Our island did experience some of the weather resulting from the storm on the weekend. Extreme high tides reached 13 plus feet resulting in flooded basements and several docks that became loose. We were fortunate to escape any serious damage.

Another reminder of the annual SIA “Ice Breaker” party held this weekend, Sunday, March 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hopefully we can enjoy “celebrate the thaw” and enjoy greeting neighbors. Please bring a snack to share. Snow date is the following week, March 18.

Island activities continue with the Southport Memorial Library's newest art show for March and April. Photographer Dorothy Magadieu, a resident of Southport, displays her photographs taken at the Bosque del Wild Refuge in southern New Mexico. She had gone there before dawn, to see the migrating sandhill cranes, but none were visible. Instead she found a special “gift” for a photographer ... a landscape covered by a special glistening “hoarfrost.” In addition to her photos, her book, “Echo and Spark,” a collection she compiled with poets and other visual artists, will be on display. Dorothy was artist of the month in 2006 when she featured her first photography show.

And still another popular library event is the author talk's. Next Thursday, March 15 at 10 a.m., noted author Bob Devine will speak about his two books, “Southeast to Panama” and “Ketchup in My Veins.” A question and answer period will follow and light refreshments will be served. The library is located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, Southport. For additional information call the library 633-2741.

The library's used book store collection has received many fine current books through recent donations. Numerous books written by Stephen King in hardcover and paperback. Also many other notable authors including Clive Cussler, James Patterson, John Grissom, James Michner, Danielle Steel, Ann Rice and Sue Crafton. In the classic section there are books by Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Rudyard Kipling, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain and Jack London. Most books are in excellent condition and would make a wonderful gift with prices from $1 to $3, children's books $.25 to $3. Just take the elevator to the second floor and enjoy the opportunity to find some exceptional reading.

A note from Nora Lally, the new librarian, to check the newest books added to the library by authors Anne Cleeves, James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Fredrik, Backman, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler and M.C. Beaton.

Library hours are Tuesday and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Another activity in March will be the celebration of a special birthday! Island resident Cy Seifert turns 90 years old on March 27 and friends are invited to share the celebration at the Southport Memorial Library at 9:30 a.m. on the 27th. There will be birthday cake, of course, with coffee and conversation. Cy was a former president of SIA, past president of the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, active member of the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund and member of the SYC.

The Annual Southport Town Meeting was held Monday night with a good attendance of island residents to hear from our elected selectman. Moderator Matt Cole, doing an exceptional job of articulating each article — yes, all 69 — with each one requiring approval (open for discussion at times). Voters approved all warrants including the Town Hall Building Improvements, which will include restoring the balcony in the town hall. The copies of the annual reports are available at the Southport General Store and the Southport Memorial Library — an important reference for all residents to have.

When you see the “Sale Pending” sign on the Gardner property, it seems to generate a new sense of ownership along with the anticipation of just how unique this piece of Southport can be for all residents to enjoy. Land for Southport's Future agreement to purchase this property still needs additional funds to realize the goal to have this be part of the island preservation and ultimate use for community creative and educational programs. More information: 207-217-7743 and info@landforsouthportsfuture.org. It would surely be great to see this project in place for the summer.