By now the column should be complete, but days have become filled with many things as you well know. Getting places takes longer, completing chores does as well, it is harder to take a breath, but the beauty of summer is all around and should be appreciated. The warmer forests push forth pine and loamy aromas, the tall grass and flower meadows create rhythmic water like swells as they move with the breezes coming from off shore, the seas around us have glistened with sunlight and been shrouded by banks of fog, the kind that muffles sound and softens the edgy world, I feel gratitude for the quiet moments that all this brings and they will be needed as the bustle of this week unfolds.

We will begin with the Wednesday, July 1 vote on the Hendricks Head Coastal Resilience Project, to be held at Town Hall at 6 p.m. The informational meeting was well attended and now eligible voters, those that have Southport as their primary residence will have their say. The format is a public meeting with the vote to follow by hand raising - unless someone requests a written ballot. Contact Devin Domeyer for details devindomeyer@gmail.com. The Warrant to be voted on is available for reading at the Post Office, Library and Town Hall. 

Then on Thursday, the 2nd, the Hendricks Hill Museum will open its doors for the season at 11 a.m., admission is free, donations appreciated. You will not be disappointed; it is a trove of wonderful items and displays that will give you true sense of life from the 1800s to early 1900s. Hours will be 11-3 on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays through August. 

Also opening Thursday July 2 will be the Elderkin Studio at 66 Pratts Island Road. Hours will be Thursday – Saturday 11-2, or by appointment by calling 207-350-2162, or 717-380-1521. The Studio will feature the work of June Elderkin, a renowned regional artist who resided on Southport for 55 years and created daily until her death last year.

Next, the big day, July 4th which begins with the Southport Island Association sponsored parade. If you are participating gather at Town Landing at 8:30. Parade begins at 9, and travels past the library to the Newagen Seaside Inn, and then returns to the starting point. All are welcome to participate – whether walking, riding, or biking, decorate your car, truck, or wagon. There will be giveaways and treats for all.  For information, please call Laura Blake at 207-380-4896 or Sharma Schacknow at 561-876-5151. 

After the parade plan on going to the Annual Ice Cream Social at the Hendricks Hill Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event will be serving attendees from the counter of Gus Pratt’s Store, so stop by and enjoy, relive some history. 

During this busy week you might need a good meal and some beautiful music, if so, head to the Newagen Seaside Inn on Thursday, July 2 where Purple Entendre will be playing in the Pub from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5 will be Katie Daggett. You’ll be happy to know that Tuesday night lobster bakes are back  the perfect event for your out-of-town guests. Also, back by popular demand, Tuesday, July 7, the Inn will host a J. McLaughlin pop-up shop in the lobby from noon to 5 p.m. Shop new arrivals of this classic women’s wear and enjoy personal styling help. The Newagen gift shop is also carrying an adorable line of summer dresses at very affordable prices – take a peek! 

The Southport Memorial Library will begin Summer Hours on Wednesday, July 1. They are: Tuesday 9-4 and 6-8, Wednesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. on, the Coffee Table welcomes all to join in conversation, a sweet treat, and good company. On Wednesday, July 1st and throughout the summer on Wednesdays from 2-4 attend Mah Jongg. Until staff sees the level of interest, please bring your own tiles, eventually the library may get some, 2026 cards will be available, and the hope is to have those that can play to help others just starting. 

A reminder that beginning Sunday, July 5, Southport’s United Methodist Church will be holding worship at 9 a.m. On July 12 you can join worship at 9 and welcome Pastor Jim Mello to the church as Pastor Steve Murray retires. 

Wrap up the busy week on the deck of Robinson’s Wharf on Sunday, July 5 where, weather permitting, Cattle Call will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m.

Stay tuned for the winner of the red white and blue, nautical table runner from the Southport Island Treasures monthly raffle, if it was not you, a new one begins on July 1. 608 Hendricks Hill Road, open Monday – Saturday 10-4. 

Though the weather is warm now, it is still the perfect time to work on warm cozy projects you or someone else will appreciate in the cold months. The Barn Knitting Group would be pleased to have you join on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m., 443 Hendricks Hill Road. 

That seems like a lot of information, I hope I have not missed anything. May your week be a safe and pleasing one, and May Peace Be With You All.