July 1. Despite the long haul of damp since Summer Solstice, Claudia Stevens and Matt Bogart brightened the mood by hosting the Opening Party at the Casino. Buntings were hung below the porch windows and small tables evocative of a café were set up outside. Votives, flags, flowers, and tables decorated the interior space.

July 2 Sunday Service led by Betsy Morrell had a remarkable turnout during a wild storm of driving rain and wind. The prelude, played on the piano by Owen Reece was followed by Becky Goodman accompanying favorite hymns on the guitar. Per tradition Betsy noted our new Islanders: Charlie Perry Welty to Madeline Loughridge and Asa Welty, Parker Hazel Vayda Yow to Allette Vayda and Mandy Yow, and Beau Josephine Parsons Sussex born to Geoff and Emma Parsons (in Amsterdam). And also in tradition, she noted the one loss, that of her dad, Dick Morrell, a pillar of the IOS community if there ever was one. She read the following poem by her stepson, Elliott Osgood written for Dick’s Memorial Service:

Gramp Listens by Elliot Osgood

Sitting and Remembering, Legs Crossed Nodding, Reading, Watching, Rooting Listening Wood Paneled and Leaded Glass Stained “How are your Marks?” Twinkling with Pride before we can respond Bird Sings, Telephone Rings, Chocolate Chips Cookies for Two

Later a Christmas Ham and A side of Vegetables Not right now thank you Colored Lights on Spruce Tree Sparkle Family Gathers Gramp Sits, Asking, Rocking Beaming, Teasing Listening Red Sweater, Maybe Green: LL Bean Dessert Arrives Cool Chocolate Mousse, Family need not hold back

Later, Boston Whaler Dockside Just in time for an afternoon nap Cotton Crisped in Summer’s Salt and Sweet Grass freshly mowed (Salt substitute when Gram is Asking) Finding you for a visit Sitting, Scanning Chewing Fat and Making Sure: ‘Stumps are Stirred’ Fog bell Rings Belt & Shirt, Downeast Yellow Buttercream As good for Garden as Sunday Service Casino Bound No flashlights needed

Other readings included “Passing” written in the Boothbay Register Dec. 4, 1942, “In Rustic Wood” by Prof. Harlan Stetson c. 1930, about escalating dues (a perfect choice as we confront building and a new pier), and “Perhaps the World Ends Here” 1994 by Joy Harjo.

7/3. No surprise, the work party was postponed. Please see signup at the library for options for doing island chores. That evening a few braved the fog to cruise to BBH for fireworks and made it back with the assist of navigation aids.

July 4. For the first time in the eight years, the annual IOS Boat Parade was cancelled. Unwilling to let the winds and rain dampen a celebration and the opportunity to share/sell baked goods, that afternoon Brenda Bowen and Becky Goodman set up the bake sale at the Casino. And, there was entertainment; musicians including Bob Rogers on piano, Becky and Glen McCandless on guitar serenaded the crowd as they grazed and purchased sweets.

July 5. Three days of sun brought back all the joys of summer.

July 8 Serious fog held off allowing for the 2nd fabulous Oyster Tasting/Wharf Party hosted by the Niven family of Mere Point and Muir Point Oysters. Many thanks to the Nivens for the delicious oysters and the contributions they brought toward our Pier Fund.

July 9. Sunday Service II led by Patsy Mackenzie, focused on the importance and value of friendship. She and Linda Rogers highlighted their 50+ year relationship with each other and their families. Brenda Bowen played a piano prelude and accompanied the hymns on the pump organ. To the delight of the crowd, Patsy and Linda (both Broadway dancers in the past) did a soft-shoe rendition of ‘Tea for Two’ accompanied by a piano duet played by old friends, Bob Rogers and Will Mackenzie.

Mark your calendars: July 15, Bingo Night for all ages. July 18, 1 p.m. at the Harbor Theater see Jenny Mackenzie’s film, “The Right to Read.” July 19, S’mores Roast at the West Shore (bring your sticks). July 22, ‘Balmy Days Cruise’ (tickets still available. See Claudia Stevens). Finally, this weather is perfect to go to a museum. Don’t forget to revisit the “Life Between the Tides; Combining Science and Art” at NeKII. In addition to displays of the intertidal zones, you’ll find detailed information on the threat of the Invasive European Green Crab and a tide pool game for kids. So far this July has been damp and full, and it’s not even half over!