Many us remember Dick Snyder who lived in Newagen for many years, and who died on Feb. 21 of this year. We have an opportunity to gather at the Southport Town Hall on Saturday, Aug. 3, beginning at 3 p.m. to share stories of Dick and to celebrate his life with family and his many friends. If you would like to help with this event, please email Dick’s daughter, Blaire, at blairnmonty@yahoo.com.

Another such opportunity will occur on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Southport Yacht Club when we are invited to gather in memory of Anne Grimes who died Jan. 21 of this year. Many of us have stories of Anne which we are invited to share with each other at this gathering that will be primarily in the junior building of the yacht club.

Look in the obituary section of this week’s paper for the obituary of Bob Eaton who died July 16. Bob and his wife, Leanne, who predeceased him, moved permanently to Southport in 1986. I remember them especially for staying ‘sea worthy’ for such a long time. Bob was often at the Southport Yacht Club dock helping Leanne into their boat. I believe he even built a special structure to make the climb down and up easier for her. A graveside service for Bob will be in Westbrook where they lived before moving to Maine, but if you wish to write the family a note about Bob, you can do so at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

My apologies to any family whose loss of a loved one I have missed. It seems to me that so many folks have left us in the past year. T’is best if you send me an email at kitleigh@roadrunner.com if you would like me provide information in the column.

The dock has been finished at the summer chapel of All Saints by-the-Sea. People can now come by boat for Sunday services at 8:00 a.m. and 10 a.m. and for the porch discussion sessions on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. This week’s visiting clergy will be The Rev. M. Cristina Paglinauan, associate rector for Community Engagement at The Church of the Redeemer in north Baltimore, where she has served since 2010. All are welcome.

Gerry Gamage was busy cooking burgers and hot dogs at the community picnic at the Southport Memorial Library last Wednesday. A storm was threatening, but Gerry bravely decided to forego the tent and was rewarded by sun. Many people enjoyed the time together, so thanks to all who made the event possible.

Conversation stayed serious but civil during the question and answer period at the town meeting last Wednesday evening concerning changes in two town ordinances, one on building on individual lots and one on blasting. Once a quorum of 60 people was reached and after the discussions, the question was called, and both ordinance changes passed, the first bringing our town ordinance in compliance with the state law, and the second allowing blasting to increase town water access around the island and to Squirrel Island.

Along with many others during Maine Open Farm Day, I enjoyed the animals at Cape Newagen Farm. Mike and Anne and their young helpers care not only for 22 alpaca, but also three sheep and many chickens. The wool of the sheep and alpaca are still the main ingredients for all the soft and cuddly gifts available in their shop, with lessons and demonstrations on how such articles are made. The whole scene is so lovely I heard several of the visitors exclaim.

Do come to the Book and Bake Sale on Aug, 1 at the Southport Memorial Library. Baked goods will be on sale in the morning from 9 until noon, and books will be for sale from 9 until 4. The book sale will continue on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 until 4

Then on Friday, Aug. 2, we can go to the wine tasting at the Southport General Store, from 4 until 7:30 p.m., this time coupled with a Gallery Walk and talks by four different artists. One of those artists, Eliza Goodwin, an intern from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) will be painting a mural on the east side of the store, depicting flowers and other lovely scenes.

The following Monday, Aug. 5, from 5 until 7 p.m. we are all invited to the Southport Island Association’s annual Picnic that will be hosted by Emily and MacKenzie Hurd at their home at 30 Cozy Harbor Road on the west side of Southport. Cost for the picnic is $10 per person, but children under the age of 12 are free. Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, condiments, water, seltzers and lemonade are provided. Should you want something stronger, you may bring it. Also a dish to share such as salads, finger food, and desserts, would be greatly appreciated. Parking is limited, so please carpool if you can, and bring lawn chair(s) if possible. For more info, call or text Janet Duchaine at 860.484.9006. Rain location: Southport Town Hall.

On Thursday, Aug. 8 we can attend another author’s talk beginning at 6:30 p.m. the Southport Memorial Library. The author this time is Diane Lechleitner. She will speak of her debut novel, “Faron Goss,” which is a Gold Winner of the Foreword Indies Award for Fiction. It tells the story of a boy born into a hardscrabble community, with themes of vulnerability, resilience, “as well as the magical abilities of time, friendship, and love to steady a life initially marred by neglect and tragedy.” Refreshments will be served.

If art rather than writing is your thing, also on Aug. 8 from 3 until 7 p.m. you can sign up for a watercolor boutique workshop at the Barn across from the Southport General Store. Either stop by the store or go online to do so. As of Monday a few spaces were available.

More opportunities for enlightenment on Aug. 10 when you can attend a rug hooking demo at Hendricks Head Museum from noon until 3 p.m., and on Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall the museum will sponsor a lecture by Ed Parker, titled “Painting the Story,” part of the Donald and Joyce Duncan Lecture Series.