Although the morning was damp and cold on Monday, May 27, people gathered both at the Southport Memorial Library and at the monument by the Southport General Store to honor our veterans. A collection of band members and of veterans provided music and the presence of those who served to help us honor their service. Head Selectman, Gerry Gamage spoke first of the source of the monument, and how it was carried and erected in its current location. Then he told a story of a brave pilot and crew who, though seriously wounded, were able to take out a number of Japanese planes during World War Two. At the end of the story he noted, as perhaps we had guessed, the pilot was a local man from Boothbay Harbor, Jay Zeamer. These gatherings are a special time for the community to come together no matter what the weather, to find comfort in each other’s presence as well as to honor those who are the subject of the day. Thanks to Sarah Sherman MacGrail, who was the grand marshal of the parade, and to all who organize such events.

I did see Gail Richter at the gathering at the monument, giving me the opportunity to ask her if she was still the one setting the flags on all the veterans’ graves on the island. Indeed she is, so let’s all give her a big thanks.

Another gathering of friends and family, some from as far away as Holland, took place on Sunday at the Havingas’ home, followed by a time to honor Mimi Havinga by some prayers by the Reverend Susan Kraus, then family and friends scattering her ashes over a favorite garden area, and reading some favorite poems, one of which was read in the Dutch language. Fortunately the day was warm and sunny, matching our many warm memories of Mimi’s life among us.

Remember to get your tickets for the Firemen’s Dinner at the Newagen Seaside Inn either online or by calling the Inn at 633-2494. The dinner is on June 12 beginning with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served family style at 6:30. All proceeds go the the Southport Fire Department.

On Monday evening, June 17 at 7, at the Southport Town Hall, Friends of the Southport Historical Society (FSHS) will hold their annual meeting. FSHS will kick off the raffle for the lobster trap table built by Gerry Gamage, as well as a call for sponsorship and donations for the handsome new copper lanterns to grace the Museum. All of this will be followed by a presentation, "Southport Maine: The Postcard View" by Kevin Johnson, photo archivist at the Penobscot Museum. Refreshments will be served!

The Southport Bridge is fixed so that it can open on the hour and half hour for boat traffic between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m, although the boats are also restricted to one lane due to the construction.

Two reminders from last week’s column: (1) the Southport Central School children’s concert is June 5 at the Southport Town Hall beginning at 6 p.m. and (2) on June 13 at the Southport Memorial Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Jerry Farnham will discuss his debut novel, “Red at Night,” a story set on the coast of Maine.

At the town dock in Newagen you now are blocked from accidentally driving into the sea by the replacement of the strong metal fence, but the landing is still roped off, so boats cannot be moored or launched from there. Neither can we sit on the landing to watch the sunset. Maybe someday.

All Saints by-the-Sea has been cleared of all the storm debris that volunteers could manage. Look for an article elsewhere in this paper about the season’s opening on June 16 and other chapel news.

People were driving about with carts full of bedding and other supplies as Ocean Gate prepares for guests who will begin arriving June 20. The sign is also out for Gray’s Campground on the east side of the island, and I now often see trailers coming across the bridge.

A gay pride flag is flying over the entry road to the Southport Town Hall; one flag greets you to the right of the window to Ashley’s office in town hall, and such a flag is flying to the right of the door to the Gift Barn at the Southport Island Store. Thanks to all who are recognizing Gay Pride Month in this way.

Note a stone statue by Southporter, Bill Royall, to the right of the steps going up to the Selectmen’s office and the meeting room at the Southport Town Hall. The statue has been donated for display there after the weeding and garden renovation done by the “Blooming Babes,” who meet on Thursdays at the Southport Memorial Library. All are welcome to such meetings.

News from the Southport Island Store is that two giant cakes await your palate. You can enjoy a slice or, if you are having a big party, you can buy one cake, which will serve about 40 people. Today’s cakes are chocolate and carrot. You can also order baked goods from the store, but please give at least a week’s notice. New workers will be arriving in the next two weeks to help in the store. Some will be from abroad and others from the U.S. here for the summer. Beginning on June 18 the store will remain open until 7 p.m., assuming enough help has arrived.

For your calendars two dates from the store: (1) June 20 from 4 through 6 p.m. you can attend a Needle Felting workshop, and (2) on June 27 from 4 through 7 p.m. you can attend a wine tasting. Expect a fee for the workshop but
not for the wine tasting.

Other food news is that Cozy’s Dockside is now open from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day but Tuesdays. New items on the menu are lobster tacos and fried clams as an appetizer.