Last week began with quite a marvel, the tradition of direct democracy in the form of the Southport Town Meeting. According to the New England Historical Society, Berwick might have been the first Maine town to hold such a meeting in 1706, though Windsor Connecticut began theirs in 1633. Surprisingly not much has changed, it remains a gathering open to all the residents who then discuss and vote on important issues, such as budgets and local policies. In the 17th century attendance was mandatory, men were fined for not being part of the process, that has changed, and it is now not just the men of town that can be part of this, all residents can have a voice if they choose to be there.

Voting by secret ballot was open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 2 with 48 votes cast, here are the following results.

Marc Kurtz was re-elected by all 48 votes to a three-year school committee term.  Adam Climo received 45 of 48 ballots cast and won re-election to a two-year school committee term. Smith Climo received 43 votes and won re-election to a Boothbay Region Water District trustee three-year term. Selectman Gerry Gamage received 43 votes and won re-election to another three-year term. 

The Town Meeting began at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall and after the results of the voting were read, Articles 3-60 were taken up and the school and municipal budgets easily passed. The school budget was $1,569,235, which reflected a small decrease. The municipal budget was $1,954,506, which was an increase.

Article No. 37 did illicit some discussion once it was read "To see what sum the town will vote to support the Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District?" The district requested $298,459 from Southport, examination of the request resulted in a major recalculation.

According to a Boothbay Register article a few weeks ago, on Feb. 11, Boothbay Selectman and Refuse District Director Chuck Cunningham discovered the calculations didn't use 2020 census figures as required by law. On Feb. 12, the directors found another formula problem. Apparently, the district, for the past 24 years, has used the wrong formula for calculating each member's contribution. A new calculation discovered Southport's portion increased by $19,186.

Southport's Refuse District Director Amy Harkins explained the error during the town meeting. Several residents spoke about the "potential" flaw in the district’s voting procedure. The formula used land valuation to calculate each town's contribution. "What does land valuation have to do with how much trash you produce," resident Matt Cole asked, I found that to be a very good question indeed. 

Gerry Gamage told residents the town report was already printed, and residents couldn't adjust the figure upwards. So, he reported selectmen and the budget committee recommended $298,459 for the refuse district. The article passed without any opposition. 

In other elections, Matt Cole was elected from the floor to a three-year term as a library trustee. Madison Gaudette, Oliver Cusano and Cole were elected to three-year budget committee terms. Paul "Bucky" Holloway was elected to a one-year budget committee term. Sarah Sherman and Gerry Gamage were elected to three-year cemetery district trustee terms. Bruce Joule was elected to a one-year cemetery trustee term. And that is how democracy can and should work.

The rest of the week was filled with wind, snow, and bursts of spring thaws and then a return to freezing, those pesky patches of ice will just not let go, so do please watch your step, or don your skates at the ice rink that is still being tended by Charlie Britton and very much enjoyed by many, a thank you to him.

Two dreary days and then a loss of an hour of sleep, getting out and about was not easy, but the banks of rolling fog did foretell the coming of much warmer temperatures, so there was incentive, and several events this week will hopefully be motivation for you to head out around Southport, and perhaps off-island, those local businesses that remain with us through the winter, need and deserve our support.

We will begin with Tuesday, March 10. From 10 to 11 a.m. you can get your tech questions answered and your phone or computer working smoothly and optimally by spending Tech Time with Tarsha at the Southport Memorial Library. Grab a cup of coffee, perhaps a piece of a sweet treat at the coffee table, see the new art exhibit, “Painting Pathways” works by nine plein air artists, and of course check out a new book, or several from the vast assortment in all genres. One stop accomplishes a lot, but you will not want to go just once this week, no, you will not want to miss Game Night, with a feature on Word Games, on Thursday, March 12, 6-7:30, see and be part of the fun that has become an event many have added to their weekly routine. Strategy, luck, competition, get your game on and enjoy some light refreshments.

Friends and Tacos at the Southport General Store is happening again, as promised this will occur each Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m., this week it is the 10th. For $15 you can serve yourself at the community style taco bar, eat chips and homemade salsa., and catch up with others. Bring a friend or pull up a chair and introduce yourself. The Store could not let St. Patrick’s go by without a celebration, so make sure to circle Friday, March 13 on your calendar and add the time, 4-6 p.m., to that because during those two hours is when Irish inspired specials, cozy vibes and plenty of cheer will be occurring. The buffet will have house corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, Irish soda bread, and Guinness cupcakes. Bring your friends, wear your green, and raise a glass to good food and great company. Cost for the dinner is $35 per person, Take-Away is also available.

The day after the supper at the store you might feel the need for a bit of exercise, and that you can find at the annual Town Winter Walk, to be held on Saturday, March 14. Each year we gather at the Library at 2:45 p.m. and then at 3 friends and family alike make their way down Town Landing, take in the tremendous view, snap a few pictures, and then return to the library where we find a delightful spread of wine, cheese, sweet treats and beverages arranged by Southport Island Association for all to enjoy. This event is free and fun, just what you might want to break up the wintery cycle of staying inside in semi-hibernation.

If you cannot make these events but you have some time free Monday-Saturday, 10-4, drive over to Southport Island Treasures and see what is new in the shop, there are indeed treasures to be found, from clothes to home décor, kitchen gadgets and must haves, currently also some Easter items to decorate with and to fill baskets. While you are there sign up for the new raffle, two spring evoking, handmade potholders and a $20 gift card to the store. Suzi Hoffman won the Cozy Soup Basket last month and I am sure would attest to the fun of getting the call that you won the prize. If you bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Community Fridge you may fill out two chances for this free raffle. If you forget your food item you can still make a monetary donation to the Fridge, just place it in the Mad Money jar at the counter, and at the end of this month Angel will give all the monies collected these last two months to the Community Fridge, a service that is helping many in our area during these difficult times.

I know that I grumbled about the loss of light and sleep this morning, but what an incredible sunset at the beach and then still light for deck time, so despite the mess with our rhythms, Mother Nature carries on with her own, the true time, sun rises when it always did and sets as always, it is us that tries to set a clock, measuring time, trying to get our “time” to supersede hers, that is not how it works, she, nature will always carry on as is meant to be, now I guess it is up to us to get it right. On a difficult walk this early evening, some deep snow, ice, water, never a steady foothold, I saw signs of Spring, heaving buds on lilacs, forsythia, and a few pussy willow, not nearly ready, but filling with life. Snow will come around again on the guitar, perhaps more than once, but there is a distinct shift this week and the first day of spring is on the 20th of this month, only time measured by us mere humans, but the signs are good, revel in the warmer temperatures. In the meanwhile, May Peace Be With You All.