As our summer calendar begins to fill up with guests, I stay alert to special things to do, especially outside. On the bulletin board to the right of the entrance to the Southport General Store is a notice of PACA Lunch. Reading further I saw that you can schedule a private farm tour at the Alpaca Farm in Newagen and then enjoy a lunch catered by the Southport General Store. You may choose your lunch, which will be delivered to the farm, from the store menu. Talking with Anne at the farm, I learned that this opportunity will be offered on Thursdays beginning June 9 and continuing until July 21. In addition to enjoying the soft, quiet animals and the farm atmosphere, as well as the company and information from Mike and Anne, you can browse and shop among the many items offered at the farm store. What a unique way to entertain guests, at least those who are not determined to stay ‘big city folk.” Go to the farm’s website, capenewagenfarm.com to make your reservation and to learn more about this special place.

Other farm news is that at least one of the alpacas, Zara, is pregnant and due in July. As the animals are shorn this month others may reveal their pregnancy. Baby chicks are now learning their way around with fresh eggs from the hens sometimes available. Look for a container at the end of the drive. Also be aware that the farm will sometimes be closed during the summer season due to family events. Always check the website and make a reservation if you plan to come visit.

The Southport Memorial Library has a new artist’s exhibit, the work of Suzi Thayer, for the months of May and June. A more detailed article about her exhibit ran in this paper April 26 and is available online. Most of the work currently on exhibit are paintings of local areas in Cushing and Edgecomb done in the plain air style. Thayer also has cards and mounted prints for sale at the library. For more about this colorful artist, visit https://
sthayerart.com.

The monthly Caregiver Support Group continues to meet at the Southport Memorial Library, the next meeting scheduled for May 12 at 6:15 p.m. with other meetings following on the second Thursday of the months of June, July, and August. This group is not specially trained in care giving, but gathers to share ideas and to support each other in this sometimes difficult task. Call the library at 633-2741 if you have questions.

Islander Fran Scannell has hung an exhibit of twenty paintings in the halls of Miles Memorial Hospital. Although the exhibition is not really open to the public, if you have reason to be at the hospital do take time to enjoy the art.

The Mother’s Day crab roll luncheon organized by the Southport Island Association and co-sponsored by Robinson’s Wharf was a big hit with 65 mothers signing up for this treat available at the Southport Town Hall last Saturday between noon and 1 p.m. Thanks to Alice Mutch, Eden Climo, Maddie Kaler, Sandra Seifert, Pam Baldwin, and Linda Blake who organized and prepared the lunch. I know I enjoyed my pasta salad, potato chips, pickles, and cookies as well as the delicious roll, and love looking at the Mother’s Day card prepared by a young child, and my lovely flower.

A reminder to have on your calendar the public hearing at the Southport Town Hall on Wednesday, May 18 at 6 p.m. to discuss questions on the ballot for the referendum to be held on June 28 as to whether or not to continue with the installation of fiber optic cable throughout the island as previously approved by citizens’ vote. Additional news about the project is that Axiom has been approved to participate in the Affordable
Broadband Program. This program allows qualified individual applicants to access a $30 a month reduction on their bill. Those who currently access this program thorough their current provider will have the same access to this discount if they choose to take Southport Fiber with Axiom. This information comes from Axion management.

Perhaps by now islanders will have noticed that the swing bridge onto Southport is opening for boat traffic on the hour and half hour from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. In other DOT news the road work planned is for repaving at least from the bridge to Newagen and perhaps beyond, but I am told the work is somewhat delayed because the oil needed for the asphalt is difficult to get and is at a very high price now. Stay tuned.