Last week’s column began with a ‘shout out’ for Southport, celebrating the Maine CDC report that 95% of Southporters (year round residents) are vaccinated. Then the next day came the news that the Southport General Store had to shut down because a staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. A call to the CDC and questions to Kit’s neurologist with whom we had an appointment on Thursday taught me that if you have been in physical contact with the person testing positive or been in their presence for more that 15 minutes, you should get tested and/or quarantine. Although I had been in the store on Monday, my visit met neither of those criteria,
thank goodness.

The good news this week is that the store is opening on Tuesday, Aug. 10, keeping the same hours as before. On Monday when I stopped by, staff were busy sterilizing and restocking. I learned that all staff have been tested three times, each with negative results. Now staff and anyone entering the store must wear a mask. Owner Barbara Leland is grateful for customers’ understanding and support as the week’s shutdown has created many obstacles to overcome. However, until the state CDC mandates that employees be vaccinated, that will not be a requirement at the store.

The mask requirement is again in place at Newagen Inn, and there I am told vaccination is required for employment as is the case also at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club.

Fortunately a rumor I heard that Robinson’s Wharf was closed due to staffing issues is false. They are open every day except Tuesdays. Wednesday is no longer a “shut down” day, but instead is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with the ‘Far Bar’ open and serving steamed hot dogs until 6 p.m. This Thursday will feature Dogfish Ale with drink specials, a “Beer and Bug,” i.e lobster special, and a variety of giveaways such as T-shirts. Sunday will offer live music from 1 until 4 p.m., and Round Top Ice Cream is back at the gift shop.

The Southport Island Association’s (SIA) annual meeting and picnic will be an open air celebration at Cosy’s Harborside on Aug. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., open to member families and potential members. You may bring finger food (no dips) to share with others and your own picnic food if desired. The event is BYOB; SIA will supply ice and soft drinks. If possible, an RSVP would be appreciated so we might plan for the proper number of
participants. Please call Sharma Schacknow at 561-876-5151.

In addition to the slate of officers to be approved, the Board of Directors has approved a revision of the bylaws and will ask members to vote on the changes at the meeting. Changes are: (1) provision for electronic meeting, votes, and announcements; (2) provision for annual review of treasurer’s records; (3) Requirement for two signatures on checks over $5,500; (4) Technical changes - Elimination of duplicate information; (5) Technical changes - Correction of typographical errors.

Lots of donations are pouring into the Southport Fire Department, both physical items to be sold at the auction on Aug. 21 and monetary donations. The live auction begins at 9 a.m. with other buying opportunities beginning at 6 a.m. The recent rains have perhaps diminished the fire danger on Southport, but watching news of the fires in the west warns us how quickly conditions can change. Support our firemen! 

A reminder of the meeting Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. to answer questions about the installation of Broadband on Southport will be held at the Southport Town Hall, either inside or in the parking lot, depending on the COVID-19 scene.

If you are wondering why brush was cut back on the bank under the guard rail on Route 27 near where Cross Road comes in, it is because that growth was bamboo, which can readily get out of hand if not eliminated.

Shopping Saturday morning when I stopped by at the the annual Southport Yacht Club Arts & Crafts Show was busy with many lovely items for sale. I suspect another article in this paper will give more details. I bought warm, red mittens, referred to as Bernie Sanders mittens, displayed with a picture of Bernie sitting at the presidential inauguration with his arms crossed, hands covered with very warm mittens.

With the Southport General Store reopened life may return to something close to normal. Yet we are not out of danger. For me, experiencing COVID-19 so close to home was a shock. Please get vaccinated, wear your mask, and stay safe.