Similar to the trend of the past two weeks, the  IOS summer season continued full-swing July 17. Two hosts opened their cottages for an evening of conversation, laughter and reconnection; Patty Ridlon to 21 women at the Ridlon Family Cottage and Glen McCandless to 17 men at the Jones Cottage. Guests brought appetizers and preferred beverages. Many thanks to these welcoming hosts. 

At last, on Saturday, July 19 the time had come for the eagerly anticipated Isle of Springs Pier FunDraiser! Launching the auction took 12 months of a dedicated village of organizers, advertisers, implementers, decorators and donors.  

That night the Casino was transformed. On approach one could see the porch festooned with lights on burlap ribbons. The interior was decorated with strings of small lights along all of the beams, and votives, lighted empty wine bottles and flower vases had been placed on long tables covered with bright tablecloths. In the far lefthand corner, a bar was set with beer and wine, and on the right front corner, the ping pong table was covered with appetizers. The stage displayed the 17 themed raffle baskets behind which hung the large movie screen. On the screen was projected 1928 and 1931 Isle of Springs home movies taken by the Eustis family. As we moved around the lovely room, we were entertained by these films of island life of a different era. We witnessed Boothbay Harbor boat races, a steamer arriving, Superintendent, Erastus Jewett driving a horse-driven wagon filled with islander luggage, two men sawing down a large tree by the tennis courts, the NeKrangan Hotel getting repairs, tennis players wearing white flannel, folks at Deep Cove in their wearing woolen bathing suits, and brave islanders were seen climbing aboard a sea plane.  

Back to the Auction. Donated items included multiple paintings and art mostly Maine and island-themed, a hand-crafted cherry end table, two wooden cheese boards, hand-made jewelry, two hand knit sweaters, and a needlepoint door stop. Service providers donated items such as garden help, a three-tiered cake, dinners, fitness training, adventure opportunities (ski houses, condos, boat trips), music lessons and more. Who ever knew that so many talented and generous people summer on this little island? Participants took chances on the 17 themed baskets with the purchase of raffle tickets. A few examples: an L.L. Bean bag of classic children’s Maine books, and a Trip to Monhegan Basket, Happy Hour in your Cottage Basket, Craft Beer Basket, a Utah Adventure Basket, Linens for one’s cottage bedroom Basket, An Oyster Farm Bucket and sea bags for a cruise or a trip to the beach to name a few. 

On the long tables along the center and down both sides, items up for auction were displayed with their bidding sheets. Despite the enthusiastic conversations at this not-so-silent auction, as the evening wore on, folks began to hover close to their desired items. As the final calls approached, a sense of quiet competition pervaded. Bidding sheets were collected and folks waited in eager anticipation for the results as they were posted and announced. By the end of the evening and after all 54 bidding sheets were tallied, the news began to spread that the evening had been a huge success. In summary, the Isle of Springs FunDraiser was so much more than its name. It was an event that built community spirit while raising funds that far exceeded all expectations!  

By Sunday evening’s downpour, and after a major clean up (thank you to the cleanup crew), the Casino was back to normal. Sunday Service was well-attended despite the rain. Robin Woolson focused her discussion on her love of watching and learning about birds (perfect topic given her name!). She and her family had moved about the U.S. multiple times during which she was able to experience varieties of different birds and the timing of their migrations. Her love of birds was evident. Each Christmas, she and her family participate in an annual 15-minute bird count. Robin said she’ll be an enthusiastic participant in 2027 when the NeKrangan II plans for a repeat of “Our Feathered Friends” exhibit, and when we’ll try for an IOS bird count.  

Upcoming: Bingo 7/23 at the Casino. A Birthday for Deborah and Arthur Pierce on Saturday, 7/26 at the Casino, the Annual Memorial Swim on Sunday, 7/27 at 1 p.m. at the pier, and the Annual Meeting on Saturday, 8/2. Is it possible August is almost here??