Southport Column: Memorial Day, yacht club and more

Wed, 05/31/2017 - 9:00am

Though chilly, the flags wave in our Southport cemeterys, marking the graves of those who  served in the military. Thanks to Gail Richter who places these flags each year and then removes them after Labor Day.

Both occasions on Southport for honoring our veterans this past Memorial Day were well attended in spite of damp and cold. Cody Mitchell and helper filmed the events, so if you missed them you can watch on Channel 7. Selectman and Fire Chief Gerry Gamage found two war stories to tell us, both exemplifying honor without celebrating killing. The first tale was of Desmond Doss, the only Medal of Honor winner who was a conscientious objector,. Doss served as a medic in the Pacific in World War 11 and saved so many lives at the expense of his own injuries that he earned the respect and honor of his company of men and of the country. The second story Gerry told at the monument was written by Joshua Chamberlain about the surrender at Appomattox, when “honor answered honor” within the ceremony of the surrender. Many thanks, Gerry.

The Southport Yacht Club opened on Saturday evening with the annual potluck supper. As usual dishes of delicious food filled the tables and our tummies. The day cleared in the afternoon so that people could eat outside on picnic tables or inside as your layers of clothing and preference dictated.

So many people were back that in naming some of them, I know I will leave out others as the club house was crowded. We ate with Steve and Joanie Conn, Audrey Riley, Anne Grimes, Ron and Ginny Sheay, and Isabel and Joe Maziarz. Before dinner I had talked with Anne Grimes Rand and her daughter, Martha, who will be instructing in the sailing program this year. George Ross and Tracy are in residence with George looking well after a bout with heart trouble. New members Pete and Carolyn Beers, who have bought the O’Shea’s house, fit in perfectly with the somewhat controlled chaos.

We missed Toni and Fred Helming who are in residence with son, Jim and his wife Kathy, in their newly renovated home at the end of Marr’s Point. They enjoyed a family gathering on Saturday evening rather than wade into the hubbub of “great to see you - how was your winter” at the yacht club. Also choosing that option were Senior Phippens, Cork and Louise, who are here for their time in the family home on Pratts Island.

Cathy Havinga writes that Mimi is returning home to her apartment at Thornton Oaks in Brunswick after eight weeks in rehab working to mend a broken back. Cathy will care for her there. She asks that we call first before visiting: 207-350-7847.

With my paper and coffee early Sunday morning, I drove to Hendricks Head Beach where I found Elaine Jones far into the mud flats. Elaine is from the state aquarium in Boothbay Harbor, which opened for the season on Saturday, May 27, but she had come to Southport at this unusually low tide to collect baby lobsters for the aquarium. Many were available under rocks, so she carried her full bucket back to the aquarium as Southport’s contribution to children’s learning.

In other sea tales, watch for pictures and text about the adventures of the Meserves as they continue to deal with a dead whale that washed up on Cape Island last fall. Both Bob Mitchell and Joe Gelarden are working on that story.

At the Post Office and at the Town Hall you will find a notice and a sample ballot for a statewide vote to be held on June 13. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Only one item, a bond issue for $50,000,000, is on the ballot. A long explanation tells us that the money will be used “to preserve jobs and expand employment for Maine people...” $5,000,000 is set apart to “create jobs and economic growth by lending to and investing in small businesses...”

I have written an email to Stephanie Hawke, our representative in the state legislature, asking her who initiated with vote. Seems to me we could have saved a lot of money and garnered a greater number of people’s opinions if this item had been on the November ballot.

Other dates to note on your calendar: the first Author’s Talk of the summer at Southport Memorial Library will be on June 8 at 7 p.m. Author, Lea Wait, will be the honored guest and presenter. Her husband, who is the library’s featured artist, will also be in attendance. What a talented couple.

On June 5 we are all invited to the Southport Town Hall at 6 p.m. for the students’ Spring Concert. The final day of school will be June 19.

On June 27 the Southport Historical Museum will open for the summer. Although a dedicated group consistently volunteer, more help is needed, so if you are interested and can give some time, contact Nan Jackson at 633-2003 or jackson7580@roadrunner.com.

Maria Doelp will be writing this column next week as we are in New Jersey for Kit’s 60th college reunion. Please send her news at pdoelp@roadrunner.com or drop a note with your news written on it on the big envelope just inside the Island Store door.