Dear Editor:

We live in a place with not only beautiful scenery, but also beautiful people.

Wednesday, May 23, this regional community joined in a celebration at the Southport Town Hall for Kathy Barter, one of the Southport Memorial Library’s most dedicated volunteers!

Kathy has been ill with encephalitis for more than five months, and currently is recovering at St Andrews Village, but her recovery may be long. The SML Aides, who have long treasured Kathy’s work in the children’s library, thought they would gather together a few friends from Southport to help her. Little did they know that more than 200 generous people from all over the peninsula would show up to honor Kathy and donate funds to help her pay for medical expenses not covered by her insurance.

The whole event was an example of the kind of spirit that exists in this community. More than 20 Aides and several community residents donated pasta, salad, dessert and equipment. Kathy’s friends from Southport Methodist Church contributed cakes. As did the cooks at the Gregory Wing of St. Andrews Village, where Kathy has been a valued volunteer for more than 20 years. The Southport General Store sent over several delicious cakes and Hannaford gave a gift card that was used toward the purchase of the rolls.

Sally and Dick Spofford donated their musical talents. Not only did they play and liven up the evening, but also they got Southport Selectman Gerry Gamage on stage to sing, to everyone’s delight. Jane Lunt arranged table decorations, with flowers from the Aides’ gardens. Sarah Sherman offered her books for a raffle and Helen Meserve arranged a silent auction that brought in $530.

And let’s not forget the Aides’ husbands, who did all the set up and break down of tables and chairs.

Thanks to all the generous donations collected at the door, this community raised more than $10,000 for Kathy’s medical expenses.

It was a wonderful evening. Kathy would have loved it! She would have been the first one there with a big smile and a big baking pan of her famous dinner rolls. To the entire region, thank you for your generosity and for sharing in our love for Kathy.

Anne Gobes

President

SML Aides