We have lost two Southporters this past week. Andrew Holmes, an eastside resident, died July 1 and Guy Randlett, a westside resident, died July 5. Look for their obituaries elsewhere in this paper.

On a happy note, on Friday, July 7, the Southport firemen in their biggest truck pulled into Jean Thompson’s driveway to serenade her with their rendition of “Happy Birthday,” marking the beginning of her 99th year. Congratulations, Jean!

113 boats made it through the fog and onto the Sheepscot River on Friday, July 7, to celebrate 100th anniversary of the Southport Yacht Club. The fog cleared, pictures were taken, and the celebration is off to a good start.
Various races and a Reggie Cruise followed Saturday, July 8, which also happened in the fog, but was sold out, the nibbles were great, and all had a good time in spite of the weather.

On Monday, July 10 at the Southport Yacht Club, beginning at 7 p.m., Mark Colby was scheduled to talk about his knowledge of the club and life on David’s Island. Details of these events are available on the club website: southportyachtclub.org. If you want to purchase some club clothing and other gear, you can google Southport Yacht Club - Shop and place an order.

The Southport Memorial Library has scheduled a community open house on Wednesday, July 12 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the library in its current location. The library will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. All are welcome to stop by, browse the collection, and learn about the history of the library. Coffee and donuts will be available in the morning, a picnic lunch with hamburgers and hot dogs will be served from noon until 1 p.m., and punch and cookies will be available in the afternoon. The library will offer a story time at 10 a.m., and a library history talk at 2 p,m. The book sale room will be open all day.

On Thursday, July 13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the library, award-winning author Matt Cost will be talking about his work, The Mainely Mystery series. The first book, “Mainely Power,” was selected as the Maine Humanities Council Read ME Fiction Book of 2020. For the latest news, follow Matt Cost on Facebook.

On Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall, we can learn more about the world scene. The Southport Island Association will welcome resident expert, Paul Zalucky, who recently returned from two weeks in Ukraine. Zalucky will share his personal observations and bring us up to date on events as they are unfolding in Russia's war against Ukraine. Zalucky, a retired CIA senior executive operations officer who served in the region, will share his insights on the direction of the war and on the resolve of the Ukrainian people to fight for their freedom. This event is open to the community - all are welcome to attend.

Tech Support is now available at the Southport Memorial Library. If you need help with your phone, tablet, or laptop on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30, high school students Abby and Mia Dupee will be available for to help you. This service began Tuesday, July 4 and continues through mid-August. Call the library with questions at 207-633-2741.

Also at the library on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. during July and August you can bring your children and grandchildren to story hour. The readers this summer are Joan Chatterton, Sigrid Kopf and Jen Phippen, all current or former elementary school teachers. Not only will the children hear stories, but also they can enjoy crafts and snacks, and fun with other kids.

On July 31 the historical society will sponsor ‘Movie Night’ during which the island’s history and stories will be told from various DVD melded together.

The next clergy at All Saints by-the-Sea is The Reverend Canon Victoria R. Sirote, former Rector of St. John’s Church in Yonkers, New York. Sunday services are at 8 and 10 a.m. All are welcome. Look for more information about Reverend Sirote elsewhere in this paper.

Don’t forget to order your lobster lunch from the Southport Methodist Women, who are presenting their 50th “Takeout Lobster Lunch and Craft Fair” on July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. You need to pre-order your lobster lunch before July 15 by calling Elaine at 1-360-301-6715 or Deb at 633-5144. Cost is $25. The Craft Fair will take place at the town hall but be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also the Cookie Walk will offer you as many cookies as you can get into a coffee can for $5 or double for $10. If desired, you can pre-order your cookies. Look for more information on this event elsewhere in the paper.

Lots to do in spite of the rain that is forecast for the week. I hope the contractor will begin to work in spite of the rain as the contract has been signed with Kennebec Trail Company, along with the necessary insurance paperwork, to begin construction of the woods playground behind the school. Many thanks to all who have donated to that project.