Again, I will begin with a correction. Last week I wrote about the new sandwiches at the Southport General Store, one of which is made with “Taylor” ham, not “Tyler” ham. That may not seem like a vital correction, but my son called me from New Jersey, where the ham is produced, to let me know I had the name wrong. Apparently, especially in New Jersey, the ham, processed by the family for five generations, is very popular and in need of being protected from a spelling error. Thanks, Topher, for reading the column and catching the error.

Saturdays are now an especially good time to stop by the store for a meal. Try the special breakfast sandwiches, such as the brisket plus root vegetable hash and an easy over egg, or, beginning later in the morning, try the barbecue that will continue to provide lunch and maybe even an early dinner, all cooked and can be eaten to
delightful music. On your calendar note that October 26 at the store will be a Fall Festival from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Also note that the store is now closed on Sundays due to lack of help.

Another chance for fun will be the Halloween party at the Southport Town Hall on Oct. 31. Get your costumes ready and look for more particulars next week.

The newly landscaped front yard at the Southport Post Office is the consequence of a year-round water line being installed. Nice to see these additions and repairs to the front door so that our post office looks cared for again. With the window boxes and interior glass doors filled with fall colors and characters, and with colored pictures of our school children at work, the property brightens our day. Thanks to all involved in this work.

Installation of a larger culvert with a metal sieve to keep large debris from blocking the flow has been completed in Newagen on the east side of Route 238. Apparently beavers were at least partially responsible for causing the problem. Wildlife have greeted me recently on Cross Road - today a large flock of turkeys, fortunately well trained to keep to the road’s edge, and Saturday two young deer bounced across in front of my car. Keeping to the 35 mph speed limit or slower is a good idea.

Karen Curtis has moved from her home on Cross Road to Benchmark at Billerica Crossing, 20 Charnstaff Lane, Room 202, Billerica, MA 01821. Thanks to all who helped her with that enormous decision.

Perhaps others of you were awakened as I was last Thursday morning at about 7:10 a.m. to the sound of my generator running. My first thought was “What is going on? We’ve had no wind or bad weather.” Our power was out for about two hours. Later in the day CMP called to say the outage was caused by a faulty fuse at the Boothbay Harbor Station. Glad they got it fixed quickly.

Many folks turned up last Sunday afternoon for the closing party at the Hendricks Hill Museum. Apple cider, donuts, cheese and crackers, and grapes kept us fed while conversation kept us up to date on museum and island events. The school children plan to visit after which volunteers will cover the displays with cloth to keep
them warm and safe through the winter. Many thanks to the volunteers who care for our history on display and keep it safe.

The Ladies’ Night at the Southport Yacht Club continues from 4:30 p.m. until about 6:30 p.m. Last week we were still comfortable on the porch with the setting sun to keep us warm. Although not required or planned, a number of people brought good nibbles to share. If this week is cooler, we will meet inside. As always, bring your own beverage, come for all or part of the time, and no RSVP required.

Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Southport Town Hall from 4 until 5:15 p.m. you can get your flu shot for the season. Probably necessary to bring your health insurance card with you.

Southporter Betsy Thibault is looking for a job housesitting and/or pet sitting. You will see her brochures at the post office and the Southport General Store. Please call her at 207-315-6419 if you can offer such a job or have a lead to one.

Absentee ballots are still available until 5 p.m. October 31 at the Southport Town Hall. If you are going to be out of town or cannot get to the town hall during voting hours, here is your chance to make your voice count.

A final thought for those of you approaching retirement or other changes dictated by age as I am. A friend lent me a book titled “Creative Aging.” Since I have been enjoying our colorful leaves drifting through the air, this sentence stood out to me: “Like leaves falling from a tree in autumn, release is part of creation’s story. One phase must end so another can begin.” So may it be.