The windy month of November is over, the wind had the smell of snow in it, but that is yet to come, perhaps Tuesday. The winter skies are present, clear, bedecked with the shimmer of stars, we are fortunate not to have a lot of light pollution this time of year, so the milky way is all the more present and stunning.  Walks all around the island roads and through my woods have verified that this was almost an acornless season, many pine cones, but nothing from the oaks, there will be some hunger deer among our shrubs.  Despite the brisk wind it was a beautiful day to put up the lights around Southport, not a lot of helpers, but steadfast ones with community at heart. With community in mind, let us embark on the news of events that you might want to attend or cannot miss.

To begin with we have Deck The Halls, not just the halls, but the entire Southport Memorial Library. So come on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. To fortify all your good cheer while decorating along with your entire family, you can enjoy some delightful hot cocoa and perhaps sneak a cookie of two. If you would like to join in the fun but are not keen on driving in the dark, call the library at 1-207-633-2741 and ask about transportation to the event. There are two volunteers at this point willing to pick you up and deliver you home.

While you are there, please remember the Library Food Drive, a basket for collections is under the front table and all items will benefit the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. No one should go hungry, or be food insecure, so please feel charitable and consider a donation. 

Remaining with the library despite the nonsequential days of events, do not forget about the Wine and Wrapping on the 11th of December, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is your chance to wrap your packages with friends you know and others that may become friends, along with some libation. An opportunity to be far from the prying eyes and “nosies” in your family, you know who they are, peeking and rattling boxes, you can really keep the surprises this year, all you need is to bring your gifts and your own wrapping paper, there will be trimmings available and ample tape. It should be a fun event. Once again, if you should need a ride, call the number above and speak to the librarians. If those evening events are not for you, remember the library coffee table meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, congregating begins around 10 a.m.; coffee is free and there is almost always a sweet treat, check out the FB page to see what might be on the table.

Now let us get back in order with our dates, this one is extra special, an entire community event, not to be missed, Southport Lights Up, Friday, Dec. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. at the General Store. Join your neighbors for caroling as all await the flip of the switch that brings the magic of lights, and the arrival of Santa Claus, all while enjoying some delicious treats. A big thanks goes to the Southport Island Association and the General Store for helping us kick off the holidays.

We move further into the season on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. when the Southport Methodist Church, 372 Hendricks Hill Road invites you to a Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols with special music by Mary Miller and Choir. Light refreshments will follow the performance which is open to all, and free, though donations are appreciated. 

The last item is not an event but involves many here on Southport and many across the bridge. It is a thank-you from Betsy Thibault to all who have been helpful and kind to her thus far as she navigates the changes in her life. Her recovery is underway and she is looking forward to receiving her first prosthetic leg in December. A fundraising campaign is now in place to help give her back some mobility, additional independence, and broaden her access to things she might need in the area, by modifying her van. An account has been set up at First Bank in Boothbay Harbor, the one by the Time and Temperature sign. The bank staff will handle any donations that any of you might wish to make toward this effort, simply give them Betsy’s name and they will take care of the rest for you. If monetary support is not something you can or want to give, she is very appreciative of calls, cards, or a visit. During the season of giving, we strive to give what we can.

That wraps up this week. A bit of a gloomy kind of day, but the first candle is lit, so, could not resist going up into the eaves and bringing out the tiny pre-lit tree and giving it a bit of a festive touch. I am enchanted by the twinkle and sparkle of light, from the celestial objects in our night sky to the flicker of a single wick, a sense of wonder always washes over me, a feeling I am grateful for. Keep well, do not allow the hustle and to do lists overwhelm you, be generous, however you can, give grace to yourself and others and May Peace Be With You.