The first-ever karaoke/sing-along at the Community House on Monday night was a rollicking success. It was organized and emceed by Louisa Rossano, who kept things moving by putting the 16 attendees – both young and old – at ease. Two highlights were Louisa’s lovely renditions of “Mama Mia” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Other highlights included a french love song – “La Vie en Rose” - sung by Robert and Viviane Rubel, a song from the musical “Carousel” sung by Kit Andrews, Anne Dooley, and Lee Corbin, Simon and Garfunkel’s “Feelin’ Groovy” sung by Dave Taylor, and “Sweet Caroline” sung by Louisa, Kit Andrews and Fred Moder – accompanied by noteworthy group participation. Finally, and not to be forgotten, was one for the young folk - “The Wheels on the Bus” – sung by the Andrews-Sylvestri clan, featuring ten-year-old Eli Andrews and three-year-old Elio Sylvestri.  Hopes are high that the sing-along is repeated next summer!

Another first for this summer is the popular Mahjong group, organized by Amy Whitten, which meets every Thursday afternoon at the Community House. Amy had heard from many that they wanted to learn Mahjong, and she thought the Community House was the perfect place to play. Eventually she found JPVIS member Trudy Harris who was willing to teach! Trudy is reportedly an excellent teacher, having first brought the beginners to actually playing the game, and later coaching them as they did so. Anywhere from eight to 15 players attend each week, and new players show up every week - some experienced, and some not. All ability levels are welcome, and the group is already looking forward to the momentum continuing next year!

Still another first for this summer was the first JPVIS Triathlon held on Friday, Aug. 14. Earlier in the week, a number of kids had come up with a plan - no adults involved. As a result, a notice posted from the JPVIS website on Thursday, specifying that a triathlon would be held the following day, starting at Reed’s Beach at 12:35 p.m. (In preparation, the kids themselves had determined the course and the components of the triathlon, and had run, measured and timed it beforehand). The notice announced: “Anyone ages 17 and under who would like to participate are welcome! Adults can participate as race volunteers. Racers will swim to the raft and back, then kayak to Moore’s Landing, then run around the Point twice (3/4 mile). Bring your own kayak or paddleboard. If you don’t have one there are a few to borrow. See you there! Organized by JPVIS Kids.”   

Indeed, at 12:35 p.m. sharp, 14 racers, ages six to fourteen, appeared on the beach, ready, willing and able with kayaks and paddleboards to meet the challenge. There were no rules, they said, only that you had to wear shoes during the running parts of the race. The triathlon was on, and they raced through the course! Their enthusiasm was contagious, and a number of parents and other onlookers cheered the group on at the finish line, where the Davis family welcomed them with lemonade and watermelon.

The competitors were: Claire Taylor, Georgie Davis, Wyatt Gaines, Katherine Taylor, Sally Davis, Sam Gaines, Abby Taylor, George Himes, Sawyer Hilmo, Jake Hermer, Josie Gibbons, Beatrice Davis, Sydney Gibbons, and Milo Davis. Twelve-year-old George Himes won the event, and was awarded a golden lobster buoy painted and decorated by the kids. Well done to all! Rumor has it that training has already started for next summer’s event.

Finally, on Saturday a number of gardeners, handy people, and others gathered at the Community House for Fall Community Improvement Day. Dave Taylor both directed and participated in the work efforts. Work items included weeding and transplanting of the thyme beds on courts 3 and 4, weeding of the fence lines inside the courts, and digging out and resetting the wooden boards around courts 3 and 4. The bricks on courts 1 and 2 were reset, and the patio flower bed was repaired. In addition, limbs from small trees near the courts and stone wall were sawed off. Impressive tools were produced to do the work, and both the tenacity of the workers and some impressive know-how produced most-satisfying results.

A special thanks to Dibby and Fred Moder for gathering much of this week’s news, and for being my eyes and ears on the Point while I was away.