The first week of August brought Islanders day after day of beautiful weather, and several well-attended, enjoyable, and informative all-Island events.

On Friday evening, the Sturgis Corner Cottage brimmed with Islanders invited to come together to toast 11 Sturgis-related family and friends “celebrating 60 years.” It was easy to spot them in the crowd, decked out in snazzy top hats. And all party goers were given bright blue pins that read, “Where were you in ’57?” For those 60 and older, responses sparked lively conversation!

On Saturday morning in the Casino, about 50 Islanders attended the second of two summer All-Island Meetings hosted by the board of directors. The president of the board, Rob Reece, began by soliciting questions from the audience to which he and fellow board members responded. In addition, Rob reviewed each of the projects that the board has been addressing over the course of the year, and he reminded Islanders to report to him or to other board members, situations that require the island manager’s attention.

On Saturday evening, at the new, earlier time of 7 p.m., Island shareholders, representing 137 shares, attended the Annual Meeting. Rob and the directors presented reports on the current status of the Island and addressed shareholders’ questions and concerns. Each member of the board has agreed to continue to serve for the upcoming year, and the slate of officers was unanimously approved. Everyone is grateful for their hard work.

On Sunday morning, the 2017 Annual Mixed-Up Doubles Tennis Tournament took place. Competing masterfully before a rousing group of spectators, teams hoped to win the Maddie Loughridge-designed championship trophies. Lea Aeschliman, president of the Tennis Association (and past champion herself many times over), directed the tournament. After hours of fierce competition and close matches, the tournament concluded with team Valerie Reece and Brad Hastings as champions, and team Kate Seely and Duncan Reece, runners-up.

While some Islanders were at the courts, Arthur Pierce was on the water and spotted an overturned Laser, and its sailor, Bruce Welty, wrestling his capsized boat, strong wind gusts, and current. Arthur quickly called on Carl Pierce and Eric Miller, who went to Bruce’s aid as the Marine Patrol looked on. While Eric helped Bruce aboard his boat, Carl managed to right the Laser, return it to the Island, and beach it — and quite remarkably, without getting wet! Thankfully, both Bruce and his boat are fine.

The Sunday evening service, led by Sara and Ed Germain, was moving. Nate Pierce, at the piano, opened with a lovely Bach prelude; and Will Mackenzie accompanied our singing of the hymns, “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “America the Beautiful”. In between, Sara and Ed took turns reading several selections of their favorite poems, all of which were created by Maine’s Poet Laureates and other Maine poets of renown. Their language captured our imaginations!

Next week promises more good times together. The August Work Party takes place on Monday, Aug. 7; the screening of the film, “Hidden Figures:The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race,” followed by a discussion of the book, will take place on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Casino; the Children’s Work Party will be held on Saturday morning, Aug. 12; the annual Penny Party, also on Saturday, opens for ticket purchases at 6:30 p.m., with a prompt start time of 7. (Note: please bring your gift donations to the Casino before 3 p.m.) And, also in the Casino, on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 13, Brenda Bowen will hold a rehearsal for the Children’s Service that will take place on Sunday evening. (Details for each event are posted on the website and at the Library.)

Some wonderful news: Jim Swift and Mary Kelley’s daughter and her husband are the proud new parents of baby, Hugh Everett, who was born on July 28, weighing in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces. Congratulations to all!

Patsy and Will Mackenzie, on one of their trips to visit Farrah in MD, were scheduled to return to the Island on Saturday in time for the Balmy Days cruise, and to welcome Azzie, Michelle, Cade, and Drake from LA. Unfortunately, due to big storms in Washington, their flight was changed to Sunday. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise since Andy had just had ACL surgery on Friday and Patsy and Will were able to be there to give him some TLC. Azzie and family have a very ambitious list of all the things they want to do while at the Island, and so far, the weather has been cooperating! They too will be going to MD to visit Farrah again at the end of the month.

And, a grateful note from the Mackenzies: “We would like to thank everyone in our island family for keeping Farrah in your thoughts and prayers, and for sending so many cards, letters, and gifts to her while she is at NIH. The great news is she seems to be ahead of the game and has been discharged from the hospital to The Children's Inn. Evidently, all your positive vibes and love are working. Last Thursday, a Star Wars battalion group who visit Children's Hospitals came and surprised Farrah and the other patients, and it was covered on the news in the evening. Our hearts are bursting with joy!”

This columnist also thanks those of you who have shared “news fit to print” with me. There is still a need for column writers in the weeks ahead, so please volunteer and sign-up on the sheet posted at the Library.