Thursday, March  15, was a busy day on Southport. In the morning about 20 of us gathered at the Southport Memorial Library to listen to Robert Devine tell tales from his book “Ketchup in my Veins” about his years first working in the corporate structure of McDonald’s where he became a friend and special assistant to Mr. Kroc, the CEO, and then moving to Texas where he and his wife eventually owned the franchises for four McDonald restaurants. Bob clearly enjoyed his adventures with this famous corporation. Before moving to Texas he worked throughout this country and then continued his duties abroad as the company became international.  

When I asked him why he left the corporate world and opened his own franchised businesses, he said, “I guess I wanted to be my own boss.” We also asked if he still likes McDonald’s food, to which he answered a hearty, “Yes.”  

At about 3 p.m., Kit and I joined the crowd gathering at Hendrick’s Head Beach to watch brave children and adults assemble for the 3:30 p.m. dash in and out of the ocean. Look elsewhere in this paper for pictures and a longer article about the Leprechaun Leap. The tide was out; the wind blew out of the west, and the temperature, in spite of snowy ground, was about 41 degrees. The only Southporter out of the 24 participants to brave the icy waters to raise money for the Special Olympics was Roberta Blaney. Applause to her and to all for their adventurous spirits.

As many might have guessed from our storm last Tuesday and Wednesday, Robinson’s Wharf opened a day later than planned, that is on Thursday, March 15. Kit and I joined a number of other Southporters gathered there for dinner, admiring the new windows and tables and chairs upstairs, a lower bar and other enhancements, creating a cozy atmosphere for talk and good food. We wish them a very successful season.

With perhaps another nor’easter in the forecast, we are learning that winter is hanging around longer this year.  Thus the Southport United Methodist Church as decided to hold the Easter Sunrise Service, on Sunday, April 1, at the Newagen Town Landing looking out toward Cuckolds rather than on the lawn of the Stone House on Bayberry Lane. The service will begin at 6:15 a.m. followed by a breakfast at the Southport church at 7 a.m.  Everyone is welcome.  

Remember the sixth grade Talent Show, Bake Sale, and Auction, planned for March 23 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. Help the sixth grade raise money for their end-of-the year class trip.

Now that you have your calendar scheduled for the rest of the month here is some other news. Leal Brinegar is now out and about after back surgery, but still walking a bit gingerly and carefully around the snowy patches. Husband Will has be “manning” the kitchen and has assisted in the careful getting about.

Janet Cusano and Maria Doelp have had a jolly time finding new and exciting articles for the Gift Barn at the Island Store. Skip Simonds tells me that an especially fine selection of children’s toys, clothes, and books will be for sale this year as well as the many appropriate hostess gifts and items for our own consumption. We are eager for spring and for the Barn to open.

After a few weeks hiatus the Southport Men’s Chorus will resume their weekly rehearsals this Sunday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Betsey de Groff’s and Skip’s home on Town Landing Road in Newagen. For more information please call Betsey at 450-8323 or Kit Sherrill at 633-0672.