This column must be submitted before the final opportunity for community discussion about short term rentals Oct. 30, at the Southport Town Hall, but again note that for those who cannot attend in person, an online survey has been created to gather your thoughts on the issue - https://form.jotform.com/232644334029049.

The second discussion on Oct. 23 was again well attended both by neighbors with concerns about these rentals and others who had rentals to offer. Sarah Sherman McGrail continued as facilitator with Tammy Blackman as the note taker. Notes of peoples’ comments will be shared with the selectmen. Many of the questions and the comments were the similar to the previous meeting. An example of the results of such discussion is the Bangor City Council actions to pass some legislation about short term rentals. New regulations will limit the number of short-term rentals in the city to 1% of its housing stock. The cap applies only to units where the owner or operator doesn't live on site. You can learn more by googling short term rental legislation Bangor, Maine.

If you are reading this article online, note the Southport Island Association has planned a Halloween party on Halloween beginning at 4 p.m. at Robinson’s Wharf. You can sign up on the SIA website for costumed folks to visit your home for treats with the person visiting the most homes getting a prize. All are welcome to join in the fun.

Look elsewhere in this paper for an article by Jane Carpenter explaining the changes coming to Ocean Gate Resort on Southport’s west side. The current owner, LOGE Camps, is investing more than five million dollars in renovation of this property, and its name will be changed to LOGE Camps, LOGE standing for Live Outside, Go Explore.

As of last Wednesday night’s selectmen’s meeting 20 banners with pictures of Southport veterans have been hung around the island, thanks to families who purchased them and to Gerry Gamage who mounts the lift to attach them to the pole. Gerry had, at that time, five more banners to hang. What fun to wave, “Hi” and remember the folks whose pictures we see. I was surprised to see a banner hanging for Norma Smith, who for many years headed the sailing program at the Southport Yacht Club. I did not know she had also given service to our country.

Mark your calendars that on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. clocks officially are turned back one hour as daylight savings time ends. Will be great to have more light in the morning, but sad to have darkness fall so early in the evening.

Work has begun on the Southport bridge with one lane traffic now enacted. On Nov. 6, I think during the night, the bridge will be closed for balancing, but would be able to be opened in case of an emergency.

Remember to vote on Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The most contentious issue on the ballet is the ownership of our electricity supply. Should it be private companies who work for profit or community owned and thus nonprofit. Which will provide each of us with the best and least expensive service. Many opportunities exist to hear both sides of this argument.

The annual Veterans Day Observance at the Southport Memorial Library will be held on Nov. 11 with folks asked to gather at 10:45 a.m. You can also watch the ceremony on BRCTV - channels 7 and 1301 along with Jim Singer’s slides of our local veterans. If you come to the library, you will be awarded with some hot cider.