Around the island buds are opening into leaf; entrepreneurial establishments are opening for customers; the Southport Yacht Club (SYC) is opening for the season; and many summer residents are opening their cottages. Last week I mentioned that Ocean Gate Motel was open as well as Newagen Inn and Oliver’s at Cozy Harbor. This week I talked with folks at Ship Ahoy Motel whose 54 units are open with lovely views to the sea and wicker chairs and tables inviting you to sit and enjoy the view. Robinson’s Wharf continues to delight with their new chef and sous chef.

The Southport Yacht Club will open this Saturday evening, May 28, with their traditional potluck supper at 6 p.m., and if you are very quick about it, you may still be able to get a reservation for the annual Firemen’s Dinner on Friday night, May 27, at Newagen Inn. Call 633-5242.

On Saturday, May 28, at 1 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall, Sarah Sherman McGrail will be signing and selling her new two-volume series about local folks who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Posters of the pictures used in the books will be on display, along with other celebratory events to honor the veterans. If you cannot attend this event, you can order books by calling Sarah at 633-7161 or emailing her at sarah@cozyharborpress.com. If you already own Sarah’s previous works “Heroes Among Us” and “Southport: the War Years,” about World War II, you know what interesting writing she provides for us about those times and people.

Last week I wrote that author Monica Wood would be speaking at the Southport Memorial Library about her most recent book, “Once-in-a Million Boy.” The date originally was to be June 7, but has now been postponed until June 21 at 7 p.m. Ms. Wood will be the first in a series of authors’ lectures this summer arranged by the Library Aides. Other talks are scheduled for July 6 and August 2. More on those events later.

Also our librarian, Linda Brewer tells me that she is looking for some paid help in the library Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Wednesdays during July and August. See Linda if you are interested.

Along with continuing work to lay new year-round water lines from Decker Cove Bridge to Plummer Road and then on to the Southport Central School and firehouse, our new water tower is getting a fresh coat of paint. Seeing a very large lift being driven up to the tower, I went to investigate, finding two friendly young men hard at work. The tower may not look very different when they are finished because the color will continue to be gray.

While at the tower I noticed a lovely plaque stating that “The Thompson Family Standpipe is dedicated to John, Howard, and Stuart, who spent a lifetime of service on behalf of the Southport Water System.” The plaque is dated June 9, 2015. What a nice reminder of people who have served our island so well.

Nan Jackson reports on a surprise 70th birthday party for her husband, Russ, on Sunday evening, May 22 at the Southport Yacht Club. She writes, “How lucky we were yesterday that the semi-negative weather predictions did not come true.  It was lovely down at the yacht club where everyone gathered at 1 o'clock to wait for Russell and myself to walk down for a party supposedly given by Kathy Bugbee for her daughter, Sandy, who is beginning a master’s program in Occupational Therapy.  At 1:30 p.m. Russell was truly surprised when he walked through the front door to the cries of "Surprise".  Awaiting him were family from Massachusetts, friends from both Massachusetts and Vermont, friends from Southport and Boothbay Harbor area, and well as five of his fellow basketball players from Damariscotta.  From the reading of a poem written by Donald Duncan to sampling the cards with notations to roast Russell, I think we all had a lovely and fun-filled time.”

Our ‘Welcome to Southport Island’ sign on the Southport side of the bridge has new plantings for the summer season thanks to Barbara Baseman and the Southport Island Association. They have also provided tubs of geraniums in front of our island post office.

Our island school is beginning to move into the final weeks of the school year. The annual spring concert will be June 1 at the Southport Town Hall beginning at 6 p.m., and graduation this year will be at the Newagen Inn at 9 a.m. on June 15.

With more customers each day the Island Store is extending its hours. Now they are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.; and on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Gift Barn is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.