Ocean Point Column: Remembering Bob Foster, snowy owl and more

Tue, 01/12/2021 - 7:45am

Happy New Year! I do hope your holidays were joyous despite being unlike past celebrations.

I am sad to report that long time Ocean Pointer Bob Foster passed away on Jan. 4. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Bob personally, I do recall that his family lived in what is now the Pohl cottage and that he was often seen driving around the Point is his beautiful antique 1929 Model A which he affectionately named Popo. As a child I remember Bob participating in our 4th of July Horribles parade driving Popo to the delight of participants and spectators. I also recall seeing him drive past our house frequently as I sat on our porch and I would call out to Popo!

When Bob moved to Florida several years ago he unfortunately sold Popo. Bob and his wife Janet returned to Ocean Point full-time in the mid-nineties to their Grimes Cove Farm.

Bob’s career in advertising sales provided him with the opportunity to work for such news organizations as Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and CBS. Bob authored the book,” Ad Man: True Stories for the Golden Age of Advertising” recalling his long time career in the business. As a young man Bob attended Bowdoin College but left to join the Navy as a pilot, and his book “Cadet,” chronicles his adventures in the military.

Bob was an avid sailor who loved travel and adventure and upon his return to Boothbay became marketing director for the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard. He was successful in retaining several restoration projects for the shipyard that included the replica of the HMS Bounty.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Bob’s wife Janet and to his four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the loss of their beloved husband, dad and granddad.

There was a wonderful picture of Marilyn Heise in a recent edition of the Boothbay Register speaking with Dick Palmer regarding her newly published book,” Perilous Pills-Protecting Yourself From Fluoroquinolone Injury. “ Her book tells of her personal experience with prescription antibiotics and it’s sometimes dangerous effects. You can order her book by visiting her website, Perilouspills.com

This is the time of year when high school seniors are involved in the college application process. Congratulations to Jefferson Driscoll and Kevin Rush who have been accepted to the colleges of their choice. Jefferson is the son of Maureen and Robert Driscoll and Kevin’s parents are Jim and Lisa Rush.

Congratulations to Chris Hamblett on being selected as North Yarmouth Academy Fall Athlete of the Year. Chris has had a successful career in cross country all four years of high school but especially this year as he was named the team’s most valuable player. Chris is the son of Andy and Meaghan Hamblett and grandson of Pete and Suzie Hamblett.

I understand the Snowy Owl has been visiting the Point and was seen on the roof of the Inn; check out the great pictures at boothbayregister.com taken by Bruce Burnham!

Sue Goodrich sent along a couple of great pictures of the owl perched on top of the tree in our yard. Sue reports that there were many spectators between our two houses snapping pictures and admiring the incredible bird. Sue reports that there are actually two owls at the Point spending their time between the Inn, the Chapel and Grimes. It appears that the snowy owls are enjoying their visit to Ocean Point!

Once again I would like to thank everyone for their beautiful holiday cards, pictures and well wishes for the new year. I wish all of you great health, peace and prosperity in 2021! I’m counting the days until our return to Ocean Point.

Stay positive and have a great week!