By the time this week’s hard copy of the Register arrives, the eagerly anticipated summer will have arrived! And, already there is some important news to convey. To begin, it was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Jim Welty, Saturday, June 16. We will miss Jim, an Island fixture with his ready smile and great sense of humor. Our sincere condolences go out to Jan and the rest of the Welty clan for their loss. Meanwhile to the Welty and Loughridge families, we also send along our love and best wishes for a long and happy life together to grandson, Asa Welty, and his bride-to-be, Madeline Loughridge to be married on June 23.

Memorial Day weekend was highlighted by the Pierces’ annual ‘Opening’ up Party. The spring rain stopped just in time for attendees to reconnect and to enjoy the opened-up views from the decks (improved thanks to Mother Nature’s fury), munch on the plentiful delicious appetizers and escape from all of the indoor and outdoor chores of the weekend.

After a wild winter and during this super busy time, Kim and Scott have weathered numerous unanticipated events (broken water lines, squirrel damage, etc.) with humor and grace. The most recent has been the disappointing demise of Abigail Swett’s engine. Our ferry is officially out of commission and is sitting over at Blake’s Boat Yard awaiting treatment. The board expects to finalize next steps by the end of the week. Meanwhile, we can expect to be without a ferry for the next three to six weeks (details to follow in an email from Rob Reece). Without the ferry, Kim and Scott are using the skiff to ferry people, luggage and groceries. By necessity, as Islanders arrive with their summer loads, patience will need to be the rule. The good news is that the Island is in great shape, the Casino is sporting a new coat plus a polished bell, and the views remain as lovely as ever.

This year’s exhibit at the NeKrangan II, ‘The People and Prehistory of the Isle of Springs,’ will officially open July 1. We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Arthur Spiess, senior archaeologist for the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, return to speak on ‘Maine Prehistory and the Environment,’ July 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Casino. Exhibit-related activities slated for this summer include an opportunity for working with native clay (as the Ceramic period people once did), and participation in a simulated dig. Watch the bulletin boards and emails for updates. Meanwhile, we look forward to gathering at the official Island Opening Party on June 30 at 5:30 p.m.