From Sandra Seifert comes this news of the Southport Memorial Library.

The art show at the library will change this week. The photographs of Lois Glaser and country and nautical scenes of Bruce MacDonald will be taken down. Their show was a lovely contrast of artists’ works. I hope we will enjoy them again. Next comes John and Lynne Seizter of Joy of the Wind Gallery in Boothbay Harbor. They have painted the illustrations for author Susan Schadler’s book, “Come Walk in the Fynbos With Me.” These original illustrations will be part of the artists’ show as well as other works by the Seitzers. In case you are wondering what the Fynbos is, it is a biome of land in South Africa filled with special plants and animals.

The author and artists will treat the K-3 students of Southport Central School to a presentation of this book on Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. The book will be available at the library’s Holiday Craft Fair in December, signed by Susan Schadler. The library would like to thank all patrons for returning books to the library, so others may enjoy them, and also CDs and DVDs. Just please make sure the disc is in its case before returning. The Used Book Store is brimming with new arrivals. Many books are in mint condition just in time for gift giving.

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 the veterans 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.

Another calendar item is the Veterans Day observance at the Southport Memorial Library, Monday, Nov/ 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Barclay Shepard, a retired Navy surgeon, will be the speaker. Veterans are invited to come in uniform and to enjoy the refreshments after the ceremony.

The knowledge that we have a small and friendly community is reinforced when we report to one of our centers for medical care. When Kit was in the Miles emergency room a week ago Tuesday, friends also appeared from the west side of the island, one a patient and one the driver. I understand that friend is home and feeling much better.

On Friday when I reported for knee therapy, a neighbor was also sitting beside me and filling out the questionnaire, which asked, among many other actions, what degree of difficulty “hopping” was for us. Since I had not “hopped” for a long time, I had to set my papers aside and try it out, while the two of us giggled. I can still hop without too much trouble, but not too far.

One peculiarity about medicine these days is the number of doctors a patient will see, in the course of treatment for a disease. I counted (1) the doctor on call for Kit’s primary care doctor, available by phone from Waldoboro, who said, “Go to the emergency room; (2) and (3) the emergency room doctor, first and second; (4) and the hospitalist. Those followed (5) the Urgent Care doctor he saw on the prior Sunday; and (6) the doctor with whom he had an appointment on Halloween at the Family Care Center. None of these doctors, although very thorough and competent, was his primary care doctor. Thank goodness for computerized medical records, which each doctor could read and learn what was going on, which, by the way, was pneumonia, and he seems to be getting better.

It is a balance what to say in this column when I know a Southporter is ill, respecting privacy, yet allowing friends to know and perhaps add prayers and/or other help. Please understand that I respect your preference, but for Kit and me, we let you know so that your thoughts and prayers can help. Thanks.