HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT ISLAND ASSOCIATION

In the 1930s and 40s there was a discussion among summer residents over the issue of taxes. Obviously, a large proportion of the taxes paid came from summer folks, but they had no vote in Town Meeting. On August 14, 1948 the

Southport Summer Residents Association was registered as a non-profit organization in the State of Maine.

Although this did not change the issue of voting at Town Meeting, it may have had a positive factor in the relations between SSRA and the Selectmen.

By 1985, many of the original summer residents had retired and had become permanent Southport residents. And on October 23, 1985 the name was officially changed from SSRA to Southport Island Association.

The name change did not change the operation so much as did the presidencies of Bobbie Wallingford and Carol Magnussen.. Carol did extensive volunteer work with the School and a 501(c3) status with the IRS was gained in 2007. Bobbie’s work with school drama and contributions of cash to the School helped enormously to change the perception of SIA from a “cocktail party organization” to a real community asset. Today the emphasis is reflected in the annual themes of "Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future, Moving Forward Together, Southport Strong, and Preserving the Past, and Small Island, Big Community"

Southport Island Association

Excuse us while our website undergoes a few updates...

Double, double, chili bubble--alrighty Southporters, do you or someone you know have the perfect chili recipe? We want to be the judge of that! One grand prize winner will be awarded by our panel of four local judges, as well as a special People’s Choice vote determined by party-goers filling up their bellies. (Macaroni and cheese and hotdogs will be provided for the little ghouls and goblins who have more sensitive palates) Sign up to submit your concoctions here: https://forms.gle/qjHDuyEhWr5W1yvaA

A Halloween staple, we’re encouraging trick-or-treating to come back to Southport Island! Before you leave our Community Halloween party at Robinson's Wharf & Tugs Pub, be sure to pick up your map of which homes have signed up to be an official Halloween stop. Participating homes will have an orange lantern displayed at the end of their driveway (and don’t forget about looking for the classic porch light on as a candy-positive signal). To have your address on the map, and receive a lantern, please call Eden at 513-739-2422 or email southporthalloween@gmail.com

The SIA, in partnership with Robinson's Wharf & Tugs Pub, is so excited to announce our next upcoming event--

A Very Southport Halloween! Fun and FREE for all ages, we are bringing back the tradition of community to Halloween on Southport Island.

Join us for a kick-off party ((no entrance fee)) for ALL community members at Robinson’s Wharf on October 31st at 5:00pm, followed by island-wide trick-or-treating! With games for the little ghouls , and a beer and wine cash bar for the older monsters, this will be a community celebration you don’t want to miss! Stay tuned for more details!

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AUGUST 15TH

“Oh… To Begin a new era of accomplishments and fun…”

We honor the past presidents and bod members who began this journey so many years ago. We are especially proud of Past President Medea Harris who continues to be an influential inspiration and who did yeoman’s work in pursuing the dream of engaging local families this community association under the greatest of covid drama. Hats off too to Skip Williams and Ellie Beauregard , who leave the board after serving 6 years and one year, respectively. I wish to recognize the current board and ask for your approval of the 2021-2022 slate as proposed.

FUNDING

THANKS to so many of you who shared your time and resources over these many months. Your gifts of time, talent , and covid related funding has resulted in a stronger sense of community from which all residents have benefited. Helping Hands remains a highly confidential process so all members of our community need not be reluctant to ask for help.

Carol Allison, our able treasurer has shared with you the donations the SIA has made to this community and its neighbors to help sustain healthy living and engagement. We have remaining Covid funds to use for some necessary and sustainable project.

What have we done with your funds and our energies?

We have been creative in providing covid free activities such as

(1) We have reached out to partner with local organizations and businesses to make events happen: Newagen Inn, the General Store, and Robinsons, Cozy’s, the All-Saints Chapel and the Episcopal church, the Selectboard, the Alpaca Farm, and the Fire Department – all were generous in time and support.

(2) holiday gifting to many isolated persons;

(3) A winter walk with the alpacas; a July 4^th parade of over a hundred persons ; two island cleanups engaging new residents;

(4) Service to 320 participants through multiple drive through suppers over the winter: lasagna and Love Valentines dinner, St Patty’s day supper, Mother’s Day lobster roll lunches, and Fathers Day cookouts which served those who otherwise might not have had any social time with others during covid. Every meal paid for itself due to the participants’ spontaneous offers to donate.

(5) SIA has cared for many islanders who had special needs because of Covid; all who have asked for needed assistance have received it.

(6) Funding for kids who were in need of additional learning assistance through IT help and other creative means. The SIA awarded them for their perseverance and maturity

We want your engagement

We hope that you will keep track of these efforts through our website and very active new Facebook page which has had a reach of over 500 persons.

Thank you for your membership - “SOUTHPORT STRONG!”

On behalf of the Board, Alice Neily Mutch, President

Southport Island Association

2020-2021 Donations

Helping Hands Educational Grants

Pandemic Relief Christmas Gifts

Ambulance Fund Community Resources Council Harbor Theater Southport Central School

New Hope for Women Life Flight

Food Pantry District Nurse

Community Center Y Arts and Y Camp

Rebuilding Together Keepers of Burnt Island Light

Friends of Cuckolds Light Southport Lights Up

2020 Annual Gifts $37,760

2021 Annual Gifts to date $50,989

In April of 2020, four very generous donors started our Pandemic Relief Fund. We have received over $32,000 in donations to that fund. To date we have disbursed almost $17,500 of that to address needs in the community caused by the economic effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. We want to thank all our donors for their generosity in helping island residents navigate these uncertain and somewhat unpredictable times. Any funds that remain unused when conditions return to normal will be transferred to our regular Helping Hands program.

SOUTHPORT ISLAND ASSOCIATION

Saturday, August 14, 1-3pm

Burke Island Horse Farm

TALKING WITH HORSES

Kristen Long, Horse Whisperer, Southporter,

student at Univ of Edinburgh in Equine science

RESERVED FOR THE FIRST 10 YOUTH CALLERS

RESERVATION / QUESTIONS 410 353 3861

CAN’T MAKE THIS DATE?

REGISTER INTEREST FOR ANOTHER TIME

SAME PROGRAM

Come learn about how horses speak to us – and how we can speak with them! I have never met more sensitive, empathetic, kind, and gentle animals than horses. They truly can see right through us, sense our energy, and understand what we need of them.

On this trip, you’ll meet Jessie, one of my horses whom I have now owned for a little over a year. Miss Jess was starving and injured when I first brought her home – she has come a long way, but still has a long way to go on her healing journey. In spite of all she’s been through, she is the sweetest lady I know, absolutely loves people, and holds no grudges.

Together, we’ll learn some horsecare basics – we’ll give her a good brush, and then we’ll all have an opportunity to participate in a fun training activity where you can learn how I communicate with her, and begin to build a bond of cooperation and trust. All you need to bring is YOU – and a good pair of closed-toed shoes. We hope to see you there!

SOUTHPORT ISLAND ASSOCIATION SPONSORS FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

8:30 am

Southport Library

Gather at the SP Library at 8:30 for coffee and treats and meet the Grand Marshall.

The SP Fire Department will participate and handle traffic.

The parade will kick off at 9:00 from the Town Landing with cars/floats in the front and bikes/walkers following.

The parade route is the same as past years and will pass by the library, circle through the Newagen and return to the library. Chair will be spaced to encourage social distancing and masks are available if requested. Everything should conclude by 9:30/9:45.

FATHERS’ DAY COOKOUT

SOUTHPORT ISLAND ASSOCIATION

FREE

SPONSORED BY NEWEGEN INN

June 19^th 12 noon to 2pm

Southport School

Hamburgers And Hotdogs

While They Last……

Open to anyone who brings a father figure.

NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED

Donations Accepted

SOUTHPORT SPROUTS!

The SIA will be hosting a special program “Southport Sprouts” on Saturday June 12 from 9 – 11 at the Southport School parking lot. We will be distributing 60 starter kits of vegetable and herb seedlings free of charge. Also, there will be a representative from CMBG Irene Barber who will give a presentation on caring for the seedlings. This is a new initiative to encourage Southporters to develop an interest in gardening and growing vegetables. The kits will be given out on a first come basis. If you’d like to receive a kit, please contact Sharma Schacknow at 561-876-5151 or sharmajschacknow@earthlink.net to reserve your seedlings.

SOUTHPORT ISLAND ASSOCIATION

May 16^th 1-3pm

Burke Island Horse Farm

TALKING WITH HORSES

Kristin Long, Horse Whisperer, Southporter,

student at Univ of Edinburgh in Equine science

RESERVED FOR 10 YOUTH

QUESTIONS? 410 353 3861

CAN’T MAKE THIS DATE?

REGISTER FOR AUGUST 1^ST

SAME PROGRAM

Come learn about how horses speak to us – and how we can speak with them! I have never met more sensitive, empathetic, kind, and gentle animals than horses. They truly can see right through us, sense our energy, and understand what we need of them.

On this trip, you’ll meet Jessie, one of my horses whom I have now owned for a little over a year. Miss Jess was starving and injured when I first brought her home – she has come a long way, but still has a long way to go on her healing journey. In spite of all she’s been through, she is the sweetest lady I know, absolutely loves people, and holds no grudges.

Together, we’ll learn some horsecare basics – we’ll give her a good brush, and then we’ll all have an opportunity to participate in a fun training activity where you can learn how I communicate with her, and begin to build a bond of cooperation and trust. All you need to bring is YOU – and a good pair of closed-toed shoes. We hope to see you there!

THANK YOU SOUTHPORT MOTHERS

ONCE A MOTHER, ALWAYS A MOTHER

DON’T BE SHY; WE HAVE ROOM FOR YOUR RESERVATION SO CALL NOW!

Get the women together and have a picnic!

Men, your wife or mother will be unhappy if you don’t sign up and take her the lunch!

“ If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”

We celebrate all of you!

with one complimentary lobster roll lunch takeaway

Saturday, May 8th 11am -12 noon

Drive Thru at Town Hall

RESERVE at 207 633 3546 by May 5^th (limited to 75 mothers)

We Care! We thank you!

Southport Island Association

Sponsors:

Robinson’s Wharf, Sweet Dreams Bakery and SIA

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS - SOUTHPORT STRONG

What’s wrong with success, good food, great cooks, perfect publicity, and heart felt notes to each recipient of a traditional Irish supper? ………………….Nothing!

The reason for this second pick up free supper was to thank our neighbors for being great neighbors during this tough year and into the future. It was lots of fun to see old neighbors and meet new ones as they drove through to pick up their suppers.

Many thanks go to a great team of volunteers from the SP Fire Department, kiddos from our school, General Store, members of the SIA Brenda Tibbetts and Connie Heroy, and especially, Master of organization, Co chair Sandra Seifert.

The Firemen under the leadership were excellent cooks, to say the least, under the Boss, Matt Thibault, and Chief Gerry Gamage, Geoff Chatterton, Mike Buckley, and Dalton Tibbetts. They were great sports and helped the rest of us prepare suppers for 75 Southporters.

Yes, at noon we fed the firemen our own personally home cooked version of the supper whilst they “cooked away” amidst the snowfall and enjoyed each other’s jovial company.

Southport Island Board members Maddie Kayler, Carole Zalucky, Emily Hurd, Laura Blake and Past Presidents Media Harris and Gardiner Rapelye get special recognition for their skills, including washing the town hall floor with Gerry.

The funds received go to our longstanding Helping Hands operated by Carole Zalucky. Let your neighbors know that any Southporter who needs a helping hand of any kind is asked to make a confidential call to Carole at 207 841 0577. That might mean funds, grocery store rides, fuel, medical equipment, computer help, furniture, or a leaf cleanup – you name it and we’ll try to help.

Southport Island Association is up to some Irish good mischief!

“SHARE SOME BLARNEY SUPPER”

Southport Island Association is partnering with the Southport Fire Department to thank residents for being good neighbors by offering a second drive thru supper for Southport residents.

On Sunday, March 14^th between 4pm and 6 pm, residents may pick up a complete corn beef and cabbage dinner, cooked by the Fire Department, to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Once again, SIA is lucky to have the participation of Nancy Long from the Southport General Store, Marie Kelly from Sweet Dreams Bakery, SIA member Brenda Tibbetts, the SIA board, and the special contributions of Southport Fire Department Chef Matt Thibault, and cooks Gerry Gamage, Dalton Tibbetts, and Geoff Chatterton.

This meal is free, but contributions will be accepted to help with SIA’s program Helping Hands.

To order a meal or meals for your family, please call Sandra Seifert at 207 633-3546. There will be 75 dinners available. Pick-up time will be from 4-6 pm at the Town Hall on Sunday, March 14^th. Delivery can also be made to your home if needed. Please join us in another good cheer event.

SIA WINTER WALK - February 6, 2021

From 3 years to 93 years young we celebrated youth families and neighbors on Southport. Southport Island Association hosted the day to give everyone a safe and healthy “breather”. The kiddos led the alpacas with help from owners of Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm, Ann Gobes and Mike Ciccarelli. Thanks to them and our leaders Sandra Seifert, Laura Blake, and Geoff Chatterton.

Alice Neily Mutch

Click here to see more images of the 2021 SIA Winter Walk!

"LOVE and LASAGNA FOR SOUTHPORT RESIDENTS " February 14th

SIA BOARD SERVES VALENTINE DINNERS TO 60 RESIDENTS - A HUGE SURPRISE AND SUCCESS

A message from a recipient of her surprise Valentine’s dinner:

“ There is so much love on this island; one manifestation, the Valentine dinner and precious card.”

Joyce Marshall

The Love and Lasagna Event was a big success and a BIG THANK YOU to every person who helped make this a heart warming event.

Thank you to the Town of Southport for providing a safe, convenient place for us to distribute the 60 delicious meals.

Val Gamage took charge of the event and did an outstanding job of making many feel loved.

Val says:

“Our volunteers were invaluable in sharing the chores and spreading the love, too! In no particular order, our 2021 Valentine Cupids were: Nancy Long and the Southport General Store, Maria Kelly from Sweet Dreams Bakery, Brenda Tibbetts, Alice Mutch, Nancy Long, Carole Zalucky, Sandra Seifert, Marie Kelly, Mabel Kaler, Emily Hurd, Maddie Kaler, Connie Heroy, Andy Mutch, Jen Britton and the Southport Memorial Library, Laura Blake, Kit and Leigh Sherrill, Shawn Lewin, and Tom Blake.

Thank you to each person who donated to the event. The Association is working hard for all our Island Neighbors! “