January has been a month of Southporters departing from us. Bruce Johnson died Sunday afternoon, Jan. 26, after several months of declining health. Many family and friends visited this fall, who, along with his wife, Enid, kept his spirits up. I am told there will be no service to mark his passing, and that if people wish to donate in his name, please do so to one of the many organizations he served so well, such as the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, the Congregational Church, and the Student Aid Fund. I know the basketball team is missing his cheering presence.

About 140 people attended the celebration of the life of Michael Eastwood on Friday, January 24, at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church. His two adult children, Michael and Sue, spoke a lovely tribute to their father, as well as his niece, Beth, a grandson, Finn, and his brother-in-law, Dana Mulholland. As a retired military man, Michael was honored by taps and a United States flag presented to his wife, Sally. Many in the congregation were summer Southporters who returned to honor their friend.

Meanwhile life goes on. The Library Aides’ Souper Bowl Luncheon at the Southport Town Hall was a great success. Good food, good conversations, and good weather made the recipe for a very good event. Thanks to all those who donated over 20 soups to this lunch, along with interesting breads and homemade desserts. The money donated from this lunch will be used to promote the literacy programs of the library.

With a flip into February we begin to hope for more outside time, although I know some of our island walkers continue their treks all winter. But mark your calendars for Feb. 8 as that is the Southport Island Association’s Winter Walk, beginning at the Zalucky residence, 28 Joppa Road at 3 p.m. Please bring something sweet or savory to share. Beverages will be provided. We expect to carry on until about 5 p.m. If a big storm impedes our plans, the snow date is Feb. 15, at the same time, but meeting at the Southport Memorial Library and walking from there.

Jan. 24 has come and gone, so up went the For Sale sign again on the Ruth Gardner property. The signer of the contract to buy the property had until Jan. 24 to come up with the purchase price, but apparently did not do so.

Our Selectmen are in possession of a portion of a stainless steel rebar, a sample of what is being used to rebuild the Thompson Bridge. It looks almost as though it could be jewelry, but of a strength that should ensure a sturdy bridge for many years to come.

A brown leather lady’s glove was hanging this morning on the post in the Island Store. I am sure its owner will be delighted to have it back.

Sandra Seifert will be your columnist next week, so please send her news at seifert@roadrunner.com. I am sure she will have news of the budget committee hearing last Monday evening, too late for inclusion into this column, which is due Monday by 3:30 p.m. Kit and I will be in Stowe, Vermont, enjoying more winter weather as well as the flavor of Austria at the Trapp Family Lodge, where we have a week’s time share.