By Ted Pendleton

The Historical Society has experienced well-attended events in July, including a standing-room-only Evening with Island Elders. Our thanks to all those who donated during the event to keep our programs going, and especially to the speakers – Linda Gillies, Sue Hatch, Donnie Durkee, and David Hathaway – who provided us with laughter and invaluable insights into what history can teach us. The Evening with Island Elders video is now on our website for your viewing, as is the Talent Show video. Go to News & Events on our website, select Calendar of Events, and scroll down to see this year’s videos.

By Melissa Olson

The money the Friends of the Library raise from the Book and Bake Sale pay for “extras” not included in the Library’s budget? For example, Cloud Library.

Cloud Library is the home of the Society Library's circulating e-book and audio collection, and enables members to browse, borrow, and read a collection of e-books and audio books. Users have access to over 700,000 copies. Thanks to the Friends, patrons of the ALP Library enjoy Pay per Use, which significantly decreases wait time.

By Sam Wadsworth

Over the past year, Islesboro Affordable Property (IAP) has built, paid for, and leased four new homes – the Schnur Cottages on Reeby Road and the first Town Center duplex – representing approximately $1.8 million in community investment. All four homes were tenanted promptly upon completion, a reminder of just how great the need for year-round affordable housing on Islesboro remains. Now IAP is building on that momentum: work on a second Town Center duplex has begun.

By Christina Noyes

The annual Evening by the Pond fundraiser for Boardman Cottage was a beautiful and supremely successful event, made possible by the generosity, kindness, and steady support of neighbors, friends, families, and community members who care deeply about the elders who call Boardman Cottage home.

By Katie Wuori

Hauling Day Friday, Aug 14 1:30 - 4:30pm. Come help us pack up the program. Meet at Mosley's Dock to help put away sails, gear and boats.

As Big Tree Boating celebrates its 30th summer on the water, this season has been filled with both reflection and excitement. On July 30, a small gathering of board members, volunteers, and supporters came together to dedicate the new Big Tree Boating boathouse. The ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque (pictured), recognizing the many individuals whose vision, generosity, and hard work have helped Big Tree Boating grow over the past three decades. The gathering also provided an opportunity to thank and bid farewell to several long-serving board members whose contributions have been highlighted in previous editions of the Islesboro Island News.

By Colleen Dove, Recreation Director

The Summer is flying by… The sweet sounds of basketballs hitting the new metal rims of the court and tennis balls being whacked against rackets can be heard throughout Maddy Dodge Park, the joyful cries of adventure campers will continue through August 21st, and our annual Half- Marathon/5K fundraiser is right around the corner!

By Pastor Trish Goodspeed

This year marks the 235th since the founding of Second Baptist Church. We honored this special occasion with a Founder’s Day Worship Service on June 28th. Reverend Dr. Al Fletcher, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of Maine, attended and gave the sermon. Former pastor Reverend James Weathersby gave the Benediction. Reverend Dr. Ed Bacon, also a former pastor of Second Baptist Church, led a responsive reading. The sanctuary was filled with friends and neighbors to celebrate this meaningful event in the faith of our church.

By Charlie Friedman

The Latin Literacy Paideia Grant will support a series of educational programs at the Islesboro Community Center for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program will introduce participants to Latin language, Greek mythology, and Classical culture through games, storytelling, art projects, and collaborative activities. The goal is to foster literacy, creativity, and curiosity while making learning both accessible and enjoyable.

By Katie Wuori

For 30 years, Big Tree Boating (BTB) has helped island residents and visitors discover the joy of sailing on Penobscot Bay. Founded in 1996, BTB is a community sailing program based in Seal Harbor that teaches proper seamanship, respect for the water, and a lifelong love of sailing. Open to ages 10 and up – including adults – BTB welcomes complete beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between.

Submitted by Melissa Olso

What is a Library of Things, you ask? Great question. We all know that libraries lend books, movies, magazines, puzzles and games. Now many libraries, including the Alice L. Pendleton Library, are lending other “things.” The ALP Library now lends garden tools, a cider press, a metal detector, telescopes, a food processor, ukuleles and more!