This past weekend was another action packed time within the boundaries of Bayville. By Sunday afternoon, several cries of “no mas” could be heard emanating from several houses. 

On Friday night, the dual spotlights shining in the sky announced the opening of the Bayville Drive In. It is the country’s first drive-in theatre you can’t drive to. Glenside Road was shut down to traffic as about 35 people (with about the same ratio of kids to adults) opened up lawn chairs, blankets, sleeping bags and benches and enjoyed ”The Sandlot.” Kids thoroughly enjoyed the movie and parents thoroughly enjoyed the kids' comments. Some of those comments included; “that was awkward” - after a (very brief) kissing scene - or, “they said a bad word” after - guess what - a bad word. 

The evening — as well as the movie choice — received rave reviews and the Bayville Film Festival will be happening on the same weekend again next year. For those of you that like to plan ahead, that means Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. No decision on the movie choice just yet. Any suggestions can be submitted to our own Siskel and Ebert, Diana Frascella. My apologies Diana, but I don't have a better analogy! 

Special thanks to the set-up crew of Mark Spencer (whose work always gets him a free plug for his company, Spencer Productions. Actually, I think On Your Mark Productions sounds better. I believe (though my facts are always subject to disclaimers) that John “Onewheel” Jordan was also instrumental in the set-up and that he put bags of popcorn together for each of the attendees. Matt Frascella and Drew Strojny were busy helping everyone find their seats and keeping the aisles clear. Laura Allison (and her new hip) was helping coordinate everything with Diana. Thanks to them as co-presidents of the BIA for their great work and for this fun addition to this weekend going forward!

Saturday's siren signaled the start of the 109th annual Bayville Village Corporation meeting. Chair Greg Merrill got things started with a nice summary of what has been happening. There was a moment of silence for our friends and loved ones we have lost over the past year; Jim Coleman, Debbie Gilchrist, Henry Abbott, sister Georgette Abbott Lewis (whose memorial service was later that day) and Greg Merrill Sr. Condolences to all. 

Moderator Al was quite professional during the proceedings and kept his needling of brother Phil to a minimum. Thankfully, David Merrill's speech regarding the sewer service was misplaced (thanks to whoever stole it!) so his talk was brief. In all seriousness, thank you to he and his committee (Don Rose, Craig Collins) for keeping things running smoothly — environmentally and financially! 

Clerk Melissa Holmes Whitt’s expertise was called upon frequently. At the end of the the proceedings, a lot was accomplished, but there is still more to do before next years meeting. Hopefully, everyone's thoughts were heard. If not, please make sure to speak with any members of the board; Greg Merrill, Joe Rosenbloom, Andrea Nielsen or myself. Hard to say who was there as masks were the fashion choice, but thanks to all who attended.

Everyone dutifully carried their chairs outside where they (the chairs only) were whisked away to the waterfront for set-up for the evenings lobster bake. The weather was perfect (can't say that too often this summer) as about 80 friends and family gathered to enjoy lobsters, clams, mussels, corn, salads, appetizers, desserts and friendship. What a great evening!

Thanks to Nick Page at Atlantic Edge for the lobsters, Russell Pinkham at Pinkham's for the clams and mussels, and to Andy Hamblett and Logahn Stover at the Y for help with tables and chairs. It takes a lot of people to make such a great evening happen so thanks to all of them, but most of all those who labored while we ate. Thanks to all the Robertses who served up the food and made sure we were all supplied with everything needed to stay clean, hydrated and happy! There was Al and Becky and Becky's sister Kathy, Phil and Karen. Even Rachel Roberts, Naples Florida's newest resident, was there to help. Nancy Coleman was clearing tables!? Wow! Thanks of course to the guest appearance by Dennis Rice. Dennis, this column is always available for retaliatory remarks if you are so inclined. Thanks always to Bill LaPointe, for keeping his mom's tradition going!

Everyone stuck around to help put everything away and Kerin, maiden name McDonough, was challenging one and all to a round of musical chairs. As you may recall, (if you don't, she will remind you) Kerin was the one who outlasted all at the Waterfront Festival musical chair contest. Look out as she is already in training for next year.

While some retreated to home to just hang with family, others headed off for more activities. Some gathered to play poker. Rumor has it that Chris Coleman's girlfriend Julie, schooled the veterans. Others headed to The Fire Pit, where Fireball was the word of the night as there was a group toast to Bayville and even some multigenerational challenges. As the next morning began, a few stragglers had to be escorted from the property.

Sunday brought more great weather and some chose table and chair duty over the real challenge of the day - the Ninth Annual Cabbage Island swim! I will have details on who participated next week, but I do know the same number that entered the water, returned. The water was incredibly calm, so the conditions appeared outstanding. Thanks to Pam Gardiner and family for putting this on each year!

It has been fantastic to see so many people of all ages getting involved in everything going on. The village wide planned activities may have come to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun is over just yet. No surprise, but no group has yet accepted the Bayville pickleball challenge. Please get your news to thejeffallison@gmail.com and enjoy your week!