The first floor of the Opera House was full on Saturday afternoon with friends and co-workers there to honor and remember Mike Beane. We each received a green button saying “Stay in Trouble,” and a green pen saying “Beane-Boozled.” Many of Mike’s lawn ornaments attended the occasion, included the lovely woman who greeted us along with a second life-sized statue of Mike. The other accouterments faced us onstage where, for the first hour, three band members played Mike’s favorite music. Delicious food from hamburgers to lobster rolls kept our bellies full as we munched and talked with friends. About 2 p.m. the music gave way to talks from friends about Mike, including remarks by Gerry Gamage and Skip Simonds. Pictures of Mike as a little boy as well as one of him cooking hamburgers on the grill at the Southport General Store adorned the walls of the room. A well done tribute to a very special Southporter.

A reminder that the Southport Bridge will begin opening on the hour and half hour to boat traffic from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. This means the car traffic will probably be held up more often than currently. Signs asking us not to block driveways, entrances such as to Robinson’s Wharf, and turns onto other roads such as, on the island, the turn onto Route 238 and on the Boothbay side, the turn onto Lakeside Drive. Also please be alert to people crossing from Robinson’s parking lot to the restaurant, which is now open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Patience and careful driving will be important this summer, perhaps more than usual.
In addition to being open every day, Robinson’s has purchased a new fish counter, which, when it arrives in about a week, will display to us many shellfish for sale as well as haddock and other local fish.

As our weather warms other businesses around the island are working to open. The Barn at the Southport General store will be opening on May 17 with a wine tasting party from 4 until 6 p.m. Newagen Inn will open for a wedding on May 23, and the Pub will open for all of us on May 27. Big news is the the Inn is having a yard sale on Sunday, May 19 from 9 a.m. until noon. Indoor and outdoor furniture will be for sale as well as bedding and other items as the Inn is being renovated. Some of the sale will take place in front of the Inn and some in front of the Pine Room. A good chance for many of us to find bargains.

A reminder that tickets are on sale for the three summer MusicFests sponsored by the Southport Island Association and held on the lawn at Newagen Inn. The website to buy such tickets is now up and running after a bit a problem in the beginning. Each event will be on a Wednesday evening, the first being June 26 titled “Motor Booty Affair.” The second will be July 17 featuring Spencer Albee, and the third will be Aug. 14 with “The Rupert’s Orchestra.” Tickets for SIA members went on sale online at the SIA website on Monday, May 6 and will be available for others beginning May 20. One hundred percent money from the ticket sales for this series of concerts will be used to support the SIA community initiatives. Last year the SIA donated over $42,000 to a variety of community needs such as scholarships and personal assistance to
families as well as to organizations such as Life Flight and the Ambulance Fund.

Volunteeers continue to gather on the grounds of All Saints by the Sea summer chapel to remove debris from the storms. Each week more of the debris goes to the dump, but still more awaits. Thanks to all the volunteers who are helping each Saturday morning this month. Equipment beyond rakes and shovels is needed to remove other heavier material and to remove or repair the deck.

Another reminder that on June 5 at the Southport Town Hall, the Southport school children will entertain us with a spring concert beginning at 6 p.m.