Remembrances of my youth added to the fun of joining families on the school field late this past Sunday afternoon. Sponsored by the Southport Island Association, but mostly attended by families with young children, we gathered around two metal, moveable fire pits ablaze with logs and lumber scrapes.

On the tables nearby you could choose between bright red or tan hot dogs, pick up a long, slender wooden stick, and roast your own supper, adding potato chips, mixed fruit, and for dessert the traditional campfire treat of s’mores. Water and other cold drinks were available, but not much chosen as the wind chill made you want to add warm food to your tummy, not cold liquid. Hot chocolate and not coffee were very popular.

Music played through the speakers, and a white screen stretched over the backstop awaited the film, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Kit and I retreated to our own indoor fireplace before the film, but I am sure the children enjoyed the novelty of sitting on hay bales, outdoors, in the dark, watching this popular film. Thanks to the Harris family and all who put this event together.

The Grimes offspring and grandchildren hosted a warm and loving afternoon in the Grimes’ Cozy Harbor home, honoring and celebrating the life of Mike Grimes, who died Oct. 19. Mike’s wife, Anne, lunched with the Pratts Island gang and a few other Cozy Harbor summer friends at noon and then were joined by many friends and neighbors beginning at 2 p.m. Memories of sailing, yacht club projects, and times when we all were young arose from seeing pictures arranged around the house and from watching our grown children in conversation. Three generations gathering to honor the life of one of us was very special. Thanks.

The celebration of our veterans first began this past weekend on Friday morning at the Southport Central School where the students served breakfast to veterans and their spouses. Then on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 11, the Southport Memorial Library was full with folks attending that Veterans’ Day Celebration. Especially remembered were four Southport veterans who died this past year: Jim Hunt, Mike Grimes, John O’Neil, and Cy Seifert. Bob Eaton and Ron Orchard spoke about their good times in Washington, D.C. as guests on Honor Flight Maine. Jim Singer’s slide show featured veterans from the entire peninsula. Look for an article and perhaps pictures of both veterans’ celebrations elsewhere in this paper.

With this very busy weekend behind us, and with many cherished memories lingering, we turn to coming events.

In the interest of space I am going to just list days, time and places for upcoming events and then add more detail as we are closer to the time.

This weekend, Nov. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 17 at 3 and 7 p.m., some of our very own high school students will perform in “Into the Woods”! at the high school theater.

Nov. 30, Southport will turn on Christmas lights at the Southport Store with activities in the store parking lot from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. The Southport Central School children will sing, and perhaps Santa will make an appearance.

Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning with a soup supper at 5 p.m., the Southport Methodist Church will offer us a Lessons and Carols Service.

The next Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Mr. Will Rhys will return for his interpretation of “A Christmas Carol” to be presented at Southport Town Hall. Those who saw this one man, many character performance of this beloved Christmas story several years ago, please spread the news that he is back again. This event, sponsored by the Library Aides, is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall the Southport Central School children will perform their annual Christmas Concert.

More events and news will come, but that’s enough for now.

News for next week will need to be in to Maria Doelp, (pdoelp@roadrunner.com) who will be writing this column, by Friday, Nov. 16 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks.