If any of you were awake about 1:30 a.m. on Monday morning, you may have seen the snow flakes falling. Not accumulating on the ground, but our first snow, nonetheless, photographed by Ashley Tibbetts. Thanks, Ashley.

Perhaps you have seen some other articles in this paper about the Maine Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for veterans. One of those veterans making the trip was Southporter Russell Jackson. On Thursday, Oct. 17, he and his wife, Nan, checked into The Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Portland Jetport where they were joined by their son, Ranulph, and his wife who drove up from Massachusetts. Early the next morning father and son boarded the Southwest flight to Baltimore, Maryland, with 50 other Vietnam veterans and their guardians, Ranulph being his dad’s guardian.

The veterans spent Friday afternoon at Fort William McHenry and then attended a banquet that evening. Saturday they visited seven memorials and Arlington Cemetery, watching the changing of the guard, all with perfect weather. Saturday evening they had dinner at American Legion Post 175 where they had their photos taken holding an early photo of themselves in their military uniform. Russell was in the Air Force for four years, 1968 to 1972. His last year was spent in Thailand at an air base near the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Sunday morning they returned to Portland where a large and enthusiastic crowd awaited their arrival, Both their departure and arrival were filmed and shown on News Center Maine Friday night and Sunday morning. The filming managed to catch the Russell family in the background during an interview for the Sunday morning segment. The rest of the family had come from Massachusetts, Ran’s wife, Jess and their two grandchildren Angela and Lucas. Friends from Massachusetts and Vermont came to welcome Russell home along with Becky and Jim Singer who had made a great welcome home sign for Russ.

Nan writes, “Russell and Ran had a memorable trip and enjoyed getting to know so many fine men and women who were on the trip with them. We would encourage donating to the Maine Honor Flight Organization as this costs the veterans not a cent They have an annual fundraiser that is taking place soon or on their website.”

The Fall Festival at the Southport General Store last Saturday was well attended with steady stream of people coming for food and fun. When I arrived about 3 p.m. decorated pumpkins sat on the table, other chalk marks decorated the pavement, and the cornhole pads were scattered about in indicating fun at that game. My barbecued pork sandwich and baked beans were delicious. People sitting outside were warmed by the “Huga” cushions provided on the seats. The name of the cushions, made and sold by a local Southporter, Colin Greig, “President of Back End Operations,” comes from the Danish word, “hygge,” which means “warm and cozy.” If you want to contact Colin about obtaining some of these cushions for your outdoor living, you can pick up his card at the store or call him at 207-329-2387. When I was in Denmark for a summer in 1959, we used this word often to describe our fun and good feelings.

The store is trying different times to be open to satisfy customers and keep staff busy. Currently the hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., on that day only servicing brunch and barbecue, no other sandwiches. The barn is closed, but items have been moved to the dining area of the store.

The “Dippers,” those stalwart souls who dip in the ocean all year round, had a warmer time earlier on Saturday. When I arrived at the Hendricks Head Beach about 11:30 a.m., they had already been in the water and were warming in the sun. Even though they continue to claim the dip is refreshing, I am not brave enough to join them.

We have two events for celebration on Thursday, Oct. 31. First, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Southport Memorial Library, all are invited to gather with Donald Duncan for his birthday celebration. Everyone deserves to celebrate a birthday, but especially when it is your 96th time! Later in the day, beginning at 5 p.m. all are invited to the Halloween party organized by the Southport Island Association at the Southport Town Hall. You are welcome whether wearing costumes or not. If you do don a costume, you can join in the costume fashion show! You can also participate in the chili cook-off and have a fun “trunk or treat” experience. Cars will welcome Halloweeners with their trunks open in the Methodist Church parking lot. The trunks will offer candy and other treats.

Volunteers participating in the Chili Cook Off and those willing to open their trunk to provide treats are still needed. In addition to chili, hot dogs and mac and cheese will be available. Adults may BYOB. Updates will be posted to the SIA's Facebook page, and if anyone has any questions or is willing to volunteer, they can reach out to southporthalloween@gmail.com or call Eden at 513-739-2422.

This week, as the month ends, we say good-bye to the lovely art by Dana Moses and Irene Plummer gracing our library walls and begin to enjoy the art by Hilary Bartlett. Then on Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning at 2 p.m. at the library, Hilary will return to teach us more about mushrooms. Hilary is a local author and artist, whose latest book is “Mushroom Mania.”  Come to the library for her talk.

Southport Planning Board will meet at the Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.  Such meetings are open to whomever wants to attend.

Many thanks for our Head Selectman, Gerry Gamage, and to the ambulance crew who came so quickly and worked so efficiently to help a neighbor transport to the hospital. We are very lucky to have such kind and capable people available to help us.

Hope you have on your calendar Nov. 11, when we will gather at the Southport Memorial Library for the annual Veterans Day observance to honor all who are currently serving our country in the military, as well as those who have previously served, and those who have died. You are invited to gather at 10:45 a.m. with the ceremony beginning at 11. The service can also be seen on Channels 7 and 1301 along with Jim Singer’s slides of our local veterans. I believe it will also be time to say good-bye to all those veterans whose pictures have decorated our roadsides this spring, summer, and fall as they will be put away for the winter.

Absentee ballots are still available until 5 p.m. Oct. 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.