A couple of important notes about the work and signs on the Southport Bridge. Traffic lights now direct us to stop and to cross the bridge. They are activated by a plate embedded in the road, so if you are first in line in front of the red light, be sure you pull your car to the white marker on the road. Otherwise the light will not change. At the times the lighted sign indicates the bridge is closed, know that it is closed for 10-minute intervals, so you will be able to cross, but will have to wait longer than when the bridge is not closed. The bridge will not be closed again for some time says the workman with whom I talked today, Nov. 13.

At the Selectmen’s meeting last Wednesday Eden Climo, representing the Southport Island Association, explained what she has done so far to find helpers to hang the Christmas decorations since Wayne Closson’s Landscape business, which for many years has hung the Christmas decorations on public buildings and businesses around Southport and erected the lighted figures around the pond on school grounds, is no longer operating. Head Selectman, Gerry Gamage offered to help as did Finn Carroll, Adam Harkins and Tim Wilcox. Dec. 2 is planned as the “Lights Up,” perhaps with some Christmas caroling. Thanks to SIA and all the helpers who will continue to brighten our island during the darkest season.

Also at the meeting was Mr. Thompson, who wanted to discuss the job of inspector for buildings, plumbing, and code enforcement since Jim Gagnon, who has done this job for some time, is stepping down. Skip Simonds, Planning Board chair, attended the meeting and explained to the Selectmen the information the committee leading discussion on short-term rentals has gathered, and indicated a printed copy of this report will be forthcoming. Skip also suggested that the town should create a system to grant permits for blasting on the island. A public meeting on this issue is being planned for December.

The annual Veterans Day Observance at the Southport Memorial Library held on Nov. 11 was very well attended. Jane Mulholland was the moderator with Tim Hanley lowering and raising the flag, the Reverend Bob Dent giving the opening prayer and later playing “Taps,” Barclay Shepard reading “In Flanders Field,” Gerry Gamage leading the singing, and Michael William Emery telling the story of his uncle who died aboard the ship, Indianapolis, which was sunk toward the very end of the war. He described the depth of sadness a family suffers when a member is killed in war. Gerry then read the names of those service members who died in the past year. Jim Singer explained the Veterans Banner Project and showed the slides he has gathered of current veterans on the peninsula as well as those deceased. If you missed the ceremony you can watch the it on BRCTV - channels 7 and 1301.

Two carloads of women, most from Southport, attended a one woman show at a the Public Theater in Lewiston last Sunday afternoon. The show, called “My Witch,” is the story of the life of Margaret Hamilton whose son, Hamilton Merserve, still lives here with his wife, Helen, and whose adult children now own the house and the island off the coast of Newagen where Margaret Hamilton lived for many years. Actress Jean Tafler plays Margaret Hamilton, and the script was written by John Ahlin. The online information about the show describes it as an “amazing tale of how a gentle kindergarten teacher from Cleveland became one of America’s favorite character actresses and scared the living daylights out of every one of us.” One interesting “takeaway” for me is that the script says the movie was not well attended until television became available because it scared children too badly. Once a child could sit on a parent’s lap and watch the show on TV, they loved it. I am sure the script brought up many memories for Ham.

Below freezing temperatures have finally come at night and early morning, but bright sun has warmed us up a bit during the day.

Robinson’s Wharf remains open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. so with “Boothbay Lights” and “Gardens Aglow” we still have things to do and places to go.