Tents are up and school began on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with 31 students enrolled. Just how long children can safely attend in person is really dependent on how carefully parents monitor their children’s health and how seriously parents and children take the health safety rules. For example, each family has been sent a health check list to be done every morning before the child comes to school. If the child has a temperature of 100.4 or above, if they have any of the listed symptoms, if they have been in close contact with anyone with COVID-19, the child must stay home. If they have traveled outside the state, the family must call the school. Everyone on school grounds must wear masks. Only students and staff may enter the school building. As much learning as possible will be outside, thus the three tents with three tables in each tent.

Students will be at school Monday and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesday morning a “at home” study day. Bus service is available to and from school as well as to the YMCA and Camp Knickerbocker after school.

In a letter to parents, principal Lisa Clarke writes, “We are fortunate to be able to open our doors for learning, and we are going to do everything we possibly can to stay that way. We are a small, cohesive community of caring people, and caring people take care of one another. In all my years of education, there has never been a more pressing need to do our part to be, and stay healthy. I trust that you all will join me in conducting the daily health checks, staying home when ill, informing us of any healthy concerns you may have, and following CDC guidelines regarding quarantining. Let’s take care of one another. Stay informed of Maine’s Covid guidelines here: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/.”

All of us on Southport can help the school children and staff stay well by wearing our mask outside our homes and staying six feet distance during any personal encounter.

A tent was also up on David’s Island for the wedding of Alden Colby, Mark Colby’s son and Bob and Peg Colby’s grandson. A lovely day for such an event. Hope everyone stays safe. That’s the second wedding on the island this summer.

With fall comes harvest and with harvest sometimes comes bounty. A group called “Lincoln County Gleaners” is distributing gleaned vegetables to Lincoln County communities. On Southport you will find a “sharing table” set up near the school on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 9 until 11 a.m. from which you can take what vegetables you need free. This effort cuts down on food waste helps us eat fresh, homegrown vegetables. For more information call Nancy at 207-217-7743.

A week ago Tuesday, Sept. 1, many of us on the east side of Southport heard a helicopter, really it sounded like two, flying low over the water. From Town Landing I could see one copter lifting what look like a body from a boat to the hovering aircraft. I am told that a call to the Coast Guard confirmed that the event was a practice exercise. Sure hope so.

Congratulations to Gary Snowman on his new book “Searching the Horizon.” It is the compilation of the names and stories of the families who settled on Cape Newagen and their industry. The title is explained in the dedication, which is to “those women who sat with folded hands upon the Bible and anxiously searched the horizon.” for their loved ones safe return. Beginning with the first fishermen, the Wawenocks, and continuing to the present day, the information will delight anyone who has any connection with Newagen and Southport, and anyone who is curious about the evolution of small fishing villages along the Maine coast. The text is complimented by pictures, many of which were loaned for the author’s use by the the Southport Historical Society. Thanks to Gary for all his hard work to compile and preserve this history. I am sure the Southport Memorial Library has a copy and perhaps copies for sale. If not, they could help you contact the author if you want to purchase a copy of your own.