Tuesday the 22nd officially brings the season of autumn, but signs have been around the island for a few weeks. Shorter days, changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and now, no ospreys sitting on the nests where we have grown used to seeing them. The winterberry shrubs are becoming showier as their berries turn from green to red and the canopy that has brought us shade during the hot summer days is thinning as the leaves dancingly descend. It also seems to be the season of the spider, so many webs whose fine threads become visible on those misty, mornings, among the grasses, in the trees, and around the dormers. Orb weavers, wolf spiders, long legs, and many more of varied sizes. Also around, a host of caterpillars, beware of most of the fuzzy ones, they can cause a fair bit of discomfort, if you come in contact with them. The water around us has been hovering around 57-60 degrees, good for swimming and dipping, while at the beach you might see the Little Dippers reveling in the chill, perhaps you might want to join this healthful and community rich group, some food for thought.

If the chill is not for you maybe it is time to think about creating some warm sweaters, shawls, scarves, to create those comforting layers. A good place for this is the Southport Community Knitting Group which meets on Wednesdays in The Barn, 443 Hendricks Hill Road, from 2 to 4 p.m. It is open to beginners and accomplished knitters alike, free and a way to share some time with others that enjoy the fiber arts. The Barn is also the location of the next Fused Glass Workshop being held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. I mention this early because you would need to register and these workshops fill up quickly. During this one you will be able to create three Christmas Glass Fusion ornaments in shapes, sizes and designs of your choice while learning different techniques. Your pieces will be fired in the instructor’s kiln and ready for pick up one week after class. For more information go to: southportgeneralstore.com

Another place to see friends and neighbors is the Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, the southern tip of the island. Every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. all are welcome to sit at the Coffee Table, which has been around for decades and still brings people together for laughter and conversation over a hot beverage and a sweet treat, join in the fun. Also, on Thursdays you might want to get involved with the Mah Jongg group that meets from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your own tiles if you have them. While there take in the current exhibit of works by artist Suzanne Stokes, a professor of art in New Paltz, New York, who resides both there and Boothbay Harbor. She is known for her printmaking, papermaking, and embossing work. She experiments with new techniques to explore the vast energy of the ocean and nature and incorporates seaweed in some of her creations. Show is through October.

A few deadlines. One from the Southport harbor master. Any applicant currently on the mooring wait list must submit a written request annually to the harbor master to remain on the wait list. If you are applicable, please submit your request by Sept. 30. Requests should be submitted to southportharbormaster@gmail.com

Oct. 15 is scheduled for seasonal water shut off on Southport; that does mean the actual end of summer here, despite the first day of autumn being this week.

The last big deadline is taxes being due on Sept. 30. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Monday evenings 6-8.

Just in, The Pub at the Newagen Seaside Inn will be closed all day this coming Friday, Sept. 25 -- some happy couple will be wed.

This past Saturday was the auction day for the last big ticket item of the Southport Fireman’s Auction. I do not have many details, but apparently only one bidder arrived and they got it for “a steal.” If it was not you but you would still like to support the fire department, you can make a donation directly to them, or stop by Southport Island Treasures Thrift Shop where Angel is collecting donations for them all month. The hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and you get the added bonus of being able to sign up for the free raffle and can browse through all the new items that might suit your needs and wants, so a win-win.

Lastly, one more thing to consider is this tip from Pete Rogers, director of Maine Emergency Management Agency, and Jarrett W. Devine, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 1. This September, take one concrete step toward storm preparedness. Make the plan. Sign up for alerts. Check the batteries. Set aside supplies for your family and pets. Call a neighbor. Visit Ready.gov/stand-ready for free tools and checklists. 

On that note, get out and enjoy the glorious days that have been coming our way, even the rainy ones, for they are needed. Nature is restorative and a gift to be soaked in and tended, be a good steward this week and May Peace Be With You All.