We have arrived at the first day of a new month, this one is said to come in as a lamb or a lion and leaves on the opposite note, well, I gather from the snow flurries and the roar of the wind that its entry is that of the lion. Repeatedly this week I have heard that many find this month to be the most difficult of the cold months. Some cite the wind, others the continued frigidness, dampness, or just their fatigue with all things winter, snow, ice, and while longer days are here, there is still plenty time spent in darkness, so, let’s try to be someone’s light each day, and let us see if some of the upcoming events will lift your spirits.

First a little summary of the SIA Community Lunch, Souper Bowl, that took place yesterday at Town Hall. It was free, but donations were generously given with 100% of them going to the Elder family who suffered a devastating house fire over a week ago. In addition to freshly baked sourdough bread and yummy desserts, thirteen soups were brought in, all delicious and enjoyed by about 60-80 attendees who got a chance to share not only a meal but conversation, laughter, and catching up. It really was a lovely community event.

Now let’s look ahead to Tuesday, March 3. The Southport Memorial Library will once again feature Tech Time with Tarsha from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have not yet heard, you can get many of your questions regarding your phones or computers answered, and she can also show you some shortcuts and give options for optimizing the use of your devices. It has been fun, low-pressure guidance and takes place at the coffee table, so there is a sweet treat as well.  Additionally, you can take in the new art exhibition which will run the months of March and April. The show titled Painting Pathways features works painted at locations familiar or new by “plein air painters of Maine.” The artists Wendy Bellows, Rick Dickinson, Diane Dubreuil, Jim Farnan, Celia Ludwig, Suzanne Marinell, Penny Markley, Cassie Sano, and Fran Scannell regularly paint outdoors from May – October with their subject matter ranging from historic homes, cottage colonies, or beaches, rocky coasts, and gardens, farms and fields inland. New locations are always being suggested, so the variety of work grows each year. The paintings will be available for purchase during the show, and artist donations will benefit the library. Fun will continue at the library on Thursday March 5, first the coffee table from 10--, and then that evening from 6-7:30 the Games continue with card games being featured, all sorts, from Old Maid and Go Fish to Gin Rummy, War and Uno, or perhaps you will need to ante up with M&M’s, peanuts, pretzel sticks, or Gummi bears, the games are your choice, maybe you can teach someone your favorite, or you can learn a new one, either way, bring friends and family, sit at the tables and enjoy. Board games, if that is more your thing, are on the shelf, or bring your own, most importantly, bring yourself and a bit of competitive spirit. Light refreshments will be provided.  Regular hours for the active readership are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. 

Some of you may have been sad to have missed the first Friends and Tacos at the Southport General Store, well, guess what, you did not, it was canceled last week, so this Tuesday the 3rd of March will be the premier of Friends and Tacos Supper, then they should continue for the foreseeable future. From 4 to 6 p.m. you can enjoy the community-style taco bar as well as salsa and chips. The cost is $15/person. Bring a friend, make a friend, eat tacos and learn some Spanish. The store is also the place for the Community Knitting Group, each Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. weather permitting all fiber artisans are welcome to join the group, from beginner to expert, there is room for all. 

Friday, March 6 will be the last Open Mic at the Opera House, last chance to show the Newagen Crew appreciation with some hometown cheering, unless perhaps Robinson’s Wharf might consider some Open Mic nights once they reopen on March 17, but that is yet a dream. In case that dream does not come to fruition, you will not want to miss this event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., mic goes live at 6 and it costs a mere $5 to get in. The talent is endless. 

Looking into the future a bit, Saturday, March 14, beginning at 3 p.m. and going until 5, Southport Island Association will host the Winter Walk. If you are interested, you should gather at the library at 2:45 with others from the community to share this annual event. From the library we will all walk to Town Landing, a view that is stunning all times of day, all seasons and in any kind of weather, then return to the library for wine, cheese and sweet treats.

Next week I will have the raffle winner of the Southport Island Treasure soup basket and find out what we might all be able to win this month, as well as what organization Angel will be collecting for. In the meantime, just stop in for a lovely peruse around the shop, the variety is great, the displays artistic and the feeling of warmth is all around. 

The conclusion of the column has been interrupted by couch time with the dog, it was cozy enough to warrant a nap as the wind and flurries continued outside. Then, miraculously the snow had stopped, and the sun was beaming through the window, beckoning me out for a walk. I ventured across our fabulous bridge and headed over to East Boothbay, King Philips is a lovey walk. Now, the chicken carcass that I cooked down is casting a rich aroma through my tiny place, a dinner that great-grandmothers would be proud of, nothing left to waste, they were wise in ways that we can and have learned from. Strong women, not sure what they would have made of this world, but I know they would have continued tending to theirs and others, you do in fact reap what you sow, so sow some kindness, a smile, a hand, a shoulder, a surprise, some love and compassion for your neighbor and community, it is okay to be good to yourself as well.

May Peace Be With You All.