First a correction. The Southport Memorial Library summer hours are extended to Wednesdays 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Only on Thursdays is the library open in the evening 6 until 8. As usual the library is also open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 until 4. New at the library for the summer, July and  August through the 23rd, is Story and Craft time for children beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Look for a bit more information on this special activity elsewhere in this paper.

Also elsewhere in the paper is an article about the result of the vote concerning the town project, previously approved by voters, to build fiber optic cable to each house on Southport that wanted it, As a consequence of a petition signed by Southport taxpayers, a second vote was necessary, and this time the project was defeated by 20 votes. Some folks may continue with another attempt to install fiber optic cable to Southport homeowners that will not be owned by the town.

The Southport Island Association had previously planned their annual picnic for Aug. 2, but due to many conflicts on that date, the picnic will be rescheduled. Stay tuned.

Perhaps you also received an Facebook posting inviting you as a Southport citizen to go to a virtual public meeting concerning the rehabilitation of the Southport Bridge. No immediate worries. The project is not scheduled to begin until the spring of 2023, but the plans are explained by Jason Stetson from the Maine DOT on the website: https://my.mainedotpima.com/public/event-registration/search?project_id=15427&pe_guid=5d5142bc-1f56-4371-96ed-b6a4621cabd1. If this link does not work, go to jason.B.Stetson@maine.gov and ask for help.

The Reverend Martin Smith will return to All Saints by the Sea for the next two Sundays, conducting services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Again, more information elsewhere in this paper.

The Southport Community Project committee will meet at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 8 to continue discussions about simple improvements to the property surrounding the Southport Central School. A boundary survey has been done as well as a survey of taxpayers’ opinions about what is needed. As mentioned last week, several committee members met with an arborist to consider cleanup of the forest area to make it a safer place for the children to play.

Flowers abound around the island. Especially note the plantings blooming in front of the Southport Town Hall, and the window boxes at the Southport post office. I believe that boxes were planted by the Garden Club. Thanks to all who keep Southport blooming.

The Southport Museum is now open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the months of July and August from 11 a.m.until 3 p.m. with four evening openings from 5 until 7:30 on July 5 and 19 as well as Aug. 2 and 16. The museum will also sponsor several talks, the first one being July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall where Jack Bauman will tell the saga of Bob “Ponytail”Speed who lived on lower Mark Island. The second talk will be July 21 at 10 a.m. when Bill Messmer will lead a walk around Cozy Harbor while explaining the history of that area. Look for more information elsewhere in this paper.

Now a quick review of upcoming dates. On Monday, July 11, at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall Paul Zalucky will speak about “An Insider’s Perspective on Russia’s War Against Ukraine; Why It Matters to All of Us.” There will be a Q and A session following Paul’s talk, and light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, July 14 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Gift Barn next to the Southport General Store, you can learn about glass blowing with artists Mckayla Carville from MCK Glassworks and Tessera Hayes from Belfire Glass, who will be using slides to demonstrate their work. All are welcome. No tickets or advanced reservations needed.

Next up is the Southport United Methodist Women’s Craft Fair and Lobster Roll luncheon to be held July 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. You need to make advanced reservations for lobster rolls ($25) before July 15 by calling Elaine Goodwin, cell # 1-360-301-6715 or Deb Tukey 633-5144. On July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Southport United Methodist Church parking lot, you can pick up the luncheon that includes a lobster roll, a bag of chips, bottled water, and a homemade cupcake. You can also order cookies in advanced by filling out an order form on the church porch or ordering online at https://forms.gle/ffv6Bk3bpN1BaJxi9. Some cookies also will be available for sale at the luncheon as well as Maine crafts.

Congratulations to Morgan Mitchell who displayed her lovely wearable art under a tent at Whale Park. Her work is also for sale at the Gift Barn at the Southport General Store. Great picture on Facebook of Morgan and her mother in front of the tent during Windjammer Days.

Since this column must be written on Friday due to the holiday on Monday, I cannot describe the 4th of July parade or the opening of the Southport Yacht Club. Perhaps next week.