First, a reminder of opportunities to remember and honor two long-time Southporters. This Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. a funeral service will be held for Byron Atwood at All Saints by-the-Sea with a reception following at Newagen Inn. On Saturday, July 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. all who knew Toni Helming are invited to gather at the Southport Yacht Club to remember and honor her.

If you want people to come, just offer free ice cream. Many of us enjoyed this treat last Saturday, scooped by Carole Zalucky and Gerry Gamage from tubs sitting on top of Gus’s counter. We could even sit on the familiar stools as we licked. For those relatively new to the island, Cozy’s Dockside used to be, in quite another form, Gus’s store with one half the counter and tables for food; the other half a bowling alley. Many hours could be spent enjoying not only ice cream, but Sturdilies (sp?) and Gus’ wife, Em’s, blueberry pies. Now these experiences are immortalized in by the Southport Historical Society in the museum collection.

Parents and family got very creative to prepare for their baby’s baptism last Sunday at All Saints by-the-Sea. Previously babies in this family had arrived by boat, and since the January storm took away the All Saints dock, the family pulled the baby of honor down the road and then the path to the chapel in a a highly polished wooden boat on wheels.

As usual the Southport Fourth of July parade, sponsored by the Southport Island Association (SIA) was great fun. Fancy cars, such as the bright red one owned and driven by Nick Mace, the wagon pulled by the car driven by Bruce Harris and filled with Harris children and friends, fire trucks, decorated bikes and children gathered on the road leading down to the town dock, then paraded to Newagen Inn road and back to the Southport Memorial Library for donuts and other treats. One of the seals that decorates my mantle is wearing one of the red, white, and blue bead necklaces we were given to mark the day. I was lucky to ride in the fire truck at the end of the parade, and since we had no music, Gerry and I sang, “It’s a Grand Old Flag” out the window of the truck. The alpacas did not walk in the parade, but four of them were in their “play pen” on the property, so we could all say “hello” to them and enjoy their presence. Thanks to Laura Blake and Sharma Schacknow for organizing this fun event.

Another group of excited people gathered on July 6 at 9 a.m. for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to open the Southport Central School’s Woods Playground. Donors to the playground as well as school families and graduates were recognized and welcomed by Lisa Clarke and Sarah Sherman, after which the Gaudette Family cut a wide red ribbon, officially opening the playground, which includes the Ramona Gaudette Mud Kitchen, dedicated to the beloved school cook of 57 years. Even though donuts were offered, as soon as the ribbon was cut, the children rushed into action. One little girl immediately grabbed the old-fashioned egg beater and a bowl and began beating “eggs;” others jumped on the various balance challenges; and a group gathered around the large black board propped against the large, wooden, upsidedown V to begin writing their messages of thanks and other notes. Great fun to watch such immediate use and excitement. Thanks to all who made this work of art possible.

On July 10 and July 18, both at 5 p.m. you are encouraged to attend a public meeting at the Southport Town Hall on changes necessary to Southport Land Use Ordinance, Appendix E, pertaining to certain housing criteria and Appendix D, pertaining to blasting. Both of these proposed changes will be voted on at a special town meeting scheduled for July 24 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall.

News from the library is that the next author’s talk will be Thursday, July 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Barbara Ross, author of 12 mystery novels and six novellas in the Maine clambake series, has been nominated for many Agatha Awards for the Best Contemporary Novel and has won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. Her latest novel is Torn Asunder, a story that involves an island wedding, a dead guest, and a storm.

The Friends of the Southport Historical Society will be offering another talk titled “Squirrel Island: The First 50 Years” on July 15, at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. Niesa Ryder, executive director, Squirrel Island Historical Society will be the presenter.

The annual Lobster Roll Lunch and Cookie Sale is back, this year on Wednesday, July 17 at the Southport Town Hall, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until sold out or 1 p.m., whichever comes first. Lunch will be a lobster roll, chips, a homemade cupcake, and ice tea or lemonade. You may preorder a box of about 15 cookies or buy onsite. To preorder, fill out the form available at https://tinyurl.comSUMCcookies by July 14 at noon. Look for a longer article on this delicious event elsewhere in the paper.

The Southport Island Store has a new chief who is making many fresh items for dinner and other meals and snacks. The salad greens come from a local farmer. Do stop by to see the enticing possibilities. I may never cook again. Also the next wine tasting will be July 18 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Time to further educate your palate.

Another popular sales event is the Firemen’s Auction, which will be Aug. 24. You may begin to donate items for sale.