If it was not for the thick layer of brown leaves on the ground and the sound of more dropping through the almost bare trees, you might have mistaken the last few days for spring rather than fall with warm temperatures and the sun, when out, still strong, not just the pale light of the late months. Upon opening the door today, a wave of warm humidity hit, the sort that fills your lungs and coats every surface, not unusual for land surrounded by water, but odd nonetheless. Gone are the blazing colors, just deep greens of pines and firs, mighty silhouettes of denuded deciduous woods, revealing texture, color and structure, stunning in their still sparseness.

The upcoming week will not be still, you will have options, but before we get to those, let us speak about the road construction on the West side, 27, or Hendricks Hill Road, however you refer to it, it has been a topic of conversation almost everywhere you try to go.

According to the selectmen, the end date for this portion of the project is Sunday, Nov. 15. Should that deadline not be met, Hagar would bear financial consequences. The road will be paved for the winter months to allow plowing, smoother driving and access, but will be torn up again in the spring. Please know that emergency personnel are kept abreast of which portions of the road are inaccessible and contingency plans are in place to deliver services should they be needed. To speak to the selectmen, call to schedule an appointment, or simply drop in to one of their meetings, held at Town Hall, Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Emergency General Assistance instances should call (207) 631-1547.

Southport Island Treasures, 608 Hendricks Hill Road, was closed for a few days due to the construction but you can to get there this week and it is well worth a visit Monday-Saturday 10-4. Marsha Gamage won the fall potholders and $20 gift card; you could win holiday themed potholders with a $20 gift card for November to be drawn Dec 1. if you fill out the no purchase necessary raffle ticket during your visit. There are many Christmas items, bags, ribbon, boxes, tins and décor as well as all the other items that would make perfect gifts, or make your day. Angel is collecting for Southport’s gravestone restoration which continues to do amazing work repairing and cleaning the stones, a lovely way to honor the families and history that have made this place special.

The Southport Memorial Library will be busy this week. Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. on, you are invited to the coffee table; current topics, old tales, tasty treats, grab a chair and enjoy. Also on Thursday, 2-4 play Mah Jongg, tiles and cards are available, but if you have your own, bring them.  

Wednesday 11/11 please gather for the Southport Library Veterans Day Ceremony.  10:45-12:45. Join your friends and neighbors for remembrance, fellowship and guest speaker, VFW Department of Maine State Surgeon Brad Drummond who grew up in Boothbay Harbor, attended Boothbay High graduating in 1988, after which he entered the army and joined the 82nd Airborne division where he was a paratrooper. He was involved in Operation Just Cause in Panama and later in Desert Shield in Kuwait then came home and raised two boys in Boothbay. There will be refreshments and the Veterans’ Slide Show after the ceremony.

The Midcoast Fiber Artists show just opened at the library and runs through December. This group incorporates their love of color, form and texture in their art. Inspiration is drawn from floral, fauna, wildlife and our locale. Techniques on display include rug hooking, weaving, felting and needlework with both traditional and modern interpretations, all are amazing and will awe you and make you smile. 

The Community Knitting Group meets each Wednesday from 2-4, in the dining room of the General Store. Sign up, while there or online, for the holiday plate fused glass workshop to be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, 10-noon. Remember that the Store continues to offer delicious fare and they can assist with your Thanksgiving meal letting you relax and enjoy your guests. Their pre-order opens next week on their website, southportgeneralstore.com  

Robinson’s Wharf is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-8 with live music on Fridays from 5-8. Shark Bait will get you rocking Nov. 13. Enjoy the food, company and stellar crew; their last day is Nov. 28.

As we enter the season to be grateful and giving the Southport United Methodist Church is hosting a Lincoln County Toys for Tots collection. A collection box will be outside on the church porch each Sunday from 8-4 Nov. 15 through Dec. 13. You can also find collection boxes at the Library and the Town Office during their regular hours. A new unwrapped toy continues to be the request. In addition, there is a need for teenagers. A “Teen Gift Wish List” is available on their FB page and can be found at each collection box and the public bulletin boards at the general store and post office.

This dark, rainy day has sent my furry friends into deep sleep mode while the feathered ones are not deterred, feeders remain busy. Such a day reminds me that winter months do not agree with all, they miss the light, so if you can, be someone’s beacon this week and May Peace Be With You All.