It’s August already, yikes! Well, despite being the last full week in July, there were some some noteworthy events and activities on and near the IOS. Before describing the details, however, I must note that Farrah Mackenzie is making stellar progress in Bethesda. She’s graduated from the NIH Hospital to the Children’s Inn where in addition to making her own remarkable recovery, her Dad, Andy, is recovering from an ACL repair. One of her letters of appreciation to the Island Community for the many letters and cards etc. of support and encouragement she has received is posted at the library. She’ll be there until the end of October, so it’s guaranteed that she will appreciate the ongoing the flow of support from so many Islanders.

Mid-week Doug Niven’s Nicole II arrived on the guest mooring. She’s a beautiful bright red lobster boat sporting a complementary American flag on her top deck. Doug has been farming oysters on Mere Point, and he and his sons continue to lobster in that area. Watch for his products at restaurants and fish markets. Wednesday evening, the movie, Wednesday p.m., "The Big Year,” was shown and enjoyed at the Casino to a crowd of 15 people. It had been recommended as a great fit with the Feathered Friends exhibit at the Nekrangan II. Good suggestion; it fit the bill! Speaking of the museum, consider stopping by to see all the new additions of bird pennants drawn/colored by Islanders across the age span. Also consider adding one of your own!

Saturday had two major events: First, Islanders Emmie Willman and Bob Esterberg were married in South Freeport with family members (Pierces and Esterbergs) and friends bearing witness. Congratulations to the bride and groom! That evening the Balmy Days picked up 64 Islanders at the dock for a perfect cruise! All seats on the bow and topside were filled by the lucky folks who attended. Capt. Bill Campbell treated everyone to a great tour of the greater Boothbay Harbor, Southport area in the beautiful late July evening. Sunday evening’s service was led by Dr. Bert Sampson, the retired chief of surgery for the VA. Dr. Sampson presented a slide show of his work as an orthopedic surgeon in a small village in New Guinea. His uplifting presentation highlighted some of the cultural and economic challenges of doing surgery in such a remote and underserved location. He described the contrasts between the operating rooms of the U.S. (with all of the latest technologies, medications, and support staff etc.) and the minimalist and bare-boned room that served for surgery at the New Guinea hospital. His enthusiasm for what he and his team accomplished was palpable.

Reminders: Please submit your proxy/ies prior to the Annual Meeting if you are unable to attend; Friday, Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m., Sturgis CC 60^th Birthday Party Celebration; All-Island Meeting, Saturday, Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m., Casino; Annual Meeting, Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. (note time change); Sunday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m., Tennis Tournament; Thursday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m., “Hidden Figures” movie and book discussion; Check notices for more details. Friday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m., LIS meeting