A little over a year ago, on the night of July 27, a young man, James T. Pener, was killed in an accident near the eastern end of Cross Road. Since I drive that road frequently, I often think of him with sadness, a life unnecessarily cut short. The last few days I have noticed people and a car or two at the spot and see that a pile of stones has been erected, I suspect, as a memorial and as a marker. Speed was presumed to be a cause of the crash. I hope marking the spot and remembering that fatal night will cause others to drive alert and at a safe speed.

Now to reports on last week, and then on to coming events. July 24 at 7 p.m., at the Southport Yacht Club, Jack Bauman taught us about the early history of the SYC. Among many new facts was one that surprised me. Jack explained that the club began as a motor boat club, probably because motors were new, so at that time, 100 years ago, sailing was old hat. Later, of course, sailing did take over, which those attending got to see from film
amazingly found and pieced together from many years ago. Many thanks, Jack.

The organ recital originally scheduled for July 16 took place on Sunday, July 30, beginning at 4 p.m. Music was played by Mr. Henry Lowe featuring works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Buxtehude, Franck and several contemporary composers. How lovely to sit by the ocean and listen to such lovely music and then to enjoy refreshments afterwards. Thanks to the organist and all those who helped organize the event.

On July 31, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall, the Friends of the Southport Historical Society presented ‘Movie Night’ when the island’s history and stories were told by those who lived them and from various DVD melded together. We will all be ready to past a Southport history test having been educated by experience and these various presentations.

Last week I wrote I hoped Dwight and Duane Lewis would give another talk about time spent running the Southport Bridge and living in the house, now torn down, next to the bridge as people had to be turned away from their presentation at the Boothbay Harbor museum. They are scheduled to talk again of their adventures at the Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 4:30 until 6 p.m.

At All Saints by-the-Sea summer chapel, Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. will be conducted this coming Sunday, Aug. 6, by the Reverend M. Cristina Paglinauan, associate rector of Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore, Maryland. She will also facilitate a bible study on Tuesday, Aug. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. on the chapel porch.

Several events are planned to keep us busy on Aug. 3. First is the annual library book & bake sale that will take place inside the library. Home made baked goods will be sold from 9 a.m. until noon, while the book sale will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Come to the library to find good reads and store up on delicious food items. Cash and checks will be received. No credit cards, please. All are welcomed.

Later in the day on Aug. 3 at the Southport General Store a second chance for Open Mic performances and fun will be available, weather permitting, beginning at 7 p.m. Come relax in a blue rocking chair and enjoy the music.

Next up on Saturday, Aug. 5 at the store is the summer celebration from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lots of music, games, food, and fun open to all.

Continuing on to Aug. 10, the Gift Barn at the store will provide an Artists’ Talk from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.

Friends of the Southport Historical Society invite you to join Gerry Gamage for a walking tour of historic Cape Newagen on Saturday, Aug. 5. Two tours are offered, but the on one at 9 a.m. is full, but you can still make reservation for the 1 p.m. tour. Each tour will start at the Newagen Inn parking lot. Reserve a spot by calling the Museum at (207) 633-1102, giving your name, your choice of tour time, and the number of people in your party, or email the Museum at southportmainehistory.com with this information.

Picnic time again. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 5 until 7 p.m. the Southport Island Association will hold its Annual Picnic. All Southporters, their families and guests are invited to enjoy this community event. Emily and Mackenzie Hurd will host the picnic at their home at 30 Cozy Harbor Road on the west side of Southport. Cost for the picnic is $10 per adult, with donations for beverages. Children under the age of 12 are free. Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls and condiments are provided. Please expand the menu by bringing a dish to share such as a salad, baked beans, finger food, and desserts. Parking is limited so please carpool if you can, and bring a lawn
chair. For more info, call Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006. Rain location: Southport Town Hall.

The Friends of the Southport Historical Society again shine the spotlight on Gerry Aug. 10 at 1 p.m when he demonstrates and explains the construction of a wooden lobster trap. Meet at the boathouse, part of the Hendricks Hill Museum. Again space is limited, so please reserve your spot by calling the Museum at (207) 633-1102, or email hendrickshillmuseum@gmail.com. Leave your name, phone number, and number in your party.

Looking further ahead, on Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Southport Memorial Library presents author Gerry Boyle, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Boyle has written 16 crime novels, including the acclaimed Jack McMorrow mystery series. His latest novel is “Robbed Blind: A Jack McMorrow mystery.” The previous McMorrow novel, “Random Act,” was awarded the 2020 Maine Literary Award for crime fiction, the second time a McMorrow novel has been chosen for that honor. Refreshments will be served. Call the library at 207-633-2741 if you have questions.

From Helen Meserve comes this nautical question. “Everybody in Newagen Harbor wants to know why we now have two markers side by side at the entrance to Sheepscot River? One old taller one and one new shorter one?” Anyone want to venture an answer?