Earlier in the year, the North Fork was saddened by the passing of Ruth Sondreson, who lived here for many years and was instrumental in the formation of the North Fork Improvement Association and the building of the Community Hall - named in honor of Ruth and her husband Lloyd years ago.

In recent weeks, we have lost two more courageous ladies, Sandi Thomson and Jean Grimaldi. Sandi fought a long feisty battle with cancer for years, and in recent years Jean suffered with illness also.

Jean was the treasured wife of Bob Grimaldi for more than 50 years, and they supported each other in sickness and in health, raising their children and enjoying their grandchildren. Jean loved the North Fork and her family, and it was a blessing that she was able to enjoy being here at their lovely home with her husband at the last. She, Bob and their family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandi was also a North Fork fixture, with a home on the bluff overlooking Red Meadow Creek. Unknown to most, she was the "anonymous donor" who paid for the new generator at Sondreson Hall as well as drilling a well and other things in the community. She was always positive, with a big smile and a big heart. She would be an asset in any community - we are lucky she was part of ours.

Summer activities always provide me with something to write about in the summer. This year, thanks to the North Fork Landowners Association's social committee, there are more than usual. Last weekend, the Fourth of July Parade and festivities took place at Polebridge. Don and Sue Sullivan host and conduct a nondenominational church service at Sondreson Hall every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and the month of July is loaded with fun activities for every wholesome interest.

July will feature a gardening workshop, bike rides, dance class, boating, hikes, the Interlocal meeting, a weed roundup, a bear fair, and the pie and ice cream social - and that is just the first two weeks. Times and dates are in the spring newsletter and are posted at Sondreson Hall and the Polebridge Mercantile.

The July NFLA meeting was longer than usual but interesting because of the information shared. All NFLA committees were busy all winter and, in addition to fun things, there are educational and informational activities.

Big event is a revival of the annual auction. Folks are asked to donate items which will be auctioned at Sondreson Hall on July 23 starting at 8 p.m. The committee asks for useful items, please. I expect top-quality baked goods, photos, household items, camping equipment and some furnishings.

Already donated is a small wood-burning cook stove, and there are rumors there will even be a moose. Don't know if it is a mounted head, frozen moose meat or a plastic moose that dispenses chocolate covered raisins when you push down on his head. Come to the auction to find out.

The hall will be open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18, 20 and 22 to bring items. Please bring baked goods prior to 8 p.m. on the 23rd. The hall will open at 6 p.m. to view auction items, and the auction will begin at 8 p.m.