I think it was Gerry I spotted up on a lift just over the Thompson Bridge hanging the flags that honor Southport Veterans. Many thanks, Gerry and thanks to Jim Singer who spearheaded the project and Sarah Sherman McGrail who helped spread the word. Look for more banners to appear around the island showing a picture and the name of our veterans.

Concerns about water quality and water quantity on Southport were part of the discussion at the third meeting hosted by the Southport Climate Action Team for citizens of Southport to share their ideas for making our island more climate resilient. As we know, town water is shut off for most of the island on the third Thursday of October, which this year is Oct. 19. That means those of us who use our houses year round must have a well. A number of people are concerned that with sea level rise, their wells may experience salt water intrusion. So one way to make our island more climate resilient, would be to extend town water to more island residents. Such a plan is already being developed, not to make town water available to the whole island, but to extend the piping from the town center, around Newagen, and a short way north on Route 238. Many other ideas and concerns were voiced during break out sessions, such as public safety during fires and floods, electric grid reliability, identifying those citizens who may need help during an emergency, and mosquito control. Solutions discussed were creating a network for citizen communication in case of emergency, performing a vulnerability assessment, water source and shoreline protection, establish a stakeholder group, etc.

Nick Hurd noted that we need to collect data on these topics so we can make good decisions.The next steps will be for the selectmen, based on the citizens’ suggestions and concerns, to choose two to six priorities to include in the application for grant money, $62,000 of which can be available from the state to Southport if we work with the town of Boothbay. If we apply alone, the money available is $50,000. The deadline for this application is March. Many thanks to Southport Climate Action Team: Smith Climo, representing the selectmen, Claire Tomlin, Ella Long, Kathy Jacobs, representing the citizens of Southport, Shri Verrill, a Service Provider, and Jessica Brunacini, who facilitated the connection by Zoom. About 30 people in all attended the meeting.

Although not on the agenda at the meeting discussed above, the situation during the repair of the Southport bridge became an issue during the climate action meeting. Logan Poirier, from Cianbro, had reported on the repair plans during last week’s selectmen’s meeting. Cianbro workers have been busy preparing for their bridge work, creating office space in two concert structures, one set on top of the other, and a rebuilt cabin that will be used as a warming structure. Both structures are across from Robinson’s Wharf. Although outdoor construction is often changed or delayed due to a variety of factors, the plan currently, according, to Mr. Poirier, is to begin work onsite Oct. 23 with initial balancing to be done at night. Temporary traffic signals will be set in place to control one lane traffic for pedestrians and vehicles. The plan is to start work on the north side and then switch to the south side in the summer of 2024. No passage for marine traffic under the bridge is expected to be mandated Nov. 13 until March 15, although later Mr Poirier said the bridge would make no openings from Nov. 2 through April 15. Department of Transportation has planned a meeting with mariners for Oct. 16 and is working with Cianbro to set up safety zones.

During the Selectmen’s meeting representatives from the Emergency responders, the fire departments, and the police department voiced questions about access during bridge closures. They were also concerned about the width allowed for the single lane traffic and pedestrian space. Communication between the construction folks and those whose task is to respond to emergencies all agreed will be vital. Some statistics that I think I have correctly is that the travel lane is currently planned to be11 feet wide, and 30 tons will continue to be the weight limit. A suggestion was made to have a meeting for the public to ask questions and learn the plans.

Remember that another opportunity for community discussion, this time to discuss short term rentals will be Oct. 23, and 30, at the Southport Town Hall beginning at 6 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person, an online survey has been created to gather your thoughts on the issue - https://form.jotform.com/232644334029049.

Also coming up you can get your annual flu shot at the Southport Town Hall on Oct. 19 from 3:30 through 5:30 p.m. This flu clinic has been organized by the Southport Island Association, in conjunction with Nathan's Pharmacy, All are welcome. Email the SIA at southportislandassociation@gmail.com with any questions.

Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Southport Memorial Library will be the next author’s talk. Adam White, who grew up in Damariscotta, will talk about his recent book, a novel titled “The Midcoast,” set in Damariscotta. It is the story of a family of lobstermen who skyrocket from poverty to wealth, a local writer obsessed with their rise, and the small-town secrets that bind them all together. The author now lives with his wife and son in Boston where he teaches writing and coaches lacrosse. He holds an MFA from Columbia University.

We have an opportunity to learn more of our history by joining the Friends of the Southport Historical Society (FSHS) on Nov. 12 for a trip to the The Public Theater in Lewiston is offering three performances of “My Witch: The Margaret Hamilton Stories,” featuring Jean Tafler in a one woman show. Tafler, as Hamilton, will take the audience on a trip from Hamilton’s home on Southport, sharing stories of her career and anecdotes from The Wizard of Oz along the way. Performances are at 7 p.m.on Friday the 10th, 3 p.m., Saturday the 11th, and 2 p.m. on Sunday the 12th. Tickets are $33 per person, but $25 per person for groups of 10 or more.If you are interested in joining your friends and neighbors to take advantage of the group rate, please call Carole Zalucky at 207-841-0577 or Anne Vartabedian at 633-6807 to reserve your spot for the Nov. 12, 2 p.m. matinee. Deadline for the group reservation is Oct. 20. To guarantee your seat, please be prepared to provide a check in the amount of $25, payable to FSHS, by that date.When you call, let us know if you will need a ride to the performance or if you can provide a ride to someone else so we can set up carpools for the day of the event. Final information about carpools will be forthcoming.