Opening up! Driving the island Monday morning, this theme was evident all around. Trees are opening up with new leaves, more flowers are opening up, homes and cottages are opening up. The Southport Bridge is back on the summer schedule of opening up on the hour and half hour between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Since the governor is lifting the mandates for masking, distancing, and capacity limits on May 24, the library has more fully opened up. Writes Jen Britten, “After the 24th, we will not require appointments for browsing, and masks will not be required for those who are vaccinated. However, masks are still required for unvaccinated adults and children. In addition, to keep children safe, we will ask all adults to mask in the children's room when children are present. Public computers will again be available. For those who are still uncomfortable coming in, we will continue curbside service. We are also resuming our Thursday evening hours 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. beginning next Thursday, the May 27.”

Coastal Crave is opening up Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The chance to get some delicious, authentic Maine food occurs in the brightly colored food truck parked in the Sweet Dreams Bakery parking lot between the post office and the island school.

Our island store hours are still somewhat limited, but they are open between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday; and 8 a.m. until noon on Sunday. When they can find more help, they may extend those hours. The Gift Barn will be opening this Thursday, May 27, always a good place to find hostess gifts and many other lovely items.

Land has been leveled and some building supplies delivered to the former Pierce property behind what is now Cozy’s Dockside. When the house is finished, it will be a new home for Mackenzie Hurd and family.

All Saints by-the-Sea will be opening up June 20, with Southport summer resident as preacher and celebrant. Since the Covid scene is changing, watch for the requirements, if any, for safe gathering.

The senior members of the Phippen family are opening up their family cottage on Pratts Island, bringing back many memories of the years in which our children were young and roamed the rocks and woods as well as the water at will.

Some places do not appear to be opening up such as Cuckolds Light House, rather sad to see that project mothballed after so much effort and expense to renovate the property for visitors. And Robinson’s Wharf is certainly open for fun and good food, but due to lack of help, is still closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

While investigating the Southport Bridge schedule, I met Suzanne, our bridge tender, who loves her job with all the charm of that scene. In addition to watching the ospreys reclaim their nest and waiting for the young ones to poke their small bills above the edge, she told of the thrill of watching a large, two masted boat navigate its way through the bridge opening and sail on down through the Gut. Soon the reggae cruises will be passing though adding music and frivolity on her shift.

Opening up - may we all open up to a fun-filled and safe summer.