Southport is now indeed lit up. Behind the pond Santa and his reindeer greet us along with a lobster waving his claw. A large Christmas tree is festooned in lights as are several trees and the fence. The school building is lined with greens and lights as well as the Southport Town Hall, the Southport Methodist Church, and the Post Office, which also has its window boxes filled with Christmas cheer and the doors covered with snow flakes that do not melt. Windows are filled with wreaths. Many private homes are also sporting these types of seasonal cheer.

The party, during which the school ground lights were lit, was packed with people of all ages, well wrapped in warm clothes as the temperature was in the twenties. Otherwise the night was perfect, a crescent moon, a lovely sunset, children singing, Santa arriving in a fire truck highly decorated in Christmas lights, hot chocolate and coffee to warm us up along with gingerbread men and other cookies. Santa led the audience in more Christmas singing, then distributed presents to the children. Many thanks to our Southport General Store staff, the Southport Island Association, and all who made this “Southport Lights Up” so special.

To fill your hearts with more seasonal cheer, come to the Southport Central School concert on Dec. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall.

Our Southport Library will light up for an Open House Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. At 10, you can enjoy “Story Time and Crafts” and from 1 through 3 p.m. you can listen to live piano music by Bob Moore. Cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available to enjoy as well as conversations with your friends and neighbors all day. Remember to bring with you cans and boxes of food as a donation to the Food Pantry.

Be cautious on Cross Road, particularly as it is getting dark. Several times I have come up on a flock of wild turkeys crossing the road that is hard to see due to their dark feathers. They do seem to understand they must clear the road so you can pass, but they can be a bit slow in doing so.

Many signatures are appearing on the nomination papers that are available at the Southport Town Hall for (1) a three-year term as Selectman, Assessor, and Overseer of the Poor, (2) School Committee Member for a one-year term, (3) School Committee Member for a three-year term, (4) Boothbay Region Water District Trustee for a three- year term. Papers must be returned by noon on Jan. 2, 2025. You will see these papers around town still available for your signature in support of the candidate whose name is on the document.

Another notice from the town office is that dog registrations are now available. All dogs over six months old must be registered by Jan. 1, 2025. Proof of vaccination is required. After Jan. 31, 2025, owners will be charged a $25 fee. If you are interested in the town budget, note that the Southport town budget meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.