The much talked about storm has arrived, needed rain is falling, winds are blowing and tides are high, a perfect Sunday. Last week was a reminder of quieter times to come. Autumn, while just beginning, is moving forward with alacrity, leaving us with remnants of golden rod tucked between purple and white fall asters, the spikes of deep yellow within the frilly petals is a perfect color combination. Birds have returned to feeders, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, juncos, rowdy jays and the downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers. Plenty of mammals as well, Little Hands, the raccoon, has made several raids, the scurry of red squirrels continue to yell at one another, for them sharing is not caring, it is an infringement on their bounty. Their quarreling creates spillage which in turn delights Roomba, the chipmunk, and the field mice. All these small wonders can be found nearby, and bring joy. Less so is traveling the west side of the island where the water line construction continues to cause some dangerous conditions. Not sure what might be detoured this week, but use caution and be prepared to take the long way around to get to your destination.

There are of course destinations you will want to get to. The Barn is the gathering place for the Community Knitting group on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome regardless of skill level, so if you would like to learn to knit or are adept enough to move your needles and talk at the same time, stop by, pull up a chair and join the fiber fun. While you are there you might want to register for the Ornament Fused Glass Workshop to be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. You’ll create three ornaments of your own design which would be fired in the instructor’s kiln and available for pick-up the following week. Before, or after, head into the General Store where friends and neighbors have been connecting for 144 years. Get your morning pick me up of choice, lunch, always fresh and delicious, or check out their prepared dinner options in the freezer case. Whether sweet or savory, you can find something to satisfy your taste buds.

There is still time to visit Possibilities Antique Shop which is open daily until Indigenous People’s Day from 12:30 to 5 p.m. The road work may have hampered your visits in the past, but you can get in and out of the driveway and it is worth the trouble to enter the cozy building filled with memory evoking items.

If the drab days of rain get you down, boost your serotonin by viewing the saturating, lush colors of June Elderkin’s paintings at the Studio, 66 Pratt’s Island Road on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. The truly stunning work will leave you feeling optimistic and jubilant.

The Southport Memorial Library now open Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4, continues to promote community and offer meeting space, Wi-Fi, museum passes to: The Portland Museum, the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, Maine Maritime Museum, the Farnsworth and the Botanical Gardens, as well as books, movies and so much more. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. on, all are welcome to the Coffee Table which offers comfy chairs, conversation, sweet treats and warm beverages, a tradition for decades, come see why it carries on to this day. Also on Thursdays, you might want to get involved with the Mah Jongg group that meets from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your own tiles if you have them.

Not to be forgotten before this month ends is a reminder from the Southport Harbor Master. Any applicant currently on the mooring wait list must submit a written request annually to the Harbor Master to remain on the wait list. If you are applicable, please submit your request by Sept. 30.  Requests should be submitted to southportharbormaster@gmail.com

You will want to mark your calendar or cut out this notice and stick it on the fridge. The Southport Island Association (SIA), in conjunction with Nathan's Pharmacy, is conducting a flu vaccination clinic at the Southport Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4 to 5:15 p.m. All are welcome. Let’s stay healthy and thereby keep others healthy as well.

Almost all medical insurance plans (including Medicare) pay for influenza vaccination. Please bring your medical insurance information to the clinic (e.g. Medicare card, Blue Cross / Blue Shield card). If you are unable to pay, please come anyway - SIA will help offset the cost. 

Please consult with your primary care physician if you have any questions about the advisability of receiving a flu vaccination, given your personal medical history. No other vaccinations or boosters (COVID, RSV, etc.) beyond the current flu vaccine are currently included for this clinic. 

You have until Wednesday to put your name in the raffle at Southport Island Treasures and look at wonderful items to fill your craving for autumn colors and accessories, from clothes to home décor and so much in between you will find things from adorable to practical, vintage to never used, all reasonably priced.

I needed an outing this afternoon, despite rain and wind, the walk did not disappoint. Striking red sumac, crashing waves, bobbing ducks and herons remaining still despite the gusts around them, only their longer neck plumage being swept on the air currents. The tranquility was broken by a series of emergency vehicle sirens, hopes that all are well. Look out for yourselves and for others and May Peace Be With You All.