Bayville Beat, Boothbay Register, July 12, 2007
By Peter Jordan
Columnist

Though the strains of "Stars and Stripes Forever" and the rumble of the Blue Angels flyover are fading into the distance, deadline perversities mean this is our first opportunity to report on another spectacularly successful Fourth of July in Bayville.

The Beat was out of town for the occasion, getting an early start on a Work Day absentee excuse, but various undercover reporters filled us in on the highlights, which included a rousing speech by Bayville Improvement Association president Diane Davis and a hot dog eating contest in which a world record 67 hot dogs in 12 minutes were consumed - or so it seemed to Chris Nielsen, who manned the grill with a corps of able assistants.

The only thing missing from the parade was a certain trombonist who still has plenty of lip but refused to use it on his mouthpiece. An expanded and expert percussion section did enough clattering and crashing and banging to cover his absence.

The thousands of spectators enjoyed Bayville's first "human agility" demonstration, in which Jacques and Brandon Blakesley put Alina through her paces. Next year, they promise to teach her how to bark - and how NOT to bark.

Highlight of the Bayville Improvement Association meeting was presentation of a painting of his cottage to Jim Coleman, Bavville Village Corporation president, in gratitude for Jim's leadership during the past year's intergovernmental negotiations. Artist Carol Jesson created the painting. (Does Carol do shingles? It's time to get our cottage painted! - maybe just a little trim work?)

Betty and Ed LaPointe had their usual full house with children and grandchildren over the 4th of July. There is NO truth to the rumor that Betty sat at a table on the porch collecting checks and ticking off names as family members arrived. There IS truth, however, to the rumor that the LaPointe household is preparing for another in this summer's bumper crop of weddings: granddaughter Diana LaPointe will marry Matt Frascella September 15 with a reception at Newagen Inn.

Another Bayville tradition is of teenagers getting neat jobs in the area. Al Nielsen continues the tradition with a summer job on the Argo, reports Andrea Nielsen, his mother.

Stay in touch! Send Bayville news to peterjordan@mindspring. com.