A series of glorious days, some wicked winds, passing rains and an abundance of flowers. Among the grasses king-devils, hawkweed, stitchwort, vetches, clovers, the beginning of yarrow and so many more. Beds filled with showy iris, peony and roses, window boxes and planters filling and spilling, early summer.  On the beach the crabs do their best to hide, but are caught and moved into pails, eventually released only to be hoisted from the water again and again.  Kitten Island is climbed by almost every person that arrives, gradually wearing underfoot, gulls seek opportunity to grab untended snacks, black ducks keep their babes at safe distance, and jellyfish float in the chilly water that beckons to be entered. The town beach has been enjoyed by generations and now is also a topic of discussion in regards to the Hendricks Head Restoration Project.

There are letters to the editor in the Register this week, that are worth a look to grasp the most salient points. The project proposes raising the height of the current seawall, and enlarging the culvert under the parking lot in order to allow seawater to more naturally flow into the marsh with the tide. Southport was awarded $1,165,000 in conditional federal funding at the request of Sen. Susan Collins. The condition is that the town vote within two months on whether to pursue the project. If Southport votes to accept the federal money and if Southport receives the additional funds requested in May from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF), it would need to pay match funding of approximately $29,000. However, because Congress will not award the $1,165,000 federal grant unless Southport demonstrates that it is prepared to cover at least 25% of the total project cost within the next month, the Town must vote based on the worst-case scenario. Under that scenario, Southport's maximum obligation would be approximately $292,000. There are more details that I cannot go into in this column, but mark these important dates, Thursday June 25 at 6 p.m. for the last informational meeting before the Wednesday July 1 vote. Eligible voters are Southport residents, those that have Southport as their primary residence. The format will be a public meeting with a vote to follow by hand raising - unless someone requests a written ballet. Contact Devin Domeyer for further project details devindomeyer@gmail.com. The Southport Special Town Meeting Warrant to be voted on July 1 is available for reading at the Post Office, Library and Town Hall.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Hendricks Hill Museum as a docent this summer there is an orientation at the Museum on Wednesday, June 24 at 9 a.m. Please let board member and volunteer coordinator Jane Mulholland know at jdmully@gmail.com if you intend to come. The Museum officially opens on Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. and then on Saturday, July 4 you will not want to miss the annual Ice Cream Social from noon to 2 p.m.; it is free but donations are appreciated.

The Southport Memorial Library will have the Coffee Table open for all to enjoy on Tuesday and Thursday from 10, coffee, tea, a treat and good conversation. Saturday the 27th will be the last day for the Lori Lynn Hoffer exhibit. Her vibrant oils of local landscapes and florals will close with a reception from 1-4, she will be in attendance. The library is a good place to stand for the SIA July 4th parade beginning at 9 a.m. To be part of the parade meet on Town Landing at 8:30.

While at the southern end of the island stop by the Newagen Seaside Inn now serving lunch and dinner at The Pub. As an extra treat enjoy live music during while dining 5:30-7:30 on Thursdays and Sundays. This week Nat Hussey on Thursday and Ellie Hilsher on Sunday. Hours are: Sunday-Friday, closed Saturdays. 

Speaking of music, Robinson’s Wharf also features bands, weather permitting, on Saturdays and Sundays 1-4. Sunday the 28th you can hear Murky Water Band on the deck while ordering some delicious fare. They are open daily 11:30-8. 

Looking ahead to Sunday, July 5, note that the worship service at Southport’s United Methodist Church will now be 9 a.m. Following the 9 a.m. service on July 12 you are invited to join in the welcome of Pastor Jim Mello as current Pastor Steve Murray retires.  All are welcome to the event at the church on the hill that brings us beautiful bells several times a day. 

If you are at the Southport General Store make sure to check out the Barn now open Wednesday-Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 10-3. On Wednesdays, 2-4, go and stitch, chat and unwind with the Barn Knitting Group, no matter what your skill level, you’re encouraged to join in the fun. A reader sent me a 2004 article about the store which was filled with great bits of interest which I will share in the future, thank you Patricia.

This column is my 52nd, so a year since I took this on, I look forward to writing it each week, I appreciate you reading. There are a lot of things to do this week and in the near future, but do be sure to slow down enough to take in and appreciate the shimmer, scent and movement of the water, the billowing, drifting clouds, swaying flora, the piercing call of the gliding, circling osprey, and May Peace Be With You All.