Mixed feelings come with the realization that (1) the final Southport Yacht club event, the annual pot luck supper, was last Saturday evening, so we will soon see the ramps and floats pulled, and only a few lobster boats in the harbor; (2) water is going off on Thursday, Oct.  17; (3) thus many people are leaving for the season, and (4) many businesses are now closed. Yes, our roads will carry less traffic, the Southport Bridge now opens only on demand, and life will slow down, but we have said “good-bye” to several good friends who may not be back, and that thought brings sadness. Thank goodness for email and Facebook.

We did see many friends who either are still here or live their winter lives close enough to return for the supper at the Southport Yacht Club. The club was packed. The food was delicious, and conversation lively. Thanks to all the volunteers who made that event possible.

Fall fun continues this Saturday, Oct. 19, with the Southport Island Association’s Fall Festival on the school grounds. Look for the poster at the Island Store describing a camp fire to make s”mores, to roast hot dogs, and other activities for kids of all ages. Times is 5 to 7 p.m.

Friends may be leaving, but nature still gives us pleasure and excitement. The waves were crashing on shores and beaches over the holiday weekend due to the storm at sea. Although we, on land, felt some rain, mostly we heard the roar of the waves on rocks. The rain hastened a bit the falling leaves, but the color appeared right on schedule for holiday visitors and for us. Leaving the Island Store on Saturday afternoon a visitor from Nashville, Tennessee, stopped me to say, “You all have done a great job here,” and other comments about the delight she finds in our community.\

Last week’s Boothbay Register ran a picture and a thorough article about Doug Peck, the gardener at Newagen Inn, who, for the last two years, has won awards for his dahlias. Even though the Inn is closed, I suspect we can still enjoy the gardens with the dahlias, at least until the frost comes or Doug must dig up his tubers.

Sandra Seifert recounted the talk given by Master Gardener and Southporter, Alice Mutch, for the local Garden Club. Before planning a garden Alice suggests we ask ourselves questions such as, “Why do you want a garden? What do you want to achieve? Remember that good soil and drainage are very important, especially here in rocky Maine. She recommends not cutting a garden down in the fall because small animals and insects such as bees use the foliage as a winter home. All gardening bring “hick-ups and hoorays,” so do not get discouraged. Thanks, Alice, for the good advice and to Sandra for passing such advice along.

The Southport Memorial Library was alive, or should I say ‘dead’ with a full sized skeleton occupying a chair and many pumpkins of all sizes and colors available for purchase, made by Linda Brewer. On the west wall were paintings by Bruce MacDonald and on the east wall photographs by Lois Glaser, most, if not all, of local scenes and themes. These artists’ work will remain only until the end of the month, so be sure to enjoy them soon.

From Alice Thompson I learned that their grandson, Colin, who graduated from Maine Maritime Academy this past spring, now has a job with the company, Trans Ocean, giving him three weeks at sea and three weeks ashore. Congratulations, Colin.

Linda and Peter Brewer have returned from a September trip to Montana, just missing the huge storm that blanketed much of that state. Fortunately their daughter, Jessica, who lives in the state, also missed the worst of the snow, but still had some shoveling to do. John and Cindy Smith also just returned from a trip to Montana,including Glacier Park, and Wyoming, with many stories about the difficult driving and yet the breathtaking scenery.

Also in last week’s paper was a short article about the monetary gift given by All Saints by-the-Sea to Toby LeConte’s and Charlinda Carlson’s classes in answer to the teachers’ request for a variety of items for the classroom and for the students. All Saints will close the chapel for the season on Tuesday, but weather permitting, plans to open for a Christmas Eve service at 10 on Dec. 24.

I hope all of you saw the great picture and article about two special Southporters in last week’s Register: Evelyn Sherman and Jean Thompson. From Jean comes this story of a wandering sign. Jean had come into the possession of a large wooden sign, which said, “The Church of All Saints-by-the Sea.” A friend of Jean’s granddaughter had found the sign washed up on Popham Beach several years ago. After looking for a church by that name in Bath and Brunswick, the friend put the sign in her family’s garage, where it remained for some time. One day, visiting Southport, Crystal, Jean’s granddaughter, saw a roadside sign for All Saints by-the-Sea as she passed the turn onto Route 238. When she next saw her friend, she asked for the wooden sign and gave it to Jean, who, as it was winter, tucked it away and then forgot about it for several more years. This fall Jean found the wooden sign again, took it to the library, asking the librarians to pass it along to anyone they saw who was connected to the summer chapel of All
Saints by-the-Sea. Thus, after a sea journey, a rest on the beach, and several stops in storage, the sign has come home.

Finally another update on the work to replace the Thompson Bridge. Apparently the holdups have been due to the telephone company who had to move some lines and then to Central Maine Power, who had to do the same. Both companies have completed their work, so the replacement of the bridge can continue. Both Alice Thompson and Jim Singer, close neighbors to the bridge work, said the workmen have been very solicitous and willing to answer questions.