It was a weekend unlike any other; July 18 and 19 when two unprecedented events took place on the Isle of Springs! The first, on Saturday was the eagerly anticipated “Dedication Ceremony of the Isle of Springs Pier and Pier Shed.” Put together by Betsy Morrell and Brenda Bowen, the afternoon ceremony was an opportunity for the Island community to gather, dedicate and celebrate our new pier along with its new pier shed on top. The light rain of the afternoon did not dampen the enthusiasm of a crowd of approximately 115 persons (based on an AI head count from a photo of attendees). The order of events: a ceremony beginning with the raising of a new flag by Bruce Bogart, followed by welcome/opening remarks by Rob Ayer, IOS President, remarks by Rob Reece, Chair of the Pier Task Force, a group sing of “The Pier is Done” (to the tune of “Abide with Me” with lyrics written by Brenda Bowen), a group drone photo shoot taken by Evan Morrell, a ribbon cutting by Rob Reece and Betsy Morrell, and finally a champagne toast and cake. To elaborate on some of the details of the celebration: The pier was decorated for the event with bunting, and the new pier shed with flowers. Upon arrival attendees were greeted by island children offering buckets of colored chalk for folks to write/draw on the new boards. The opening remarks by R. Ayer and R. Reece acknowledged the critical contributions of specific individuals to the successful outcome of a complicated five-year process. “The Pier is Done” song led by Brenda, had lyrics capturing the ups, downs, and emotions associated with any major community project; the sheer work of it, budgeting, timing, repeating vote taking, frustrations, rifts, and toward the end, ‘mend.’ The last line of the song, “Pier for the ages now, we shout HOORAY!” (as well the crowd did!). Evan Morrell then launched his drone to take a photo shoot of the crowd standing smiling in the rain facing the Sheepscot. As the rain increased in intensity, all the bright-colored foul weather gear enhanced the occasion all the more. A red ribbon strung across the front of our new shed was then cut by Rob Reece and Betsy Morrell. Lastly, a detail not to forget, a beautiful lemon/blueberry cake made by Brittany Widbiller and decorated with a frosting of a flower-covered shed was presented and passed out along with champagne for a toast. 

If that was not enough to make a weekend special, Sunday brought along a different kind of enthusiasm, the FIFA World Cup Game between Spain and Argentina. Keri Mattalano here all the way from San Diego, had the brilliant idea to play the game live on the big screen in the Casino-made possible in part this year because of new wiring for Internet. The Casino was decorated with international buntings outside and international flags strung across the ceiling inside. Tables and chairs were set up as if we were in a dinner theatre! While Pat Smith and sous chef, John Ridlon, grilled hot dogs and burgers outside, inside there were shared appetizers. The game played on! The sentiment of the 81 or so persons in attendance was that despite which team you preferred to win, the event was a fun shared community experience. A new identity for the Casino! Our thanks go to Keri, Pat Smith and John Ridlon, to the LIS and to all the folks who made for such a successful time. Once the game ended, everyone chipped in taking off the tablecloths, clearing out trash, and setting up for the Sunday Service that would follow in 90 minutes. 

Recent Sunday Services. Sunday, July 12 Mattie Daugherty new co-owner of Halcyon Cottage, led her first Sunday Service. She described the many years she had come to the Island as guest of the Rydell family and how thrilled she is now to be with family in her own cottage. We heard stories of her childhood experiences on island allowing us to better get to know her. Toward closing, she excitedly shared her plans to wed Phillip Welsh on the Island in September.

On July 19, Sunday Service was led by 14 year-old Drake Mackenzie. To prepare for the event, he decided to send an email to his Mackenzie family group chat and ask each member what things they like best about the Island. There were many recurring themes in their answers some of which were: the wonderful clean ME air (especially noted by those from CA), a place for generations of family to gather, blueberry pies, tubing, and especially the plan that the Island will always be his second home. Drake’s grandfather, Will Mackenzie came temporarily out of retirement to play favorite hymns at Drake’s request: “America the Beautiful” (in special honor of the 250th), “In the Garden,” and “Now the Day is Over.”