Juniper and McKown Points are brimming with friends, families and other visitors from near and far. Those lucky enough to have been here this past week were treated to some quintessential Maine days of sparkling water, deep blue skies and the ever-blowing Maine wind.

Saturday was one of those days, in which an incredibly moving Celebration of Life was held for Boothbay resident Scott Atkinson. It began with a boat parade, led by friends Tom and Amy from Ellsworth, Maine, who arrived in their lobster boat, Ruth, to lead it. Five boats followed Ruth out past Burnt Island.  (I was lucky enough to be among them, as Ben and Lizzie Lewis generously allowed me to slip onto their boat!) A ceremony at sea ensued, which included an eight-chime salute, marking the end of the last watch of a seaman, according to Tom and Amy. Then, Scott’s family and many friends joined together for a reception in the O’Connell’s field, conversing, story-telling, connecting and reconnecting. The whole event was well-orchestrated by Meredith, Scott’s wife and the love of his life, and provided the perfect ambiance for a truly heartfelt gathering.

Later that evening, another long-time Boothbay resident, John Gillies, was honored by his family, who hosted a square-dance at the Community House. John spent 80 straight summers on Juniper Point, beginning in 1945 at the age of six, and he leaves a lasting legacy. As one friend recently wrote about him, “John was a delightful man – well-read, funny, kind, and always a gentleman.  I will forever remember his laugh – which was with his whole body while his eyes twinkled.”

For many years, ever-popular square dances were held on a regular basis in the Community House, and Saturday night revived those long-held memories. There was, of course, a steep learning curve, as all ages from pre-teens to those in their 80s and 90s navigated the caller Ray’s instructions. But by the end of the night, a (mostly) synchronized group of those gathered, managed the Virginia Reel, the Hokey-Pokey, plenty of sashaying and do-si-doing, and even the YMCA dance! There was a lot of laughter, and a fabulous time was had by all. We send a sincere thank-you to the Gillies family for their inspirational gift to the community. The event was so well-attended and mirrored John’s love of dancing, that the Gillies family anticipates starting the Annual John Gillies Memorial Square Dance!

Eric Slingerland, a thirty-something, long-time summer resident of Juniper Point, reports on a dinner he and his wife Joanne attended last week with some old friends: Jack Rosenberg and his wife Alexis (hosts), Po and Kylie Grant, Sarah McCarthy (formerly Kearney) and her husband Brad, Sarah Barton and her husband Azhar:

The dinner at Jack’s house was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends, reminisce about childhood memories and catch everyone up on the happenings of our lives presently. For many of us, work and young children are at the forefront of many of our minds and less so on climbing shoreline rocks as far as the eye can see. Although we did walk the shoreline rocks around Jack’s house.

He continues with other highlights: 

I can’t remember a tennis scene on Juniper Point that has been more thriving. At all times of day, the courts are bustling with activity, and clinics are often full. I find myself wondering how Dave and Susan keep up their stamina on the courts all day! As an un-planning boy 20 years ago with little thought for any moment but the present, I didn’t think about signing up for a court because more often than not, a court would be available to walk onto. If I were a young boy today with this same approach, I’d be sorely disappointed because the courts are so frequently filled!

For those interested in the courts, the JPVIS tennis tournament began Monday, July 27, and included senior ladies’ and men’s doubles, ladies’ and men’s open doubles, and finally mixed doubles and a trophy ceremony. The tournament is held Monday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. each day.

Do not miss the Tennis Exhibition Match and Pancake Breakfast at the Courts, on Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. Tennis pro Dave Taylor will partner up with some other seasoned players for a highly anticipated challenge!

Last, but certainly not least, please join us on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. for the annual Chowder Cook-Off at the Community House! Come enjoy delicious homemade chowders, great conversation, and wonderful community spirit. Bring your family and friends, or come on your own – you’ll be warmly welcomed and are sure to meet some new people. Every ticket helps support the Juniper Point Village Improvement Society (JPVIS) and its efforts to keep our community vibrant. Register today at https://www.jpvis.org. 

See you next week and please send any stories, news or tidbits to acswope@gmail.com.