Last week I wrote that the Southport Bridge would be opening on the hour and half hour beginning May 17, which is what was planned. But I learned on Monday that due to electrical difficulties the openings did not happen. They hope to have the repairs to the necessary electrical equipment done in the next few days, so perhaps the bridge will open soon to marine traffic. Of course, those of us who drive frequently across the the bridge are content to see the boat traffic schedule delayed as that means our delays are shorter.

Look up two short articles in this paper, one about the opening of the Southport General Store’s Gift Barn and the other about the timing to register children for next year at the Southport Central School. At the Gift Barn about 45 people enjoyed the wine tasting that accompanied the opening last Friday night. Not only did they enjoy fine wine and fellowship, but they also could peruse the many lovely articles in the store. A wine tasting is planned for each summer month although the dates have not yet been chosen. New items in the store include more craft supplies, more colorful Southport apparel, Pat Evan’s tea towels, a Bob Mitchell Southport card set, more Maine-made ceramics. Classes also continue at the Barn, the next one being, Oil Stick Still Life, on Friday, May 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. You do need to register for these classes
either online at southportgeneralstore.com or by calling 633-6666 or 633-0402.

News from the Southport Town Hall is that June 11 is the state primary voting for political parties’ nomination of candidates for federal, state, and county offices. Absentee ballots are currently available. Note that the town offices will be closed this coming Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.

Thinking of Memorial Day, Jim Singer says more banners will appear around the area and on Southport to honor our friends and neighbors who have served in the military. Also this weekend on Channel 7, the local channel, pictures of the deceased veterans in the area will be shown.

Work progresses on the natural playground behind the Southport Central School. I had a guided tour on Monday by the head of the Kennebec Trail Company, which is building the area. He had ordered a large swing, which was to arrive Monday, two bridges are built, woodchips and gravel paths provide safe walking, and many other features are being worked on in his workshop. You can see several very large logs he plans to hollow out for tunnels that the children can crawl through. He hopes to be finished in a couple of weeks.

You can still buy tickets for the Southport Island Association’s MusicFests by going to southportmusicfest.com. The concerts will be June 26, July 17, and Aug. 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Also remember the Southport Central School children’s spring concert at the Southport Town Hall June 5 beginning at 6 p.m.

Summer friends are returning. I met Nick Hurd at the town hall who said he and Joan are in residence. Chairs are out on the Southport Yacht Club porch, a gift to those of us not on the water, allowing us to sit in comfort and watch the activities in the harbor.