I missed the newspaper’s early deadline last week, so here’s a little old news and new. About 250 voters turned out on Friday for referendum voting, and maybe 60 or so came on Saturday morning for a fairly quick town meeting. Not sure a few sentences could sum it up well (and there could be 60 varying views), and the news articles gave the details.

There were different opinions on some issues, resolved again this year in that democratic way – talking and listening, and then voting. The sound system worked really well; thank you Doggett Trust, Bill Cooney, Bill Hopkins and Jack Swanton! A tip of the hat by Fire Dept. Chief Bob Mooney to the late Albert Lester, one of the founding and long-serving members of the Department.

A great summer gathering is coming up this weekend, Saturday, July 13: the Benefit Barbecue for the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department. This is one of the most popular annual town happenings, and it’s better to be early than late.

Yummy fare from the capable hands of the volunteer firemen and desserts from the Westport Community Association will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall field (rain or shine). Plenty of time to catch up with summer friends and family before Back to Basics entertains us with their blue grass music, wonderful harmonies, and very odd sense of humor. The band has Gene Groves on lead and guitar, Ray Berard on rhythm guitar, our own Eben Greenleaf on banjo, Bernie Coombs on the bass fiddle, and Brian Daniels on mandolin. There will also be a basket for donations for our Cottage Island Pantry.

Many residents and many visitors enjoy the hills, woods and great views along our roads for walking, biking and running. The 9th Annual Westport Island Shore Run 10k Road Race is coming up on Sunday, August 18. The 10k race starts at Town Hall at 9 a.m., with the 3.5-mile “fun walk” starting earlier at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds go to the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department. The race is sanctioned by USATF-Maine, with official timing and of course, awards at the end! You can register online now at www.westportisland.org, or through www.active.com.

Goofing off a bit this week, but not the gardens or the grass. Tiger lilies came in profusely all over the island, and in my poor-excuse-for-a-garden, the bee balm has out grown the oregano (thankfully) and is gloriously red. A-belated Independence Day salute to Ken and Cheryl for Uncle Sam’s very handsome and patriotic hat.

Please send your salutes to summer to mewbarnes2@yahoo.com or 207-882-6055.