Southport Column: Lots of SIA news

Tue, 01/26/2021 - 8:45am

Thanks to the Southport Selectmen who were very attentive to the approximately 50 people who showed up under the new streetlights in the Southport Town Hall parking lot to ask questions and to voice their opinions about filling or retaining the school pond. The children were especially vocal about their love of the pond and its marine inhabitants. For now the pond is safe. You will find a complete article and pictures elsewhere in this paper, and perhaps also you saw the news clip on Channel 13.

Several people present at the outdoor Selectmen’s meeting asked if the weekly Selectmen’s meetings were open to the public, and if so, could they be conducted on Zoom so citizens could safely attend. Several people even offered to help set up the Zoom feature. Head Selectman Gerry Gamage answered that the meetings are open to the public. Whether Zoom will be a way to attend was not settled. On the door of the Selectmen’s office this morning, Jan. 25, a sign asked one person to enter at a time.

The Southport Planning Board will have a Zoom meeting at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Members of the public who would like to attend the meeting, please send an email to Skip Simonds (skipsimonds@mac.com) to request the Zoom link. An announcement also appears elsewhere in this paper.

The Southport Island Association (SIA) is planning its Winter Walk on Feb. 6 from 1 until 3 p.m. beginning at the Southport Library. This year’s walk will feature the trekking alpacas from Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm. Owners Anne Gobes and Michael Ciccarrelli will lead the walk through the Newagen neighborhood. Those SIA members attending should wear their mask and maintain social distance from each other. A storm date of Feb. 13, same time, same place, is scheduled, if necessary. Laura Blake, Geoff Chatterton and Sandra Seifert will be your SIA hosts.

More Southport Island Association news comes from Val Gamage. “Our friend and neighbor volunteers will soon be donning aprons to share some “Love (and Lasagna)!” On Valentine’s Day they will be partnering with the Southport Island Store and Sweet Dreams Bakery to cook up a delicious lasagna dinner to share with any Islanders who would like one! The lasagna will be accompanied by a lightly dressed Caesar Salad, a small garlic baguette, a scrumptious dessert made by Sweet Dreams Bakery and a chocolate treat! There is a sugar-free dessert and chocolate alternative for individuals with a dietary restriction. Sixty meals will be ready for drive through pick up in the front parking lot of the Town Hall on Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, from 1 until 3 p.m. Please call 207-633-0754 to reserve a meal for yourself, an island friend or neighbor. There is no cost, but
donations of any size are welcomed. Delivery can be arranged easily, if needed.”

Also from SIA comes this request: “Our Southport Island Association has lots of information to share with Southport Island fans. We are looking for a volunteer to help us with managing the website or to send Constant Contact messages.” Please call Alice Mutch at 410-353-3861 if you can help.

Susan Altshuler Norton wants you all to know that the family of “Southport Sam,” the dog that was missing for several weeks, is incredibly grateful for the concern, caring, and help that everyone provided when he was on the move.

Linda Brewer has sighted a bald eagle in the Cozy Harbor neighborhood. Kit and I have driven over several times to see it, but have not yet been lucky enough to do so, only sending into flight three ducks and six pigeons. Wondering how Thoreau kept himself busy on Walden Pond, I asked Jen at the library for the book. Enjoying birds was one way he found joy, even allowing them to fly through his cabin. We do not need to go that far, but still can enjoy the many winged creatures around us.

Though it is only January the Island Store is looking ahead toward summer and is ready to consider applications for employment for that time. Call the store at 633-6666 to get an application and to find out more details.