This weekend was a busy one on Southport beginning on Thursday when about 15 people crowded into the room at the Hendricks Hill Museum to listen to Pegi Stengel explain the career of “Morgan Rhees Jr., The Mysterious Artist of Southport.” Tracing his movements around the country, which were a bit unusual for an artist living in the early 1900s, and showing pictures of his art, some in private homes, some in museums, including ours, and some available from time to time on eBay, Pegi made us more familiar with a person well known and established both in Boston and New York, as well as Southport.

This Thursday, Aug. 9, at 1:30 p.m., Donald Duncan will be holding forth at the museum as the day’s captain of “Small Talk,” informing us of ice harvesting in this region. Participants will have a chance to view ice harvesting tools and learn exactly how they were used for this fascinating industry. The event is free, but space is limited so please register in advance by calling 633-1102.

The library’s book and bake sale last Friday was a great success. About 20 people were lined up to enter when the library opened at 9 a.m. The book sale will continue until Aug. 18 so you can still stock your cottage shelves with good books for very little money.

Although the weather last Saturday morning continued to be warm and humid, about 146 racers and walkers gathered for the fifth annual “Rock the Boat” road race. They were cheered on by many along the route including the “sweepers” who made sure everyone who registered to race and took off from the starting line at the Southport Yacht Club was “swept” to the finish line.

In addition to the sweepers, many volunteers donated their time to make this event possible. An extra-special thanks goes to the Southport Fire Department who went above and beyond to keep the course safe by escorting island residents as they passed through the course.

Results can be found at: http://www.barttiming.com/summer/results18/rock2018-1.pdf. Money is still coming in, but it looks like the race raised over $900 this year for the Southport Junior Yacht Club Sailing Foundation.

Thinking ahead to next year, race organizers are wondering where the young men between the ages of 20 and 29 were as only one person registered in that category, and organizers hope more women over sixty enter the race. Not sure this woman well over 60 wants to train for a 3.1 mile walk or run, but I am sure there are some of you out there who could do so.

Want a mid-day break from the heat this Thursday, Aug. 9, and an update on the progress of our community-based initiative to purchase “Ruth’s House?” During the month of August, “Land for Southport’s Future” will host weekly brown bag lunch gatherings at the Southport Memorial Library from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Bring your lunch if you wish; coffee and iced tea are provided. The discussion will focus on the actions that we can take now to guarantee public access to our shoreline for the generations to follow.

Saturday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m., come to the Hendricks Hill Museum for a five-cent ice cream cone and a glimpse into the past! The ice cream will be served from Gus Pratt's lunch counter, which now is found in the boat house portion of the museum. This event is open to the public with parking at the museum, the school, and the post office.

Through Thursday, Aug. 30 visit the Southport Memorial Library to view a display of photo copies made from the antique glass plates found in the archives of the Hendricks Hill Museum. The display is entitled “A Look Back: West Southport in the 1890s.” The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Southport Historical Society that aims to preserve the history of our community. If you are not already a member, please consider joining your friends and neighbors in supporting the work of the "Friends." Any contribution to the organization or the museum is tax deductible, and you will receive periodic newsletters keeping you up to date on topics of local interest.

At Newagen Inn this week on Thursday, Aug. 9, music in the Pub from 7 to 9 p.m. will be provided by Paul D’Alessio and on Sunday, Aug. 12, by Steve Vellani The lobster bake is open to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 14. Please call 633-5242 for a reservation. Storyteller Hope Lewis holds forth around the fire pit at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15. The Gazebo Bar is open to the public daily starting at 11 a.m.

Remember the Southport Island Association’s annual picnic on Tuesday, Aug. 14 beginning at 5 p.m. The picnic fun is returning to the home of Sandra Seifert, 40 Pratts Island Road on Southport. 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. Any dish you might bring to share would be appreciated such as salads, a starch, a vegetable, fruit, baked beans, finger food, or desserts. Please carpool if you can and bring a lawn chair. For more info call Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006. Rain location: Southport Town Hall.

Mark your calendar for Ralph “Cy” Seifert’s memorial service next Thursday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church.

Don’t forget the Firemen’s Auction on Saturday, Aug. 18.

Affordable housing is often at a premium in our area. If you know of any affordable, long-term rental opportunities on Southport, please call me at 633-0672 or Connie Heroy at 350-5279.