A crowd of people read their emails and/or talked with their neighbors because the news that the gathering at the Southport General Store to “Light Up Southport” was moved forward a day to avoid the rain, was heard by many. So Thursday at 4:40 p.m. rather than Friday, the school children led us in singing Christmas carols; the brightly decorated fire truck drove slowly around the monument to show off its lights. Santa, arriving on his bright red motorcycle, led us in singing “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and distributed presents to the children. Then either a timer or someone threw a switch to light the many figures around the pond. Not only was the lobster there, so was Santa Claus, and new this year were a tall Christmas tree made of lights and three smaller Christmas trees on the west side of the pond. Many other lighted decorations illuminate the town buildings along with pine buntings. Large lighted snow flakes
decorate the west side of the post office. The Southport General Store, decorated with wreaths and ropes of pine, offered delicious chocolate chip cookies and either coffee or hot chocolate. Again, thanks to the store team and Eden Climo and all her Southport Island team who add this Christmas spirit to our lives in the darkest month.

On Wednesday evening, Nov. 27 the draft ordinance governing blasting on Southport was passed by the planning board and has been forwarded to the Selectmen after some discussion of increasing the size of the blast zone from 300 radial feet to 500 radial feet. The decision was made to keep the zone at 300 feet. Abutting property owners must receive a pre-blast notification at least seven business days before the blast occurs. Many other definitions and regulations are contained in the ordinance, which we will vote on at town meeting. There was agreement that such an ordinance is necessary to protect wells and other structures from damage due to blasting.

Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. the planning board will conduct a public hearing on the Short Term Rental amendment, which will then follow the same route to the Selectmen and then to annual meeting vote.

Look elsewhere in this paper for an obituary for Joy Bunkowske, a Pratts Island resident who died unexpectedly on Nov. 27.

Also look for an article about the holiday food drive at the Southport Memorial Library. You are encouraged to drop off non-perishable items anytime before Christmas, and the library staff will get them to the food bank. Place donations in the box under the table that you see when you enter the front door.

Mark your calendars for Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Southport Town Hall, when the Southport school children will entertain us with their Christmas concert. Should that be a snow day, the concert will take place the following week, Dec. 20, same place, same time.

If anyone is interested or you know someone who is interested, nominating papers for three opening in town governance are now available at the town office. Those positions are Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor( one position), a School Committee member, and Fire Chief, each for a three-year term. Nomination papers must be completed and returned to Town Hall by noon on Jan. 4. Also, if you own a dog over six months old, you must register the dog at the Town Hall by Jan. 31. The dog owner must show proof of rabies vaccination.

A light covering of wet snow greeted us as we woke up Monday morning. Apparently the coastline will only get this covering, but the inland mountains are getting a good drop of snow, making our skiers happy.