A rainy Sunday. If it continues that means a Scrabble day in this house, a dog resistant to the daily wanderings, and sleepy cats. The birds are not deterred from the feeders though pickings are slim as Little Hands, the raccoon, made a visit, dragging a feeder into the woods, the trail of seed pleasing the turkey hens and their poults; always some joy on the nature front. Bunchberries have opened, adding splendor to the woodland floor, daisies waving their cheerful faces among the tall grasses in open fields moving with the winds brought by the sea. While quiet observation is always good, so are some social gatherings and events, and there are quite a few this week and in the near future, so prepare to mark your calendars.

On Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m., the Newagen Inn will host the 23rd annual Fireman’s Dinner.  Prepaid reservations are required and can be made on the Inn’s website, all proceeds go to the fire department. Lunch is now being served at The Pub from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner is available at 5 p.m., with live music on Thursday, and Sunday, 5:30-7:30. This week Dan Patrick and Purple Entendre respectively.

Moving up the island a bit to the Southport Memorial Library, and on in time to Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m., the first Author Talk of the season with Bill Gerencer, discussing his new book "Working Waterfront - A Fish Tale". As a 44-year veteran of the New England waters as a lobsterman, and commercial fisherman in the Gulf of Maine and on Georges Bank he brings some fascinating insight to share about his journey harvesting, handling, processing, buying, and selling seafood, and his commitment to sustainability and fisheries and practices that mitigate climate effects.  Bill is also going to share some of his favorite treats: crab mac and cheese, scallops Coquilles St. Jacques, and half-shelled oyster. Library hours are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. The Coffee Table, open to all, is Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. on and the current art show of area landscape paintings by Lori Lynn Hoffer will continue through the end of the month. 

Saturday, June 13 you can begin at the Southport General Store with a Fused Glass Sun Catcher Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon. Instructor Kathy Faass will teach different techniques during this beginner friendly class and your piece will be fired in her kiln and available for pick up the following week. Space is limited, reserve your spot online, SouthportGeneralStore.com or call 207-633-6666.   

After your artistic endeavor and perhaps some lunch from the store you might go up the road a piece to Lynn Schafer’s Possibilities Antique Shop, 476 Hendricks Hill Road, which will open Saturday, June 13. Her hours will be 12:30-5 daily through Labor Day and by arrangement until Oct. 12. Handmade quilts, rag rugs, cottage furniture, kitchenalia, and other lovely Possibilities for your home are featured as well as garden walks and tours. Phone number is 207-208-7981. 

Next week, Monday, June 15, you will not want to miss the Friends of the Southport Historical Society Annual Meeting followed by Captain Mark Colby’s talk “The Colby Family Maritime History from 1630 to the Present.” This event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Southport Town Hall, 361 Hendricks Hill Road. Light refreshments will be served. 

Then, a sure sign that summer has come to the island, the first of three Southport Island Association Musicfest concerts will be held Wednesday, June 17 on the lawn at the Newagen Inn from 5:30 to about 8 p.m. The line-up for Summer 2026 is a celebration through the decades and features these family-friendly Maine acts: 

June 17 - 80s Dance Party w/The Awesome 

July 15 - 70s Soul/Motown Review w/Higher Ground and Julia Gagnon 

Aug. 12 - 90s hits w/Champagne Casonova 

One hundred percent of ticket sale proceeds go towards supporting Southport Island Association Community Initiatives. For ticket information check their website: southportisland.com There is nothing quite like live music outside surrounded by tunes that make your toes tap, summer filled children, free spirited dancers and watching the sun set over an extraordinary view. 

Remember other music can be had at Robinson’s Wharf, weather permitting, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 on the deck, also an amazing view. Good food and drinks are available seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

My weeks would not be complete without at least one visit to Southport Island Treasures, 608 Hendricks Hill Road, to fill my thrifting quest. This lovely thrift and resale shop always charms with its wide variety of home décor items, seasonal clothing and wonders that trigger a sense of nostalgia and well being, including fudge. Stop in Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and don’t forget to sign up for the monthly raffle. This month’s prize will have you all set for that big Fourth of July, a red, white, and blue quilted table runner with nautical fabrics, no purchase necessary. The Mad Money jar at the counter is collecting for Paws Cause Animal Hospital, a worthy nonprofit you might consider donating to.

That is the week and then some, quite a bit to keep all busy and happy. Work on the water/road project continues, expect delays, be patient and drive with caution. Whether the woods, shore, sea, meadows or gatherings, enjoy and May Peace Be With You All.