If you are reading this column on Tuesday, June 28, and you are a registered voter on Southport, today is the day to vote your opinion on the question of fi ber optic cable for everyone on the island. The town hall was comfortably fi lled last Wednesday evening as Southporters had their second opportunity since the last vote in favor installing fi ber optic cable throughout the island, to ask questions of all parties involved. We learned that even if the vote is in favor of the installation of fi ber optic, and you prefer the service you currently have, you may keep it. Also, before you mark your ballot, note the explanation at the bottom of the page to ensure you are voting your will. The wording of the issues on which you are voting can be a bit confusing.
Next up is our Fourth of July parade. Come to the Southport Memorial Library by 8:30 a.m. with your decorated entry, or just to watch others, note the holiday, and enjoy some treats.
New opportunities from the Gift Barn at the Southport General Store allow us to meet a variety of artists and learn about various forms of art. Last Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. , folks met in the barn to hear ceramicists Annie Buchholz, the Barn manager, Alison Evans, from ae Ceramics, and Rhonda Friedman from Damariscotta Pottery explain and display their art. The next such opportunity to meet artists will be Thursday, July 14, again from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Gift Barn. The subject that evening will be glass blowing with artists Mckayla Carville from MCK Glassworks and Tessera Hayes from Bel fi re Glass, using slides to demonstrate their work. All are welcome. No tickets or advanced reservations needed.
In other news from the Island Store, the expresso machine will be ready to serve you by Wednesday as will the fresh baked goods made on site.
The Southport Island Association (SIA) is sponsoring a Speaker Event, July 11, at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. Southport resident, Paul Zalucky, will provide us with “An Insider’s Perspective on Russia’s War Against Ukraine; Why It Matters to All of Us.” Paul speaks from personal experience as he spent 28 years in the CIA as an Operations Of fi cer, retiring from its executive ranks in 2008. Previously he served in Moscow from 1984 to 1986 followed by tours in the sub-continent, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and as Chief of Station in Kyiv (1999-2002) and Warsaw (2005-2007) before retiring. Since retirement from government service, Paul runs an advisory group focused on developing reciprocal business ties between Central Europe/Ukraine and the U.S. Paul is of Ukrainian heritage and speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish. He travels frequently to the region and is actively involved in supporting Ukraine’s security as well as addressing humanitarian needs precipitated by Russia’ brutal war. SIA invites you to come join your Southport neighbors to gain an insider’s view on the events that have been dominating the media newscasts since the beginning of the year. There will be a Q and A session following Paul’s talk, and light refreshments will be served.
Lots of news from the Southport Methodist Church. First we have a new pastor, Gregory Foster, who begins his duties this Sunday, July 3. Look for more information about Pastor Foster elsewhere in this paper. Next this is a last call for crafters to display and sell their wares at the Southport United Methodist Women’s Craft Fair and Lobster Roll luncheon to be held July 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. Only items handcrafted in Maine are welcome. The cost for a table is $25. Call Sue Kibbe at 633-3624 to reserve a spot. Note that nothing can be hung on the wall. Set up can begin at 8 a.m. that day. Checks should be made out to SUMW and mailed to Sue Kibbe, 43 Horn Cove Road, Southport, ME 04576. Reservations may be made through July 8, and cancellations will be accepted up to a week prior to July 20.
For the rest of us, we must make our reservations for lobster rolls ($25) in advance between July 1-15 by calling UMW member: Elaine Goodwin, cell 1-360-301-6715 or Deb Tukey 633-5144. More on the lobster roll luncheon and choose your own cookies event appears elsewhere in the paper.
Work may begin again soon on improving the Southport Central School grounds. Principal Lisa Clarke along with arborist, Mike Wallace, and myself, walked the forested portion of the grounds last week to assess what needs to be done to make the area safer for the children’s Forest Fridays and other play times. A tentative meeting is set with Bill Joyce, landscape architect, for Tuesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. when the committee can share with him their vision for playground upgrades in the woods, and discuss ideas for some tree removal.
The Southport Memorial Library is now on summer hours, which means in addition to the usual daytime openings, it is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings until 9 a.m.
The sailing program at the Southport Yacht Club is up and running. The annual membership meeting will be this Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with the Commodore’s Reception that evening at 6. Summer is really here!
Finally, does anyone need a queen sized, sleep number bed. Edee Crosby has one in excellent condition, free for the taking. If interested, call her at 633-5370.
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