Southport people and businesses continue their amazing and welcoming ways. Returning Wednesday, July 26, to the photo shoot at Anne Vartabedian’s home on Hendrick Head, I found the crew of about 30 people still working industriously and creatively to provide photos for Macy’s Winter Holiday Catalogue. Anne and I both noted we were surprised that so much effort went into a commercial catalogue.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday some of the crew were creating snow to spray outdoor shrubs and hand built scenes, real snow that would melt in time. Other crew members were creating fog for a scene on the rocks. Along with models from Sweden, Iceland, and Russia, came a Bernese Mountain dog who snuggled into pictures and also sat for a single shot in the snow wearing a soft winter scarf. He and Anne’s dog, Spot, immediately made friends.

In the kitchen, feeding this crew I found Stephanie Guite along with daughters Willow and Teal as well as James Letournea and Danielle Kane, all family members and all either Southporters or once Southporters. This crew of chefs had only three days ago received the call for help and said, “Yes” to the task. Wanting to feed the crew lobster, but not having much time to procure supplies, they asked Robinson’s Wharf for help, and they came through with free lobster meat for the special Southport made rolls.

The Island Store pitched in by donating coffee pots, and Anne provided her kitchen. With food taken care of the crew turned to Ocean Gate Motor Inn for lodging where they found Frank Gaynor a very accommodating host in spite of reservations for a full inn. Anne herself only had a few days to prepare for this takeover of her home and property. Fortunately her daughter Susan and her husband had completed their stay so Anne was free to say “yes” when the last minute request came.

Watching the crew at work they all seemed to be having a good time, and how could they not with a cool, almost wintery day to photograph on Tuesday, and a perfect Maine day to photograph on Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon when I was there, the Southport sailing program boats decorated the background water, needing only a whale breeching to complete the picture.

Charter Club and Style and Co. are the line of clothes and jewelry featured in this shooting, so watch for the catalogue this fall and enjoy scenes of our lovely island along with some lovely clothing.

Other Southport excitement included an airshow Friday evening by, I assume, Mr. Bosarge’s World War II collection of aircraft. Since we were in Newagen following the rehearsal for the wedding of Skip Simonds and Betsey de Groff on the lawn at Skip’s home, we and all the wedding party could enjoy the antics of these performing aircraft, reforming over the ocean at the end of the Sheepscot River and then executing various flight formations and maneuvers as they skimmed the trees along the west side of the island. The young children in the party enjoyed watching the planes and then running at full speed imitating their movements. Look for an article elsewhere in this paper about these planes.

The next day, Saturday, July 29, was a perfect wedding day for Skip (William Wickham) and Betsey Marthelia. They, their family, and friends combined the solemnity of the service with good fun and entertainment, especially music, with vocal tributes and dancing. May Skip and Betsey have many happy years together.

As the calendar has turned to our final summer month, activities continue to accumulate. Friday, Aug. 4, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. you can stock up on delicious baked goods for family and guests at the Southport Memorial Library’s 90th annual Book and Bake Sale. An exciting offering this year is a large collection of late 1800 and early 1900 books. An additional “take home” is the newly issued library cook book containing all those excellent soup recipes from the Souper Bowl luncheon and other delicious ideas, well tested by library aides and patrons.

The next day, Saturday, Aug. 5 is more good eating at the Southport Yacht Club’s annual authentic lobster bake. Be sure and sign up if you plan to come.

Then on Tuesday, Aug. 8, starting at 5 p.m. yet more good eating at the annual picnic of the Southport Island Association (SIA). Again this year the picnic will be held at the home of Janet Duchaine and Jon Fauver on Molly’s Point. The address is 7 Poore Road, a private driveway off Molly’s Point Road, at little Christmas Cove on the west side of Southport. All Southporters, their families and guests are invited with children most welcome, and child supervision provided. The cost for the picnic is $10 per adult and $5 for children under 12, with donations for beverages. Hot dogs and hamburgers are provided. Please bring a dish to share such as a salad, baked beans, or desserts. For more information, call Janet Duchaine (860-484-9006). If raining the event will be held at the Southport Town Hall.

In case your clock is malfunctioning and you are in danger of missing some of these events, remember that Gene Hauser is home on Pratts Island and can repair your clocks. Call him at 633-6167. Money you might have paid to him will go to the Southport Methodist Church who will donate it to the Food Pantry. If you are looking for something special to do on Wednesday evenings from now through the
first two weeks in October, the Newagen Inn offers a campfire when darkness falls, complete with s’mores, songs, and stories. Next Wednesday, August 9, the story teller will be Karen Pillsworth.

After all that eating, we need exercise, so rowers and paddlers of all ages are invited to join in the 24th Annual Southport Rowgatta on Saturday, Aug. 12, dedicated this year in memory of veteran Rowgatta photographer and supporter Merry Knowlton of Newagen. Participants should assemble at 8:30 a.m. on the Town Landing in Newagen. Any person-powered craft may join in the 12 nautical-mile row around the island – either as an individual or in a team of up to six members. After the Newagen start, rowers and paddlers are asked to check in at Cozy Harbor and Robinson's Wharf. This event is sponsored by the Boothbay Region YMCA (633-2855) where you will find registration forms and further information. If you are not into paddling, you can cheer the paddlers on at the launch on the dock at Newagen or from your porches or other spots along the way.

Next comes some intellectual exercise on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. when Paul Doiron, popular author of Maine game warden crime novels, will speak about his craft and latest novels at the Southport Memorial Library.

Finally we will know summer is drawing to a close when we attend the Southport Firemen’s Auction, Saturday, Aug. 19. Between now and then you can dropped items off for auctioning but no white goods or tube televisions, please.