America’s birthday and dogs’ least favorite holiday has come and gone. This year, celebrations were a bit muted as we dealt with COVID-19. I enjoyed the fireworks in the bay from Camp Quarantine located on Blackstone Island. Phil has done a great job ferrying supplies out to us and was even nice enough to run cable out so we could also watch the fireworks from the harbor. Thanks to those responsible for the shows — both legal and not.

Meanwhile, for those free to travel about, business at The Fire Pit was brisk as patrons caught up on current and past goings on.

Earlier in the day Laura Allison deftly ran the 110th annual Bayville Improvement Association meeting in the new waterfront pavilion, but her efforts to overthrow me were turned back by a slim margin. Thanks to the Merrill clan for set up and take down in the new location.

I hear that everything went well and that somehow, sister Karen McNamara, was voted in as a new director on the BIA. I am expecting much better results for the people of Bayville than those for the North Koreans from their  dynasty.

Greg Merrill gave his update on the great paving that was done down to the pavilion and the tolling system that will soon be in place. He also announced that as of now, the Bayville Village Corporation annual meeting is a go for Saturday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m. Stay tuned for updates.

Other than that, the calendar is empty for any organized events for this summer as we all do our best to stay safe.

Since there will be no Waterfront Festival this year, co-Rulers of the Sea, Matt Frascella and Jennifer Strojny, and Ruler of the Bay, Haven Merrill, will continue their contractual responsibilities for another year. Unfortunately, like many businesses, revenue is way down so all travel has been eliminated for them and all promotional meetings are now being done via Zoom. I am happy to report that Haven’s plaque is finally in its rightful place in the Bayville Hall of Fame.

Probably the most disappointing news of the meeting is that the Fish Hawk Express, the zip line running from the Roberts top floor to the island has been put on hold for at least a year. Phil has promised that all tickets purchased will be honored at some point, but that all sales are final.

If you have any news — any news at all — please send it along to thejeffallison@gmail.com