Another week of sun, warm temperatures and fall colors, other than continued concerns about the drought conditions, there is little that one could complain about, and that is always nice. An early rising to bid farewell to my son as he heads off for a new job very far from here gave me an opportunity to watch and listen to the day gradually come into being. Bird song, the scampering, chattering of the red squirrels, the raucous Jays flinging seed from the feeders, delighting the chipmunks filling their homes for the winter. Working boats on the water, the chiming of the bells from the church down the road, and, of course, the progression of light as the sun makes its way from the east side of the island, over the woodland pines and some oaks and stunning maples. My raccoon “Little Hands” had three babies this summer, they are the “Wee Hands” and they raided my deck last night, I begrudge them nothing, I should have brought the seed in.  Now it is time to put words to paper and give a smattering of what will be happening this week. 

We will begin at the Southport Memorial Library. This is the final week for bids on the watercolor of Old Southport by local artist Cecile Clifford, all proceeds will go to the library. You can see the painting there and perhaps be the lucky last bid in the silent auction and then be able to take this lovely piece home. As always, or at least often, a reminder that the Coffee Table is open to one and all on Tuesdays and Thursdays, around 10 a.m., come in for a sweet treat and some interesting conversation, jokes, news, and occasionally song, a truly lovely traditions of many, many years.Then on Thursday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m., the library will host a discussion about Fighting Childhood Hunger in the Boothbay Region with Boothbay Schools Food Director Heidi Stevens, Shawn Gallagher, Southport Central principal and parent, and Colleen Frawley, Full Plates advocacy manager and parent. It is an opportunity to learn how school meal programs help our children and how we can help sustain them. School nutrition programs remain our best tool to tackle childhood hunger. These speakers are welcoming you to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing these programs in our school district, Maine, and the United States.  It should be a very worthwhile group talk. It is also one of the first or what will be other events on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library as theyunroll the Thrive Together nights, stay tuned, from what I hear, there will be informative events and fun for all ages to come. I will do my best to let you know. 

On that same night, Thursday, Oct. 9, you will be able to get your flu shot at the 4th annual Flu Shot Clinic, at Town Hall from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Southport Island Association and Nathan's Pharmacy are bringing this opportunity to get vaccinated.  Almost all medical insurance plans (including Medicare) pay for the flu vaccine. Please bring your insurance information. If you are uninsured, the cost is about $65 for the “under 65” vaccine and about $100 for the high dose “senior” vaccine. If you are unable to pay, please come anyway – SIA will help offset the cost. 

If you are feeling creative, you might be interested in signing up fora fused glass plate workshop led by Kathy Faass at the Barn at Southport General Store on Saturday, Oct. 11. You will have the chance to design and assemble your very own 5" glass plate. Kathy will then take your work back to her kiln to fire, and your finished piece will be ready for pick up the following week. (Shipping available for $10 per student.)  No prior glass experience is needed, just bring your imagination and get ready to have fun. The class is $65, to sign up go to:  southportgeneralstore.com If the class is sold out, call The Barn at (207) 633-0402, or email Annie@SouthportGeneralStore.com to be added to the waitlist. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable.The Barn will have regular hours this week, Wednesday noon-6, Thursday and Friday 9-5, and Saturday and Sunday 10-3, and will then be switching to Friday and Saturday hours after the 12th.   

The Southport General Store hours will be Monday-Friday 7-6, Saturday, and Sunday 9-3. 

There is no registration required for Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m., at the Southport Town Hall when the Southport Island Association welcomes retired CIA Executive Officer and regional affairs specialist, Paul Zalucky, who will, once again, address the community with an update on recent developments in Russia’s war on Ukraine and what it all might mean for global stability.  This free event is open to the public and all are welcome.  It is sure to be an insightful talk on this complex issue. 

If you have items for the column, I will need them earlier next week, by Saturday the 11th at 5 p.m. since the deadline will be pushed up due to the upcoming holiday on Oct. 13. I can be emailed as many have found, or you can drop a note in the basket at the store, my mail box is outside the store, but the sign maker has yet to indicate which is mine, I do however check them both, so do not let that dissuade you. 

A pair of horned grebes were at Hendricks Head beach midday this Sunday, they move to salt water in the winter, not uncommon, but certainly not your everyday bird. The water has been incredibly clear the last two days, so while just bobbing in the water and moving little they felt comfortable enough to approach and I could see them fishing under the water, a treat to say the least. There have been schools of small fish, or possibly eels, trying to get a better look to have a better identification. As always, I am constantly in awe of the nature that surrounds me here, flora, fauna, earthly formations and the firmament, night, or day, I never take it for granted and try my best to be a good steward. 

Until next week, May Peace Be With You All.