President's Report

President’s Report

As I write this, spring is here—or so says the cal- endar. We’ve had a few warm, beautiful days, but more cold, rainy and windy ones.

The deer have thrived. I enjoy seeing them and in my heart do not like to think of destroying any of them, but then I look around my home and realize what I—we—have lost to them over the past few years.

Every year I’ve found Lady Slippers in the woods around my house. Also Jack-in-the-Pulpits, Lau- (Photo courtesy of The Times Record, Brunswick, ME. May 31, 2002.) rel, wild Violets, Lupin, and Jewel-weed as well Norm Seagrave (left) poses with his teammates John Woods, as the Humming birds and butterflies they attract. John White, and Arnie Green. Their relay swim team came in These treasures will not return. The deer will, top in the nation in three events among master swimmers in a distinctive category: four swimmers whose combined ages even if we destroy some of them and I realize total at least 320 years. that, hard as it may be for some of us, we need to find a solution to the Deer Problem. ramp location and construction. Registration of golf carts will be done at the Hall early in July. Activi- There will be meetings with Portland this summer ties have been planned for the summer months. on this problem and an up-date on the barge- There are openings for more, if you’d like to volun- teer your services or suggestions. Contact me or any board member.

Best wishes and many thanks to Shane for her years of editing the Seagull, and a warm welcome to Li- bra, who has volunteered to take over.

Allyson will be leaving in June. Again, many thanks to her for her efforts on our behalf (the preschool and adult education programs to name a few). She will be missed.

With hope for a warm and happy summer. The Cliff Island schoolchildren showing off their new raised garden at the playground. Good work, everyone! Ruth Mistark 2

A Huge Thank You Equinox

Dear Cliff Island friends: right before new green old nests stand out Our first Thank You was not able to be pub- lished in the last “Seagull,” so we would just after a long winter like to say again THANK YOU so very much those hanging by a slender thread for your most generous outpouring of dona- die tions and support for Victoria’s uncovered medical expenses. It is so much appreciated. this moment She is having her weekly treatments and is do- between death-birth ing well. liminal Sincerely, suspended The Griffin Family blank

the two trapeezes

threshold-ed

love finds us Kat Farrin

POST OFFICE HOURS Mon - Fri Lobby 8am - 5pm Window 8am - 1pm 2pm - 4:45pm Mail Dispatch 3:30pm

Saturday Lobby 8am - 12 Sandra Green and Pam Anderson enjoy a water- color class at the hall, organized by Allyson, our Window 8am - 11:45 Island Institute Fellow. Mail Dispatch 11:30am

www.cliffisland.com Postage Stamps is the official Cliff Island website Remember to help our community by buying your postage stamps from the E-mail [email protected] if you wish to be on Cliff Island Post Office. If you can’t be the list to receive important news and updates here in person, you can purchase them via email. by mail. Contact Postmaster Anna at 766- If your email address changes, let Bob know. He 2051 for the details or print out an order continually updates his list. (Thanks, Bob!!) form from the Cliff Island website. 3

Hear and There

Julie Kempton, granddaughter of Myles and Josh Douglas, son of Eva Waecker Douglas, was Louise O'Reilly, graduated from Duke University named a Ben Hale Scholar and also received the in North Carolina on May 12, 2002. She has James Mickel Williams Prize. These respectively earned a double major degree in electrical honor academic achievement and the junior who engineering and computer science. She will be has the highest grade point average in social sci- living and working in Virginia. ence courses at Hobart William Smith Colleges. Josh has just completed a semester of study off campus in Los Angeles, and an internship at the Louise O'Reilly has enjoyed her winter in Peterson Car Museum. He will be returning to Bradenton, Florida. She will be living at Baxter Hobart College in September for his senior year. Place, Seaside Nursing Center, 850 Baxter Blvd., Portland, ME 04103. She celebrated her 82nd birthday on May 7, 2002. David McNitt has been accepted into Tulane Uni- versity's JYA program at the University of St. An- Gary and Kelly Profenno are planning to open andrews in Scotland. He will start orientation on other self-storage building in the next few September 13, 2002. months. The first two buildings have kept Gary busy, along with renting U-Haul trucks. Freeport Self Storage originally opened two years ago with Farrah Pitkin Barden and Paul Frager were mar- one building, and then opened another building ried on May 18 at the Laurel Hill Cemetery last year. Since Kelly is working 20 hours per Chapel in Saco, ME. They honeymooned in Ocho week at the Town Hall, Gary thinks he’ll be able Rios, Jamaica. Farrah, Paul, and their daughters to use her clerical duties when he gets his other Hailey and Lilly, live in Saco. buildings up and running. For those of you who were customers, the autobody garage is now closed. Thank you for your patronage. If you have Kimberly Hope Jellison, daughter of Carole and any storage or U-Haul needs, call Gary at 865- Walter Jellison, received her Bachelor of Science 3920 during normal business hours. degree on Sunday, May 19, 2002, at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. She graduated Cum Laude in the Health Science program and will re- Jeanine Alberto, daughter of John and Nina turn to Quinnipiac in the fall for the Masters pro- (Steere) Alberto, graduated from Walpole High gram in Physical Therapy. School on June 2, 2002. She will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington this fall and This summer, Kim is doing one of her clinical ro- will be majoring in English. tations at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, ME. Kimberly has many fond memories of Cliff Island and hopes to visit frequently this summer while Mike Waecker, son of Tom and grandson of Hans she is home. Waecker, graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in June. He will be attending Boston Uni- Kim is a descendant of Albro and Lulie Cushing versity in September. who used to own the Sunenblick house located in Griffin Cove and is also related to Captain Rod Hope & Rattanak MacVane Tray welcomed their Cushing. Her family is very proud of her hard first child, Vireak Keegan into the world on June work and academic accomplishments. 15. Born at 3 lbs., 12 oz., and 16 in., he is doing just fine. 4

Obituaries

Miriam Carol Reiner, 81 J. Priscilla O’Reilly, 86

Miriam Carol (Hartman) Reiner, 81, of Sterling J. Priscilla O’Reilly, 86, of Cliff Island, died May died unexpectedly April 7, after suffering a heart 21 at St. Joseph’s Manor in Portland. Born August attack at home. She leaves her husband of 58 28, 1915, in Wellesley, Mass., she was a daughter years, Edward F. (Ned) Reiner; two brothers, Ben- of Russell and Helen Spring who predeceased her. jamin F. Hartman of Daytona Beach, Florida, and She and her husband wintered in Okeechobee, David Hartman of Loma Linda, California; two Fla., from the mid-1970’s to the early 1990’s. She daughters, Elizabeth Salo of Sterling, and Susan enjoyed knitting, sewing, drawing, and many Williams of Sterling; two sons, Ted Reiner of other crafts. She especially loved to create dolls, South Portland, Maine, and Scott Reiner of stuffed animals, and doll houses for her beloved Burlington, Vermont; six grandchildren and sev- grandchildren. She was well known on Cliff Is- eral nieces and nephews. land for the map of the island that she drew and which was used in many different things, includ- Mrs. Reiner was born in Natick, MA, the daughter ing place mats and postcards. She was a founder of Benjamin H. and Mina (Hildebrand) Hartman. and member of the Cliff Island Mothers’ Club. She She grew up in So. Lancaster, attending Seventh was a daughter of the American Revolution. Visi- Day Adventist schools and graduating from At- tors were always welcome in Priscilla and Ben’s lantic Union College in 1945. After raising four home. Even Vincent Price had a piece of home- children, Mrs. Reiner worked for 15 years at Rut- made apple pie in Priscilla’s kitchen when the land Heights Hospital as a speech therapist. movie, “The Whales of August,” was filmed.

Mrs. Reiner was an accomplished pianist who of- She is survived by her husband, Benjamin fered her talents throughout her life in church and O’Reilly of Cliff Island, her two sons, Daniel community settings. She passed on her love of O’Reilly and his wife, Judy, of Kittery; Benjamin music to her children and grandchildren. O’Reilly, Jr., and his companion, Ellen Sanborn, of Gorham; twelve grandchildren, Sherry Childs, From the age of 15, Mrs. Reiner spent all her sum- Wendy Collins, Danna Eddy, Tricia Kashmer, mers on Cliff Island in Casco Bay, Maine. Since Benjamin O’Reilly III, Brian O’Reilly, Kelly Pro- retirement, she and her husband spent half the fenno, Shawn O’Reilly, Matthew O’Reilly, Dawn year on Cliff Island. It was where family could O’Reilly, Debbie O’Reilly and Stephanie O’Reilly; gather and many good times were shared. She a niece, Deborah Reed; and many great- loved entertaining her clan, walking, reading, gar- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. dening, and corresponding with family and friends. A memorial service was held at Hay & Peabody Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made She will be remembered for her high energy, good to the Cliff Island Association. cheer, and lifelong devotion to her husband and family. A memorial service was held at the First Church in Sterling. Donations can be made to the Joy of Music Program, 1 Gorham St., Worcester, MA 01602, the Cliff Island Library, or the charity of your choice. 5

George B. Ryan, Jr., 79 Thompson, 38, a sixth-grade student of Mr. Walker’s, who is now an editor of Bloomberg News. “His discussions were erudite, his patience George Ryan died in April in California at the age was inexhaustible. His best material was history of 79. He had spent all of his boyhood summers and literature, and he took us, a bunch of 12-year- on Cliff Island, and visited as often as he could in old boys, on a fantastic trip through awakening later years. and knowledge.”

George grew up in Newton, Mass., and attended Mr. Walker, habitually dressed in a gray suit and the University of North Carolina. After college, he bow tie, operated in a funky, wonderfully unster- worked first for the Boston and Maine Railroad ile classroom that was, at one time or another, and later for Northeast Airlines. Later, he joined cluttered with Victorian paintings and portraits, a Airborne Flower and Freight in California. The cuckoo clock, a live parrot, a roll-top desk, and company later merged with Burlington Northern other artifacts that reflected his travels, readings, and became Burlington Northern Air Freight. and beliefs. “It was like a museum,” Thompson George was president of the company when he said. retired. But he was more than a conservative dresser George is survived by two sons and four grand- whose classroom was a warehouse for show-and- children, as well as his sisters, Mary Seagrave and tell items. He was the kind of teacher who made Nancy Benoit. an impression; who influenced the lives of his students. “I was going to bring my new wife to meet E. Perot Walker, 89 him,” Thompson said. “Mr. Walker made me the man I am today.” E. Perot Walker, 89, a teacher who fired the imagi- nations of generations of students at Chestnut Hill Outside the classroom, Mr. Walker was active Academy, died April 7 of complications associ- with the Morris Arboretum. He belonged to the ated with Parkinson’s disease at Cathedral Vil- St. Andrews Society and the Society of Colonial lage, a retirement community in Roxborough. Be- Wars. He is survived by a brother, Nicholas, and a fore moving to Cathedral Village about five years sister, Helen Kenefick. His wife of more than 40 ago, Mr. Walker had been a long-time resident of years, Elizabeth, died in 2000. Services were held Lafayette Hill. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Memorial donations may be made to Chestnut Hill Academy, in Former students say Mr. Walker seemed to have care of Betsy Longsireth, director of development, stepped right out of Central Casting and into the 500 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia 19118. classroom when he started teaching at Chestnut Hill Academy in 1948. Actually, he had stepped out of the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1938 after growing up on the Main Line and graduating from the Haver- ford School. He taught at private schools in Ohio and New York before joining the faculty at Chest- nut Hill Academy, where he first taught fifth grade, then sixth, including Latin, biology, and general studies. He retired from full-time teaching in 1979 but continued to teach as a substitute for another 10 years. Johanna and her father making the first phone call from “His class was a greenhouse,” said Christian the island. 6

Johanna E. R. von Tiling, 93 Willard School, Troy, New York, and graduated from Vassar College, where she majored in German, music, and geology. During the 1930’s, she made two trips to Johanna E. R. von Tiling, of Cliff Island, died on Satur- Europe, the second to continue her operatic voice stud- day, May 11, 2002 at the Seaside Convalescent Center, ies at the Conservatory in Leipzig, where she made her Portland, Maine, where she had lived for the last two debut as a mezzo-soprano in 1936. years. She was 93 years old. She returned to this country in 1937 and continued her Ms. von Tiling was a full-time resident of Cliff Island operatic studies in New York, where she made a debut from 1948 until 2000. During over a half-century, she at Town Hall. In the years immediately following became prominently identified with her island home in World War II, the von Tilings sent over 600 CARE the public debate over the preservation of the island packages of food and supplies to near and distant rela- way of life in Casco Bay. tives throughout devastated post-war Germany. These packages brought many a child her first taste of choco- In 1960, Ms. von Tiling and her father were instrumen- late or first pair of shoes. The von Tilings’ generosity in tal in bringing telephone service to Cliff Island. In the the 1940’s was repaid by the German relatives in kind 1970’s she was a founding member of Citizens Who during Ms. von Tiling’s last years with regular contri- Care, organized by concerned islanders and other butions of financial assistance which eased the burdens Mainers to combat the then growing risk of serious in- of her own final days. dustrialization and oil pollution of Casco Bay. Ms. von Tiling was also a founding Director of the Casco Bay Ms. von Tiling’s mother died in 1948, the same year as Island Transit District, founded in 1981 to purchase Dr. von Tiling retired from his medical practice in and operate the public boat transportation service be- Poughkeepsie. Dr. von Tiling and Johanna moved to tween the mainland and the principle Casco Bay is- the former summer cottage on Cliff Island, which be- lands. After a two-year legal battle, the newly-formed came their year-round home for the rest of both of their District won the right to purchase the assets of the for- lives. Ms. von Tiling continued with her interest in mu- mer Casco Bay Lines out of bankruptcy and operate as sic, and taught voice for many years at the University a public transit district. As Treasurer of the Transit Dis- of Southern Maine. She was also a member of the trict, Ms. von Tiling signed the first issue of bonds Rossini Club of Portland and regularly gave recitals of which raised the funds necessary to make the pur- German operatic arias and lieder. In the 1960’s, she chase. Throughout her long life, Ms. von Tiling main- taught German at Waynflete School. From 1969-1978, tained a strong sense of commitment to the Casco Bay she served as the sole teacher in Cliff Island’s one-room islands and those who live there. schoolhouse instructing island children in grades 1-8.

Johanna von Tiling was born on October 28, 1908, in From the time of her father’s death in 1969, to her move Poughkeepsie, New York, only daughter of Johannes to Seaside in 2000, Ms. von Tiling lived by herself in H.M.A. von Tiling and Sarah Fuller Ruthven Morrison. Wahnfried. She continued to be active in musical, is- Her father was a native of Germany and became house land and community affairs right up until the last few physician to Vassar College shortly after his arrival in years of her life. The care and compassion of her fellow this country in 1904. He became a naturalized Ameri- islanders, who looked after her in various ways, made can citizen in 1908. it possible for her to remain in her beloved home on Cliff Island to a very advanced age. Her many filled An event which caused the von Tiling family much dis- guest books attest to the large number of visitors she tress was anti-German feeling in the New York area received each year on Cliff. Some of these visitors in during and immediately after World War I. This culmi- recent years have included her beloved German rela- nated in an unsuccessful legal proceeding brought to tives and their children. strip Dr. von Tiling of his American citizenship based on suspicions of German sympathies, which were Ms. von Tiling leaves no close American relatives, but proven at trial to be wholly unfounded. in Germany, she leaves cousins Peter von Tiling, Guenter Tiling, Joachim Tiling, Uta Ewald, Eva Wut- The von Tiling family first came to Cliff Island in 1914 zler, Hans Broder von Laue, Gisele Klecha, and Irm- and became regular summer residents of the island traut Niemeyer in Germany, and a large number of starting in the early 1920’s, when Dr. von Tiling pur- friends. There will be no visiting hours or service in chased “Wahnfried,” named after the home of favorite connection with cremation and interment. A memorial composer Richard Wagner. Ms. von Tiling was home- service will take place on Cliff island in June. 7

occasional thoughtfulness. The Cliff Island Community Now, we have a new component: medical supply resources. Our wonderful First Aid, EMT, and Medical Memorial Fund Doctors on the Island come to sick and ailing Islanders as volunteers, but the medical supplies they dispense A brief reminder to all Cliff Islanders that the Cliff and utilize cost real dollars. A gift to this fund dedi- Island Community Memorial Fund has, for thirty- cated to replenishing these resources will be set aside one years, been receiving thoughtful and gener- for that purpose when needed. ous contributions from members and friends of our Island. With these dollars we have been sup- Health and Education: what more important porting Island educational needs every year. things are there in our lives? Some of our awards have gone to our Island School, while the majority have gone toward Whether or not we approach you for a specific scholarship assistance for Cliff Island students ad- contribution, please remember at some point all vancing in higher education. that this Fund works to accomplish in order to strengthen and nurture our Island Community. Much of the funding we receive comes following the deaths of valued Cliff Island relatives, friends, Thank you. and neighbors. It is a means of transforming sad- ness from the loss of one generation into resources Norm Seagrave, Ruth Mistark, Carlton Cushing, Roger Berle, Trustees for another generation. It has been as much an honoring process as an enriching one. But many gifts come in just from people who understand the value of quality education to our future Is- landers. We are on peoples’ charitable giving lists (for deductible income tax purposes) at the end of the tax year, and we are also simply here to present a means to support our little community with ACE Spring Report

Dear Cliff Island! Congratulations, As the Summer of 2002 begins, we think back Again, Eleanor! upon countless ACE memories of the past quarter And thank you for your century. They come from all angles, out of the dedication and service blue (sea and sky...) and from constant reminder to the Cliff stimuli. We interact with many of you from time to time: some daily, some seasonally, some in be- Island post office for tween... and sometimes with folks who have left almost our community. When we do, it always resets that 40 years!! Cliff Island hook, that implement which causes the release of the Cliff Island scents, sounds, and We welcome Alice sensations over which we are powerless, it seems. Carter as Postmaster The line attached to the hook draws us inexorably toward the reaffirmation of the wondrous bond Relief. Good Luck! we all share: this Island.

And a large part of this Island’s heritage is what

(Continued on page 16) 8

ties, their dynamics together, and their individual It Takes a Village learning curves and limitations. Not an easy task by any means, and Allyson did it with supreme This year marked an historical “first” in the Cliff grace, to the benefit of our children. Many, many Island community. Due to varied parental, child, thanks, Allyson!! We are going to miss you! and educational needs, it was decided last summer that we needed a pre-school; a more formal We had a number of donations from caring is- educational experience where the “middle-littles” landers: puzzles, blocks, rugs, and of course, the (2½-4ish) could gather some of the skills that are gracious consideration and support of the Cliff Is- needed in more structured settings, beyond play- land Association for the use of The Hall. Speaking dates, beyond frolicking at the cove. And because for the parents, I want to add how much we ap- we are blessed to live in a community where peo- preciate everyone and everything that contributed ple come together and make things happen, IT to making the pre-school possible this year. It is DID! our sincere hope that it can continue for the next group of “littles” (Elsa, Julian, Olivia, and Tucker) Samantha Crowley, Dylan Griffin, and Elsa Pier- making their way to the Cliff Island School. son attended pre-school this year at the hall. Kittie Pierson Allyson Fauver, ACE intern and our Island Insti- tute Fellow, created a program that helped Sam and Dylan prepare for kindergarten for the Fall of 2002. The curriculum included warm-up time, story time, painting, doing puzzles, making play- dough, etc., but at deeper levels, helped all three kids learn really valuable social skills: how to be Cliff Island Candle & in a group setting, raising hands, following direc- Soap Co. tions, listening skills, etc. It has been truly amazing to see the developmental progress of all three Unique Candle & Soap Art kids over the school year! It really gave them all a P.O. Box 37, Church Road great jump start. Cliff Island, ME 04019 email: [email protected] None of this could have taken place without a Joanne LaPomarda 207-766-5172 great number of people’s time, energy, and thoughtfulness. Allyson did an amazing job. Her Lots of New Specialty, Skin Care Soaps! patience was outstanding, as well as her devotion All your favorite candles and lots more. to understanding all three kids, their personali- Look for my new shop in Fisherman’s Cove. Hours to be posted.

ALSO: CLIFF ISLAND WEEKLY RENTAL “The Candlelight House,” formerly the family REMINDER home of Myles & Louise O’Reilly, is now available for seasonal, weekly rentals. 3 bedrooms upstairs, 1 bathroom downstairs, laundry The Portland City ordinance room, large deck overlooking Fisherman’s mandates that large-item Cove. For more information and reservations, trash may not be put out contact Joanne LaPomarda at the email address until Monday of the week of or phone number above. removal. This year that is July 8th. 9

Dear Oh Deer

Cliff Island—what an amazing place I find it to be in my five years here. Wild and free, the furthest island out the baylines service. Not white-washed by civilization quite so much as many other parts of the world. The mission of the Cliff Island Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and make accessible those objects, an- It is in this spirit that I bring up the issue of the tiquities, documents, and other items of historical, edu- deer, which we all know is foremost on people’s cational, and cultural significance pertaining to the minds. unique and special history of Cliff Island, Maine. How many other places can children spot deer The charter meeting of the Cliff Island Historical wandering free or see the footprints where deer Society (CIHS) was called to order by Pamela An- have crossed sandy beaches? derson at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2002, at the Stone Library with twelve people present. The In a sense, the deer are a reflection of ourselves. In mission statement above was approved, a by-laws winter we go for weeks at a time without a committee selected, and a one-year budget ap- glimpse of the deer. As spring approaches, we, as proved. Chester Pettengill agreed to create a logo the deer, start to wander the island. Yet, how few for this new organization, and his work can be are the number of deer as compared to the num- seen at the head of this article. ber of people arriving this Memorial Day week- end? It was agreed that the CIHS would include all Cliff Islanders, and that immediate financial I realize I am in the minority as a deer proponent. needs would be met by projects, gifts, and dona- Even close friends tell me, “The deer must go!” tions. But why must the deer go? Perhaps they wish we would go and leave the island to them! What At the July 2002 ACE Olympics, there will be in- gives us the right to “delete” the deer? I, too, am formation on the CIHS as well as a chance to buy sad to see certain native plants eaten and feel a raffle tickets for a homemade afghan. Please sup- sense of loss. I sympathize with the gardeners port this venture. amongst us. Yet there are those who have met the challenge with effective fencing. An initial display/exhibit will be held on July 27 at the hall. This presentation will include old pic- Isn’t the wildness part of what draws people tures of our Cliff Island homes. Do you have any here? I have seen this type of change happen photos we might borrow, copy, and return? If so, please where I grew up. Widening of the dirt road, mow- call Pam. ing down blackberry bushes, a house every hun- dred feet where my house was once one of the Oral histories was another major concern of the very few. Trees cut down. It seems people are Sunday Dozen. We are hoping those of you who drawn to wildness, and then we can almost not have oral tapes, videos, and movies will allow the help but to recreate what it is we left! CIHS to copy them for our collection. If so, please call Kris Saunders. This is Cliff Island. We love it here. It is not Cape Elizabeth, not New Jersey, not any other place. A major goal of the CIHS is to have a new mu- Which is more important? To cherish and pre- seum room attached to the present library. This serve this native wildness or create a deer-free en- project is a vision the CIHS hopes to accomplish with all of Cliff Islanders’ support. (Continued on page 13) 10

Tennis Report Fisherman’s Cove The cold spring hasn’t inspired the court set-up Cliff Island, Maine but slowly enthusiasm is building. Hartru has been ordered, and a work crew will gather by the end of May or early June. If you are on the island, please pitch in! [Footnote: The court is now set up and a big thanks to Leo and Alice Carter, Gary MacVane, Maura Berle, Andre Benoit, Bob Kramer, Kris Saunders, Beth Sunenblick, Heath MacVane, and Casey Zuckerman.] Nancy Lux organized the dues mailing again with One Stop Food Service Suppliers appreciated efficiency, and the notices have gone Suzanne Rieth (207) 766-2046 out from Cliff. Payment through the mail is preferred for bookkeeping purposes but you can WINTER HOURS always track Kris down if you didn’t receive 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. yours. Roger is communicating with the City to 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. see if they can help with our drainage issue in Closed Sunday evenings and all day heavy rains. We were just lucky in last season’s Tuesdays dryness not to lose valuable playing time.

Leo Carter has graciously offered again to teach GROCERIES, BEER, WINE, MARINE SUPPLIES youth tennis lessons. He plans to begin after PROPANE, GASOLINE, KEROSENE school is dismissed going through to September. HOME-HEATING & DIESEL FUEL However, he is unavailable in July and will either need to find substitutes or forfeit that month of lessons. Please let him know if you can help. Let’s Finestkind hope we have another fine season of tennis! Business/Office Services Thank you to all who help make this a fun part of readily available Cliff Island summer life. Kris Saunders • Copying • Fax (in and out) Cliff Island • Notary Public On Cliff Island we always have fun, Call Roger @ 766-2827 There’s never a day without sun! Or, just stop by... The weather there is steaming hot, I wouldn’t trade my time there for diddly squat. ALL use of the Hall MUST be scheduled The seagulls go flying in the sky, And if your usage will extend for more than one While Libra sells her apple pie. day, each of the days (and time of day) it will be used must be scheduled and approved. This Cliff Island is a wonderful place, helps us keep tabs on the condition of the Hall Cliff Island is a place you should as well as avoid double bookings. Thanks. embrace. Please call Ruth Mistark (766-2618) Allison McNamara for scheduling. 11

Kids’ Page

We swam in the pool. We slept in sleeping bags. went to the Spanish Market and bought fake food At Yankee Candle it smelled good there. The but- and got real candy. Then we went in a fifteen- terfly landed on my finger. We watched Harry person van. That was really cool. After that we Potter. We dipped candles and had a cookout. We went for a three-hour trip to Chris’ aunt’s house went in a big van to Massachusetts. We went to and we stopped at Friendly’s for lunch and saw Big Mama’s to have breakfast. We went to the really big smiley face balloons. When we got to Spanish Market. Ms. V.’s inflatable bed was green. Chris’ aunt’s house we got to swim in the pool for We sat in the van for three hours. I liked the blue- a really long time. And after that we watched berry pancakes. Harry Potter and had a cookout where there were a lot of good meats. Then we slept and saw Mrs. Jessica Griffin, Grade 1 V.’s big inflatable bed and it almost popped because she laid down in it. The morning after that we had blueberry pancakes. They were really I went into the pool and went underwater to get good. Then we swam some more and then we some rings and I watched Harry Potter. A butter- went to Yankee Candles where we saw Smurfs fly landed on me and it landed on my finger. But- and dipped candles. I gave mine to my mom. terflies eat rotten fruits and flower nectar. I puked Then we went to the butterfly museum where I three times on the trip to Massachusetts and it got a really cool fan. There were check mirrors to was raining and sunny at the same time in Mas- make sure no butterflies got out. When we got sachusetts. I went underwater in the pool and I into the butterfly museum butterflies could land slept next to my mom. My favorite thing was the on you and one landed on me. Then we went to a pool. I wanted to sleep under the table but I de- really good food place where I got a bacon, let- cided to sleep next to my mom. We went and saw tuce, and cheese sandwich. Then we went home Santa in Yankee Candle and there was a parrot for another three-hour trip. My favorite part was that we spin upside down and right side up and it the pool. never stops until the things bump together. And we saw how to make teddy bears where Santa William Merritt, Grade 4 was. I went and saw some cocoons at the butterfly place and I liked the butterflies because there are I went on a trip to Lynn’s aunt’s house. They had 2,300 butterflies at it. The butterflies were every- a swimming pool. We went in a fifteen-person where. We had really fun at the butterfly place van. On our way when we started we went to Big and I so wanted to go back, but good thing that Mama’s. We also went to the Spanish market. We we had lunch there because of the lemonade and watched Harry Potter and cooked out at Lynn’s sodas. The butterfly place was real great. aunt’s house. We also went to Yankee Candle and Butterfly Conservatory. It was a three-hour trip to Andrew Annis, Grade 1 get to Massachusetts. We got to dip candles. We slept at Lynn’s aunt’s house. Will got a Smurf. Ms. When we went to Chris’ aunt’s house we stopped V. had an inflatable bed. We had blueberry pan- at Big Mama’s to eat breakfast because we went cakes but I had plain. There was a playground. on the boat very early. And after Big Mama’s we When we went to see the butterflies there were 2,300. Some landed on us. One got in my hair. An- other hit my hand. There was a butterfly called a Julia butterfly. Another one was called the Owl e-mail Stephanie Howard-O’Reilly, teacher Eye Butterfly. There were check mirrors. The but- [email protected] terflies ate and drank sugar water, rotten fruit, 12

and nectar. They were chasing each other. There flies swarming around. It was beautiful there. were cocoons. My favorite part was the pool. There were so many flowers. It was hot. Ms. V. had a butterfly on her chest. Pat had one on her Noah Tounzen, Grade 4 bum. Ten minutes later we all left for lunch.

When the school went on a field trip to the butter- I got a bag of chips, a lemonade, and a BLT. It was fly place, we all went in a gray van and went to great. Then we all went to the garden area and Big Mama’s for breakfast. I got an egg and cheese looked around. Karen got a post for feeding but- omelet and a bowl of granola. It was good! Then terflies. Then we all got ice cream. I got chocolate we all went to Reichi School and went to the mousse twist. Then we all left and came home. I Spanish Market. It was fun. At the Spanish Mar- slept the whole way back. I was tired. ket we had to use our pesos to buy Spanish foods. Then our teacher showed us the Reichi School. Lynn Annis, Grade 4 Then our Spanish teacher read us a ground had five slides and a zip line. We played for an hour. Then we left and went to get Karen at the Bay On the way to my aunt’s house the rain was scat- Lines. Then we left for Massachusetts. tered everywhere. When we got to my aunt’s house we went into the back yard. My uncle was On the way we all slept and talked and ate food in the pool. He told us to get our bathing suits on. and drank Sunny D. Three hours later we were at When I came out I washed my feet and then I my aunt’s house. We all bolted out of the van. I walked over to the diving board and did a can- said “hi” to my cousins and jumped in their pool. nonball into the pool. After everyone was out of They had two floaties, styrosticks, diving loops, the pool we went had dinner. We had hot dogs and floatie pads. We played in the pool for two and hamburgers for dinner. After dinner we went hours. Then we all went inside and dried off. inside and watched Harry Potter and the Sor- Then we had hotdogs, hamburgers and steak. It cerer’s Stone. A little while later we went to bed. was good. Then we all ran around and played on the playground. We went swimming in the pool again in the morning. After swimming we had blueberry pan- Then we all came inside and watched “Harry Pot- cakes. Then we got in the van and started to go to ter.” Then we all watched Ms. V. blow up her bed the butterfly garden. But we stopped at Yankee and we all went to bed. Ten minutes later all of Candle. At Yankee candle we dipped candles. Af- the parents burst in the room to check for ticks be- ter that we got into the van and went to the but- cause Andrew had a tick on his head. None of us terfly garden. When we got there we got our had ticks on our heads so we all went to sleep. hands stamped and we went into the butterfly room. Then I walked around and a butterfly The next morning we all woke up and went landed on my nose. It was an Owl’s Eye butterfly. swimming. Then we had blueberry pancakes. It opened its wings and I could not see. I shook They were so good. I had nine of them. Then my my head and the butterfly flew off. I went over to cousin, Julia came and sat in my lap and said, the cocoons and one of them was opening. I “PANCAKE! Please.” So we had another pancake. watched the butterfly come out and dry its wings. Then I was stuffed. We all packed and said good- bye. I gave Julia a big kiss and we all left and Then we went to have lunch. I had a BLT for went to Yankee Candle. lunch with chips. After that we went into a store and we went to have ice cream. Then we drove I went with Ms. V. and she got 500 candles. Then back to Maine. we dipped candles and went to the butterfly Christopher Annis, Grade 2 place. To get in you had to get a butterfly stamp. Then we could go inside. There were 2,500 butter- 13

(“Dear Oh Deer” continued from page 9) PTC Report vironment where certain plants, non-native, can be grown? Who can deny the thrill of seeing a big There's nothing like Springtime on Cliff Island. buck leap from the swamp, a spotted fawn, a doe Warmer weather, Sunshine, Flowers, Birds and no on the edge of the road? Mosquitoes!! The Cliff Island School has been busy as usual. The children are always happy to Why not allow Cliff Island to be as wild as it can be doing something other than traditional school- be? Live with the frustration of being unable to work and here are the things that they did. plant certain shrubs and flowers. Grow masses of daffodils. Create effective fencing for vegetable On March 21st, Kittie Pierson held a Slip Casting growing. Share the space with the deer. workshop. The kids made their own Garden Gaia for the new Community Garden. It was really in- I realize the majority rules and that a decision will teresting to see how it was done and to be able to likely be made one day. If you are one who insists personalize it for the school. They also were able the deer must go, ask yourself why? Do we as hu- to glaze their own small Gaias to keep. Thank you mans, have the right to kill the deer? As to the Kittie for donating your time and materials for fear that they will overpopulate and starve, they this project. haven’t yet, and nature has her own rules for sur- vival of the fittest. Vast populations of people On April 9th, the Cliff Island Students went to starve in the world. Do we go in and shoot them Merrill Auditorium for a special presentation by so we don’t have to witness their suffering? the Portland Symphony Orchestra. It was a teaching performance and was geared for school age If a vote is made to indeed kill the deer, here is a children. It was a very entertaining and informa- fair way. Let each person who chooses to kill the tive show. Afterwards the students toured Port- deer, take full responsibility. One vote. One deer. land Fire Department's Central Station. It was No substitutions, such as a husband killing one quite impressive even though they weren't al- for his wife’s vote. Let each person who chooses lowed to slide down the poles. Then the music to kill a deer, choose his or her own weapon. One teacher, Mrs. Betsy Webber, held a music lesson at on one. A knife, a bow, a gun, or hand-to-hand Jack Elementary School. It was a full, fun day. combat. Let it be conscious. Honor the spirit of the animal. Take care of the dead body. Eat the meat We would like to thank the Island Institute for or give it away. Yes, it is convenient to have a sponsoring a trip to the Opera held at the Port- sharp shooter come in. Everybody go hide in the land High School Auditorium on April 23rd. The house. Pretend it is not happening. Would you show was a modified version of “The Regiment's want your child to watch? I doubt it. But this Daughter.” It was terrific. Afterwards the students would be the truth. No different than using nu- toured the Portland Public Library's children's clear power and then trucking the waste away so section. It was great to see such a big selection of we can pretend it isn’t dangerous. books and other materials. They could have stayed all day. We are not talking about chickens or cattle raised for food. We are talking about the embodiment of On April 29th, the Cliff Island School hosted a freedom. Out here, we live “outside” society more Kite Day. All the Island children were invited to than most. This is a privilege. Think about it. come to school and make kites. The weather (Have you seen the movie, “Powder,” lately?) didn't cooperate so they haven't gotten together to Kat Farrin fly them yet, but it was fun to be able to make and paint them. On May 9th and 10th, some of the fourth graders

(Continued on page 15) 14

Restoring the American Chestnut Tree pathology and molecular biology.

to the Forests of New England Now more than 5,000 members nationwide, TACF is making excellent progress. The first blight resis- The natural beauty of New England is something tant nuts are expected in approximately five in which we all take pride. Yet less than a hun- years. The hope is these trees will breed true to dred years ago, the forests of this area looked American chestnut characteristics and the refor- quite different. The American chestnut (Castanea estation of this magnificent tree will begin in the dentata) was the towering giant that formed the next decade. (The above was reprinted with per- highest tier of the forest canopy. Fully 25% of the mission of Susan Cormier, President of the Mas- trees in our forest were American chestnut. They sachusetts Chapter, TACF.) provided an abundant and stable food source for mammals, bird and insects. Its wood was close- Last year, I brought 30 American chestnut grained and straight, highly rot resistant, and was seedlings up to Cliff to plant around the island. widely used for furniture, paneling, and fencing. The nuts came from three trees growing on Little It was considered one of the most important tim- John Island here in Casco Bay. Dale Dyer dis- ber and nut-producing trees in the eastern forest tributed the seedlings in pairs and if the deer from Maine to Alabama. didn’t eat them, we may have the start of our own chestnut trees on Cliff. The trees need lots of sun- Beginning in the early 1900’s, an accidentally im- light and grow very rapidly, reaching 10 to 12 feet ported fungus devastated tens of millions of acres in six to eight years, at which time they will begin of healthy, yet defenseless, American chestnut to produce their first nut crop. If we are successful trees throughout its range. Chestnut blight caused in getting the trees to the point of production, the a “pandemic,” which has been called one of the next step would be to introduce the blight resis- worst ecological disasters in United States history. tant variety to ensure a sustainable resource. This It altered the landscape of New England in a man- would diversify the tree culture on Cliff by reduc- ner our grandparents could not believe. Within a ing the dominance of spruce. The nuts are deli- few decades, the chestnut blight had completely cious raw, boiled or roasted, and unlike the large eliminated the American chestnut from its domi- European nuts you find in the stores at Christmas nant position in our forests. time, the American nut is considerably smaller, about the size of a filbert. The good news is that the tree is not extinct. The American chestnut survives as a scraggly under- If you would like more information about The story tree that re-sprouts from tenacious root sys- American Chestnut Foundation and its efforts to tems, growing new stems that may survive for restore this magnificent tree, the address is: TACF, several years. Only a few of these sprouts may 469 Main Street, Suite 1, Bennington, VT 05201. live long enough to produce nuts before the blight (802) 447-0110 – e-mail [email protected] or the overwhelms and kills them. web site www.acf.org Jim Coull

Even better news is that The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is actively solving the problem of the chestnut blight. For more than eighteen ABOUT THOSE TICKS.... years, TACF has been engaged in a breeding pro- A friendly reminder to summer gram that will transfer the blight resistance of the visitors and those who rent homes Chinese chestnut tree (C. mollissima) to its Ameri- here: Please de-tick your pets be- can cousin. The goal is to breed genetically di- fore arriving on the island to keep verse blight resistant American chestnut trees the island free of the kind of ticks through age-old breeding techniques combined with insights from recent advances in plant that spread Lyme Disease. Thank You!!!! 15

(“PTC Report” continued from page 13) Night Dream.” It should be a delight to see! Have attended a Leadership Conference at Chewonke. a great summer! This program teaches the kids to lead through co- P.S. On June 22nd and 23rd, the vinyl siding will operation and teamwork. be installed on the school. We need volunteers to help. If you would like to help, please drop by. On May 29th, a Spanish Market was held by the Portland school system at Reiche. The Cliff Island students were able to pretend shop with pretend pesos and had to speak only Spanish. Thank you, Island Readers Kris Saunders, for attending with the kids and helping them with their Spanish. The Readers’ last two books explored globaliza- tion and the saga of a mythical, complex, but very Also on May 29th, the Cliff Island School headed human Mexican family. We agreed to get some to Deerfield Massachusetts for an overnight trip. variety by choosing the following selections for We all stayed with Marianne's sister and family our up-coming meetings. for the night. We all enjoyed the brand new pool and barbecue. The children watched the newly June 27 Inextinquishable Symphony M. Goldsmith released Harry Potter film. Thank you, Leanne July 18 Empire Falls R. Russo and Art, for letting us crash at your house. The Aug. 22 Special Event TBA GUEST? next day we went to tour Yankee Candle. It was Sept. 19 Catch-22 J.L. Heller like a wonderland there and was lots of fun for Oct. 24 Slaughterhouse Five.... K. Vonnegut everyone. The kids even dipped their own can- The time and place of our meetings will be posted dles. After Yankee Candle we went to a Butterfly on the island as usual, and everyone is welcome. Museum. It was amazing to see so many butterflies in one space. They even landed on some of We are pleased to report that the Cliff Island Li- us. It was such a wonderful experience and I hope brary Association is purchasing extra copies of that the school can make that trip again. our selections to help make these books available to all. Thanks to them. Also in the month of May, the new Community Garden was started. Allyson planned and de- Please feel free to make suggestions for future signed it with the students. The preschoolers have choices. recently planted some seeds and Cindi helped the students start many plants inside. The garden is located at the school playground. It has been a united effort of many people to get it started and the hope is that there will be continued efforts by anyone interested to help maintain it. Thank you everyone who has helped so far. You have all done a great job.

As you can see, the Cliff Island School has had a busy spring. The PTC would like to thank everyone who has made all these wonderful things possible.

We are looking forward to the end-of-the-year program and hope to see you there. The Cliff Is- land students, preschoolers, and friends are per- Hey, can you guess who these young lads are and where this forming a modified version of “A Midsummer's picture was taken? The Historical Society will be printing “guess who” photos in the Seagull for your enjoyment. 16

(“ACE Spring Report” continued from page 7) rotechnics seems to be planning major fireworks for Saturday evening, July 20th. It’s been five ACE has become. This is our 25th year, our first years! We now have a date with our long-time fa- BIG Anniversary (Silver??). It is a year to celebrate vorites, Schooner Fare, for a throwback concert on the many memories, the many accomplishments our August 5th Monday Evening. The season of ACE, the many people who have contributed to starts out with Red Light Revue on Monday, July each of these components. We began existence in 8th. Patrick Fitzsimmons brings his popular and Mary and Tony Brackett’s dining room, when folk music our way on August 12th. And the rest Roger brought word to a small group of people will soon follow. (meeting for another purpose) that Alma Bickford had called him to ask that he get together the ap- The 27th ACE Olympics (they started on the Rein- propriate organization for buying her land just in- ers’ beach two years before ACE was born) will side the Bluffs. It was 1977, and this group could take place on Sunday, July 7th. The undersigned not match up this potential recreational and con- will take the lead this year, as Steve Little is other- servation facility with any of the Island’s existing wise occupied. But after all these years, the format institutions. So, yet another entity was formed, in- is well established and documented—and with a corporated, made 501C3, funded (to the tune of little help from our friends, we’ll create the latest $18,000), and on its way to enriching our commu- edition of Cliff Island’s greatest day! nity in ways not then envisioned. Tuesday Night Softball is not far behind and While a written history of these years is forthcom- along with it the many and varied activities of our ing, this coming summer now lays before us. And ACE Summer Program. Watch for bulletin board now, finally, we have some fun news to report. postings... by Jessica!

We have a Summer Program Director on board! ACE has been a sponsor of the Adult Education She is Jessica Suraci, a graduate of UNH; she has Program currently happening at the Hall. This considerable experience with children’s programs; project has resulted from both the inspiration and she has travelled to gain knowledge of other cul- perspiration of Allyson, our most recent Program tures; she is enthusiastic, energetic, and ambi- Director. We have also contributed to some equip- tious; she has met many of us; and she is currently ment needs at the school this past winter. burrowing her way through her predecessors’ activities notebooks. She will be on Cliff on or about We think that’s it for the miscellaneous news, so June 22nd, excited to meet and make new friends. let’s leave the Browntails, the Deer, and the Barge Landing Site to other forums, put on our ACE We have finally engaged a surveyor to do some hats, and get ready to roll... on the Rock! boundary work on our properties. We hope to accomplish this due diligence in June. It is an impor- The Stone Library tant fiduciary duty to know what is ours and what is not. Current local knowledge may fade The Stone Library is up and running with regu- away and our Conservation Easements need lar hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday back-up through markings on the ground. Along from10 am to noon. Faith Rawding, our librar- the same lines (so to speak...), we have been work- ian, will be at the library for additional, unsched- ing on securing a right-of-way with an easement uled hours (watch for the flag outside) and the from the road to the Griffins’ Cove property. library will be open from 10 am to noon on Sat- When the parties are here this summer, we hope urdays in July and August staffed by our volun- to complete this process. teers. Story hour will be at 11am on Mondays for preschool and elementary kids. See you there! Our Summer Celebration Series is starting to take Anne Fullerton, President shape! After considerable hesitation, Atlas Py- Faith Rawding, Librarian 17

Finestkind! ...... means: Get What You Need Done Get It Done Right the First Time

Calling Upon Fellow Islanders Who Care about Providing Quality Services and Products

Soooooo: Call Dale or Roger Now!

(766-2827) 18

Dues - Rates Cliff Island Association

Individual $15.00 Officers Family $40.00 Sponsoring $50.00 Ruth Mistark, President (‘02) Patron $100.00 Steve Little, Vice President (‘02) Stephanie Howard-O’Reilly, Secretary (‘02) Mail dues to: Treasurer Leo Carter, Treasurer (‘02) Cliff Island Association Cliff Island, ME 04019 Board Members

Ads for the Seagull are: Artis & John Bernard (‘03) Non Member Member Bob Howard (‘04) Diane Little (‘02) Full page $80.00 $40.00 Gary MacVane (‘02) Half page $40.00 $20.00 Kim McCann (‘03) Quarter page $20.00 $10.00 Charlie Merritt (‘02) Eighth page $10.00 $5.00 Liz Ryan (‘02)

We can scan camera ready ads or business cards. Mail The Seagull is a publication of the money for ads to the Treasurer (not the Editor). Cliff Island Association. Please mail ads to: Seagull Editor Libra Cusack: Co-Editor/Typesetting 766-2869; email Cliff Island Association [email protected] Cliff Island ME 04019 Bob Howard: Co-Editor/Scanning/Printing.

Seagull Editor Cliff Island Association Cliff Island ME 04019