A beautiful Sunday morning and I am finally able to begin the column after many computer issues throughout the week. My hope is to finish before the next moment of tech despair. Buttercups continue to cover the island with their brilliance; day lilies are setting tall buds but the showstoppers this week are the lupines with their stunning indigo and pink spikes standing above the rest with a divine majesty. The osprey tends the bridge that is the passage to some tranquility as the other side fills with the traffic and business of summer; not that there is none of that on the island, there are however places for respite, if you find them, keep them quiet.

If you have been here, you are aware of the construction on the West side, the dirt road surface and traffic lights are making things difficult for all to navigate but especially the tractor trailers with construction loads, several could not find their intended delivery sites this week as they were unable to see house numbers from their height. A suggestion was made for those getting a delivery to perhaps designate their drive in some way to make it more visible. These trucks cannot easily turn around, so they end up circumnavigating the island.

The construction should not deter you from getting to the events on offer, and there are several. The Southport Island Association Summer Musicfest kicks off with an 80’s dance party concert with The Awesome. This band will bring back everything you loved about 80’s, even those things you might not admit to having loved, there will be no judging, just sing along, dance and enjoy this family friendly event. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 on the lawn of the Newagen Seaside Inn. If you need tickets go to: southportisland.com

The Southport Memorial Library will have Coffee Group, which is open to all, on Tuesday the 16th and Thursday the 18th from 10:00a.m. If you are up for solving world problems cordially and creatively, sharing a joke or two, singing some old familiar songs, or just enjoying a sweet treat and a cuppa, stop by. The walls are still adorned with the stunning, area landscapes and floral paintings by Lori Lynn Hoffer and some pieces by June Elderkin. Hours are: Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. Library cards are available free for area residents and summer visitors, pick one up and gain access to new best sellers, classics, history, mysteries, movies and music.

On Saturday, June 20, Southport General Store. Are you ready to bring something fun and whimsical into your space?  You can by spending a morning crafting an adorable Needle Felted Sea Creature or two!  You will learn how to use felting needles to condense wool fibers into soft sea sculptures. This class will cover the basics of Needle Felting, including understanding barbed needles, angling, and finishing techniques. No experience required, all necessary supplies provided so, all you need to bring is your creativity and enthusiasm. Class from 10 a.m. to noon.
Register now: https://southportgeneralstore.shopsettings.com/6-20-26-Felted-Sea-Critters-Workshop-p834540055 

Also at the General Store, Sunday, June 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., celebrate the Summer Solstice and all the amazing dads with an afternoon of great food, live music, ice cream, and community fun. There will be a summer barbecue with all the fixings, live music from Emmett Lalor & Friends, Blanchard’s Creamery Ice Cream Truck, and you get 10% off craft Maine brews and wine. No reason not to come soak up the longest day of the year with your Southport community. Bring friends, family, and celebrate Solstice on Southport.

The Church of All Saints by-the-Sea is looking forward to welcoming worshipers and seekers of all faiths to their 120th summer worship season beginning on Sunday, June 21. This chapel consecrated in July 1906 has occupied a sacred space on Southport Island and served as a spiritual home for many in the community for generations. The Episcopal service of Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8 and 10 a.m. each Sunday through Sept. 13. People of all faiths are welcome to attend.  Additional information about the clergy, directions to the church, and other chapel news may be found on the church’s website, https://allsaintssouthport.org. As in past summers, the visiting clergy will lead a discussion of the week’s scriptures on the porch on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 10 beginning on June 23.

During the remaining June Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4, weather permitting, you can hear some fabulous music while eating good food, made by a top-notch chef and served by an amazing crew, or check out some of the special summer beverages, Robinson’s Wharf will not disappoint.  Open seven days a week from 11:30-8. Music on the 20th will feature Shark Bait and the 21st will be the Holy Mackerels. 

Another dining option with outside seating is Cozy’s Dockside now open all days of the week except Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a fried seafood basket, specialty hot dogs and burgers, beer wine, and don’t forget the ice cream, cups, cones, waffle bowls and shakes, something for everyone, even your dog who can enjoy a Good Pup Cup.

Hope your days are filled with joys both large and small, make someone smile, check in on a neighbor, do a favor, and May Peace Be With You All.