Although Leigh is not writing the column this week, I thank her for sending what news she had to contribute.

Sarah Sherman sends more information on Southport’s oldest resident, Jean Thompson. Jean Luther Thompson (age 94) was presented with the Boston Post Cane on Wednesday, Jan. 16 by the town selectmen, Gerry Gamage and Smith Climo, and her daughter and selectwoman, Mary Lou Koskela. The grandmother of four and great-grandmother of one, devoted her life to teaching the region’s children, served as Sunday school teacher, on the board for the district nurse and the Southport Planning Board, is a member of the Friends of the Southport Historical Society, and volunteers as docent at the Hendricks Hill Museum every Tuesday in the summer.

Receiving the Boston Post Cane is a long-standing tradition in the Luther/Fronton/Thompson family. Thompson’s grandfather, Royal Luther, and Mother, Louise Fronton Luther, Aunt Lena Fronton Dulong (Granby, Massachusetts), Aunt Evelyn Luther Pratt, and Cousin Evelyn (Dox) Luther Stratton (age 98), all received the Boston Post Cane. Congratulations Jean!

Leigh also sends a note from Kellie Slater: “My family owns Robinson’s Wharf and I regularly read your Southport column. It’s a great way to keep up with the island when I’m home in Denver. You mentioned in your 12/31/18 column that Robinson’s is tough to heat in the winter. I completely agree and just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that warmth during the winter months is one of our main projects while we are closed! We plan to add a second set of doors at the entrance and are brainstorming additional ideas. Our goal is for everyone to be cozy warm at Robinson’s during the winter months.”

The Southport Island Association, known as SIA, is posting announcements for its winter walk. See the What’s Happening listing in this newspaper for Feb. 9.

At the Library, there’s always lots happening! Currently, a wonderful array of beautiful fiber art work is displayed by our island friends and some of their friends. Colors and designs to lift the spirit are to be seen. Come take a look and while there, check out the many new books that have just arrived. Nora says a suggestion box is in the works to request books wanted or suggest ways to improve the use of the library. The Used Book Store upstairs, houses lots of good reads for a minimal cost. The Classic Section contains well known books (some in paperback) for young readers or folks who’d just like to build their home library. Nora and Anne are always ready to help you find what you need. With Anne Thompson Maher away to meet her new grandson, it’s been nice to see Linda Brewer (Librarian #6) back at the desk. She said she would volunteer at the library after retirement, and so she does.

A farewell and good luck party will be held at the library on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Cake and punch will be served to celebrate the long and valuable services of Ann Roche to our library. Ann officially retired at the end of December 2018. She will relocate to Portland, Maine soon. Please stop by to wish Ann well. She will be missed.

Crossing the Southport Bridge, the empty osprey nest always intrigues me. Rachel Carson called the osprey Pandion. Thanks to her efforts, the osprey have survived. These birds return to our Maine waters like clockwork every April; such joy to see. The calendar shows their arrival to be less than three months away. But, who’s counting besides me!

Please send next week’s news to Leigh at kitleigh@roadrunner.com