Joyous celebrations of 90th birthdays have been the major news this week. On Saturday, Dec. 28, at Marrs Point, long-time summer resident, Fred Helming, celebrated his 90th year among four out of their five children (Bill and Peg Helming were in California visiting their son, Nate), and eight out of twelve grandchildren. Daughter Sue baked the birthday cake, and the grandchildren pitched in to help Fred’s wife Toni host the family birthday luncheon.

After lunch the doors opened to their Gorham neighbors who were invited for an open house. Although Toni and Fred sold their long-owned Mariner sailboat, the Lady, several years ago, last summer they were still on the water in kayaks, setting a good example for all of us trailing behind a few years younger.

On Sunday, Jan. 6, Grace Tellefsen, long-time island resident, marked her 90th birthday, celebrated at dinner on Saturday night with daughter, Janet Cusano and husband Oliver, son, Stan Tellefsen and his wife Pauline here from California, and her two sisters. Again, still active in the life of the island, Grace is a model of long-lived vitality for all of us.

Our third 90th celebrant is Emily Johnson who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, Jan. 7 with a dinner party for close friends. Emily and her husband, Arthur, now deceased, summered for many years in a cottage close to Newagen Inn. Arthur was a past president of the University of Maine in Orono. Emily recently moved to Schooner Cove, in Damariscotta.

Former neighbor, Bobby Wallingford, who now lives in Houston, Texas, flew north for Emily’s birthday party, having some adventures of her own. With the second leg of her flight canceled from Newark to Portland, she recognized Bill Bailey at the rental car counter, so together they drove the remainder of the trip through rather challenging weather. Also without her suitcase, Bobby had another opportunity to shop at her favorite stores in town for new clothes to wear to the party.

At the Southport Memorial Library this morning I discovered that Southport has its own “Emily’s List” consisting of the expertise from the assembled folks around the table. The Duncans are shopping for a new furnace, the announcement of which brought much detailed discussion of what kind of furnace to get and whom to contact for repairs.

Also at the library or at the Island Store you can support the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service by purchasing their cookbook for $15.

Some dates to mark on your calendar: Monday, Jan. 20, the Southport Library Aides will host their annual Souper Bowl luncheon at the Southport Town Hall, probably from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Always you will find a large variety of soups and fun with friends and neighbors.

A reminder that January 28 at 4 p.m. at the Southport Post Office, the USPS will host a meeting to report on the survey results concerning the fate of our Southport Post Office and to hear our comments. If you haven’t yet sent in your survey, please do.