November was driven in by gusty winds that tried to take the remaining autumn foliage, but many trees still are hanging on to their jewel-like wonder. The clocks were set back, many a pet mutiny, breakfast arrived an hour late, as always, this human behavior is unacceptable, as is the use of the keyboard, hands should be patting and scratching behind ears, I am sure they find us untrainable, but they continue to try. I thought perhaps there would be a lull in activities, that I might find it difficult to fill a column, now however, I find my file quite full of events to bring to your attention, so get out your calendars and get ready to highlight some dates, I will attempt to keep them in an orderly fashion. 

The first event will be held by and at Southport Central School on Thursday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. The students will be putting on a presentation with singing and readings to celebrate Veterans Day. Light snacks will be provided, all are welcome.

Southport Memorial Library will be having its Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11 beginning promptly at 11 a.m. with the lowering of the flag. You are asked to arrive around 10:45 to find your seats inside. The ceremony will include many ways of honoring and remembering those that serve, have served, and have died for our country, prayer, song, a poem, “Taps,” and guest speaker Larry Crane. Larry Crane of Southport, graduated from West Point, served several years in the Army as an infantryman in Germany and commanded a basic training company at Fort Knox before becoming chief advisor to the 23rd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion fighting in the Central Highlands. He commuted to Wall Street for nearly 20 years and upon retiring, began to concentrate on writing.  He has produced several full length plays most notable of which is “Baghdad on the Wabash” in addition to several works of fiction and a coming of age memoir “Up From Adams Street.”  His most recent work, “At The Mercy of Chance: A Pensive Warrior’s Field Notes from West Point to Kon Tum,” is an eye-opening dive into the gritty reality of a junior officer’s active-duty experience overseas and how the sacrifices involved altered his life. After the ceremony join attendees for fellowship and refreshments. Larry Crane will be there to answer questions and the Jim Singer’s Veterans Slide show will be available for viewing.

Before leaving, or perhaps at another time during library hours, Tuesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., you might wish to take in the new art exhibit, photographic works by Robert Mitchell. Bob Mitchell and his wife Susan Endicott have lived in the Boothbay area for over 50 years. Their first home was on Barters Island back in the late 70s, then they moved to Sherman Street in Boothbay Harbor until, in 2001, the family relocated to Southport.  Locally, Mitchell began a photography business in 1978 while living at home on Barters Island.

Mitchell’s work is varied. He has worked on European assignments, photographed weddings throughout the U.S. and created, with his wife’s help, a small publishing business. His landscape and region images continue to illuminate the beauty and peacefulness of his beloved home. The exhibit will continue through December.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ruth Marie Davenport, who passed away on Aug. 27, 2025 at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 11:30 a.m. at the Southport United Methodist Church. To extend a condolence or share a story with the Davenport family, visit Ruth’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

There are two events on Saturday, Nov. 15.The Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm will be hosting a Holiday Open House Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the event they will be accepting canned goods or donations for the food pantry, and their farm will donate 10% of online and in-person sales to the same. Anne Gobes and Michael Ciccarelli will be joined by Anne Maurer, owner of Southport Lavender, and Donna and Dennie Denniston, owners of Barter’s Island Bees for Open House. Join them all for light refreshments, family fun, locally made gifts, farm visits, inside studio and outside tables, and an outdoor fire to warm up. All is free, all are welcome, so save the date, shop local, and support the food pantry. For additional information you can go to capenewagenfarm.com

After fun at the farm supporting both local businesses and those in need in our area, you can go next door to attend the last of the 2025 Author Talks at the Southport Memorial Library at 2 p.m. Midcoast author Marita Fairfield grew up in Wiscasset, left for college and career aspirations, but returned to Maine and now lives on Westport Island where she has written “The Merman’s Child” and “The Merman’s Hope.” Gain insight as she discusses her books and the ins and outs of her craft. Light refreshments will be available.

Many wonderful happenings to begin this month of thanksgiving, and we do have many things to be thankful for. Friends, family, community, past and present, and our veterans. As you drive around the area, and our island you still have some time to take in all the banners for those that have served, there are 650 up this year on the peninsula, 175 are here on Southport. There are many to thank for this, a few are Sarah Sherman-McGrail who as a key part of the banner committee has been instrumental in getting Southport to where it is, Gerry Gamage who selects the just right locations for the banners and almost single handily puts them up and then back down again for winter storage, and Jim Singer who brought the idea for this amazing banner project. The banners on Southport honor those that were in the USA (62) USN (65), USMC (13), USAF (12), USCG (14), USAAC (10), Merchant Marines (3) and Netherlands armed forces (2).

While not an event on Southport, it might pertain to those that live here. On Monday, Nov. 10 there will be a celebration of the 250th Birthday of the USMC at Brady’s restaurant from 2 to 4 p.m. All Marines and those who served with them are invited to attend.

With your calendars filled in for the next week or so may you have good days. Some additional rain is on its way, the birds are returning to the feeders as the seeds from grasses and flowers grow scarce, flocks of turkeys are in abundance, they eat from the feeders too, deer nibble the remains of the vegetable garden, and a few perennials still show color and blooms, sedum, feverfew, even a little hyssop and mint. The woods are in a dual state of being, fall still, but winter bare trees showing themselves more each day. Take care of yourselves and those around you, we all need a bit of support now and again. May Peace Be With You All.