We thank Gerry Gamage, Henry Berne, the Boothbay Region Ambulance crew, and others who responded to a boating emergency near Cozy Harbor last Saturday. Much fun turned into much trouble very quickly as it can on the water. Fortunately those present and those responding to a 911 call acted quickly and probably saved a life. Thanks to all who worked together to get the person onto the ambulance and transported to medical care.

In other water news fortunately I have not heard of pogies lying about and decaying on the Southport waterfronts, but I do know we can smell them as we round Mill Cove and in other water front areas in town. Perhaps that’s why we can enjoy the antics of the whale, who may be chasing them.

Our Southport Memorial Library has been busy with an Author’s Talk on Tuesday evening, August 22, and a new exhibit to be hung for September and October. Gerry Boyle was the author who turned his newspaper reporting talent toward writing mystery books. He said the newspaper work drew him into many human dramas, which he then began to explore further to create fictional characters and scenes. From “ Dead Line,” his first book, to “Blood Line,” his next book, to “Robbed Blind,” his most recent book, he has drawn from real life characters who he has known and many situations he has observed to write 16 books in the mystery series. Living near Lewiston, he confesses an affinity for mill towns, setting many of his characters and actions there. Much of how he explained his writing technique reminded me of a piece of advice many writers hear, which is “write what you know.”

The other activity at the library is the hanging of the works of well known Southport artist, June Elderkin, who has lived on the coast of Maine for 60 years, raising her family here, but also continuing to paint and create digital prints and note cards. Noting that her venue is on tidal land, she says each morning she “sees the landscape again for the first time.” Sometimes creating abstract works and other times more representational images, she says, “each painting tells the story of my observations and experiences of cloud, rocks, water, and trees, as I search for the forms and colors that will connect me to the viewer.” Do allow enough library time to enjoy the great variety in June’s work.

I hope many of you enjoyed the the Art for Art’s Sake exhibition last weekend at the Hodgdon Yacht facility on Ebenecook Road, Southport. Tasty honey, pottery, lovely paintings, woven goods and other cloth craft decorated the tables in the large, open air building. Thanks to all who participated and all who attended.

On Sunday evening, Aug. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., Southporters gathered for the annual meeting of the Southport Island Association. A lovely long table filled with delicious appetizers plus drinks for sale fed most of us enough to call off dinner. After a short business meeting where the new board of the SIA was introduced and voted on, the party continued.

Our final evening on the lawn at Newagen Inn to enjoy the Music Fest, with the Mallett Brothers, will be Wednesday, Aug. 30, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a chair, a picnic, and blanket, if needed. Drinks and snacks can be purchased on the lawn, and food also purchased from the inn.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, beginning at 6 p.m., the Southport Yacht Club will hold its traditional Labor Day weekend potluck supper. Yacht club members and friends are encouraged to arrive earlier, if it is a nice evening, to enjoy conversations on the deck with friends. Please bring a dish to share. This event is BYOB. If you can help with set up or clean up, please contact Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006.

Remember to mark your calendars for the public workshops are scheduled at the Town Hall on Sept. 13 and 28, both beginning at 6 p.m. A list of 72 strategic working areas put forth by the Community Resilience Partnership is posted around town The recent floods and fires we all see on the news should propel us into action in our local community. Please attend these meetings and join the discussion.