Southport Column: Chainsaws, birds, cup towers and more

Tue, 09/14/2021 - 8:00am

Quiet was the word as I drove around the island on Monday morning. Two outdoor tables were occupied at the Island Store, and a few people are enjoying the beach at low tide, but all boats at Cozy Harbor were peacefully at anchor.

Town Landing was a little more lively with a cyclist, a sight seeing couple, and some kayakers on the dock. Noise was provided by a workman cutting down a tree in the Meserves’ lawn near the parking area. Amazing how those guys stand out from the tree and with a chain saw remove the branches in front of them, leaving enough toe hold so the worker can continue to climb to the next branch. I did not stay to see how near to the top he would continue that cutting system.

The food truck between the school and the post office is gone, so if we crave coastal food, we can go elsewhere or wait until next year. The Island Store’s hours remain Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Gift Barn will close at the same times but open a little later, at 9:30 a.m. Both are closed on Sundays. Watch for additional changes after Columbus Day.

News from Newagen Inn is that they are now closed on Mondays, and no longer this season are offering lunch. On Tuesday-Friday and Sunday you can find drinks and lighter fare from 2 until 5 p.m. and dinner from 5 until 9 p.m. You can still enjoy live music on Thursday and Sunday from 7 until 9 p.m. but you first need to make a reservation by calling 579-7009.

The Southport Bridge continues to open on the hour and half hour until Sept. 30 when openings will go back to “on demand.” The two osprey chicks who were hatched in the nest on top of the bridge have fledged, but still return to home base, sometimes to chew their food. You can see the pigeons watching closely for the osprey to leave permanently, so they can claim the nest. The bridge tender tells me the osprey successfully fought off a couple of eagles the other day.

The Southport Yacht Club was lively on Saturday afternoon as the Helming family and friends gathered after the funeral service for David Helming at All Saints by-the-Sea. Many pictures displayed inside the club house prompted us to remember David at different stages of his life, as did the reminiscences exchanged in conversations. Reminders both from the church service and the gathering afterwards tell us again that an individual’s life continues in our minds and hearts.

How do you build a cup tower without touching the cups, using only rubber bands and strings? Just ask any Southport fourth through sixth grader as that was one project during the first week of school, teaching the students not only a bit of physics, but also perseverance and teamwork. Much of the students’ time is spent outdoors, weather permitting. When I drove by on Monday morning one group was sitting in a circle on the lawn deep in learning. On Tuesday morning, Sept. 14, students and staff will be walking to Hendricks Head Beach to participate in the state-wide coastal clean-up program. Parents are reminded to ensure that their children are dressed appropriately, with comfortable footwear.

I hear Jack Bauman is home after a heart attack and mending heart bypasses. Heal well, Jack, and do as the doctor and Barbara order.