Let us begin with happy news. There is a new member of the Newagen Alpaca herd, a male has been born, three more young are still on their way. To say that he is cute is quite an understatement. Apparently after a bit of time getting used to the proportions of their body, especially the long neck, they walk within about an hour and begin eating within two. This one, still unnamed, enjoys time with his aunties and is hoping for another male to romp withsoon. We are so fortunate to have the alpaca farm on the island, if you have not visited, check the websitecapenewagenfarm.com for ways and times to tour the farm, or trek with the alpacas, or both. 

The abundance of summer is wilting under the ongoing drought, grass is brown and wiry, leaves wrinkling, heavy blooms drooping, all waiting for a much-needed soaking to revive. These conditions have put the island and many surrounding areas under extreme fire warnings, do be careful. 

The Southport Memorial Library will have storytime on Wednesday the 20th beginning at 10 a.m., all are welcome. Tuesday and Thursday, around 10 a.m. of each week, year-round there is room for one and allat the coffee table, join in discussions, share views, enjoy a sweet treat, some camaraderie,and the occasional song.Remember to check on and participate in the silent auction for the watercolor of Old Southport by Cecile Clifford, bidding continues through Sept. 2. 

If you are drawn to song, you may want to attend “Make a Joyful Noise” on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6:00p.m. at Southport United Methodist Church. This free event will have ice tea, lemonade and finger goodies, and will feature Mary Miller who is joined by friends to present an evening of song, sacred and secular.Performers are: Sarah Harris, Sophia Mansfield, Betsy DeGroff, Maggie Tourtillotte, Pam Mancusso, Karol Clark, Smith Climo, Nancy Harrisman’s fiddle group, and Andrea Perkins.   

As mentioned last week, the weekend will be a busy one. Art for Arts’ Sake will be taking place at Hodgdon Yacht Services on Southport, in Boat Shed #1 which will be transformed into studio and gallery for twenty plus artists working in a variety of medium and fields including painting, pottery fiber art, jewelry and more.  It all begins on Friday the 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m. with a reception and sale.  Saturday the 23rd will feature demonstrations and opportunity to hear the artists discuss their work and creative processes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the show and sale continue Sunday the 24th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  for further details you can go to lincolnartsfestivalbbh@gmail.com  Whether you are looking for an item as a gift, for yourself, or to enhance your living space, this would be time well spent. 

Also Saturday, Aug. 23rd the Southport Fireman’s Auction. This annual event will be held at the Southport Fire Station on Route 27.  Donations have been coming in, furniture, curiosities, treasures, the bays are filling up, boats too are in the school parking lot, all will be available for your purchase beginning with the Flea Market at 6 a.m., continuing with miscellaneous items in the garden at 7 a.m. then the main event, the auction at 9 a.m.At the auction you will also find a benefit raffle being held by FSHS for a picnic table built by Mark Colby. It is 7 feet long, made of spruce and very sturdy, with high quality hardware fasteners. Tickets are $2 each, or six for $10. The winning ticket will be drawn at the auction; before then the table can be seen behind the Hendricks Hill Museum, or next to the school on the 23rd.So, grab your coffee, get a chance to win the picnic table, find your next family heirloom, comfortable chair, lamp, book shelf, enhance your décor, there will be something for everyone, including you, so be there to buy and show your support for the Southport Fire Department. 

Your support is requested for Southport native Betsy Thibault as well. Recently she has had a medical emergency and a procedure that will dramatically impact her future life.The first major change is that she will no longer be able to ascend the two and a half flights of stairs leading into the apartment she currently has, and now requires, and is looking for a first-floor apartment that is easily accessible. It does not need to be large, but all space will need to be on one floor and available in about a month, when her recovery should be underway. If you have such a place for rent, or know of one, please contact her at 1-207-315-6419, or Oceanwaves633@gmail.com In the mean whilewords of encouragement and well wishes wouldprobably be helpful and uplifting, so reach out if you can. 

Juncos have fledged from the most beautiful ground nest here in my garden, and it reminded me that they too are feeling the effect of the heat and dry weather, so remember to put a bit of water out for them and the rest of our feathered friends, and hope for rain.  Until next week May Peace Be With You All.