I want to begin this column by wishing a very dear and special Ocean Pointer a very Happy Birthday! Barbara Newell was here last weekend celebrating 100 years young with all of her family — what a special occasion. I had the opportunity to visit with Barbara briefly before she departed for her home on Cape Cod; she is an amazing lady. We all miss her (and Gus of course) here at the Point but so glad that she’s healthy and happy.

Thanks to all who chaired an activity for our first week of the season: Ginna Yerrall for the Kids Game Night and to Maureen Driscoll and Kathy Lindley for hosting the Ladies Porch Party. Alex Hall and her culinary crew fed us all a hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausage on Friday morning so thank you to Cara Pond, Meghan Hall, Maureen Driscoll and Kathy Lindley and, of course, our adorable waiters and waitresses: Tanner Boynton, Izzy Carr, Ciara Rush, Caroline, Luke and Dillion Driscoll, Orlando Jones, Zach Arnpriester, Owen and Sam Bliss, and Addie Cleary.

Once again we reached a major milestone in building our new facility. On Friday afternoon we gathered at a special meeting of the OPCT to vote on moving forward with construction of the Casino. The membership voted overwhelmingly to approve additional funds as well as choosing the contractor; Knickerbocker Group. Our president, Mike Anderson, thanked us all for our financial support of the project. We will of course continue to fundraise,

On Saturday morning a large crowd stepped off at 9:30 from Van Horn Road for our annual Horribles Parade. There were so many wonderful and creative costumes and was of course led by our OP band that provided us with patriotic music. Our grand marshal was Jack Heise, who first came to Ocean Point 80+ years ago with his grandparents from Chicago. Jack now has the good fortune to call Ocean Point his year-round residence. Nat Wilson drove Jack in one of his antique cars. Thank you to both Jack and Nat for your participation.

Many thanks to our band members Bob and Eric Marden, Iliana Cruz Marden, Jonathan Dawson, Andy Hamblett and to all participants. Will Bertrand chaired this activity which he has done for the past 28 years. Will always provides us with laughter when announcing parade participants as he adds his own special brand of ad-libbing in describing their costumes.

Our annual Chicken Barbecue was sold out with everyone enjoying delicious chicken prepared by our cooking crew. Matt Lindley, Jack Chambers and Dan Densmore provided us with their scrumptious smoked chicken and JD Hankinson along with his daughter Kate, and Ken Schroeder prepared our traditional chicken. Thanks to our servers Will Bertrand and Andrew Ciancolo and to all who assisted in breaking down and cleaning up, especially Kate Dawson.

Notable events this week include a yummy pasta dinner Wednesday evening at 6:30 prepared by the Slayton Family so bring your appetite for this one as your taste buds will be dancing, remember to bring your own beverage as well.

Donna Logan is calling on all chefs and potential chefs to make or bake a food item for our Friday, July 12 Bake Sale beginning at 9:30; bring your items to the Casino no later than 9 a.m. Come join us for coffee, donuts and good conversation.

The Memorial Coed Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 13 and is chaired by Link Brown. The sign up is at the Casino and golfers will tee off promptly at 8 a.m; plan to arrive at the course no later than 7:30 a.m.

Rev. Peter Panagore will conduct Sunday Services on July 14 at the Wilson Chapel beginning at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Panagore, a resident of Ocean Point, is a best-selling Audible author.

The Family Beach Picnic is scheduled for Monday, July 15 at Grimes beginning at 5 p.m. and the Ice Cream Social is Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m.

Don’t forget to sign up for the OP Road Race on July 20 beginning with a kids Fun Run at 8 a.m. followed by a 5K at 8:30.

Congratulations to Hattie Slayton who recently graduated from high school and will attend Bowdoin in the fall, and to Jazzie McGranaghan who will attend Pratt Institute in New York.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and have a great week!