Two deaths out of time have saddened island families recently. Ron and Ralva Orchard lost their granddaughter and Marie and James Kelley their daughter, Rachel M. Kelley, age 31 on November 12. Rachel’s obituary was in this paper on November 14. Rachel was a graduate of Boothbay Region High School and a student at the University of Maine in Augusta. Diagnosed with sleep apnea, Rachel did not always wear her breathing mask at night, so perhaps the hiatus in breathing that this condition causes was responsible for her death.

The Daniels and Hawley families are deeply saddened by the death of Christopher Daniels at home in Parker, Colorado on November 29. Chris is the son of Peter and Joan Daniels of Dogfish Head and nephew of Jean and Charles (Bud) Hawley of “Highrock” on Southport’s east side. He had been fighting brain cancer for the past two years.

Last summer Chris was able to visit on Southport to see family and friends and to sail again on the Sheepscot River where he had learned to sail as a boy in the Southport Yacht Club. Serving with distinction as a United States Marshall for 20 years, he retired as a Senior Inspector in 2013. He leaves his wife, Shannon, and his 6-year-old son, Brendon. Please look for a complete obituary elsewhere in this paper. A service will be planned this coming summer during a gathering of his family.

The Christmas season on Southport came into full swing last Friday night as over 90 people attended a Christmas Lighting Celebration at the Southport General Store. After brief opening remarks by Southport Island Association (SIA) President Matt Cole, a group of Southport School students sang several traditional holiday songs accompanied on guitar by Shawn Gallagher. Then the lighted animated figures by the pond and the store magically came on — to the crowds’ rousing ovation.

Southport's buildings are again lighted thanks to the coordination efforts of the Southport Methodist Church. The excitement of the children in attendance reached a fever pitch when one of Southport's fire engines approached the store, but no Santa was on it. Suddenly out of the darkness the roar of a bright red motorcycle was heard and the “Ho Ho Ho's” of Santa filled the night air. After Santa led all those in attendance with a rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” he distributed gift goody bags to the children.

Following Santa’s departure everyone adjourned inside the store for pizza slices, mulled cider, coffee, cocoa and homemade holiday cookies. With hot pizza continuing to fly out of the oven and onto the counter, people ate their fill. Special thanks to Wayne Closson and his crew for installing and maintaining the lights, to Janet, Oliver and the rest of the Southport Store crew, the Fire Department, the Southport Methodist Church, the Southport School and the Southport Island Association for starting a new tradition, which is now scheduled to become an annual event. You can see a picture of people gathered in the store parking lot and of other Christmas fun at the store on the store’s Facebook page.

The Southport Methodist Church as packed Sunday evening as we first enjoyed hot soup, fresh rolls and homemade cookies. Then we settled into the pews for a traditional “Lessons and Carols” service ending with many in the congregation joining the choir to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” The music interspersed with biblical readings of the Christmas story reminded us that the ancient use of light in the darkest season of the year is only one aspect of the story, the secular aspect. Those of us following the Christian faith know this season also as the one in which the love of God became incarnate in the person Jesus, whose life shines as an example for us as we make our way in this world.

Another opportunity to sing and hear carols will be Sunday, Dec. 22. The “Southport Singers” will gather at the school at 4:30 p.m. to serenade neighbors at home on the island. Following their travels the singers will adjourn for a potluck supper at the Cullinas. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a musical visit, or if you want to join the singing, please contact Melissa Cullina at mcullina@gmail.com or Tanya Thibault at tanya001@roadrunner.com. Due to transportation arrangements, 30 singers is the limit.

As Christmas approaches, we will have two opportunities on Southport to mark the birth of Jesus in congregational worship. The Southport Methodist Church will offer a service of worship at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All Saints by-the-Sea, the summer chapel on the water off Route 238, will open for a service at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, weather permitting access via the road and path. This building is not heated so be sure to wear layers of warm clothing.

The Southport Memorial Library had a very successful arts and craft show last Friday and Saturday, but there are still a few crafts available. The tree the library donated to the Festival of Trees, titled “Maine Made Christmas” was bought by Penny Thumith. Thanks, Penny.

Christmas on Mars seems an exciting topic perhaps for a school play, but instead it describes the real life adventure of Southporters Joyce and Donald Duncan, who, due to the involvement of some of Joyce’s family, were invited to the Kennedy Space Center for the launch of the module sent up to orbit this red planet. Standing about five miles away they could easily see the fiery launch and feel the intense excitement in the crowd around them. Although they will remain firmly on earth, their names were placed on a flash drive in the module so the Martians will be sure to look them up when they come to Southport. I will work to get more details on this adventure to add to the tale next week.

We are grateful Roger Roche is home and much better after a visit to Maine Med.