Many thanks to Susan Bean for keeping the IOS column going throughout the long winter!

The Island is bursting with signs of summer! ‘Abigail Swett’ has been hauling on supplies, groceries, summer flowers, and most importantly happy Islanders anticipating their seasonal visits! The docks are full, the tennis courts are being readied, and many little folks have been swinging and climbing at the new playground.

The transition to the new Manager system is going smoothly thanks to Mike Thompson and Kim Olsen. Working with Kim to support the IOS going forward is Kim’s husband, Scott and their children Maddie and Braeden.

With the hope of not excluding too may, islanders seen are Edna Stoddard with Linda and Tony Harper, Dick and Eleanor Morrell, Jim Morrell, Betsy Morrell with friend Brad Booth, Patty and Ian Ridlon and sons, Lars Rydell and Jackie Robie (for a short stay with plans to return over the 4th), Katie Rydell and friend, Sue Woolson who was visited by Erica, Erica’s partner and their 1-year old son, Jeff Parsons and friend, the Germains (who are busily working on their new kitchen), Greg and Nancy Reagan at the Norton cottage followed by Carrie and Nick Saunders with sons (often fishing, but maybe not ‘catching’); Also, Asa and Bruce Welty (Jan and Jim are en route), Roland and Judy Miller, John Ayer, Deb Widbiller, and Susan and Scott Bean, Will and Patsy Mackenzie, Jenny Mackenzie and Maddie Loughridge, Peggy Aker at the Sturgis on the Boardwalk, Ann Moorehouse, Bruce MaGilvra, Bruce, Nan and Molly Bogart, Joanne and Richard Philllips with Richard’s niece, Vicky Bugado and husband Dustin and their children Rain and James, at the Jones, Glen’s twin nieces, Jennifer and Kira with husbands, John and Sean, Joan Faccenda was followed by Peter and Carol Burvill at the Nash/Burvill cottage, Duncan, Valerie, Gavin and Brody at the Dawes for a night. Lee and Sarah Grant and children are at the Richardson cottage, Jeff Bannon from WVA and his wife were in residence at the Swift/Kelly followed by his sister, Barbara Bannon Moody and husband. Regardless of the excitement of finally getting here, Sunday’s storm found multiple ferry loads of folks taking folks off to the mainland!

Should you decide to dine out, two of our Islanders are working in BBH; Conor Ridlon at the Tugboat and Maddie Olsen at MacSeagulls. Braeden Olsen has been doing some much-appreciated babysitting.

Brenda Bowen’s new novel, “Enchanted August,” is now at the top everyone’s summer reading list. The story takes place on an island in Maine … certainly some of the descriptions in the book seem familiar! Congratulations to Brenda on this fun summer read!

The NeKrangan II has opened with this year’s exhibit, “Island Men.” Photos of the goings on of IOS men going back to the 1920s are on display. The photo album of contemporary island men is in the works and will be available for purchase shortly. Next year’s exhibit, “On the Water” will focus on all activities that take place on and off-shore: boating, swimming, beach combing etc. As you go through your family archives, please be thinking about the names/models of all of your family boats and try to find vintage photos of boats, swimmers, and waterside activities. Similar to this year, if you have any vintage photos, please color photocopy and enlarge them and pass them along to me.

Reminders: The Opening Party, July 4 at 5:30 at the Ridlon Family Cottage, All-Island meeting with updates on the transition process, July 5 at 9 a.m. at the Casino, and Work Party on July 6, 9 - 11. The new ‘Abigail Swett’ schedule is 7 days per week at 8, 10, 12:30, 3 and 5.