If you were counting on a breakfast pizza last Monday or a sandwich for lunch, you would have found our Island Store closed for renovations. The good news is that I saw the tables and chairs under the gazebo,which, one hopes, will be available for outdoor feasting. Inside the store the renovation work includes new floors, new product shelving, and newly painted walls. Products are arriving for the Gift Barn that is anticipated to open soon after Memorial Day.

The store also has extended its hours so that you can enter wearing a mask and gloves Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. On Saturdays you can shop from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and now you can get the Sunday papers and whatever else you want from 8 a.m. until noon.

Other good news comes from Anne Maher about the Southport Memorial Library. You can now return library books through the slot to the right of the door, but, please, no donations. The books will be quarantined for 72 hours and then be disinfected. When this stage is completed, probably about two weeks, the library will begin again its curbside service, so that you can phone in the name of a book you want, and it will be placed outside on the bench for you to pick up.

Slowly and creatively our island is moving into summertime mode. Perhaps you read in last week’s Register that Newagen Inn will be open in June to Maine residents who can bid a price and length of stay at the Inn. I hear so many people have responded that there is a waiting list, but that does not mean all the rooms at the Inn will be occupied as they will fill only a certain number to maintain appropriate social distancing.

Work continues on the Thompson Bridge. I missed the arrival of the first two concrete spans, but hear the gymnastics of positioning them were amazing. I hope to catch the arrival of the final two spans on Wednesday.

Work also continues on the Southport Junior Yacht Club. The large garage type doors are in place on the east side of the building allowing a visual opening to the water, which improves the view from the lawn on the north side of the clubhouse. I trust the handrails on the two sets of steps and around the deck will be in place soon for explorers safety.

Slowly Cozy Harbor is being populated by boats. A few more lobster boats are in place and several pleasure boats. Being out on the water should be one of the safer places to be this summer as long as we do not have many folks in the boat.

Now some news of Southporters who are not here, but who would love to hear from Southport friends. From lockdown in NYC where she is the co-coordinator of the nightly ‘thank you’ clap at 7 p.m. on Morton Street in the West Village, Susan Quinby reports that longtime Newagener Dick Snyder is doing well in his assisted living residence in Camden. Dick’s excitement for the week was a shower assisted by two aides — so he’s ready for visitors as soon as lockdown is over! He would love to hear from you and welcomes cards & letters @ Dick Snyder, Windward Gardens, 105 Mechanic Street, Room 30, Camden, ME 04843.

Another Southporter who would enjoying hear from friends is George Ross. His son, Tom, says you can send emails to geosross@gmail.com, or send snail mail to George Ross at 32 Blueberry Lane – Apt 99, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Although our lives may be opening up a bit, those of us who are older do need to stay more contained. Thus connection to friends by phone, emai  and cards is very important. Visiting at a distance wearing a mask can be fun too. I know Toni Helming is in residence on Marrs Point and that Mimi Havinga is also here on Dogfish Head. Though I have not seen her, I also hear that Ann Charlesworth is here in her cottage on Dogfish Head. Audrey Riley arrived on Mother’s Day to her cottage on Pratts Island, waiting for her two week’s quarantine to be up. Welcome back everyone. And to all, stay well and stay safe.