You could almost hear Earth breathe more freely once the humidity broke, since, we have enjoyed cooler temperatures, some zephyrs, but today steady NW winds, with 30 mph gusts. Having coffee on the deck felt like being at sea, hair blowing, everything around swaying, cleansing, perfect, I wanted to linger with the birds, watch the racing clouds change form, take in the movements of grasses, leaves, branches and flowers, my favorites Queen Anne’s lace is finally here, regrettably many other things required my attention. I do have several things to write about that may be of interest and pique your attention.

The Southport Memorial Library first. Most of you know about the Coffee Table on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning around 10, but just a reminder that all are welcome for conversation with a sweet treat on the side. On Wednesday the 22nd there are two items, first Storytime at 10, a read aloud, craft and small snack, just right for the little ones in your life. Directly following, at 11, join friends and neighbors at the first-ever Library Community Picnic, dogs, burgers with the trimmings, and cake, a summer classic. On Thursday, July 23, you are invited to a reception at 6:30 p.m. with the family of Mary Jo Rines whose beautiful artwork currently is on exhibit and invokes tranquil island life and is a testament to her unique view of the world she saw about her. The exhibit continues through August.

There is one more event at the library. From July 21- 25, an exhibit will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as well as Maine’s own journey to independence. The Maine Constitution exhibit, open during regular hours, highlights Article X section 5 and its tumultuous history as well as the voting returns from Edgecomb and Boothbay and features an audio interview with Maine historian Herb Adams.

Before we leave the library events, there is a request for your help. Thursday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. is the date for the much anticipated Annual Book and Bake Sale, and baked goods are needed. If you are willing to donate items for the sale, it would be most appreciated, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies…veggies from the garden, flowers, jams, your favorite goodie, they can be delivered to the library on Wednesday the 5th from 3 to 4, or Thursday the 6th from 8:15 to 8:30. Please list your ingredients, and thank you in advance. Regular Hours are:  Tuesday 9-4, 6-8, Wednesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. 

On Saturday, July 25th at the Southport Town Hall, 361 Hendricks Hill Road, the Friends of the Southport Historical Society present two sessions with Peskotomuhkati Master Basket Maker Debbie Nichols. She will demonstrate the techniques of sweetgrass and brown ash basket making which she learned from her mother, uncle, and aunts; her aunt Clara Neptune Keezer was a NEA National Heritage Fellow. Session 1 is at 10:30, session 2 is at 1:30, while free, pre-registration is required.  To reserve your spot, email Hendricks Hill Museum, hendrickshillmuseum@gmail.com  with your name, phone number and request. The Friends of the Southport Historical Society and the Boothbay Region Historical Society will jointly bring veteran Maine newscaster, Don Carrigan to Southport’s Town Hall on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30. Mr. Carrigan will speak about his television career and changes that have occurred over the years within Maine’s coastal communities.

Looking ahead a bit, circle Wednesday, Aug. 5th the day of the Southport Island Association (SIA) annual picnic, from 5 to 7 p.m. All Southporters, their families and guests, are invited to enjoy this community event. Ocean Gate Inn is the location for this year’s gathering. Cost for the picnic is $10 per person. Children under the age of 6 are free. Hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, lemonade, seltzers and waters are provided. Any dish - salads (starch, vegetable, fruit), baked beans, finger food desserts you might bring to share would be appreciated. Please carpool if you can, and bring lawn chair(s). For more information, call or text Janet Duchaine, 860-484-9006. 

Next week will be busy as well with a lecture on Tuesday, Scales and Tails on Wednesday, and an author talk on Thursday, further details will follow in the next column, suffice it to say that the big sign down by the bridge is getting quite the work out.

Before we end, do be careful while moving about the island, there are bikers, runners, strollers, giant dump trucks that barrel at high speeds in the construction zone, they do not adhere to the traffic lights, as we are expected to do, and of course all the other heavy equipment.  In the mix are chickens, dogs, deer, turkey, children, not a great combination with zipping cars, slow down a bit, be courteous, and May Peace Be With You All.