Preoccupied by death and funerals as I begin this column, Southport lost Gail N. Richter who passed away on Aug. 24, 2025, surrounded by family, I lost a brother-in-law in Pennsylvania, both remembered today. New deaths have a way of conjuring old ones and I am remembering the sudden death of my father and the prolonged journey of Alzheimer’s with my mother, but writing is a useful tool to make one’s way through a lot of thoughts, so I turn my attention to all of you out there and this wonderful place I call home and find respite. Every corner is filled with wonder and beauty, I do not let a day go by without appreciation of the tiny joys, the dozen monarchs that visited two days ago, the rough surf that buoyed me as I swam, the thunder storm and much needed rain, nothing taken for granted, life is but a moment. 

Those moments can be spent wisely this week as several things are happening. We will begin with news from Southport Island Treasures, open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and located at 608 Hendricks Hill Road.Last month's raffle was won by Lisa from Capitol Island and this month you might be able to win a sage and maroon quilted table runner, so stop in, browse and put your name in for this lovely prize. Your business helps Angel’s community give back which last month yielded $50.50 that went to the Southport Fire Department and this month will go toward Betsy Thibault and her journey to recovery.Community helping members of the community, a worthy effort, so show your support if you can, and take home your newest treasure. 

Moving on through the week, we havetwo events on the same night, butboth can be attended if you are so inclined. The first begins at 5 p.m. at Town Hall on Thursday, Sept. 11. The Southport Climate Action Team and Southport Resilience Network are being hosted by the Southport Island Association to discuss Southport emergency preparedness options. There will be a presentation to report progress on multiple fronts. Kathy Jacobs, a member of the team, will share information about the interim results of the Southport risk and opportunity assessment and request feedback as well as answer questions on various strategies for supporting residents, workers, and property owners, in building community resilience and preparing for emergencies. Add your voice, share your ideas, all are welcome. Afterward move on to the Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, which is featuring author Matt Cost to speak about his latest novel in the Clay Wolfe series, "Glow Trap." This program begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost will talk about the six hats worn by an author with a focus on this latest publication set in Port Essex - based on Boothbay Harbor. While there, check out a book, talk with the fabulous duo of librarians, enjoy the Retrospective Exhibit of the Paintingsbylong-time Southport resident Richard Wiggin Johnson, and place a bid for the watercolor by local artist Cecile Clifford of Old Southport. Opening bid is $100 with all proceeds going to the library. For information, call the library at 207-633-2741 or visit https://www.southportlibrary.org/ 

Then on the following day, Friday, Sept. 12, take yourself out to the International Community Dinner at the Southport General Store.  There will be free Wine Tasting from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner from 5:30-7:30. The dinner will featureauthentic appetizers, entrees, and desserts from Romania and Egypt, lovingly prepared by theJ1 student employees. Our seasonal economy here on the coast would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the students who join us each summer through the J1 visa program. These young people bring incredible energy, talent, and heart to our businesses and our community.This dinner is a celebration of them, so come share a meal, and raise a glassbefore they head home. Tickets are $45 per person and available in store or online.   

There are still the Saturdays in September, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to visit the Hendricks Head Museum, unassuming from the outside, filled with artifacts and history on the inside, as well as a docent to enhance your time there, if you like. Admission is free, donations are graciously accepted. 

That brings me to the end of events that I have been told of and know. As we move into quieter times, feel free to drop me a suggestion, the mail box is outside of the General Store and will be accessible even as the hours shorten.More focus will be on what we all know and love in the fall and winter months, and the hours of operation of those places that remain with us during that time.   

As I close, a word of gratitude for kindnesses of the week past, they do not go unnoticed, and are passed on, so be kind, and may peace be with you.