The top story this week is the JPVIS Annual Meeting held last Saturday morning. Outgoing President Jose McComiskey kept the committee reports moving, assuring everyone was on their way by 11 a.m. We are in good financial shape with income from members’ dues and fees covering the 2019 operating expenses. The George Whitten Capital Campaign has raised nearly $75,000 as the official fundraising year comes to an end. (It’s always open for new donations.) This was a generous outpouring of support from the community to ensure that JPVIS will be able to maintain its unique assets well into the future.

Jose announced the new slate of officers with some brand new members coming on and old members swapping chairs. John Gillies, who could not be present as he was rocking with The Rolling Stones, steps up to President, followed in two years by Susan Schadler. Other changes include Emily Whiting as 2nd VP, assuring her role at the helm in 4 years. Jose stays on as Past President (easily the happiest Board position). Lee Corbin stepped down as Treasurer, handing it over to Peter Edwards, as she becomes Resident Executive. Barry Simmons and Wade Judge joined as At Large members of the board, replacing Anne Dooley and Marily Kerney. Debbie Rosenberg and Anne Dooley will take on the newly renamed House and Garden Committee (not as glamorous as it sounds) with promises of help from many members. Kristin Gray will be moving soon to Sri Lanka and her mother-in-law, Barb Gray, will replace her as Tennis Chair. “Old” members remaining in place – Bunny Gagne, At Large; Lizzie Lewis, Secretary; Charlotte Morrison, Membership; Robert Moser, Grounds; Carey Swope, Floats and Docks; Ann Swope, Lobster Bake. All of these committee chairs need support; Jose reminded us that every one of us can do something, even if it’s pulling weeds while watching our kids play tennis.

Heidi McGee reported on her and John Gillies’s meeting with Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch concerning traffic on McKown Point Road. The chief subsequently met with the Coast Guard and DMR reminding employees of the speed limit (25 mph) and driving cautiously, sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. Chief Hasch encouraged anyone who can identify a vehicle causing concerns to contact him directly at bhasch@boothbayharbor.com

We are on the town’s list for a temporary digital sign that measures mph. Heidi also reported on the department’s concern about the four corners intersection at McKown Pt. Rd. and Route 27. This has been the site of several serious accidents and the town and the state are discussing how to make the intersection safer, especially for traffic turning left onto McKown Pt. Rd. Again, Chief Hasch would like to hear from individuals with their concerns and suggestions. Please identify yourself as a member of the JPVIS community.

The Manley Reed scholarship was awarded this spring to Max Hoecker, son of Marie Hoecker, the Episcopal minister in town. He is starting his second year at Rochester Institute of Technology, studying software engineering.

Tennis news this week leads off with elation that Dave, Becky and the girls will be returning next summer. That probably got the biggest round of applause at the meeting. The Junior team went up against BHYC again last week for a friendly match on both teams’ courts, with lots of winning on both sides. The last match of the season is today, Aug. 1st, here against Christmas Cove from 1-4.

The annual Pancake Breakfast and Tennis Exhibition is this Sunday morning at 9. The Tennis Committee whips up a wonderful array of pancakes, waffles, fruit, juice and coffee. After filling yourself you can sit right on the court and watch excellent tennis up close when Dave and Susan take on visiting pros. Bring a cash donation for breakfast and maybe a sun hat for the tennis. Starting right about now is the JPVIS tournament, where you play for the honor of having your name immortalized on the plaques in the Community House.

Last Sunday night’s scavenger hunt had a big turnout where 25 Juniors, fueled by ice cream and candy, tested their local knowledge at the troll bridge, Whitten’s field, Reed’s beach, Moore’s Landing.

Coming up soon are Story Telling on Thursday the 15th at 7 p.m. at the Gillies and The Second Annual Chowder Cook-Off on Saturday the 17th at the Community House. Most of the JPVIS events are on the printed calendar which you can pick up at the Community House along with the excellent new Member Directory.

That wraps up this week. Anyone willing to write the column due Monday, August 12th? You know the drill. annedooley@mindspring.com