We have been lucky to have beautiful summer weather with just the right amount of rain. Like many others, August is our family vacation time. Two of my brothers are here, one from New York with his family and one from New Zealand solo. Our four children and their families have arrived from North Carolina, Rhode Island and Massachusetts; all five of our granddaughters are in one place. Life is good!

The Sprucewold Beach Club annual meeting was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace hall. A quorum was met and business was successfully conducted. President Elisa Goldsmith welcomed the attendees, and secretary Sydney Moulaison conducted the roll call.  President Goldsmith introduced new members Carrie Vooght and Dana Loud, Gary and Linda Gagne, Nicola Metcalf, and David Darmstadter. The meeting continued with a moment of silence in honor of members Russ Cartwright, James Whiting, Bill Miller, and Frank DeToma, who passed away last year. After the president’s report, Tom Thompson presented the harbormaster’s report on behalf of Sandy Young and his own beach supervisor report. Tom was recognized for all his hard work following the severe winter storms. Treasurer Holly Fischer presented the SBC budget, which was unanimously approved. Holly has been our treasure since 2007, and we appreciate her expertise and dedication. Ernie Labelle was recognized for his conscientious efforts at the beach for over fifteen years. After the conclusion of old and new business, new board members Carole Ortlip and Mike Mallon were welcomed aboard unanimously. We look forward to serving with them and continuing the fine legacy of the Sprucewold Beach Club.

The postponed annual Sprucewold Potluck Supper was held on Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Linekin Green, with over 45 people in attendance. The Sprucewold cooks outdid themselves as usual, with everything from caprese and Asian salads to lobster mac and cheese to ham and black bread to chicken salad sandwiches to pies and cupcakes. Young and old enjoyed one another’s company, with corn hole and games of chase most popular among the young ones. It was great to see Fan Olesen’s son, Chris Olsen. It was his friend, Tom Hughes, who was struck by lightning on the green twenty years ago. He was in hospital for three weeks, not three days as I thought. He did eventually fully recover, but phew! Thank you to those who brought their own plates and cutlery. It makes the dump run on Monday much easier with less trash, and is better for our environment. A special thank you to Rachel Romanowicz and Tina Moore for their help with the potluck, among others who also helped with clean up. Many hands make light work! Meeting new friends and spending time with old friends is what makes life worth living. 

We posted the historic Sprucewold neighborhood of Boothbay Harbor tax maps on the side of the shed on Linekin Green for everyone to see. They include all the Sprucewold cabins, roads, and rights of way in the area. Rights of way are described in the property deeds of residents. On Sunday evening, those residents spent a great deal of time remembering the days of historic public access. In the spirit of community, we look forward to continuing the use of the old walking trails, and rights of way open to all residents. Joe Mair is interested in forming a group to clear the brush and branches along those trails. Please let him know if you would like to lend a hand.

We have a volunteer for Sprucewold Association treasurer! Artie Sullivan lives on Spruce Point Hill Road. He and his wife, Kim, bought the Jim Powers cabin. Thank you, Artie and Jason! Sprucewold Association members will soon receive an email ballot to vote for the nominated officers. Thank you one and all.

Sprucewold Directories are available now. Please contact me, Elaine Fossett Rittershaus, either in person at the cabin, by text, or by phone. Looking forward to another week of wonderful weather. It’s a low tide week at the beach. Enjoy!