Many thanks to Maria Doelp for writing last week’s column. Much went on while we were away, but we had a great time at camp with all the waterfront toys, warm water for swimming, excellent food, and music performances every night.

Next up among island activities is the Southport Island Association’s (SIA) Annual Meeting on Sunday, Aug. 27, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Newagen Inn. All are welcome and are encouraged to bring an appetizer to share. There will be a short business meeting and a few words from our current president, Gardiner Rapelye, followed by fellowship with your Southport friends and neighbors.

The SIA Board is eager to share with you what the SIA has been up to this past year, and what our exciting plans are for the future! The organization is growing, both in members and community involvement. From educational scholarships and community hunger prevention programs to family fun activities, the SIA is there. The board would love to hear from you about what the SIA can do to continue to improve our island home. See you at the meeting!

Many Southporters are adventuresome, but one of my traveling heroes is Jean Hawley. Jean is off again on one of her extensive road trips, and she invites all who are interested to follow her on her blog, www.jeansroadtrip2017.blogspot.com. Jean writes, “After a full summer of family and friends visiting, the last have left so it seems a good time for me to complete my road trip bucket list. I have just four remaining states of the lower 48 to drive through solo. So this trip will tick off North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming. To keep it interesting, I plan on visiting Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Wind Cave and the Badlands National Parks, as well as Mt. Rushmore. I will also check out universities, colleges and conference centers along the way. The blog will reveal all as long as I can keep up with the technology available on my smart phone and tablet.” Jean’s first stop was Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Then on to New York state where she visited the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, reviewing again the history of the struggle women endured to get the right to vote.

Not travelers but perchers caught Nancy Prisk’s eye. She reports that last Thursday evening she saw a sudden increase in the erratic driving patterns of folks coming and going from the village center of West Southport. Going out into her driveway she observed a turkey flying low across the road, then another and another. Several adult birds had apparently gathered their chicks and one by one were flying from the schoolyard into the trees behind Nancy’s garage thus startling drivers who are more accustomed to slowing for the turkeys who often walk on that part of the road. As the turkeys searched for steady perches, they moved higher into the trees causing many smaller branches to fall to the ground. When nightfall came, it appeared that over a dozen bird had lodged themselves high into the canopy of pine branches. In the morning the birds were gone, but scattered on the ground were enough pinfeathers to make a nice bouquet. Such a bird show is one sure way to slow traffic.

Please remember that school begins on Wednesday, Aug. 30, with some of the new students coming to get accustomed to school routines on Aug. 24. Although we have few ‘walkers’ these days, drivers, please be aware of extra activity around the school yard.