Full cottages, full boat slips and moorings, full parking lot, busy tennis courts and docks and beaches and playground, and the great likelihood of seeing several Islanders at Hannaford: it must be the beginning of August.

The first weekend brought both the All-Island Meeting on Saturday morning and the Annual Meeting on Saturday evening. Both presided over by Rob Reece, the morning meeting offered ample time for discussion on the State of the Island in an open format. The Annual Meeting included votes on the budget, the election of officers, and changes to the by-laws.

On Sunday came the mixed doubles tennis tournament with its enthusiastic players and cheerleaders and an accompanying bake sale to benefit the tennis association. The winners were Lija Miller and Doug Erickson; runners up were Carol Burvill and Asa Welty.

That evening the Sunday service was led by David Heath, a good friend of Jeanie Reed. Interspersed with the songs he sang and played on his guitar and harmonica, he recounted his experiences visiting prisons and other places where people need something to hope for and to be encouraged by.

Monday’s work party featured many projects and many participants. If you were not available that day, Peter Burvill and Ann Morehouse have a list of opportunities for tasks that people can do on their own.

In conjunction with the Nekrangan II’s exhibit of information about and artifacts made by the Native Americans who once lived here, on Tuesday morning there was a workshop for making items from the clay found in this part of Maine, just as they had done. From his long association with Watershed, Mike Thompson offered demonstrations and advice, and both adults and kids had a great time creating items that will be dried and then fired. Thank you to Carol Burvill and Susan Reece for putting together this neat extension of the exhibit.

Truly a surprise to the honorees, Ellie and Dick Morrell, on Tuesday evening, the Morrell Clan put together a most gala celebration of these beloved Islanders who are turning ninety. A big crowd that included generations of family from all over the country, Islanders, and friends from Brunswick, gathered at and overflowed the Casino which was decorated with huge bouquets of home-grown flowers. Tasty hors d’oeuvres were followed by beautifully decorated cupcakes made for the occasion by great-granddaughter Anna Erickson.Running continuously was a slide show of photos of the Morrells themselves and of their extended family. The Moron Tabernacle Choir, accompanied on the piano by Michael Smith, performed an original work to the tune of “Love and Marriage” and included the lyrics:

Mrs. Morrell, Mr. Morrell,

It’s a rockin’ marriage with no quarrel.

Ask the Island gentry, they have a union we all envy!

Jenny Mackenzie’s video of a day in the life of the Morrells showed this remarkable couple at their Island home and out and about. All in all the occasion was a joy-filled one.

Thursday evening Brenda Bowen led a discussion of the writing process involved in the creation of her novel, Enchanted August. This is the second year for the program, One Island, One Book. Many of us who had read this work when it was first published read it again and found new aspects to admire. After the discussion Brenda showed the film Enchanted April, made in 1992 and based on Elizabeth von Arnim’s book of the same name. There were parallels, differences, and happy endings.

The Penny Party is always scheduled for the second Saturday in August and is the reason for families with young children (and for lucky adults) to be sure to be here on this particular day. A great crowd of Islanders bought chances and won prizes and provided significant financial support to the Tennis Association. Special recognition went to those who had participated in the childrens’ work party, led by Jim Morrell, that morning, and everyone thanks the Pierces and Patsy Mackenzie and her crew for a great time.

Island children led the Sunday service which followed the theme of the Nekrangan II’s exhibit on the Native Americans, or indigenous peoples, who lived in Maine before the coming of Europeans. They reminded us of their communities and culture as well as of the fact that their descendants still live here today. Natalie Bowen, Graham and Emma Aeschliman, Marley and Barrett Reece, Ella Pierce, Farrah Mackenzie, Finn, Evan, Brody, and Liam Saunders, under the guidance of Brenda Bowen and Betsy Morrell, helped us see our Island in another context.

It’s hard to believe that another week can be as full and fun as this one has been. But stay tuned!