5066-R3_CIC_July2017_Calendar_Web

One Man’s Island by Bob Libby

Celebrating major anniversaries reminds us how quickly time passes. Ten years a town as years fly by. I remember our first trip to Chebeague in 1970 when Wink and Ruthie invited us out for a weekend on the island. Doc hustled Paula over to Souchek’s Red House to cut a pane of glass for Don’s storm door. It’s been nearly half a century since we first fell in love with Chebeague. We’ve come to deeply respect the multigenerational cultural aspects of life on Chebeague. Family dominates all our cherished memories. Our first Fourth of July out here was 1984, and we had torn the roof off the brick house under a pure blue cloudless sky. When the thunderstorm struck, Don Munsey and Art Johnson ran over with a huge blue tarp, but everything was already dripping. Paula told Nick to take the huge pot he was carrying and put it over his head to keep himself dry. We remember Ralph as a teenager hauling us with our gear up from the Stone Wharf through the woods to the old meeting house. Bucket rights to Campbell’s well and a stunning outhouse were the facilities then. The old porch had to be torn off and carted to the dump. That first Fourth Wink, Ruthie, Malcolm, Sandra, and Med set up the cannon and saluted us at midnight, but we were all so exhausted, we never even woke up. Now, our son who proudly rode his decorated bike in that first parade can look at several timber-framed houses he has built on this island.

Nick’s grandmother is the oldest resident on Chebeague, and we have lived on Chebeague longer than any other place. We harbor deep affection for the five or more generation families of Chebeague: Leonards, Houghtons, Hamiltons, KomLosys, Hills, Cleaves, Webbers, and more. We stood and applauded when Raymond Hamilton rode by in the parade and when Jet was honored as the youngest citizen born on Chebeague. For me the greatest aspect of the parade is the generations celebrating together. People I remember as children running to catch thrown treats are now guiding their children and grandchildren in the ritual. Because we worked for Cumberland Rec, we met young children for arts and crafts and sports forty years ago—long before there was the Rec Center or our beautiful public library. Now those young people like Kevin, Rachel, and Tom are all busy adults guiding sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews through the celebration of independence. Amanda will be captain on the Islander that brings the hordes of visitors to share our celebration. My friend Teddy will be posting video of his grandchildren as the parade goes by Westview’s porch. On this independence Day we stand and applaud the generosity and friendship of our neighbors all these years and eagerly look forward to the independent future of Chebeague Island. Property Maintenance Lawn Mowing, Bush Hogging, Wood Chipping, Stump Grinding, Brush Removal, Rototilling, Driveway Grading, Snow Removal, and more...

Celebrate a Decade of Independence on Chebeague with the Mari Black Trio Community Dance and Potluck Saturday July 1 at the Hall 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Dance instruction 5:00-5:30 p.m. Contra, line, and square dancing All levels welcome Alcohol-free event Fiddling Around the World Sunday July 2 at the Wilsons’ 81 Spruce Point Rd. 7:00-9:00 p.m. BYOB

Call Nathan Doughty 712-4017 or 846-4133

Celebrate Freedom! Sponsored by CICA Suggested donation: $15

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JULY 2017 CHEBEAGUE ISLAND COUNCIL CALENDAR