New from the Southport Memorial Library is that paintings by Fran Scannell and Wendy Bellows will decorate the walls during September and October. A reminder that the “coffee clatch” continues on Tuesdays beginning about 10 a.m. Note that as of Sept. 1, the library is on winter hours, so plan to visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m until 4 p.m., with evening hours Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information call the library at 633-2741.

A large group of friends gathered outside at the Southport Yacht Club on Sunday afternoon, beginning at 4, for a celebration and in thanksgiving for the life of Joan B. Britton, known to many of the younger set as “Grammie.” Sons, Henry Berne Jr. with Joan’s granddaughter, Meredith Britton, and son Charles Britton with Joan’s grandson, Trevor Britton, gave testimony to their love and delightful memories of their mother and grandmother. After Joan’s traditional “Cheers,” we all sipped champagne, chose some of Joan’s paintings and pottery to take home, swapped tales of our time with her, and consumed a delicious buffet. Fortunately, the clouds did not give way to rain and provided a coolness most welcomed.

Many of us will gather again for a Celebration of Life service for David S. Helming to be held Saturday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m., at All Saints By-the-Sea, All Saints Road, Southport. Immediately following the service there will be a gathering at the Southport Yacht Club, 38 Cozy Harbor Road. Masks will be required while indoors at both venues. In the interest of safety the family asks that no children attend.

As you know by now our tax bills are out and taxes have gone up, according to our head selectman, due to the vote to continue with the plans to install Broadband throughout the island. Many people thought that the town would take out a bond to meet initial costs and then repay it with grants and fees for service. I am told that although that may have been discussed, obtaining a bond and grants take time, whereas bills are coming due. Taxes are due Sept. 30. The company, Axion, installing the broadband nextwork, can be reached at: 207-255-0679 or info@connectwithaxiom.com. Also, the Broadband Committee's website, https://
www.southportislandcommunitybroadband.org/, has three important links: the Southport Fiber Brochure, a form where community members can request to be added to the email or snail mail lists to receive project updates, and a link to the Maine Broadband Coalition's Internet Speed Test.

I have not sat out under the night sky for quite some time, although from childhood I have many pleasant memories of doing so, usually because it was too hot to go inside in those days before air conditioning. Last  Thursday evening at the Newagen Inn, on the lawn stretching to the sea, many children and adults spread blankets and set up their chairs on the sloping grass facing a huge inflated movie screen. Next we sauntered toward the gazebo where Inn owner, Scott Larson was cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, helped by others who provided a bag of potato chips and drinks. Although we paid a small charge for the food and drink, the movie was free,
provided by a generous Southporter. The movie “Back to the Future” featuring Michael J. Fox, kept my interest, but what I enjoyed most was the starry sky and watching the children run about before settling down for movie time. These two old people, Kit and I, have not been out after dark since COVID-19 began, so noting when we got home that it was a little after 10 p.m. made us feel a bit like teenagers again. Many thanks, generous Southporter!

Another fun time for many of us occurred Saturday late afternoon when the Southport Yacht Club held its closing reception, complete with Golden Shackle tales and awards by Jon Smith. I suspect there is a more detail account elsewhere in this paper, but I would loved to have seen the award winner, Chris Jacobs, really swamp a turnabout in the Sheepscot. Good food provided by attendees and drink fueled that party too.

The Southport Community Project continues to work to prefect its brochure explaining the ideas so far accumulated and asking for comments and additional ideas. As Covid continues and school begins, the more important a well designed and cared for outdoor space becomes. The planning group meets again this Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 a.m.

What a delight to see Jane and Perry Nies with their daughter, Betsy, at All Saints by-the-Sea this past Sunday. They thought they might not make it to Southport from their winter home in Florida, but they have and plan to stay awhile. Also worshiping with us from Florida was Sharon Battistini who with her husband, Al, are back for a shorter trip. Great to see old friends. Conducting the services for the next two week at All Saints by-the-Sea will be the retired Reverend Paul Tunkle, who usually comes on his motorcycle. Look for more information about Paul and service times elsewhere in this paper.

Southport still needs a public works employee. If you or someone you know needs a job and enjoys outdoor work, this position comes with a good salary and benefits. Check in at the Southport Town Hall if you are interested.