July sailed in with the wonderful news of the births of two new Islanders! On the morning of July 1, two Island sons were born: Graham Rene Aeschliman, son of Kathleen and Matt Aeschliman and brother of Emma, and Barrett Handy Reece, son of Annie and Evan Reece and younger brother of Marley. Congratulations to those parents and sisters!  

Storm Arthur came up the coast in time for the Fourth. Throughout the night, strong winds and rain (four inches at least) battered the Island. Arthur left just in time for the Opening Party to begin. Glen and Cindy McCandless hosted the all-Island party to celebrate the 100-year birthday of the Jones cottage. Approximately 80 Islanders and guests celebrated. Built by Charles Jones, Glen’s great grandfather, the cottage was decorated with lovely flowers, vintage photographs, and a map showing all the states represented in the Jones. Staying with the hosts were: Jo and Colin Doherty and Glen’s sister Sarah McCandless with husband Dan Fitzpatrick their son, Daniel and Minnesota BC friend of his (he brought the number of states to 30).

The island is filling up! Returning islanders are: John Ayer and cousin Carol Grady Johnson at the Sturgis CC, Will and Patsy Mackenzie with Anna Loughridge followed in by Jenny, Anna and Chip, Andy Mackenzie with Farrah, Pat and John Ridlon (yeah, they made it out of Florida!), Bill and Kathy Thomas, Nancy Patterson and Neil Crossley, Ian and Patty with Brendan and Aiden, Jack Vayda, Jamie and Margoe Shaw with Sam and Cooper, Patty Parker, Serena and Cece, Joanne and Richard Phillips, Betsy and Brad Hastings at the Dawes, the MaGilvras with Jason, Cat and son, Quinn.

The Saunders clan, along with Carrie’s parents, Evan and Connie James, The Eric, and Drea, Millers, and Jan and Jim Welty after being driven East by their daughter, Linda Teves.  At the Reeces ‘ were Duncan and Valerie Reece with Gavin & Brody, Cam and Ellen Reece with Owen, and Hugh Reece and Erica Tubman with Charlie. Renting the Richardson cottage are Lee and Sarah Grant with children, Oliver and Evelyn, and renting the Hill cottage are Bob and Linda Rogers with their Son Robert, wife Susannah Bolphe with Finlay and Kate. Please forgive me if this list missed a few! Regardless, the parking lot was full and summer must finally be here!

Sunday morning the Superintendent Transition Committee held an all-Island meeting to discuss many issues surrounding the transition to a new superintendent once Mike Thompson retires in 2015.  After a brief presentation of the committee work to date, ideas and questions were addressed in preparation for the next steps. A second meeting of similar format will be on August 2. An online questionnaire and notes from the meeting have been sent out.  

The Sunday Evening Service was led by Nick Aeschliman. His timely description of  all of the Island’s Superintendents was gleaned from John Ridlon’s, “A Centennial History of the Isle of Springs” and from recollections of his father-in-law, Albert Hutchinson.  This provided interesting perspectives on superintendents over the past 127 years. Hymns were accompanied by the lovely duets of Will Mackenzie and Bob Rogers.

Led by Peter Burvill, the July work party dealt with kelp on the floats, new seedlings in Cathedral woods, and clearing and replacing shingle on boardwalks.

The NeKII “Island Artists” exhibit has been installed. If you have any items to contribute, just leave them in the museum. After many requests, next year’s exhibit will be Island Men! Please take iconic photos of your island men and boys while they are here this summer for inclusion in an album to be created this winter. Digital copies should be emailed to Susan Reece.