The chowder cook-off took place Saturday night under cool and damp conditions, perfect chowder eating weather for the 50 plus attendees. Nine chowders were available for sampling, provided by chefs Bob Stuart (his was served by his cottage renters who had just arrived and jumped ladle first into the spirit of JPVIS), Kristen Gray, Susan Schadler, Debbie Kurz, Dave Taylor, Becky Taylor, Lee Corbin, the Whiting family and Jose McComiskey. Kate Culbert and Terry Paetzold returned to judge this year’s entries. After some serious tasting by the judges, Becky Taylor’s classic clam chowder seasoned with thyme from the tennis court gardens with a bacon garnish was awarded the 2019 championship. The people’s choice award went to Kristen Gray for her Thai Shrimp and Scallop chowder, made with lots of flavors including coconut milk, lemongrass, corn, and zucchini. All the chowders were delicious; this is clearly an event that needs repeating. On top of it all the event raised funds for the Community House. A win all around.

It seems this past week cottages are either empty (colleges and high schools are starting so early) or bursting with guests. Lee Corbin hosted friends from Atlanta, Cheryl Davis and Curt Kuerten, who she knows from her Yale service trips.

Dave has sent in his last tennis news of the season; he and Becky and the girls leave tomorrow. He reports: Monday afternoon, August 12th, was an exciting day of Ladies Doubles and Men's Singles tournament matches.  Jose McComiskey and Emily Whiting played against Lizzie Lewis and Meredith Anand in the semi-final match.  Jose and Emily won a close one and advanced to play Laura Fleming and Cindy Estes in the finals immediately following the semi-final match.  Jose and Emily put up a good fight but the Championship went to first time winners Laura and Cindy.  While all of that exciting action was happening, Brook Hazelton played against Ray Fleming, then Jack Fleming, to decide the Men's Singles Champion.  Last year Brook beat Jack but this year Jack ended up taking the title and winning.  On Tuesday evening we had 8 mixed doubles teams compete for the championship.  It was a fun night of round robin tennis culminating in all of us watching Bill Barton and Sue Dickson play in the finals against defending champs Matt Zimmer and Lizzie Lewis.  In an exciting, close match Lizzie and Matt won 8-6 and claimed the title.  Our Boys Doubles championship also happened on Wednesday with Soren Zimmer and Sebastian Rubel earning the title as Champions. Ryan Lewis and Jackson Emery were finalists by an incredibly close margin.  It was exciting close tennis by these boys! (Editor’s note: It was a great tennis season with lots of new events, Thanks Dave and Susan!)

If you are remodeling in the near future and have either a dishwasher or electric stove in very good condition that you are willing to donate to the Community House please let Debbie Rosenberg or Anne Dooley know.

Next week’s column will be written by Susan Schadler susanschadler@gmail.com