The Southport Memorial Library was packed with expectant folks last Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m. but the best-selling author, Douglas Preston, who was to speak about his book, “The Lost City of the Monkey God,” did not show up. After reaching him by phone at his home in Round Pond, we discovered that he thought he was to speak the following night. Our disappointment was somewhat assuaged by punch and cookies and a chance to catch up with friends who had traveled from as far away as Ocean Point, Juniper Point and Boothbay Harbor to hear the account of Mr. Preston’s explorations in Honduras.

No plans have yet been made to schedule another time for Mr. Preston to speak, but stay tuned to see if plans can be worked out. The next author talk will be Thursday, Aug. 22, when David Rosenfelt will be the speaker.

Many people attended the service for Steve Baseman on Friday, July 26, at the Beth Israel Congregation in Bath, Maine. Some of Steve’s ashes were interred at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath, and others were scattered by the family in the ocean in front of his house, from on board the Nellie G.

The next library event, the 93rd Annual Book and Bake Sale on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. we know will go on as scheduled as many folks have been preparing for that event for some time. Come early to get your choice of baked goods. Many books will be available no matter when you arrive.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 will be the Southport Island Association annual picnic beginning at 5 p.m. All Southporters, their families, and guests, are invited to attend this community event and fundraiser. Skip and Jane Williams will host this year’s picnic at their house at 17 Pound Road, on the east side of Southport (off Capitol Island Road). The cost is ten dollars per adult and five dollars for children under 12, with donations for beverages. Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, and condiments are provided. Any dish you can bring is share is most welcome, such as a salad, baked beans, finger food, or desserts. Please carpool if you can and bring a lawn chair. For more info and/or to volunteer, call call Skip and Jane at 633-2495, or text Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006. If it rains the picnic will be held at the Southport Town Hall.

Another event at the Southport Memorial Library will be on Aug. 7, beginning at 1 p.m. when Jim Singer will show slides and speak about his time in Normandy, France, during the celebration on last June 6 that marked the 75th Anniversary of the largest and most successful amphibious landing in history. 156,000 American, British, Canadian and other Allied soldiers landed on the beaches or parachuted into Normandy that day, marking the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany’s war machine. Becky and Jim Singer’s grandson, Colin Palmer, is a member of the Blue Valley North High School band in Overland Park, Kansas, which was invited to participate in the ceremonies and performed in two concerts in Paris and at Omaha Beach as part of a composite band. The Singers attended the concerts and other ceremonies that week. Jim will give a illustrated talk about their trip.

More arts and crafts will be available at the Southport Yacht Club Aug. 10-11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Many local and some not so local artists will be represented.

In stages the management of the Island Store is changing. Janet and Oliver will stay be there through the summer, albeit with fewer hours, but the new manager, Nancy Long, is now in charge. Another new face appeared behind on the counter on Monday, when I dropped in for news, which belonged to Ben Dewey. Welcome to our island workforce, Ben.

One of our island artists, June Elderkin, is exhibiting her work at the Opera House from Aug. 1 until Sept. 28. Do make the climb to the second floor to enjoy her work.