A new month and nature is definitely letting us know that late summer is coming early. Warm evenings are filled with the now mature crickets rubbing their wings together, delighting us and hopefully attracting mates, they are such a staple of the season. Other things seem further along than they should be, some leaves have turned red or gold, while some have just given up and browned due to the lack of rain, no energy left, better dormancy than death. Gone are the magenta-pink blooms of the beach rose, replaced instead with glossy, vibrant red, fleshy hips, their size always astounds me.  Even the climbing nightshade has begun to show its glossy, crimson, toxic fruit, so time is definitely flowing quickly, happily the ospreys are still with us, but the bridge family off spring was testing it’s wings today under the watchful eyes of parents, shear magnificence and exuberance. Schools of fish seem to have returned to the inlets and coves, much as they were early in summer, perhaps the young of fish that migrated in spring, I do not know, but I welcome them as they swim around me and certainly the terns are happy. 

Time to turn from nature and look at the human calendar, with dates, times and schedules. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 5-7 p.m.  all are welcome to join Southport Island Association for the Annual Summer Picnic. It is being held at the Ocean Gate Inn, costs $10/person (children under 6 are free) and will feature hot dogs, hamburgers, water and lemonade. If you can, bring a dish to share, and for yourself a favorite beverage and a lawn chair, do not miss this summer tradition. 

Now, the Southport Memorial Library. On Wednesday the 5th at 10 a.m. bring your children or young visitors for Storytime, a shared book, craft and a light snack. If you are donating something to the Book and Bake Sale, it can be dropped off from 3-4 on Wednesday the 5th, or Thursday the 6th at 8:15-8-30. Please remember to list your ingredients, and a big thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting the library. The actual Book and Bake Sale will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Incredible deals and variety, books along with savory or sweet treats, a perfect pairing, be there! The Library Aides will be happy to help you at this annual summer event. In addition, on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. you will be able to hear “The Wondermaker” author and island poet, Anne Cyr share her collection of poems. She will be joined by friend Susan Dudley Gold, author of The Grandma Star, a literary celebration of a relationship between grandparent and grandchild.  Both works celebrate life journeys past and present. Refreshments will be served. Then looking ahead prepare for Mystery Making Mayhem, Thursday Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. when four authors will get together at the library to create a mystery on the spot. There will be a murder, and audience participation. The panel speakers, Matt Cost, Allison Keeton, Anne Brittling Oleson and Kate Flora, will create the mystery from beginning to end right before your eyes and share insights into their process, it sounds very intriguing and it is free to all.

As is often the case the library at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road is quite the hub of activity. The Summer hours are Tuesday 9-4, 6-8, Wednesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4.

The Southport Memorial Library and the Hendricks Head Museum will be having a screening of the biographical drama filmed here on Southport in 1967-1968 titled “A Sense of Wonder.” This film captures Rachel Carson, the mother of the environmental movement, summer resident here, and author of “Silent Spring,” in the final months of her life as she defends her book and battles with cancer. It was a made for TV documentary that aired on ABC and was narrated by Helen Hayes. This event is free and will be held at Town Hall on Monday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. 

Another sign that this summer season is in the last stages is the final SIA Musicfest event. An evening of 90’s hits with Champagne Casanova. Based in Portland they are known for putting on a great show and connecting with the audience, so get ready to celebrate the birth and growth of the internet, renting VHS tapes, playing on the original Game Boy or Nintendo, teen pop groups, shows like Friends, and an explosion of grunge and rap, they may not be playing that, but while there you can muse on that youthful time and dance, or just sing along from your lawn chair, which you should bring to the Newagen Seaside Inn on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 5:30. Check the SIA website for ticket availability. 

There is the winner of the raffle at Southport Island Treasures to report yet, but I do not have the details, so next week it will be, but you can begin getting your name in there for next month, stop by browse and enjoy. In fact, just be out and about, smile, show patience, take in the beauty around you quietly, show grace, mind the recent influx of jellyfish in the water and on the shore, get ready for the new vegetable pun on the Southport United Methodist Church sign, they have made me chuckle, worship is at 9 a.m., and May Peace Be With You.

Contact this columnist at 717-380-1521.