Crickets serenade all day now, yellows are the dominant color for flora, black-eyed coneflowers, groundsel and most of the eleven varieties of golden rod prevail through the drought conditions that continue as the promises of rain are broken again and again. Also standing tall are the purple hued Joe-Pye weed and echinacea, but much else has withered, crisped and curled unless you have watered, which many on well have not, so we look like fall with ferns browning and even the moss blankets deep in the woods no longer retaining their lush green. Driveways and roads throw up dust as we move along heading from place to place attending to chores and events of pleasure and interest. 

Something that might be a little of both is the ongoing exhibit of works by Richard Wiggin Johnson, a long-time resident of Southport Island, at the Hendricks Hill Museum. One of Midcoast Maine’s top marine painters, his recognition traveled to many prestigious galleries over years, Mystic Seaport for an International Exhibit, a one-man show at The Copley Society in Boston, The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, many others and now here, through the end of August. The museum is located at 419 Hendricks Hill Road and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. 

At the Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, you can enjoy the full services that are offered, from an amazing variety of books to check out to the Marr Butterfly collection and this, and all weeks, the library coffee table “hour” beginning 10-ish on Tuesdays and Thursdays, free coffee, sweet treat that is posted on their FB page, story swapping,  discussion and solutions to many local and world events, occasional song, recitation, excellent company, all are welcome. On Wednesday the 26th, 10 a.m., there is one last Storytime.  This program is geared to young children and features a read aloud followed by an art project related to the book as well as a light snack. Looking ahead to Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m. come to an Author Talk with Claire Ackroyd discussing her newest book, "The Body in the Blueberry Barren." Claire Ackroyd is a landscape designer, independent organic inspector, educator and writer.  She grew up in rural England in a big garden with pets and ponies and now resides in Orono.  Claire’s two mystery novels, "Murder in the Maple Woods" and "Body in the Blueberry Barrens" portray the lives of the producers of maple syrup and wild blueberries, in the guise of intriguing whodunit stories.  The ideas grew out of her work as an organic certification inspector in the remote parts of Maine. Library summer hours will continue through August and are: Tuesday 9-4, 6-8, Wednesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. 

Apologies for being quite late with announcing last month’s winner of Southport Island Treasures raffle. It was Chelsea Newman who was lucky enough to take home the blueberry potholder and the $25 gift card. You could be this month’s winner if you go and enter, there is no purchase necessary, you might however find something you need, want, or that just makes you happy, and with the reasonable prices you could do all three. Each month, Angel collects money for an organization, and this month it’s the Southport Fire Department, which provides so many services when we are most in need, so if you have any change from your purchase, consider putting it in the jar.  The hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Speaking of the Fire Department, they send a big thank you to all that donated to the auction and bid on the items, it was another successful year grossing around 27K. One more ticket item remains to be auctioned off on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Southport Town Hall, 10 a.m. If you see a 1973 38.5-foot Egg Harbor Flybridge Sedan Cruiser in your future, you will definitely not want to miss this, so circle the date and be there. 

Now is a great time to continue to enjoy all our eateries while summer hours remain, Robinson’s Wharf 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, with live music Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m., weather permitting, Cozy’s Dockside 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., daily, The Pub at Newagen Seaside Inn 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. with live music Thursdays and Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and also Maine Lobster Bakes on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.; check their website for more information. For eat in or take out remember the Southport General Store where you can get your day started with breakfast items and coffee, then lunch sandwiches and specials, and prepared meals for dinner, or have them cater for you so you can spend more time with friends and family.  Check their FB page for hours. 

There are art and collectible options as well, The Barn at the General Store, Possibilities Antique Shop, just past the school, open daily 12:30-5 p.m. or by arrangement, Elderkin Studio, 66 Pratts Island Road, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

As you have driven around the island you surely have seen banners saluting veterans. If you would like to salute one of your own and want it hung this year, you must have your order in by Labor Day. Arrangements can be made by contacting Jim Singer at Singerjo@aol.com or (207) 751-8540. 

As you enter this last full week of August, set forth with an open heart and May Peace Be With You All.

Sigrid D. Kopf: 717-380-1521