I hope each one of you, Dear Readers, had someone to hug or someone to hug you yesterday, on Valentine’s Day, as well as every day. Kit and I celebrated with a hug and with eating some of the excellent homemade chocolates Sara Fahnley sold at the Southport Memorial Library on Tuesday.

Saturday, Feb. 10, Mrs. Fahnley, “the Chocolate Lady” explained to about 20 people gathered at the library, the history of chocolate as well as the complicated attributes involved in making chocolates such as the necessary temperature and humidity in the room where you are constructing the chocolate delicacies. Her business has evolved as she studied and tried various methods, with her lucky husband getting to eat experiments that do not come out just right.

Those present were able to sample some of her efforts such as small peppermint patties, nonpareils, hot cocoa, chocolate cupcakes, and even chocolate wine, although she did not make that product.

The name of Mrs. Fahnley’s company is “And Candy Too!” Our island store carries her products, but you can also go online at www.andcandytoo.com to view what is available.

Later on Saturday a few brave souls actually walked in the icy rain before joining the rest of us gathered at the library enjoying food and beverages along with catching up with each other after so much house confinement due to ice and snow. Thanks to the Southport Island Association and the library staff for providing the forum for this event.

Walking her dog along Newagen roads was not a good idea for Helen Meserve several weeks ago as she fell and broke her hip. I understand she is recovering well at home.

We are so grateful that Finn Carroll arrived home in time to prevent further disaster from the fire, beginning, I have been told, in his chimney. Although Finn, his wife, and baby to be are living elsewhere at the moment, workmen are repairing the house and all the pets survived. The lesson for all of us is have your chimney cleaned regularly and check the masonry to be sure it is intact and not allowing heat or flame to escape to more combustible elements of your home.

Several political events are coming up quickly. On Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. the Southport Democrats will meet at the Boothbay Region High School to hold their party caucus. Those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register at my.mainedems.org/caucus/prereg through March 2, printing your pre-registration form so that you can bring it with you to the caucus to facilitate the check-in process. Even without registering you can still participate at the caucus.

The purpose of the caucus is to learn about candidates running for offices in the Maine election in 2018; to learn about ways to get involved in supporting those candidates, and to elect Southport Democratic Leaders. Doors with open at 1:30 p.m. If severe weather forces cancellation, the caucus will be held on Sunday, March 11, same time and place.

On Monday, March 6, the town of Southport will hold its annual meeting. Voting for town officers will take place at the town hall during the day from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with the voting on additional articles beginning at 7:30 p.m. Town reports containing details of the town finances, various committee reports, and the articles on which we will vote should be available soon at the town office, the post office, the Island Store, and the library. You can read the warrant online at townofsouthport.org.

Volunteers from our Southport Central School will offer refreshments at the town meeting. They will be grateful for any donations, which will be passed along for school activities. If you are willing to bake some cookies or help in any way, please contact Lauren Graham at laurengraham14@gmail.com.

The Southport Memorial Library was preparing on Tuesday, Feb. 13, to celebrate Sandra Thibault’s birthday. In days past a consistent participant in library conversations, Sandra, who now lives in Brunswick, can come among us only occasionally. Happy Birthday, Sandra.

From Ramona Gaudette comes news of an ice harvest, Sunday, Feb. 18 at her family’s property in South Bristol beginning about 11 a.m. You can skate if the ice is solid enough, enjoy warm food, cold homemade ice cream, and horse and wagon rides. Ramona says her dad could have sold the property but wanted to keep it as an historical site for future generations to enjoy. The ice house is along Route 129, about 10 miles on the left. Kit and I have attended this day of historical activity and highly recommend it.

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 23, beginning at 6 p.m. to come to the Southport Town Hall the school’s biggest fundraiser which is the annual auction and bake sale, and this year a talent show. Proceeds from this popular event go towards the annual sixth grade trip. More on this event as the in the next few weeks.