Our Southport Central School opens on Tuesday, Sept. 5 with 19 students in grades pre-k though 6. All staff from last year have returned, and the bus schedule remains the same, so returning students will find all familiar. This school year is Principal Lisa Clarke’s final one, a decision she is feeling a bit nostalgic about as she has loved being principal and teacher at our school. And from the smiles I see around her when I pop in from time to time, I think the students and staff love her back. We will all miss her, but I am sure she will be available should we need her council and advice.

The ‘tiny’ houses, built across from the post office, are finished and well landscaped, but not in time for use this season. Come next summer they will provide housing for four summer workers at the Southport General Store, something I am sure returning staff from distant places are anticipating with pleasure. Current staff are using the the parking area to save spaces for customers at the store.

After a day’s postponement to let the grass dry, our final evening on the lawn at Newagen Inn to enjoy the Music Fest, with the Mallett Brothers, was Thursday, Aug. 31, a perfect evening in every way. We even saw the “blue moon” rise, a bright yellow orb against the blue sky. Thanks to all the sponsors who underwrote the project so that money from all ticket sales could go to the Southport Island Association for their many projects to help others. We were told this year’s three events had been so successful that many sponsors will underwrite another year of programs, and a number of other sponsors have come forward with offers to do so as well. We thank Eden Climo, president of the Southport Island Association, and Scott Larson, owner of Newagen Inn, and others for planning and executing these events. We look forward to the lawn being even more populated next year and to more delightful, Southport evenings.

The Artist Talks at the Barn across from the Southport General Store continue, but the next one has been postponed until Sept. 14, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. The artists presenting and talking about their works will be Bob Mitchell, photographer, and his daughter, Morgan Mitchell, a fabric artist, Jeanne Lally, painter, and Annie Buchholz, a ceramic artist. For more information, look elsewhere in this paper or go online to SouthportGeneralStore.com or email to Annie @SouthportGeneralStore.com.

For more enjoyment of our local artist talent, visit the Southport Memorial Library and allow time to view June Elderkin’s exhibit, some abstract art and some representational. The library is now back to winter hours, that is not open on Wednesdays.

We hope the rain will be over for the next to last event for the season at the Southport Yacht Club. On Saturday, Sept. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. members and friends are invited to the traditional potluck supper. The final event will be a 1 p.m. picnic with the Southport Island Association on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Remember to mark your calendars for the public workshops scheduled at the Town Hall on Sept. 13 and 28, both beginning at 6 p.m. A list of 72 strategic working areas put forth by the Community Resilience Partnership is posted around town. For example, would you choose to adopt a plan to “conserve 30% of land in the community by 2030”? Or “Develop a storm debris management plan”? Or “Conduct a community vulnerability
assessment and adopt a climate resilience plan to reduce risk”? Please attend these meetings, join the discussion, and voice your preference. Our community may be allocated a Community Action Grant of up to $50,000 to complete the projects we have chosen.

The Hendricks Hill Museum will remain open in September on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Great place to bring guests and to relish our history.