Jane and John Lunt have returned from a great trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and France, first visiting their granddaughter who is studying for a semester in Copenhagen and then combining a barge trip along French canals with a trip to Normandy, and enjoying driving through the countryside. Today Jane was telling us of a stop they made in a small French town where, intrigued by the sign, they entered a shop to find women hand producing umbrellas in beautiful designs and fabrics. Next time it rains, ask Jane to show you the one she bought. To see pictures of the luxurious barge Jane and John enjoyed, which took four guests only plus the captain and his wife, both excellent cooks, go to www.bargenilaya.com

A few of us were muttering over the weekend that we had not seen any workmen on the Decker Cove Bridge either Thursday or Friday. In conversation later someone did say they saw a crane with a workmen attaching the red steamers to the overhead power line on Friday. But today a crew was tearing up the bridge surface, starting on the south side. Let’s keep at it, crew, so we can get our bridge back on time or maybe even earlier.

A fire call went out early Monday morning for Robinson’s Wharf, but t’was steam only, I am told, no blaze or damage.

If you see a rather different looking white car around the island, it may be Maureen Kinsey’s Mitsubishi i-MiEV, a five-door hatchback electric car. Its range is about 59 miles, so can only easily be driven around town. Maureen found it on the Internet, bought it, and it was delivered to her door. Such is the modern commerce these days.

The Island Store looks a bit different with new bright green coffee dispensers. With the color green you might guess that the brand of coffee now offered is Green Mountain Coffee, still in a variety of flavors and strengths. As usual in the fall, store hours will change the end of the week. Monday through Friday they will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. On Saturday you can buy what you need from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sunday be there between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The last day for the Gift Barn at the Island Store is Oct. 13. Currently all items are 30% off. The shop is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Good chance to continue some Christmas shopping.

Our school children will be well versed on local history both with classroom study and visits to our Hendrick’s Head Museum. On Monday, Sept. 30, the older classes visited, and the following week the younger ones will have their turn. Thanks to volunteers Nan Jackson, Evelyn and Jean Thompson, Donald Duncan and Kathy Messmer who will show the students the many artifacts and pictures of early life and labor on Southport Island. We are so fortunate to have such a wealth of displays of Southport life.

The museum will have its closing meeting for the board, volunteers and friends this Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1 until 3 p.m.

From the museum you can go to the Southport Town Hall also on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m. where the Land for Southport's Future will be hosting an illustrated lecture by Libby Bischof, titled “A Tribute to 20th Century Maine Women Writers and Artists of Note.” Libby is a professor of history at the University of Southern Maine and the director of the Osher Map Library and the Smith Center for Cartographic Education. Everyone is welcome.

Our Southport Memorial Library is still busy with fall visitors and those who stay here through Columbus Day. New books on the shelf include Louise Penny’s “A Better Man,” which has been very popular. Other books: “Cities of Gold” by Douglas Preston and Martin Walker Mystery Books, are also recommended. A $1 off sale of cookbooks will take place during October in the Used Book Room. The library has received large donations of CDs and DVDs including Christmas music. For $2 each, they are a good buy. Support your local library and visit often.

In addition to the above library news, Sandra Seifert writes that her Cozy Harbor Bed & Breakfast has closed for the season. She thanks all Southport families who referred their family and friends to stay in Cozy Harbor. We had a great time. For reservations in 2020, please check the website of the B&B at www.cozy-harbor.com. A couple from Germany have already reserved for next summer. Call early to make yours!

A final reminder that on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Newagen Inn will host a four-course dinner with wine pairings. There will be two seatings: 5:30 and 7:30. Call the front desk 207-633-5242 for more information or to make a reservation.