Congratulations to Bill Helming and Vernon Rail who completed the “Trek Across Maine” bicycle ride to raise money for the American Lung Association. And thanks to Mary Rail who provided escort services. I have not talked with Bill, but Vernon, though moving a bit more slowly than usual, seemed to survive the challenge just fine. For over 30 years people have joined this fundraising effort, raising this year 1.3 million dollars and overall over 24 million dollars.

Planned for Father’s Day Weekend, the ride begins in the mountains of Sunday River with overnights in Farmington and then Waterville, ending on the third day in Belfast, covering 180 miles. This year the 2,000 riders had delightful weather, often reaching their stop by midday. A total of 750 volunteers provided food, shelter, and entertainment for the riders. You have to register early because the number of riders is limited. For more information Google ‘Trek Across Maine.’

This is Commissioning Week at Southport Yacht Club, which means instructors are gathered, under Will Jacob’s leadership, to launch boats and otherwise prepare for the season. If you need help rigging or launching your turnabout, optimist dinghy, or other boat that will be used in the sailing program, contact Will at dwjacobs@verizon.net or call the Club (633-5767). Sailors will begin their classes the following week.

A new event is being launched too at the Southport Store. Last Tuesday was Open Mike night from 6 to 8 p.m. My assumption is that such events consist of musical offerings by those in attendance, but I also saw Skip and Oliver practicing juggling with small, orange balls, so perhaps various acts are also part of the show. All are invited to grab a piece of pizza or other supper goodies and join in the fun under the pavilion, around the picnic tables. With good attendance and fun, the next Open Mike will be the second Tuesday in July.

Note also at the store the Gift Barn is now open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on need. I like to stop in just to look around because there are so many pretty items displayed.

Even though in many ways summer is just beginning with so many friends back in residence, I have to face the reality that the summer solstice occurs this Thursday, June 21. Although we probably will not notice the changing of the light immediately, that fact means day light will begin to lessen, not a thought upon which I want to dwell! And there is much fun to come.

Fun such as Bolster Day this coming Sunday, June 24. Named in honor of Judge Bolster, who, I hear, used to host exuberant cocktail parties for summer residents. Now all residents are encourage to come and join the Southport Island Association’s version of Bolster Day from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. Donations of appetizers are greatly appreciated. Come join the fun. This is the perfect way to reconnect with Southport neighbors you may not seen since last fall.

The following week, Tuesday, June 26, everyone is invited to attend an Open House at the Hendricks Hill Museum on Tuesday, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to celebrate the season opening of the museum. Refreshments will be served in the boathouse. Anyone who is interested in joining the Friends of the Museum can contact Cathy Messmer at messmer.cathy@gmail.com.All those who volunteer at the museum during the season are invited to attend an orientation session on Wednesday, June 27, at 9:30 a.m.

Also on Wednesday, June 27, watch for Friends of the Southport Historical Society's participation in the Windjammer Parade in Boothbay Harbor. M. MacKusick's 1950 Willy's Jeepster and J. Singer's 2018 Mercedes will carry past presidents Kathy Bugbee and Dick Snyder; board director Jean Hawley, Historical Society trustee Sarah Sherman, museum volunteer Peter Doelp and current museum intern Isabelle Curtis.

In the evening of June 26 at 7 p.m. come to the Southport Memorial Library for a talk by mystery writer, Bruce Coffin.

The preacher this coming Sunday, June 24, at All Saints by-the- Sea will be the Reverend Paul Tunkle. Mr. Tunkle has been the guest preacher at All Saints many times, fell in love with Maine, and has now retired to Dresden.