Our woods are ready for Halloween, decked out in orange and black, with bright red leaves mostly on the ground but some still in the trees. What a gorgeous fall this has been, even with the storm and cold rain. Be safe tonight, young ones, if you are ‘trick or treating’ on foot.

The Southport United Methodist Church was full on Saturday, Oct. 26, as friends and family of Ed Furber gathered to celebrate him and his life among us. I never did hear the story as to why the Schlitz beer can was included on the table at the head of the aisle, in the place of honor along with Ed’s ashes, the United States flag presented to his wife, Liz, for his service, and some lovely flowers, but I give Pastor Rego and the Methodist Church family kudos for allowing its presence as most Methodists I know are teetotalers.

Along with the scripture readings, prayers, and hymns, each of Ed’s sons and one of his nieces spoke of family times. Sarah Foulger and Kit Sherrill spoke of their interactions with Ed in his caring for others, and then Gerry Gamage ended the personal time with a solo, a cappella singing of “Danny Boy,” only, of course, he sang to “Eddie Boy.” Well done, everyone. After the service, at the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, we all enjoyed Ed’s favorite dessert, apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese, and the many pictures of his life among family and friends.

Next Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Southport United Methodist Church, a favorite minister from back in the 1990s, Desmond Parker, will return to preach. He and his wife, Mary, now live in Gorham, returning several times a year to see Southport friends. The service begins at 9 a.m.

Also beginning that Sunday is the end of daylight savings time. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep.

Although the constant campaigning might have you believing that this first Tuesday in November is election day, and, being eager to settle the matter, some of us might welcome such a false fact, but what we have the opportunity to vote on Nov. 5 are two state questions. The first is a bond issue to raise money for transportation facilities such as roads and bridges, and the second is a constitutional amendment to allow persons with disabilities to sign petitions in an alternate manner authorized by the legislature. Polls at the Southport Town Hall will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. More information is available at the town hall and at the Southport Memorial Library.

On Friday, Nov. 8, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Southport veterans and their loved ones are encouraged to come to the Southport Central School for the second annual celebration to honor you with song, story-telling, food, and camaraderie. You will be guests of the school as the children will serve you breakfast and sing for you. Please call the school at 633-3132 to say you’ll join us and to let us know how many of your loved ones will be present. Also, please help us spread the word.

Another calendar item is the Veterans’ Day observance at the Southport Memorial Library, Monday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Veterans are invited to come in uniform and to enjoy the refreshments after the ceremony.