Let’s try this again … my apologies, somehow last week’s news did not “make it” to the printed pages … thus we have two weeks to cover.

Our island store has new hours. They are now open daily Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Sunday open until 5 p.m.

The Gift Barn will have new hours … open Wednesday through Monday, (yes, that means closed on Tuesday) from 10 to 4. (Got all that?)

Oliver’s restaurant closed on Sept. 14. The Pub at Newagen offers dining from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (not Saturdays, still several weddings this month). Weekly events include storytellers and s‘mores on Wednesday. Thursday has live music with Paul D’Alessio and Sunday, the 24th, is live music with Steve Jones. The Inn is offering a “Love Our Locals” lodging special with a room rate of 20 percent, valid September through to Oct. 14. Double occupancy, breakfast included.

The Hendricks’s Hill Museum will have their closing party on Sunday, Oct. 1. All volunteers are invited to enjoy cider and doughnuts from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Southport Island Association and the Southport Yacht Club teamed up to have an island walk and potluck dinner this past Saturday. A good crowd enjoyed a late summer evening with lots of good food.

Here is a reminder to all young children (pre-school) to come to the Southport Memorial Library for “Story time with Kathy.” Parents are invited to bring children to the library on Tuesday mornings about 10. Kathy Barter will read a story (or more) and then there are treats, arts and crafts. Kathy says there are appropriate infant seats for little ones to enjoy being part of story time.

A bit of island trivia came my way (at the Gift Barn, of course). David Warren, who was the former interim postmaster at Newagen in 1994 and 1995, was visiting with family this week.

I checked in with the Southport bridge tender, Joe, and he reports that the bridge continues to operate well with the scheduled half hour openings (as needed) until the end of September. He mentioned that the osprey family is gone for now and that this year the nest was six inches higher.

Southport Central School activities for the next few weeks include a coastal clean-up, a trip to pick apples at the Biscay Orchards and the botanical gardens. Principal Lisa Clarke reports that the bottle redemption program has become so successful that they are planning to modify the collection site. Thank you to Angel Ames who will continue to monitor the recycle program. You will pick up a new Clynk bag at the school, fill the bag and then return it to the school, pick up a new one. Great way to continue to support our island school.

An encouraging note from Nancy Prisk shared that the Land For Southport’s Future program is ever so close to reaching the 100 donor-unit mark as gifts “in honor or in memory” of loved ones are among the current donations. The LFSF board is hopeful that this effort will continue to generate the needed funds to purchase “Ruth’s Place,” as it is being called (The Gardner property on the beach). This historic landmark will offer an exceptional place for the entire community to share educational and creative opportunities. Nancy and the board welcome your interest and support at info@landforsouthportsfuture.org. or call 207-217-7743 for more information.

A note from Nick Hurd as he and Joan met Janet and Bill McLaughlin at the post office last week. Bill, with a big smile, reached into his car to share his glass bowl inscribed “Senior Men’s Club Champion,” exclaiming “It’s the first time I’ve ever won a golf tournament.” Joan, a past ladies golf winner, marveled at whatever age you are ... a first win is usually the most exciting and she quickly shared Bill’s reverie, especially given his normally calm demeanor. Congratulations, Bill!

Congratulations to our local author, Gerry Hawes who received the Silver Medal Award for his book “The Albatross” in the Literary Fiction genre-sub category for the 2017 MWSA awards season. The book is available at the Southport Gift Barn or at the Southport Memorial Library. Signed copies, of course.

Love the days…embrace our calm and safe island.