News has continued on Southport Island, but your scribe and her backups have all either been away or otherwise occupied. I hope you missed us.

Husband, Kit, my sister, Peggy, and I journeyed first to Princeton, New Jersey, for a family memorial service, then on to Port St. Lucie, Florida, to inter my mother's ashes, and then, since we were in Florida, the weather was warm, and the sun was shining, we decided to continue on to the Keys for a week of exploration and warming our bones. We were amused, especially on Friday, February 22, to overhear so many cell phone conversations on the beach and in a waterside café with friends and family back north who were digging out of the snow storm while the caller was lolling in the sun. Since we do not have a cell phone, we did not torment our friends.

Arriving home late last Tuesday we discovered that `yes' the snow was still here and still falling from time to time, and that many people had the flu. Rumor has it that this year's flu shot missed its mark, so even those who tried to be careful are falling ill.

About 75 Southport citizens were well enough and interested enough to attend the annual town meeting when it reconvened at 7:30 p.m. Monday night, March 3 at the Town Hall (See full story on page 1). During the day's meeting Kit Sherrill was sworn in as moderator, Gerry Gamage, Susan Domeyer, and Anita Sherman were elected unopposed to the offices of Selectman, School Committee, and Town Treasurer respectively with about 54 votes cast.

Again, I am impressed by the smooth functioning of our town, made so by the many hours contributed by dedicated people. As in any participatory democracy, we can complain about this or that, but to keep the tasks of governance going takes thought, hours of effort, and expertise. To change direction or to create something new takes even more thought, hours of effort, and expertise. Thanks from all of us to those who serve our town.

The Witch Hazel Bush at the Library is serving our town by blooming amidst the snow and cold and greeting the pre-school children as they arrived last Tuesday for a Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss organized by Kathy Barter.

Peter Doelp, the new library trustee, and Tom Lally are finding more blossoms on their second annual trek to Florida to enjoy sessions of the Red Sox's spring training while seeking libations and sustenance at Hooters.

The next opportunity for an island gathering will be Wednesday, March 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will include an Irish Potluck Supper, provided by the good library cooks, followed by a presentation titled "Women at Little Good Harbor - Photographing and Writing of the Maine Coast in the late 19 th and early 20 th Century." Our guest speaker will be Libby Bischof from the History Department at the University of Southern Maine. Everyone is welcome.