There was a great turnout at the Swan’s Island Educational Society (SIES) annual meeting on Monday, August 14th. Besides a report on our activities over the past 12 months, an update on our finances, the main order of business was the election of new trustees.

Two trustees retired: John Follis and Michael Joyce. John headed the Building Committee following his monitoring of the construction of the new building as Clerk of the Works. His dedication and care of our gem of a building were greatly appreciated. Michael helped with technology and we all loved getting to know his dry sense of humor.

We were very lucky to elect two new members to the board: Jessica Harrington and Laurie Farley. Jessica is a retired school teacher with roots on the island that go back generations. She and her husband live in the Bailey house at the Carrying Place. She will be dividing her time between Swan’s Island and Orono. Jessica is also heavily involved with the Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum.

Laurie and her husband Gary recently sold their home in Blue Hill, and Laurie will be living here full time. For decades Laurie was an advanced practice nurse providing primary care to her grateful patients. This summer she has spent some time as a sternman and told me she would jump into the SIES board with two feet.

We also re-elected Wesley Staples, Julie MacDonald and Carol Petraitis to three-year terms.

As ever, anyone is welcome to attend our board meetings which are held at 6 pm at the library on the second Monday of each month. September’s meeting will be on the 18th. October’s meeting will be a board retreat. Starting in November we resume our regular 2nd Monday of the month meetings.

Your thoughts, input, and yes, criticism, are all welcome by me and by any other member of the board.

Sincerely,

Carol Petraitis, president

Swan’s Island Educational Society

Board of Trustees