Of our Southport citizens 472 folks voted last Tuesday, 299 of them for Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz, 314 for Angus King, 291 for Chellie Pingree, 280 for Cameron Reny, 294 for Holly Stover, giving each of them the majority, and 369 persons voted for William Avantaggio, who was unopposed. All five of the the general referendum questions passed. I am sure you will find more complete figures elsewhere in this paper, but these folks were the winners on Southport. Thanks, everyone, for voting and to Dona Climo and all who helped her with the procedures. I, for one, am glad it’s over, and curious to see how our country goes from here.

A small group of Southport Democrats gathered on last Thursday morning to discuss what comes next for our local party. Should meetings occur more often than in the past? Should projects currently underway on Southport, such as climate action, receive party support? Can Southport Democrats play any role watching actions of the newly elected federal government officials to ensure they are obeying the constitution? Those gathered were proud of how Southport voted, but some voiced the opinion of wanting to work on local projects as a Southport citizen rather than as a member of a political party. Let Bill Messmer (wmessmer@drew.edu) know if you are interested in meeting to discuss these and/or other issues.

I hope many of you joined in a veterans’ memorial event around the area, of which there were many, including at the Southport Memorial Library, for which we gathered at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. Many people crowded into the meeting rooms at the library to participate either as veterans being honored or in honoring those veterans present and those no longer with us. Sigrid Kopt opened the meeting as Tim Hanley lowered the flag. The Reverend Bob Dent led us in prayer. Barclay Shepard recited “In Flanders Field.” Gerry Gamage led us in singing “God Bless America” and “ You’re a Grand Old Flag.” Then Brigadier General Paul Smith spoke, stating first that we celebrate this day both to honor all veterans and to perpetuate world peace. He gave special coins to Jim Singer for his work in obtaining and hanging the flags around Southport our honoring veterans, and to Gerry Gamage for his work leading the Southport Fire Department and all he does for others. Gerry read the names of those Southport veterans who died in the past year. Bob Dent and Russ Hoffman played taps as Tim Hanley raised the flag. Jim Singer brought us up to date on the banner project. The meeting was concluded with thanks from Sigrid Kopt. I suspect there is another article and perhaps pictures elsewhere in this paper. In all, it was a lovely tribute to all who serve our country both in the military and in other ways. Thanks to those who contributed and those who organized this event.

Our Southport General Store has been busy planning ways to help all of us celebrate Thanksgiving. We could allow the store to completely prepare our dinner or buy what we want for ourselves and any guests we may have. If you do want the chefs at the store to prepare your whole turkey, you need to tell them by Nov. 20. In addition you can order a charcuterie box of local cheeses and meats, a carved and packaged turkey, herb roasted or house smoked, or a smoked brisket. For side dishes you can order mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casseroles with crispy onions, and a variety of other vegetable dishes. Various stuffings are also available, along with gravy, cranberry sauce, a baguette and yeast rolls. The traditional pies and other desserts are available, and for those who enjoy a good glass of wine with dinner, wine packages can be purchased at a discount if you also order dinner. You do need to order either online, SouthportGeneralStore.com, by phone, 207-633-6666, or in person by Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. with pick up in person on Nov. 27 from 2 until 6 p.m. or on Nov. 28, from 8 until 11 a.m. So whether you are celebrating this special day alone, with a few guests, or a houseful, our store is here to help you. The only task I do not see advertised is cleanup and washing dishes!

Here are some temporary changes to opening hours at the Southport Town Office. The Town Clerk and Tax Collector will be available in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3 until 6 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 18, from 3 until 8 p.m. Normal hours will resume Nov. 19. Plan your needs accordingly.