Our town has two new citizens as of March 10 when the younger Climo family added twin boys born that morning. Both babies, Eliot Sterling Climo and Noah Daniel Climo, are doing fine. Congratulations to mom and dad, Eden and Adam, as well as grandparents, Donna and Smith, and older brother, Griffin.

Thanks to Nan Jackson who decorated the window boxes at the Southport Post Office. Noting the St. Patrick’s/Easter season, she countered the winter weather by using white stones to represent eggs nestled into the mossy ground and plastic, green leprechauns to represent the day.

Remember that Robinson’s Wharf opens for the season today, March 16, in time for St. Patrick’s Day when a special Irish menu will be served. And if you ordered Irish Soda Bread from the Southport General Store, be sure to pick it up on Friday.

I hear there was a great party at Robinson’s Wharf to honor our fishermen. Perhaps there is an article about that elsewhere in the paper.

Though a cloudy day, many people showed up for the Southport Island Association’s (SIA) Annual Winter Walk that occurred last Saturday, March 11. Together the Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm, Southport General Store, and Southport Memorial Library insured we had fun with the alpacas, enjoyed the fresh air, and returned to the library for delicious donuts, hot chocolate, coffee, wine, and accompanying nibbles. Alpaca owners Mike Ciccarelli and Anne Gobes, introduced us to the animals and taught us about their habits and how to lead them. In the cool air it was fun to run your fingers through the warm, curly, thick fur. A few people even got an alpaca kiss. Thanks to all who made this event possible.

Since this column is due on Monday, I must wait until next week to describe author’s Skip Simond’s talk on Tuesday, March 14, at 2 p.m. at the the library.

I did attend about half of the town meeting last Monday, but I know there is another article about the meeting elsewhere in the paper. The articles to change the manner in which our town’s treasurer, tax collector, and town clerk are chosen from elected to appointed caused the most discussion, but the articles did pass as written, instituting the change. Article 23 concerning the school’s capital reserve fund was omitted as not needed, as was Article 63, “to see if the town will vote to exceed the Property Tax Cap.” This article, though required by the state, is almost always eliminated for which we all should be grateful!

Although it was sad to see Ron and Ralva Orchard’s home totally demolished, it will be good to have two little houses on the property to provide lodging for summer help at the Southport General Store. Affordable housing has been scarce on the island and elsewhere in the area for many years. Thanks to the Barbara and Todd Leland for this addition to the island housing.

Truly sad is the news that Charlie Birlem, husband of Rosalie Baker Birlem, passed away suddenly early Thursday morning. Although they lived on Barters Island, Rosalie and her family have a home in Newagen and spend much time there. Look for an obituary elsewhere either in this week’s paper or in the weeks following.

As I type on Monday morning the sun is shining, but two forecasts for tomorrow differ widely, one saying just flurries and the other up to 12 inches of snow. I wonder which is correct.