August 12 and some Islanders have begun to leave to get ready for school and autumn activities. Nights are cooler, and the asters and goldenrod signal that summer is moving on.

On the Water: On warm sunny days, the pier is hopping with jumpers, divers, swimmers and even aspiring marine scientists. Using nets and jars, Gabby Pierce and Lija and Anna Miller hauled in two cute little lumpfish, “Bruno” and “Filipe.”

On the IOS marine front there were also a few unexpected events. Jamie and Cooper Shaw’s whaler ended up beached high and dry (well, not really dry, but high and muddy) in Clam Cove, the cove on Sawyers south of our Sawyers float, having blown there with a strong south wind. At the time, the boat was found, the tide had yet to finish receding, with high tide not due until about 11:45 p.m. Jamie and Cooper met the challenge by patiently waiting in their kayak to mid-tide when they could get the boat out of the mud. Will Hutchinson’s small sailboat capsized necessitating a tow to the beack, and the Shaw’s boat refused to start while visiting Trevett. All events ended well.

Harvest Bounty: Many thanks to Mike Thompson and Sue Woolson for sharing the bounty of their gardens. On any given day tomatoes, cukes and squash can be found in the Library.

Arrivals/Visitors: Visiting Cece Vayda last week was Smith College friend, Suzannah Calhoon. Suzannah is working on her PhD in parasitology. Before coming to the IOS to enjoy a relaxing visit with Cece and a cold swim off the pier, she had to insure that her research subjects (malaria parasites) were in good hands back in the lab. At the McCandless cottage are Sarah McCandless with son and daughter, Daniel and Erin Fitzgerald.

Erin and Kristen Giarusso conferred about both being freshmen at BC this fall. At the Phillips’/McClennans’ are Vicky (niece of Joanne and Richard) and her children, Rain and James Bugado of Seattle. At the Richardson’s is Beth Schreve. Patty Ridlon’s brother and family, the Ryans are at the Swift-Kellys. The Philip Nashes are here. Katie Rydell, recent graduate of Mt. Holyoke is at the Rydells’. At Unc’s are Betsy Morrell, Isadora and Elliot Osgood with friend, Christine Clement, Ravenna Osgood (who will soon be starting at U. New Mexico). For their annual visit are Laura Locke and daughter Lulu from NYC, and Laura’s sister, Courtney and daughter Tallulah. At the Thomas/Moorehouse is the Moorehouse/Hulbert Family, and at the Germains’ are Susan and John Barbaro.

Weekend Highlights: This weekend was for and by our Island children. It began with the Children’s Work Party, Saturday morning, led by Jim Morrell. Approximately eight workers combed and cleared beaches of refuse. At the end of the “party,” workers were treated to ice cream on the pier and Penny Party tickets.

Next came the Penny Party Saturday evening. It was described as one of the most lucrative thanks to the many donations and ticket-purchasing participants. So many options to bid on: candies, flashlights, tennis balls, delicious baked goods, sports equipment, toys galore, tee shirts, and not to forget, “Mystery Envelopes!” Many thanks to Patsy Mackenzie and all others who made this event such a huge success.

The Children’s Service was created and organized by Isadora Osgood, Lulu Mourning, Lija Miller, and Gabby Pierce. Its theme was “Gratitude.” Anna Miller played the prelude, and while Avery Hutchinson read “The Giving Tree,” others performers acted out the story. Actors included Rain Bugado, Will Hutchinson, Farrah Mackenzie, Nate Pierce, Brendan and Aidan Ridlon, Meredith Ryan and Sam Shaw.

Isadora read some of the examples of what those in the audience had written as what they were grateful for, and Farrah Mackenzie sang solo a sweet song she wrote entitled, “I am Thankful for the One who Loves Me.”

Reminders: The Farm Boat comes on Wednesdays at around 3:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 there is a Ladies Improvement Society meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Casino, and a Wharf Party at 5:30 p.m. To the latter, please bring your own beverage and an appetizer to share. Next weekend Asa Welty will be available to teach tennis to Island youth and Chris Aeschliman to Island adults. Sign ups are posted at the library.