In case you missed last week’s edition of the Register, here is a short summary of two great articles above the fold on the front page, each accompanied by a picture. In the center of the page is a picture of Evelyn Sherman and the three selectmen. The article is written by the person who best knows the story, Evelyn’s daughter, Sarah. The story
is about Evelyn’s contributions to Southport during her 97 years here. In acknowledgment of all those contributions, the selectmen have awarded her the Boston Post Cane. Congratulations, Evelyn. Perhaps elsewhere in the paper is an update on this article adding another name to the recipients of the Boston Post Cane. Leon Swett also received the cane in the early '70s.

The good news story on the left hand side of the front page above the fold is about money Southport has received from Hawkeye Fiber Optics for materials purchased by the town but not used because the voters overturned the vote to build the system at a special town meeting. $68,908.95 has been recovered. The picture is the selectmen at
work. You can read both articles online.

Absentee ballots are still available through 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.

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.

Great to see the glass door finally replaced at our post office. I am told the building is rented by the federal government to house the post office. Therefore it was the owner, not the government, who was responsible for replacing the door. On Monday morning, in front of the building, a digger was hard at work creating a trough for a water pipeline so that the building could have year-round water.

Next to the post office, on the Sweet Dreams bakery property, look for the orange and black, blown up dragon swaying in the breeze, celebrating the fall season.

In response to a concern from a reader, I asked Sam Stilwell of the DOT what happens to the bridge operators when the bridge no longer opens. The Southport bridge closed to openings for boat traffic Sept. 30. Sam’s answer is that “The operators will remain employed and working throughout the closure. They will be learning how the
new equipment works and will continue monitoring boat traffic and completing their paperwork.” Thanks, Sam, for your quick answer and thanks to our reader for his concerns.

A variety of changes and opportunities come from the Southport General Store. Monday through Friday hours are 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday hours are now 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. , and Sunday the store will be open until noon, but after Oct. 13, it will be closed on Sundays. They are still looking for an additional ‘team member’, full or part-time, to tend the cash register, make sandwiches, and stock shelves, a job with good pay and health benefits. Also they are starting special breakfasts with homemade Tyler ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches, and other delicious on site goodies. Stop by and try some.

If you are reading this article online Tuesday, know that the Southport Yacht Club will again host a Ladies Night at the club this Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Since it is getting cooler, the group will probably meet inside. As always, bring your own beverage, come for all or part of the time, and no RSVP required.

On Thursday, Oct. 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Southport Memorial Library will host a demonstration and lecture on how to take pictures after dark. Having just watched a film sponsored by the Land Trust, of animals in all four seasons of the year and in the dark, I will be curious to learn how one can capture such imagery.

Although the Hendricks Hill Museum is closed for the season, one more event will be a closing party Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6 from 1 until 3 p.m. at the museum. All are invited.

If you have not yet had a flu shot, an opportunity to get one without leaving the island is on Oct. 10 at the Southport Town Hall from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Probably necessary to bring your health insurance card with you.