July fourth in two days! And how will we celebrate? I understand that Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort will have fireworks beginning about 9 p.m. perhaps visible from many places around the Harbor, but here on Southport we will not have a usual parade and games. The Southport Island Association that often plans this celebration has decided, for the safety of everyone, to cancel the parade and family fun day that was to begin at the Southport Memorial Library and end at the school with games and food. That does not mean we cannot celebrate the day either in our hearts or with family and friends we know are virus free.

Elsewhere in this paper is a more thorough article about the Southport Methodist Church Country Fair. The women there have persevered to put together a safe “Lobster Roll In and Lobster Roll Out” Luncheon, as well as the Cookie Walk and plant table. The Fair will take place on July 15 from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. You can even pre-order your lunch to go by calling Elaine Goodwin (360) 301-6715 or Deb Tukey at 633-5144 between July 2-12. You may also pre-order your favorite cookies by picking up an order form on the Methodist Church porch or calling the Methodist parsonage at 633-2131. For safety, no cookies will be openly displayed for choice. Please see more information in the complete article.

Curbside pickup is available at the Southport Memorial Library. Please call Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.. Anne and Jen will take your book requests, check out the books for you, and leave them out on the bench for pickup. Please limit your requests to three books and three DVDs. Lists of new books will be posted on the Southport Memorial Library Facebook page, and you can search the online catalogue to view books which are available. Access to the catalogue is through the library website.

Since we have moved into summer, beginning July 1 the Southport Island Store will extend its hours all seven days a week to be open 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thanks to Nancy and all the staff for their hard work, delicious food, and accommodation to our needs.

Newagen Seaside Inn will start its live music for the season on Sunday, July 5 from 7 until 9 p.m. and again on Thursdays for the same period of time. The Inn is serving lunch each day from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 until 9 p.m. You can also order food to go during dining hours. Dining is by reservation only; call 633-5242 to reserve a table for lunch, dinner or a special event.

All Saints by-the-Sea on Southport will continue to offer virtual Sunday services that are retained so they can be viewed any time after the first Sunday for which they are scheduled. Last Sunday’s sermon by George Maxwell was very challenging, and so I expect will be the discussion group available on Zoom on Tuesday morning. The chapel is open for prayer and meditation with Covid safeguards in place, i.e. wear a mask and stay distant from any others there. In July open times are Sunday, 10 a.m. until noon; Tuesday 1 until 3 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. until noon; Friday 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

One of our former island residents has died. Mary Ann Blycher died Friday, June 26. She and her husband, Norman, who predeceased her, have a house on Strout Road, She had been under hospice care following complications from surgery. Currently Mary Ann had been living at St. Andrews Village and was an active member of our Monday bridge group. I am sure an obituary will be available soon. I understand that a private burial at sea is planned for later in the summer.

As we look forward to the holiday weekend with such celebrations as we can safely put together, I am today, Monday, thankful for the rain. The outdoors looks green again. The plants are smiling and drinking deeply. In my mind I can see our well filling up. Now that we depend solely on a well for our water, I think of rain quite differently, mostly welcoming it as part of our life’s necessity. Yes, it can put a damper on some of our plans, but still we need it. Enjoy!