Despite the grayness of the day, there is still a wonderous golden glow emitted by the many trees, and brilliant reds from sumac and blueberry shrubs in the lower stories;fall is truly stunning.Some beneficial rain has fallen, even unexpected hailand more is on the way, perhaps not the hail. It is something to be thankful for as we move into the month of thanks. Before we get to November, there is much going on that you will not want to miss. 

To begin with, on Thursday, Oct. 30, the Southport Memorial Library is offering a Spooktober Movie Night from 6 to 8 p.m. This event will feature pizza, popcorn, and a screening of "Wallace and Gromit:The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." This 2005 British stop-motion animated comedy film was produced by DreamWorks Animation and Aarman Animations and has a run time of one hour and 25 minutes. It is very humorous for all ages, so come to the library andwatch asWallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to discover the mystery behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual giant vegetable growing content. 

If you prefer just checking out thelarge collection of books in all genre, with many of the newest books displayed for easy access in the front lobby, the hours are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and then 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. If you opt for Tuesday and Thursday, you can join the coffee table for some lively conversation, camaraderie, hot coffee with a side of a sweet treat. Check out the FB page to see what is being served. I have it on good authority that there will be a maple coconut custard pie and a flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ganache this week. People begin to congregate about 10 a.m. 

On Friday, Oct. 31 Southport School celebrates Halloween!This should prove to be two hours of high energy excitement. Beginning at 12:30 you will be able to watch and participate in apple pressing, try your luck at Donuts on a String, see candy pumpkin catapults in action, and make and enjoy s’mores along with a Halloween read aloud. You can come as you are, or come dressed in a fun costume.  This community event continues until 2:30. 

Looking ahead you might want to save the date, Thursday, Nov. 6, when the Southport School will be putting on a presentation to celebrate Veterans Day from 10 to 11 a.m. The students will be singing, and reading during this celebration as well as providing light snacks. This event is open to all in the community, so gather with the students as they honor those who serve, have served, or have died for our country. 

While marking that date you may wish to also attend the Veterans Day ceremony at the Southport Memorial Library on Tuesday, Nov.11.  Gathering inside will begin at 10:45 a.m., ceremony, which will be all indoors, will begin with the flag lowering at 11.  The speaker this year will be Larry Crane. Transplanted to Maine, mid-westerner Crane brings an Illinois sensibility to his writing. Larry graduated from West Point, served nearly seven years in the Army as an infantryman in Germany and Vietnam. He commuted to Wall Street for nearly 20 years. His writing includes articles for outdoor magazines, plays, short fiction, his recent thriller novel, "A Bridge to Treachery; Missing Girls: In Truth Is Justice," a novel, "Baghdad on the Wabash And Other Plays and Stories;" and "UP From Adams Street, A Memoir."  Larry and wife Jan live on the coast of Maine. After the ceremony all are invited to join in fellowship and refreshments. Crane will be available for questions and the Jim Singer veterans’ slide show will play. 

As we are thinking of honoring and remembering, I will mention that volunteers are neededto help preserve and beautifya cherished local landmark, Southport’s historic Union Cemetery.Union Cemetery, located on Dogfish Head Road is a peaceful resting place for generations of Southport families, and it is up to community support to keep it accessible, safe, and beautiful. If you have a few hours of time on a Sunday morning to do some light yardwork, such as raking, trimming and debris pickup, the ground can be kept tidy, damaged areas repaired, and it can be ensured the site remains a respectful and inviting space for visitors.While you are there you will have an opportunity to learn more about Southport’s history and connect with neighbors who care about the island’s heritage.All you need is a little time, an hour, a morning, whatever you have,  a pair of garden gloves and some basic garden tools are useful, and a willingness to help. If you are interested, please contact Bucky Holloway:  207-217-3559, or Amy Hinckley:  207-242-4350. Let us work together to honor the past and care for the community that makes Southport home.  

Now, back to Friday, Oct. 31, Halloween fun is not over after the Southport School event, not at all. Festivities will continue with a family friendly event at Town Hallthat is sure to create some memories, and as a bonus, you do noteven need to cook dinner. The Community Party and Potluckare from 4 to 8 p.m., Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6, and special musical guest, Oshima Brothers from 6 to 8.This is a free event with donations accepted to support the initiatives of Southport Island Association. What a great way to spend the evening, among family and friends. 

After all the Halloween tricks and treats,we awake to not only be a new day, but a new month as well, endless possibilities despite the shortening light. Winter preparations are happening all around, the procurement and stacking of wood, checking chimneys and flues, the last airing out of rooms that might be closed, making sure windows are tight to keep the cold out, checking generators, getting propane, oil, the list can be daunting, and for some the months ahead can seem dark and long, so, in your day, take some time to check in on a friend, or neighbor, call, drop by, share some tea, drop off some soup, send a card,smile at the checkout person at the store, be patient and courteous, when heartfelt these small things can make a big difference.I hope you have opportunity to enjoy some of the many events happening this week, and the nice sense of community they bring. 

May Peace Be With You All.