As I write this, we are already four days into the new year. I will admit that the days leading to here have been a bit confusing, keeping track of the day of the week has been a challenge, routines are out the window, replaced by special occasions and meal preparation, not at all complaining, but stating fact. I hope that your Christmas was warm and bright, and the days following and leading up to the end of the year brought moments of joy and reflection, mine did. I am appreciative of this. I am now a year older than the last time I put together the column, perhaps still not wiser, but the year is young, we shall see.   

The YMCA Penguin Plunge was well attended, Hendricks Head Beach filled with onlookers and participants had an energy of anticipation and exuberance as we waited to enter the water for a good cause, a cleansing of 2025, a baptism of sorts for 2026, and a lot of fun.  Southport’s own Little Dippers led the way in and remained well after many were already bundled in towels and robes. 

Periods of rain and snow have been with us, also the cold temperatures, good for winter activities. Remember the ice rink is open, for use, I have seen many enjoying it as I drive by enroute to the library. Thanks to Charlie Britton for tending the rink, and to the school for providing pucks and hockey sticks for the public. 

The General Store is open for coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch goodies and some staples. The hours are 7:30-4:30 Monday-Friday. It is best to check their Facebook page, as these hours are dependent on weather conditions and the health of staff. The Community Knitting Group does still meet in the store’s dining room on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. If you need additional information about this group you can email Annie@southportgeneralstore.com  

The Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road has a new Artist of the Month for both January and February, Sarah Wilde.  Sarah was an art teacher at Southport Central School during her teaching years, and now during her retirement can work full time on her art.  

Known for her land and seascapes, this exhibition, "Inspirations," represents a different kind of energy. The paintings, which are inspired by places within rather than outside, have a contemplative quality emerging after years of exploring an intuitive and expressive approach to painting. Sarah hopes these works will offer a sense of serenity and calm. 

 Wilde has been a member of the Boothbay Region Art Foundation for decades as an artist, board director, and workshop leader. She has exhibited at Archipelago in Rockland and Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset.  

For more information about the artist: https://swildeart.com/about 

Library hours are: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Evening hours on Thursdays only from 6-8 p.m. Remember the Coffee Table on Tuesday and Thursday from about 10 on, coffee, conversation, and some baked goods. 

While this next item is not held on Southport, I know that there are many on the island with plenty of talent who might be interested in knowing that Open Mic is returning to the Opera House for the beginning of the 2026 season, on Friday, Jan. 16. Doors for sign ups open at 5:30 p.m. Mic goes live at 6 for songs, poems, sketches, whatever you might have and can fit into the 10-minute limit of mic time. If you are going to show support for our island artists, or, just want to enjoy the whole event, you will need to pay a $5 cover charge, it is always worth it. 

On a sadder note, Kris Weeks, the niece of Becky Singer, sadly passed away on the 28th of December at the age of 50, just shy of her 51st birthday on the 31st.  She was known as a sweet and lovable girl with a great sense of humor.  She was born with several physical handicaps that she struggled with her whole life. 

Her parents, Charlie and Lois Weeks live in Hampden; Lois Rand Weeks grew up here on Southport, and her mother, Helen Rand, was a longtime cook at the Southport school.  She was the granddaughter of Charles and Barbara Weeks (Becky’s parents), who had retired here on Southport. 

Services will be in Bangor, and she will be buried here at Decker’s Cemetery in the spring. 

Should you have any events coming up that you would like featured in the column, you can email or call, I will be happy to mention them for you. Next week I will know the winner of the Southport Island Treasures raffle, and be able to tell you what you might be able to win next month, in the mean while stop in and see what might be new in the shop, it is a good winter outing, close and easy hours, Monday-Saturday 10-4. 

While much of the flora is resting under snow for now, the ephemerals gaining strength to delight us on the forest floors in months to come, we are still delighted by the variety of pines and firs and the winterberries that still remain. Rafts of ducks can be seen off the coastlines and beyond the frozen coves, eiders, mallards, black ducks, mergansers, also some lone loons and grebes, the hardy. Feeders are bringing the familiar, juncos, nuthatches, titmice, the occasional sparrow, cardinal, groups of mourning doves, woodpeckers, and at night the flying squirrels, nature is a constant source of wonder and solace. 

May you be enveloped by the beauty and May Peace Be With You All.