Summer’s here, At last! First, however we must extend thanks to Jim Morrell for hosting the Memorial Day gathering on 5/25/24 at Unc’s. The weather was lovely, and attendees enjoyed reconnecting while savoring appetizers and the lovely views from the porch. 

Welcomes. Welcome to the O’Connor family, new cottage owners! Lillian O’Connor visited the Jones cottage consistently during her childhood. Along with Lillian are son, Michael O’Connor and children, Casey and Aster and daughter, Kathleen O’Connor Borthwidck and husband, Joe Borthwidck with children Erin and Maya. Welcome also to Island babies born so far in 2024: Liam Loughridge, son of Anna Loughridge and Dany Lopez, Sam Burvill, son of Ashley and Kyle Burvill, Ellie daughter, and son, Noah Hudson, twins of Morgan McCandless Hudson and Shiloh Hudson, and most recently, Rainer Bean Booth, son of Ascher Booth and Sandy Liang. 

Early summer events. June 29 was the kickoff to opening the Island. Thank you to Margoe Shaw et al. for setting up and organizing the Opening Party at the Casino. The interior was beautifully decorated with tables, lighted wine bottles and flowers. July 4th in contrast to last year, dawned as a beautiful day for the 8th annual Isle of Springs Boat Parade (due to weather had been cancelled in 2023). Eight brightly decorated boats some with musical accompaniment and with themes representing patriotism and history, and others with movie themes (“Jaws”and “Star Wars”) entertained the crowd on the pier. The winners: in Patriotism ‘Choppy C,’ with all the Mackenzies dressed properly in 18th century garb plus white wigs; in Creativity, a ‘Ola’ for “Jaws,” and the Heartfelt award went to ‘Hot Ticket’ in memory of Carol Burvill. Carol would have been thrilled! The concomitant bake sale sponsored by the LIS brought in a worthy amount, and by the parade’s end, all baked goods had been sold, most eaten on the spot. Thank you to Matt Bogart for organizing the parade once again. July 6 was the 1st Wharf Party. Because of fog and threatening rain, it was held in the Casino. On the 7th was the first Sunday Service. President Betsy Morrell’s discussion focused on Island publications to date and included a poem and historical documents. All were a perfect fit for our new Isle of Springs Cottage Book and the Exhibit at the NeKrangan II. Music for the hymns was provided by Becky Goodman on guitar. On July 8, a steamy Monday morning the 1st Work Party of the season was held. Folks hauled brush, repaired boardwalks, painted, and tested fire hoses. 

NeKrangan II. The exhibit, ‘Island Cottages, Buildings and Structures, Past and Present’ has been launched thanks to the work of the NeKII Committee. Accompanying the vintage and contemporary photos is an album focusing on the people past and present of the Island. Excerpts have been gathered from contemporary islanders and past recollections of those who have passed on. All Islanders are still encouraged to add to the album by emailing recollections to me after which I will include them. Please consider that the contemporary recollections will be the first written for our archives in over more than 25 years. Ultimately the album will become part of the museum’s archives for future generations. 

“Isle of Springs Cottage Book.” Betsy Morrell is taking pre orders for the beautiful new in color Cottage Book. Kudos to Betsy and her committee for completing this monumental endeavor in less than one year! 

Pier Fundraiser. The committees of the NeKII and the LIS are collaborating in discussions of sponsoring a fundraising auction/social event for the new pier in summer 2025. We will be reaching out to island artists, photographers, woodworkers, potters and crafts people etc. to consider donating to the auction. Vintage and antique objects with a Maine theme or from cottages would also be appreciated. If you have family, friends or guests who would be interested in donating, please let them know. We hope to have a list of donations by the end of this summer. Also, if you’d be willing to work on any portion of the project (the auction itself or the social event etc.), please let Margoe Shaw or me know. More to follow.

Request, Columnists. There’s a signup for columnists on the Library bulletin board. 

Upcoming. Bingo, Saturday, July 13 Casino 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, S’Mores Roast West Shore Beach.