The Southport Yacht Club and surrounding area were filled with friends and family of Robin, Pat, Kelly, and Kipp Farrin last Sunday afternoon. The “Island Woman” sail floated over the launching ramp, pictures of Robin and her family were posted on the side of the junior building and inside the senior club, and Robin’s turnabout and rowing shell were placed as part of the décor, bringing her active life well to mind.

Delicious food and beverages were available inside the senior club and more beverages were snuggled into ice in several skiffs on the lawn. Captain Mark Colby, a friend from childhood, brought us all into Robin’s growing up life on David’s Island. Tony Gerreton, from Zumba dancing, spoke about her love of movement, and dancers performed in her honor. Son, Kelly, spoke for the family about his mother’s life. A celebration of a special woman was well accomplished. We will all miss her.

Last week’s column mentioned a lobster count off the south end of Pratts Island would happen on Thursday last about noon, but according to Bud Brown, he has postponed it with no future time mentioned. Susan Grimes McPhee (sgmcphee@me.com) is the source of what information we have from Bud Brown about the pending application and activities in preparation to dredge and blast in that area. Sarah Sherman McGrail (shermanmcgrail@yahoo.com) remains the source of information from Bud for fishermen and others about the dredging proposed in Cozy Harbor.

The Labor Day heavy rains caused some power outages around the island including for about three hours at our house, putting our generator to use. Today, Tuesday, the island is soggy, but all seems to be functioning.

The final Sunday of services at All Saints by-the-Sea will be this Sunday, Sept. 8, with the Reverend Juliana Anderson as the clergy. Worship is at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. At the end of each summer season we say goodbye to activities and friends that define the months of June, July, and August, sad to see the summer season go, but looking forward to burrowing into the quieter times to come.

After a very successful gospel Sunday at the Southport United Methodist Church several weeks ago, the choir is planning a reprise on October 6 at the new service time of 9 a.m. Ami Sawtell will be the pastor that day. All who heard the choir in August delighted in the beautifully blended voices and rhythms.

Having been very busy during the summer months, Oliver’s Restaurant in Cozy Harbor will reduce its hours, closing on Monday and Tuesday, open from Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. for dinner. The kitchen staff, with more time, will be experimenting with some new offerings for the menu.

School began Tuesday, Sept. 3, on the island so please drive accordingly. One new teacher for the grades four through six is Shawn Gallagher from Newcastle and originally from Chelsea. He has taught special education students for four years and last year worked with a student from Southport so he knows some of the students. With one student in fourth grade, seven students in fifth grade, and three students in sixth grade he will be a busy man, keeping each student learning on his/her own level.

You may have noticed in last week’s Boothbay Register an official notice of the Planning Board’s meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss ways to fund the town’s purchase of the Hendricks Head beach. An official vote allowing the town to purchase the property will be the subject of a special town meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Town Hall beginning at 6 p.m. In previous action, on August 21, the selectmen voted to approve the application for an additional float off the public landing in Cozy Harbor.

The Esterlys, Diana, Harry, and Meris, formerly of Southport but now living in Winston, N.M., have been visiting family and friends on Southport for the past few weeks, taking some time also to go sailing in Penobscot Bay. Elaine Fearnside reports special news that daughter Meris is engaged to be married with a wedding planned for next summer.