Last week I wrote that I hoped Dwight and Duane would give another talk about time spent running the Southport Bridge and living in the house, now torn down, next to the bridge as people had to be turned away from their presentation at the Boothbay Harbor Museum. They are scheduled to talk again of their adventures at the Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 4:40 p.m. until 6 p.m.

We were blessed by good weather for the second MusicFest evening, organized by the Southport Island Association on the front lawn of Newagen Inn last Wednesday evening, July 19. This event featured Piano Men playing the music of Elton John and Billy Joe. The surprise and highlight for me was the introduction of Scout Martin, a 12-year-old resident of Southport who has been active in Boothbay Y-Arts programming where she takes voice lessons with Emily Mirabile. She has also been involved in community theater throughout the Midcoast for over five years. This summer she is participating in theater camp with Y-Arts, as well as making her debut at Maine State Music Theater in the theater for young audiences production of “Alice in Wonderland” by Robin and Clarke. When she was introduced by a band member, I did not know her background. I only knew that she had been playing around in front of me on the lawn, I suspect, with her family group. When she took the stage, you would have thought she had been a professional singer for many years. Her voice, her movements, and general demeanor on the stage seemed comfortable and natural for her. When she finished her song, she bounced down off the stage and rejoined her family. A star for sure!

The next day, Thursday, July 20 at 6 p.m., the Southport Town Hall was packed with folks eager to learn more about the situation in Ukraine from expert Paul Zalucky, who recently returned from two weeks there and has spent his professional life also in the area as a member of the CIA. Although daily news and Paul spoke of the destruction of grain shipments and the Russian increasing violence to ships and grain depots on the Black Sea, I came away encouraged by Paul’s view that Putin has been weakened by the rebellion of the Wagner group and by increased commitment of the EU’s and NATO’s support of Ukraine. Let’s hope he is correct, and the west can keep up their commitments.

Sunday, July 23, in cerebration of its 100th anniversary, the Southport Yacht Club sponsored a Family Fun Day at the Southport Central School from 1 until 3 p.m. Many cars lined the road by the school and many children were bouncing in the inflated structure, were making figures out of balloons, getting their faces painted, being entertained by a magician, and enjoying snacks of hot dogs, hamburgers, and popcorn. What a great way to spend a rare, this year, sunny, Sunday afternoon!

Reminders of upcoming events include July 24 at 7 p.m., at the SYC, Jack Bauman will talk about the early history of the club. Jack, a former professor, is always full of facts and fun stories.

Amidst all our fun, remember also there will be a funeral service for David Winslow at the American Legion Hall on Saturday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception following at Robinson’s Wharf. Later that day at 3 p.m. a funeral service for Jane Nies, a longtime summer resident, will be held at All Saints by-the Sea. Two very different lives, both valued and remembered for the lives on Southport and elsewhere.

At All Saints by-the-Sea summer chapel, Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. will be conducted the next two weeks, July 30 and Aug. 6, by The Reverend M. Cristina Paglinauan, associate rector of Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore, Maryland. Look for more information about her elsewhere in this paper.

On July 31, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall, the Friends of the Southport Historical Society will sponsor ‘Movie Night’ during which the island’s history and stories will be told by those who lived them and from various DVD melded together. Snacks will be provided.

On Aug. 3 at the Southport General Store a second chance for Open Mike performances and fun will be available, weather permitting, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Come relax in a blue rocking chair and enjoy the music. Next up on Saturday, Aug. 5 at the store is the summer celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of music, games, food, and fun open to all.

Friends of the Southport Historical Society invite you to join Gerry Gamage for a walking tour of historic Cape Newagen on Saturday, Aug. 5. Two tours are offered, one at 9 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. Each tour will start at the Newagen Inn parking lot. Space is limited so reserve a spot by calling the Museum at (207) 633-1102, giving your name, your choice of tour time, and the number of people in your party, or email the Museum at
southportmainehistory.com with this information.

The Friends of the Southport Historical Society again shine the spotlight on Gerry Aug. 10 at 1 p.m when he demonstrates and explains the construction of a wooden lobster trap. Meet at the boathouse, part of the Hendricks Hill Museum. Since space is limited, please reserve your spot by calling the Museum at (207) 633-1102, or email hendrickshillmuseum@gmail.com. Leave your name, phone number, and number in your party.

Busy enough for everyone?