Mon, 08/05/2024 - 07:40 am

Jeff Allison

Drawing by Diane Spofford Randlett

Occasionally, the Buzz practically writes itself. It occurs less often than a blue moon - which I learned, happens on average, every 2.5 years - but it does happen.

It’s where the stars align and there is such a confluence of events that all I do is report.

This past weekend was one of those times. I know there is still a lot to report from last week, but I will save that for when I need material - if I can recall it when needed. My apologies if I can't.

The action began Friday night, when the Community House Cinema was reopened after a one year hiatus. Though the lights weren’t quite as bright as Broadway, they still shimmered. There was some legal issue with screening rights, so dinosaurs didn’t wander about as “Jurassic Park” was scrapped for a last minute oldie (at least to the kids), “Cheaper by the Dozen 2.” Jordan's Popcorn supplied the, you guessed it, popcorn and all had a great time.

Saturday morning brought the entire Village out for the 113th consecutive Bayville Corporation (but the 114th) annual meeting. Yes, Bayvillians were gathering a year before incorporating in 1911. I imagine things were a bit different back then. Men in coats and ties perhaps and the women in dresses? Thankfully, the dress code is a bit less formal these days. I don’t know where this meeting would rank in that long history, but since yours truly did a lot of the talking, I hope it wasn’t anywhere near the bottom. Either way, Moderator Al Roberts did his usual fantastic job in keeping things moving along in an orderly and timely fashion. Thank you Al!

I think it is important to report that not every vote was unanimous, as there was a dissenting voice regarding moving forward with updating documents related to the new fee proposal. As discussed, the BVC Board will be sending an email with updated documents and a special BIA meeting will be called this fall.

The final motion, which some would say was old business, was the singing of Happy Birthday to Liz Bagonzi. Since I am the same age as Liz, I say she is far, far from old! It wasn’t quite the Mormon Tabernacle, but for a spontaneous performance before 11 a.m., it was impressive. I know it was embarrassing for Liz, but sorry, that’s what happens when your birthday falls on the same date as the meeting! Just so you can plan ahead Liz, you are safe from this happening again until 2030.

Phil took his turn at the podium (after telling brother Al to take a seat) and as usual, deferred any credit (in this case for the Lobster Bake) to others. In a brilliant move, Phil covered his back side by calling on the weather experts (until Saturday, the use of "experts" with their names was up to debate), John Merrill and Mark Spencer, to state if it was safe to hold the bake outside on the waterfront. Though the forecast looked a bit iffy, both gave resounding thumbs up. With that, Grand Poobah Phil declared the waterfront it was. Great call! The evening turned out to be spectacular! My dad would say it was an “11.”

For my family, the bake was bittersweet as our dad/gramps didn’t make it up from Florida. I don't know how long the bake has been going on, but he's 95 and I don't believe he has ever missed one. Betty LaPointe started them and now her family keeps the tradition going. At the annual meeting, one of Don Rose's daughters voiced a similar sentiment about her dad.

Before the Bake, chairs and tables had to be moved into place. Gen X,Y and Z came out in full force and the Boomers nodded in appreciation. The saying, "many hands make light work" was on display.

Social Hour started at 5, and a few people were brave enough to offer their newest cocktail concoctions to those brave enough to try them. All entrants chose tequila as their base, and though there was no clear winner, the Flying Philbert won best presentation with its paper umbrella served with each, but the Bayville Buzz held its own with each drink being carefully handcrafted, rather than mass produced. The Gold Love was also in the running - but barely!

Away from the bar, people enjoyed pre-event munchies. Then it was time to feast upon clams, mussels, corn and two lobsters, followed by many desserts and homemade ice cream. My mouth is watering just thinking about how good everything was. Thank you to the Robertses - all of them - for providing such a wonderful Lobster Bake! Of course, Al and Phil were not just serving up the lobsters, but also entertainment as they provided comedic comments directed at each other. It is wonderful having the two brothers (and their spouses, Karen and Becky!) here in Bayville! Thank also, to all who brought appetizers, salads and desserts and of course, to Atlantic Edge and Pinkhams for supplying the fantastic seafood!

As clean-up was completed and chairs were stacked by the water, there was an engineering fail as a few chairs toppled into the water. Upon video review of the incident, there is irrefutable proof that concerns were voiced about the stacking method, long before the mishap. A formal investigation continues so there is no repeat of Chairgate. John Jordan quickly took to his dinghy and rescued the four chairs from life as a future reef.

The next morning the plan was for the Chair Gang to meet at 10 a.m. to put everything away, but then a much earlier rain was forecast and the emergency alert system was utilized in the predawn hours. Again, turnout was impressive and the work went quickly.

Last, but certainly not least, Ann Binder was kind enough to report that the Sweet, Cronin, Teel, and Binder families were celebrating their 38th Maine Event on July 27 along with the birth of Ann and Ron's first grandchild that same day! We missed Reed and Katherine but look forward to introducing Scottie Anne to beautiful Bayville next year! Thanks for sending this Ann, welcome back and congratulations on being Grandparents!

For those of you who don't know, this group has been renting the Purcell cottage for that entire time - 38 years! It always brought my mom great pleasure to see their sailboat, Money Talks, on its mooring for the first time each summer. I still remember the humor she saw in that name and the laugh she had when their current boat, Money Talks Too, took its place. Years later, seeing Money Talks Too pull into port at the start of August makes me smile and think of my mom.