From Jim Singer comes this account of a recognition ceremony for Maine Vietnam Veterans last Friday, March 29 in Augusta.

“The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and Director David Richmond welcomed veterans and guests at the State House on Friday to honor their service on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The formal ceremonies, including some great remarks by Governor Janet Mills, were brief, positive and continued her theme for the State of “Welcome Home! Newly elected Second District Representative, Marine veteran Jared Golden, also attended. A reception followed, during which “Thank You” certificates and commemorative coins, were presented to 75 Veterans including Russ Jackson and Jim Singer of Southport. MBVS Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sarah Sherman McGrail of Pratt’s Island, was instrumental in putting together this outstanding, standing-room-only event!”

Saturday, March 30, about 15 people gathered at the Southport Memorial Library to hear Author Betsy Headley read her poetry and to enjoy her paintings of birds, the current artistic work on display throughout the library. For nine years Ms Headley has worked with a group of poets in Belfast who critique and encourage each other’s work. Her poems are a delight of free verse, and imagery, following the “scent of truth”, as all good literature does.

She had her current book of poems, “Something is Always Left” for sale, perhaps a few copies remain at the library desk, and was very pleased to answer questions following her reading.
It is delightful to see Maria and Peter Doelp back from the winter retreat to warmer climes, and to talk with De Amplo, who is home from bouts of chemotherapy, looking terrific. More therapy is ahead, but progress is being made and De is grateful for all the community support.

Please look in this paper for the many awards and accomplishment of Southport young people. During the past week, I have read in the “Morning Catch” about both scholastic and athletic awards for several of the Harris children and Sage Wickline, but I may have missed somebody, so congratulations to all our young people who give us hope for the world to come.

Oliver’s in Cozy Harbor will continue to operate this summer season, probably from May to September. The selectmen have agreed to Linekin Bay Holding LLC signing the lease.

Also in Cozy Harbor on this Monday morning, April 1, docks and floats are going in the water, a sure sign of spring. Another sure sign is that mooring bills will be going out in a few days. Time for tarps to come off boats, and paint brushes to be unwrapped.

From Nancy Prisk comes this update, “Land for Southport’s Future is making great strides because of donor response to the Matching Grant. It is urgent that this momentum continue. We know that donor support can make it possible to raise the needed $200,000 to put us over the top in reaching our goal. This amazing community understands that by working together we will succeed. Your generosity is so greatly appreciated, thank you!  For updates please contact Nancy directly at 207-217-7743 or by email: landforsouthportsfuture@gmail.com. Land for Southport's Future, P.O. Box 298, Southport, ME 04576, The "Donate Now" button on the website: https://landforsouthportsfuture.org, or donate directly to the LFSF account at First Federal Savings Bank, Boothbay Harbor.”

Looking way ahead the posters are already up for the annual Firemen’s Dinner at Newagen Inn on June 6. Good food, good music by the Spofford trio, and good support for our firemen as proceeds go to the department, earned at least partially by the firemen who will be our waiters. Get your reservations early as most years this event is sold out.