Driving around this island after the pre-Christmas storm, I see many reasons for many thanks. Large branches and tree trucks are neatly cut and hauled off the road. So far as I know, all of Southport has power again. In our east side neighborhood we seem much luckier than others, especially than those on the island’s west side as we had fewer hours without power and fewer trees visibly down. My sister, in exploring Capitol Island, noted the sea wall had been breached, a tree had been resting on a house, and much repair had been done to the power lines. So many thanks to those who cut and cleared, and to those who climbed and repaired.

This is the time of year also to thank so many people who make this island life so pleasant. First to our selectmen, each of whom I hear is willing to continue to serve another term, and to Donna Climo and Ashlea Tibbets who are our front line people in the town hall. Thanks to Bruce Joule and all who maintain our fascinating museum and keep town history alive. Thanks to the Southport Memorial Library librarians, Jennifer Britton and Anne Maher, the library trustees, and Friends of the Library, who keep a cozy gathering place and the source of our collective wisdom, shelves of books, tapes, and magazines currently stocked and displayed. Thanks to our road crew and all people who serve on town and harbor committees, keeping boats and vehicles moving safely. We are such a small town, and yet if you take time to read the names of the people taking responsibility for town matters printed each year in the front of the town report, you may be surprised as to how many folks it takes to keep the town running smoothly.

I could continue thanks for our Southport Central School staff who so creatively educate our children. And to the staff of the Southport General Store who save us from having to drive to town to get many of the necessities of life. The store owners especially deserve our thanks for being willing to keep the business running all year, although with slightly shorter hours beginning this week: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.; and Sunday 7 until 11:00 a.m.

And I thank all those folks who read in this column last week that my husband, Kit, was in the hospital with Covid, and then called or emailed with offers to help in any way I needed. Fortunately our offspring were all here for Christmas, two of whom live within easy driving distance, and my sister has been here nearly a week, so I have had plenty of help. Kit came home Wednesday and is working hard to regain his strength. By New Year’s Eve the medical professionals say he is no longer contagious.

I am sure many folks were visiting the island for Christmas, but I did not see them as I was busy driving back and forth to Miles Memorial Hospital, but two days before the new year I did see Jennifer Elderkin who is here from New Zealand to visit her mother, June Elderkin. So great to see her. In the quick exchange of greetings I missed whether her husband, Jim, was with her, and her two daughters, one of whom is already in college. Perhaps we can catch up later.

As you have read before in this column our Southport Bridge is ailing too, more from old age than any other problem. On the Friday before New Year’s, when I saw lumber and workmen assembled on the bridge, I asked what their project was. The worker who answered explained that they were building a platform under the surface of the bridge for workers to be able to have a stable working place. Previously personnel from the state have explained that the bridge turns on a ball that after 83 years is wearing out. They are going to try to affect repairs if possible without totally removing the current structure. Let’s hope they succeed, but even so, we will have to plan on a little extra time to get to town by car.

A correction from Ashlea about the opportunity for Southporters to attend the budget meeting at the Town Hall on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Yes, you may attend, but you do not have the opportunity to speak about subjects under discussion. You may come to listen.

Look for several other articles in this paper about Southport, one about an application for funds to extend public water from Newagen to Grand View Road, and that Cuckolds was spared any major damage in the pre-Christmas storm. Thanks to all who keep Southport news flowing, and again, to all who keep our island functioning well.

Happy New Year!