All Southport taxpayers should have gotten a letter from our selectmen, accompanied by a letter from Axiom, the company planning to bring fiber optic internet to Southport. The selectmen’s letter is written to provide facts and to encourage support for the continuation of the installation of the fiber optic system throughout the island. Axiom’s letter is written for the same purpose. Both letters encourage attendance at the May 18th public hearing at the Southport Town Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. and also the June 22 meeting, same time, same place. These meetings are taxpayers’ chance to ask questions and to enter discussion about the project. You may also attend the meeting by Zoom, with the link provided on the town website, www.townofsouthport.org. Please note, at the bottom on the selectmen’s letter the date for the first meeting says, “June 18”. That is in error. The meeting is May 18.

Southporters will have a chance to vote twice in June. On June 12 is the primary election for which absentee ballots are currently available at the town hall from the town clerk, Donna Climo, or by a phone request during office hours (633-6311), or by an online request through the Secretary of State’s website.

June 28 is the special town meeting election to decide whether to continue with the fiber optic project or not. Absentee ballots will be available beginning May 27 and may be requested either in person from the town clerk or by phone to her as noted above. Requests for this election’s absentee ballots cannot be made online. Information about the project can be followed online by going to the town’s website. Thanks to all who have worked to make information available and as clear as possible.

Now for some Southport history. Maureen Kinsey was finishing up a demotion project on her property when she found an orange golf ball, reminding her that once upon a time Southporters had built a one-hole golf course, complete with membership cards. She remembers that the members were Stuart Thompson, Ralph Spinney, Elbridge Plummer, Maurice Taylor, and Maurice Sherman. If anyone has further information on this piece of history, please let me know.

Another piece of Southport history is the custom of opening the Southport Yacht Club with a key to the Sheepscot provided by King Neptune. The original key for this occasion can be seen in the Southport History Museum, but in the hope of resurrecting this event, Bob Eaton’s son has made a replica of the original key and has written instruction as to how the event, which took place from about 1936- 1940, unfolded. Charlie Pinkham, owner at that time of the Southport General Store, was King Neptune. He arrived at the yacht club in an open boat wearing a simple white costume, a golden crown, and holding a cross made of wood. Bob has additional descriptions and ideas. In place of the large tree that was removed in front of the Southport School’s entrance now stands a sculpture of stone and metal, featuring lines and circles.  In place of the large tree that was removed in front of the Southport School’s entrance now stands a sculpure of stone and metal, featuring lines and circles. On the base is printed “ In honor of Scott R. Brown 1958-1975. More next week, I hope.

On May 23 our Southport General Store will begin summer hours, which means it will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Such good news.

And remember, please, as our summer season begins, send me news at kitleigh@roadrunner.com. Thanks.