Due to the heavy rain on April 30 the Southport Island Association (SIA) has rescheduled the Island Clean-Up for next Sunday, May 7 at 11 a.m. But instead of the Southport Town Hall, we will gather at the Southport Central School for a hot dog feast cooked by grill master, Gerry Gamage, and then sign up for your clean up route, or clean up first and then come back for a hot dog. All will be finished about 2 p.m.

Two more Southport families have lost a loved one. Phillips Smith died Sunday, April 23. His funeral will be at St. Columba’s Episcopal church on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. Tom Jacobs died on Saturday, April 29. Look for their obituaries elsewhere in this paper. A memorial in honor of his life is being planned for later in the summer. Although Tom and Hilary have not been active on the island in the last few years, their family continues to be involved in the summer at the Southport Yacht Club. The golf buddies, Tom, Kit Sherrill, and Ron Sheay, are now together in another life. No mention of a golf course there, however. For Phil and his bridge buddies, I am sure they can find some cards. Those of us of a certain age expect the end to come, and when it does, fortunately the memories come forward to at least somewhat ease the sadness.

Also easing the sadness are the young people on our island. The Southport Central School Talent Show last Wednesday evening was a delight. When I looked at the full page program of 21 acts, I inwardly groaned at the thought of sitting on the metal chairs in the town hall for several hours, but the very first act by the kindergarten and first graders, named “Gummy Bear,” in which the youngster danced in the dark, wearing bear costumes festooned with light sticks, woke me up to the fun to come. Various other creative songs and dances continued at an entertaining pace with creative surprises such as dancing with Yo Yo’s. As a former teacher, I appreciate the effort made to find a child’s talent and match the skit to it. Look for more pictures and writing about the show elsewhere in this paper. Thanks to everyone, especially Mrs. Fowlie, who put the show together, for providing such fun.

Prior to the talent show was the weekly Selectmen’s meeting in which most of the time was used to discuss the pier and float proposed for the waters between the Southport shore and Pratt’s Island. After explanations, discussion, and some modification, the Selectmen agreed with the Army Corps of Engineers to allow the pier. Also approved was the wine and beer license for the tea room on Squirrel Island. A reminder that there will be a public meeting on May 17 at 6:30 p.m. to hear reasons why the Water District needs to raise their debt ceiling, a request that we will have a vote on May 30 at the town hall between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. A quick discussion appeared to approve heat pumps for the town garage.

In other town news a letter and an email have gone out to mooring holders explaining how to register your mooring online. At first the steps may seem a bit confusing, but Ashlea says the effort to do so will be worth it because the information you provide will be maintained so you will not have to enter it again. If you do need help you can call her at the town office, 633-3318.

A reminder to call 633-3546 to order your crab roll “Parents Day” Lunch, sponsored by the Southport Island Association, on Saturday, May 6., You can drive by to pick up the lunch prepared by Robinson’s Wharf and Sweet Dreams Bakery, at the Southport Town Hall from noon until 1 p.m. The theme is to celebrate all parents with children of any age (yes, even adult children!) No cost for Southporters, but donations accepted.

Note elsewhere in this paper an article about a collaborative program between the Southport Memorial Library and the Alpaca Farm. All veterans and first responders will be welcome every Thursday, beginning May 11, to visit the farm from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Southport Memorial Library, just next door to the farm, welcomes all veterans and first responders to a coffee and snack hour from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Also a reminder that Enid Johnson will be visiting the island this early May and plans to be in the Island Store during the morning of May 7 (note the date change).

A followup on news from last week’s selectmen’s meeting. The reason the selectmen did not approve the request to allow a band on the deck of Cozy’s Dockside during the Southport Yacht Club’s 100th anniversary party was because Cozy’s only has a permit for wine and beer. Assumedly the yacht club party will include hard liquor. If a party guest holding such a drink should wander over to the deck at Cozy’s to dance or listen to the band, that permit could be revoked.

You can see the first ‘tiny house’ settling into the property previous owned by Ron Orchard, across from the Southport Post Office. I assume it will house help hired for the summer on the island.