I counted three other articles in last week’s Register, in addition to this column, that mentioned traffic problems: Mary Brewer’s editorial, a letter to the Editor about Route 96, and the report from the Southport Selectmen’s meeting. Many of us must be experiencing similar frustrations and concerns about the mix of speed, walkers, bikers, and joggers on our country roads.

One young man who has worked very hard to make a pleasant spot for Southporters off the roads is Jacob Bishopp, who took as his Eagle Scout project the cleanup, furnishing, and planting of the triangular piece of land at the corner of Cross Road and Route 27, south of the Southport United Methodist Church. Walking through the property today, I noted not only the tidied up forest, but also two lovely wooden benches, and a series of plantings: astilbe, rhododendron, and ladies’ mantle, if my botany serves me well. One tree in the center of the area seems to be cut to provide either a climbing challenge or four seats at different heights. Walking toward the point of the property where the tide flows under Route 27 into a deep depression, I fantasied about cleaning that area up, damming the water, and creating a jumping off spot for use on our hot days. Only fantasy, Jacob. You have done a great job.

On Sunday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m., Jacob and Southport Island's Boy Scout Troop 238 will dedicate the new park Jacob designed and benches he built. All are welcome to attend. 

Also hard at work during our hot week have been the Hagar Enterprise employees, completing the job of burying water pipe and leveling the road surface from the west end of Cross Road to the Island School. Talking with one of the employees on Monday, I heard that they planned to finish their portion of the work that day. Next the Boothbay Region Water Company will continue with the connections and final paving.

A face new to me in the Island Store this week is Southporter, Skip Simonds. Welcome to that work crew, Skip.

The “old gang” was back for lunch at the Island Store on Monday: Toni Helming, Ann Charlesworth, Joan Britton, and Mimi Havinga. Even since I was mothering young children, these women, a few years older than I, have all been sterling examples to me of grace, charm, and how to manage life.

I also spotted Meg Snyder driving near the Island Store. I imagine she is back to enjoy the island and to participate in Saturday evening’s clambake at the Southport Yacht Club. Be sure to sign up if you are planning to be there. Planners need to know how many lobsters and steaks to buy.

The activities tumble one after another this time of year. On Saturday, Aug. 6, same day as the clambake, but beginning at 8 a.m. will be the third annual “Rock the Boat” 5K road race. All participants, either walking or running, will probably start at the yacht club. Call 970-389-7885 for more information.

The following week, on Tuesday, Aug. 9, starting at 5 p.m., the Southport Island Association will hold its Annual Picnic. All Southporters, their families and guests are invited to enjoy this community event and fundraiser. Janet Duchaine and Jon Fauver will host, as they did last year, the picnic at their house on Molly’s Point. The address is 7 Poore Road, a private driveway off Molly’s Point Road, little Christmas Cove on the west side of Southport. Children are most welcome, and child supervision will be provided.

Cost for the picnic is $10 per adult and $5 for children under 12, with donations for beverages. Hot dogs and hamburgers are provided. Please bring a dish to share such as a salad, baked beans, finger food, or dessert. Please carpool if you can, and bring a lawn chair. For more info, call Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006. Rain location: Southport Town Hall.

Several of these activities used to happen toward the end of August. Experiencing them so early in the month hastens the end of summer. I know schools start earlier these days, so families with children must head home earlier, but I yearn for a bit more time.