinson and Evan Reece. Concurrent with the tourney and in support of the Tennis Club was a bake sale in which all baked goods disappeared well before the end of the competition.

The Youth Work Party. Saturday, Aug. 8, Jim Morrell, the Pied Piper of the Youth Work Party, led a following of kids around the island picking up trash detritus on the beaches and rocks. Participants received both ice cream and extra chances for the Penny Party to occur that evening.

The Penny Party. Led by Matt Bogart, this event, always a favorite of kids of all ages and perhaps as old as 90 years is in support of the Tennis Club. By Saturday afternoon the parking lot is full, and by 7 p.m. the Casino is packed. The well-choreographed party went on in usual fashion; folks purchasing strips of numbered tickets with matching stubs. While sitting at tables in the Casino, they cut their strips into individual tickets. Up on stage, hosts group the donated gifts and describe each gift individually. Then, kids carrying large pots walk around the tables where folks in the audience can choose to put their hoped-for winning tickets. Back on stage, tickets are pulled from the pots, and winning numbers are announced. Cheers go up for each winner making for a wild and noisy time. As for the gifts, they range from toys and games, sports equipment, baked goods, “mystery envelopes,” and miscellaneous items. The event lasts for about 2.5 hours to the finale, the drawing for the coveted Grand Prize, a beautiful “Money Tree,” (a tree branch garnished with ribbons and fan-folded dollar bills). In addition to providing entertainment, the Penny Party with its large turnout benefits the Tennis Club and our antique clay tennis courts’ upkeep (dating 1911- the upper court, 1918 - the lower). According to the outgoing president of the Tennis Club, David Bowen, the event raised the highest sum for the party to date. The incoming Tennis Club president will be Scott Hutchinson. 

Oyster and Beer Tasting on the New Pier, Aug. 15. This event was donated by the Niven family’s Mere Point Oyster Company and Mattie Daughtry and Phillip Welsh’s Moderation Brewery Company both of Brunswick. The evening was perfect, and the oysters and beer were fabulous! In recent years this benefit provided support the building of our new pier on which we stood this year. Now that its complete, the benefit has pivoted and is in support of upcoming water system renovations. Many, many thanks to these two families for their generous contributions to the Island.  

Sunday Services. We appreciate the variety and range of the Sunday Services offered since our last column. Bruce Welty dove into the history of the Island with and focused on John Jordan, an original founder whose passion for the island and forward thinking laid the foundation for our current water system. We also learned of the tragedy of his early death. In her service, Emily Thomas provided insightful observations about the impact of technology on both adults and youth in our culture, and how time outdoors on the Island can offset some of its deleterious influence. Brenda Bowen stepped in once again and organized the Children’s Service in which each child (Miles Vayda and Maisie Reece) and some adults brought a special and unique objects found in their cottages. Most recently, Alan Polackwich focused his service on the concept of Happiness. After careful research of the multiple variables known to be associated with human happiness, he provided a summary list: Social Relationships, Gratitude, Helping Others, Finding Meaning/Purpose in Life, Optimism, Taking Care of One’s Body, Creating Things that Make One Happy, Acting Happy (smiling, wearing bright colors), Spirituality, and Connecting with Nature. All participants at the service were smiling as we left the Casino into a night sky and realized that our summer island provides on multiple fronts a perfect venue for enhancing individual happiness!

As the days shorten, and a few red leaves fall to the ground, we are grateful for all that our island provides.