If you are reading this column through “The Daily Catch,” you will get this news in time to come to these Fourth of July events. Not only does Southport offer the Fourth of July parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Southport Memorial Library, but also that evening you are invited to gather around the fire pit at the Newagen Inn to enjoy S’mores and listen to stories told by Thea Lberall, a member of the International Educators Hall of Fame. Stories begin at 7 p.m. The evening is complimentary and open to the public. 

July 5 Dave and Chris Gagne will be playing in the Pub at the Newagen Inn from 7 until 9 p.m.

Congratulations to Sarah Harris who shares the Miss Windjammer title with Sophia Mansfield and to Kathy Bugbee whose smile has lighted Facebook pages, riding in the red, jeep convertible driven by Mac MacKusick and accompanied by former Southporter, Dick Snyder.  The convertible trio were representing the Friends of the Southport Historical Society.

Our Southport Memorial Library will be reinstating story hour on Tuesdays during July and August from 10 until 11 a.m. and, if time permits, a craft opportunity as well, both offered by Karen Krindall. A hiatus in these activities has been the result of Kathy Barter’s illness.  

All are invited to come to the library on July 11 at 2 p.m. to share a bit of cake and to celebrate Linda Brewer’s 30 years of faithful library service.

The library will also be open on Wednesdays during July and August from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.. and in addition to those daytime hours, on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The library meeting room was filled on Tuesday, June 26, for the talk by author, Bruce Coffin, a former police officer who has transformed his policing experiences into fictional mystery stories.  Fans and new readers were quite attentive as Mr. Coffin spun his tales both of writing habits and policing experiences.

The next talk will be July 24 at 7 p.m. when author Kate Braestrup will be the speaker. Ms Braestrup is a Unitarian minister who works with the Maine Game Warden Service. Her book “Here When You Need Me” relates some of the search and rescue missions she has experienced, giving you an idea of the work of the service and how a minister can help.

Carole Zalucky sent a bit more news about the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Southport Historical Museum scheduled for July 16 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall. and organized by the Friends of the Southport Historical Society. Gerry Gamage will be narrating a visual presentation of the history of the museum that might have been housed in a little log cabin were it not for some fortuitous timing.  Come and learn more about the goings on that began with the official formation of the Historical Society back in 1985. Lucky for us, some of the original founders of the society will be on hand to answer questions and retell stories of those early days. If you are not already a "Friend" of the society, consider joining the organization to support the  preservation of the history of our island community.  

The museum has begun its normal summer hours; open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Come in and brush up on your local history.

Coming up on July 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. is the annual Southport Methodist Church fair. Look for a complete article elsewhere in the paper, but note that we all love the lobster roll luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. and the cookies walk both at the Southport Town Hall. Be on the lookout as you clean house for gently used books and items for the Attic Treasures and Precious Past table at the church. Such items can be brought to the church on Monday mornings between 9 a.m. and noon. Gift certificates and items for a silent auction are welcome too. 

Another historically preserved structure within Southport’s boundaries, although out to sea, is the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse whose summer season is underway! From Janet Reinhold comes this report. According to Cuckolds Keepers, “We’re off to a good start with guests from all over the country - we've had people from the west coast and from the south, as well as the expected New Englanders. We are mostly sold out for 2018 — only four dates left in August and September that remain to be booked. We will host one elopement towards the end of the season. We have a lot of returning guests – for a few this will be their fourth year. If you or your friends want to stay at the Cuckolds, it’s not too early to book for 2019!”

Janet adds, “We are delighted to share the news that the Cuckolds Lighthouse is on the Cover of artist Alan Claude’s 2019 Calendar” and she shares a brief video about The Cuckolds Lighthouse, put together by artist Alan Claude, featuring Gerry Gamage, and donated to The Cuckolds Team to share with the public.  Click on: https://youtu.be/Y3LCCeRtah4 to view.

A couple more quick notes:  A friendly bridge game has begun on Tuesday evenings at the Southport Yacht Club, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All who know the game are welcome.

The Reverend Martin Smith is the minister at All Saints by-the-Sea summer chapel for the next two weeks, July 8 and 15.  He will also be conducting Bible study on the porch Tuesdays July 10 and 17 beginning at 9 a.m.