We remain in what is termed severe drought. This is brought on by having only about 50% of our normal precipitation, about five inches the entire summer, often more than 11” will fall.  It is true, everyone has loved it, you cannot complain about the clear blue skies, pleasant temperatures, and now the sun setting the brilliant colors of the trees into an illuminated state.  Despite the heavy dew of the morning, the woods are extremely dry and susceptible to fire, so let us be careful.  

The final and generous bid for the watercolor by Cecile Clifford of Old Southport was cast at the Southport Memorial Library last Saturday afternoon. Sally Eastwood is now the pleased owner of this lovely piece; it is so nice that it will remain on Southport, and that all the proceeds will go directly to the libraryfor them to continue to offer programs and member benefits throughout the year. One of these is making tickets available for The Portland Museum of Art, The Farnsworth Museum, The Maine Maritime Museum, and during the season, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. These tickets will allow you free entry. If you are interested, just choose your date and speak with the librarians;it is that simple. 

Last Thursday the talk by Paul Zalucky, and guest speaker Jessie, an International Legionnaire at Town Hall was well attended. About 40 people came and received insight into the ongoing war in Ukraine, got answers to questions they had, and heard about ways that they could contribute to charitable foundations.  The Soloma Cats help defenders, rescuers, and civilians with a focus on tactical medicine and demining.  For more information you can go to https://kittysoloma.org/en/. Help Ukraine 22 Operation Palyanytsyais a humanitarian aid effort created to fill gaps in immediate assistance for Ukrainians in need, providing shelter, humanitarian supplies, helping to evacuate mothers and children, the sick and disabled and others from conflict areas and helping Ukrainians to rebuild their lives.  If you are interested in this aid effort, go to www.helpukraine22.org.

As mentioned last week, Southport Central School is working on monthly events that reach out to and include their community. More information will be available next week, but mark your calendar for Friday, Oct. 31, and plan to be at the event on the school grounds.  Apples will be part of the fun, and there is talk of doughnuts as well. 

The beautiful blooms of the island have mostly gone to seed, promising a resurgence in the spring and summer, next in line are the berries of red. Rose hips of many varieties, big, small, bright red to maroon plumpbits,a few that can be made into teas and jams, some just part of the bramble at the side of the road. It is the winterberry that is the most astounding, a deciduous holly shrub that shows its red berries well into the winter and provides food for the birds. They are not edible to us, or pets, but they are a lifeline for our feathered friends.Gradually they will get plucked until other food sources are available. They are stunning and despite the drought and liking their feet wet, they are doing well. I hope you are all doing well too. 

Until next week, May Peace Be With You All.