I write today from my great grandfather’s roll top desk surrounded by two snoring dogs and no cats; I am not on Southport. I left at the end of the week, prepared to cross the bridge with a touch of sadness about leaving, but my spirits were lifted to soaring heights as I saw that one of the ospreys was standing on the nest atop the metal arch. They are a week earlier than last year, perhaps a good omen that spring is very close. As I drove to Pennsylvania I saw various stages of seasonal rebirth. Here now I am lured by the rich bird songs, color and very deep spring. Daffodils at their peak, red buds, hyacinths, violets, dandelions, tulips, flowering cherries, crab apples and maples, the heavily scented viburnum; it all is a feast for eyes, ears and nose, and the best thing is that once I return, a second round of this beauty will await. Until then, you will have much to keep you involved with Southport community and life. 

Tuesday the 7th marked the final taco dinner of the winter at the Southport General Store. The staff would like to thank everyone who came out and enjoyed tacos, Spanish class, and good company, especially to Maestro Byron. Not to worry though, there is more good food and fun to come with the next Supper Series: Italian Night on Friday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. Not only will you be able choose from rich Italian inspired flavors on the community style buffet, but there will also be wine tasting and a cookbook and recipe swap. Your choices, for $25/person, will include: Bolognese Lasagna, Vegetarian Lasagna, Pasta e Fagioli, and Fresh Insalata, quite the assortment. You have a little time to go through your cookbooks, select your favorite recipes to share and prepare yourself for a cozy night of wine sipping, sharing and celebrating good food and community. Memories are sure to be made; it is always nice to be a part of that sort of event. Also at the General Store, on Wednesday the 15th, 2-4 p.m., will be the Community Knitting Group, free, and open to all at any level or proficiency, and the complete beginner.

The Southport Memorial Library located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road has a lot going on as is usual at this bustling community hub that has been in existence on the island for 120 years. There is the Coffee “Hour.” That term is loosely used, it goes longer as people come and go, enjoying conversation, jokes, unique perspectives, and opinions, all in good humor and filled with friendly banter. It really is a wonderful way to spend some time. Normally they begin around 10 a.m. on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have technical issues with your phone, tablet, or computer, Tuesday 10-11 would be the perfect time to get them resolved by Tarsha during Tech Time with Tarsha. If it is books you are looking for, the collection has 30,000 to choose from, classics, current and just released such as “Half-Shelled” by Southport’s very own C.W. Wells, aka Charlie Britton. You may need to be put on the waiting list for this fast-paced, darkly funny new novel, but it would be worth the wait, and while you wait, you could always check out one of his four other books, or many other Maine authors. There is truly something for everyone and all ages. The Children’s Room has recently had a good clean and face lift due to the efforts of the librarians and the Library Aides. It looks great. Try to make it in during their regular hours which are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4, you will not be disappointed. Looking ahead and with spring in mind, some special events to write on your calendar are the Succulent Social with Andrea Peaslee from Harbor Blooms Floral Shop, on Thursday the 23rd from 6 to 7 p.m., and The Southport Seed Swap brought you by the Bloomin Babes, a garden group that meets at the library, to be held on Thursday April 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Looking again at this week Southport Selectboard invite residents, property owners, and interested members of the public to attend a status update meeting on the Hendricks Head Restoration Project on Wednesday, April 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Southport Town Office.

The Hendricks Head Restoration Project is a municipal infrastructure and coastal resilience initiative focused on the restoration of the road crossing and culvert at Hendricks Head Beach. At the meeting, Selectboard and project representatives will present the status of project design and permitting and address questions raised by residents and abutting property owners during the design review process.

For more information, please contact Devin Domeyer at devindomeyer@gmail.comport  

Southport Island Treasures, the charming thrift/resale shop, at 608 Hendricks Hill Road has a special fundraiser going on for the rest of this month, and during the month of May. The shop is selling Fish Pillows at $20 a piece with all the money going to the students of the Southport Central 6th grade for their class trip. As a fun little side note and a trip in the Way Back Machine, to 2012, fish pillows were a fundraiser that Jen Gaudette did for Madison when she was in 6th grade. It was a big success then, let’s make it one again. The fabrics are bright with bold prints. I was unable to leave without buying one for myself. Those are certainly not all you will find at the shop, new things are coming in almost daily. Before you leave remember to fill out the free raffle ticket which this month could make you the happy owner of a table runner in pale blue and yellow floral print, just the thing to bring a pop of color and beauty to your main, side, or coffee table. There is a winner each month. The one drawn on the first of this month won the March prize of two potholders and a $20 gift card to the shop. That lucky person was Corinne Cusumano. She is indeed very lucky as this is her second time as a winner. Also, at the counter you will see a Mad Money jar, donations that you put in go to community groups and events that Angel collects for and then takes the money to. Past recipients have been the Southport Historical Society, the Southport Memorial Library, The Community Fridge, and currently, through the end of May, money is being collected for the 6th grade trip, help if you can, it is such a kind gesture on her part. Hours are convenient, Monday-Saturday, 10-4.

Quite a busy week but always time for a walk. I took one before I left and saw my first warbler, either a Magnolia warbler, or Nashville warbler. They do flit about the shrubs with gusto, even at short range, they are tough to identify. Either way, it means that the migration has begun, always exciting, they are like little treasures to be sought among the thickets and bouncing from tree branch to branch with exuberance, flashes of jewel colors. I hope that you see one, or many, if not enjoy the ones that stood with us through the winter months. Worthy of a note is that hummingbirds are also on their way, so consider preparing a feeder. They will be hungry and in need of sustenance, one-part plain sugar to four parts water.

May Peace Be With You All.