On Sheepscot Bay

“The sea, the sky, the very air
Bring ecstasy to me.
The islands green, the pink grey rocks,
All make a symphony.”

As promised last week, the verse above is the first verse of the second of two poems saved by Larry Bunkowske’s late wife, Joy. This poem was written by Grace Ambler and is printed in total below. I heard from several of you last week that you enjoyed that poem, so I hope this poet also captures your feelings about Southport.

The rain held off until later at night so that the final MusicFest of the season could be enjoyed by all on the Newagen Inn lawn last Wednesday evening. Those who arrived early enjoyed the quieter music by two person playing guitars, getting us ready for the more rambunctious Rupert’s Orchestra, which, with its ”driving rhythm section, “fiery horn section” and an “ explosive Latin percussionist,” plus “four of the hottest vocalists around” kept many of us clapping our hands and dancing in front of the stage. As usual the youngest among us enjoyed running about and turning somersaults between the rows of seated folks. Many thanks to the Southport Island Association and to all who contributed to make these events happen.

The Southport Town Hall was comfortably full last Monday evening to hear Ed Parker explain and display his colorful and creative maritime paintings. Ed donated three paintings for auction with proceeds going to the Historical Society, and raffle tickets for a lobster trap table made by Gerry Gamage were for sale with the prize ticket to be pulled at the Firemen’s Auction. Ed finished his talk with a lovely song, which he sang
accompanying himself on the guitar. Thanks to the the Southport Historical Society and Donald and Joyce Duncan for this delightful lecture.

The Southport Yacht Club has wrapped up its season and put away its boats. The Junior banquet took place at the Southport Town Hall last Friday evening, Aug. 16 and the Commodore’s Reception was the following evening at the yacht club. Seems early for that part of the summer season to be over, but many schools are soon to begin or have already done so. There will be a Labor Day potluck supper on Saturday
Aug. 31 a combination SYC/SIA picnic at 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Note in the obituary section of this paper that Southporter Eugene Huskins died on Aug. 8. Gene was once chairman of the Southport Board of Selectmen and worked at several boatyards in the region. He requested no service be held.

News for those on the water from the workmen at the bridge is as follows. Thursday, Aug. 22 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. the bridge will not open for boat traffic. If you have clearance, you may pass under.

We can all see the Southport Fire Station filling up with goods to be auctioned off this Saturday, Aug. 24, beginning at 6 a.m. for the Flea Market sales, 7 a.m. for the Yard Sale, and 9 a.m. for the Auction. Across the street in the school parking lot and grounds are also seven boats donated for auction, one of which is the Harbor Master’s old boat. Should be a good day for the firemen’s budget and lots of fun for all of us.

Later that day at the Southport Town Hall beginning at 5 p.m. people will gather to celebrate with Mel Rines as he experiences his 100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mel.

An event titled “19 Towns, 19 Stories: Open Hearts”, will be held next Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southport Store (6-7) and Hendricks Head Beach (7-7:30). With music offered by the Newagen Crew, an art activity about the power of an open heart, anecdotal sharing of open heart stories and more (including a closing moment at Hendricks Head Beach featuring a swim by the Little Dippers), this is an
opportunity to come together and share gratitude for our community. It is also a Lincoln County-wide project to illuminate and honor the challenges and triumphs of those among us affected by substance use and related behavioral health matters. This event will highlight how open hearts are especially important among those in pain and loss from such hardship.

Coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Southport Memorial Library, Ken Nomiyama will be sharing his life experiences. Mr. Nomiyama is a Japanese American who was born during World War II at Tule Lake, California, one of the 10 Japanese incarceration camps established by the US government during the war. In this talk, he will discuss the unconstitutional treatment of Japanese Americans during the war, the story of their mass incarceration, and how this experience impacted their lives. If you have any questions, please call the library at 207-633-2741.

The Southport Climate Action Committee (SCAT) invites Southport residents to a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments with the business meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in the Southport Town Hall. The Team will give a status report of the results of the January storms on Southport, the grants Southport has received, and the status of fulfilling our first objectives for communication, development of an evacuation plan and vulnerability studies. You can call Claire Tomlin at 305-775-2166 or claire@themarketcompany.com with questions. An opportunity to participate by Zoom is anticipated.

On Sheepscot Bay

The sea, the sky, the very air

Bring ecstasy to me.

The islands green, the pink grey rocks

All make a symphony.

I care not if the deep damp fog

Hides beauty from my eyes,

I know that when the veil lifts

There’ll be a new surprise.

Its beauties never weary me.

Its colors never tire;

The sunlight on the dancing wave,

The sunset’s red gold fire.

The dip and tip of sailboat,

The ebb and flow of tide,

The trail of snow white chariots

That o’er the blue sky ride.

The colors of the grasses,

The sumac and the vine,

The purples and the lavenders,

These beauties all are mine.

I own no costly masterpiece

For all my friends to view,

A Rembrandt or Corregio

I cannot share with you.

I only have a modest cot

With windows toward the sea,

Reflecting wondrous beauty

That God paints there for me.

--Grace Ambler