In addition to the recall petition that is available for signatures, a memo, which will be sent to state government elected and appointed officials, is available for signing at the library and the store, and perhaps other places around the island. The memo asks for the deletion of the two mill requirement and the restoration of special education money. Many people, myself included, are relearning the legislative process and taking action to put our heartfelt views forward to those who have the power to change a significant piece of our Southport life.

Maine Center for Public Health is taking action on our behalf by conducting a table top drill to practice appropriate responses to an infectious disease disaster. Various hospital, town government, and public health personnel will gather for this drill at the American Legion Hall in Boothbay on Friday, November 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. Lynn Orne will be our Southport representative to this drill. If you want more information or think you want to be involved, check out the Web site at www.mcph.org .

Christmas shopping has started in earnest with the Southport Library's Craft and Bake Sale the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 16 and 17. When Kit and I visited early Friday morning many enticing homemade delectables and creative Christmas decorations presented themselves for purchase. We bought some grapefruit marmalade, June Elderkin's new Christmas note cards, and a stained glass Santa in the shape of a half moon. Since that Friday was so rainy and cold, perhaps some items will be left for sale even when you are reading this column. When you are in the library be sure to enjoy the artwork by James A. Taliana who will be the "Artist of the Month" for December and January. Note on your calendar and plan to come to the library on December 8 at 1 p.m. when islander Sarah Sherman will be signing her new anthology, "Island Journal, Vol. II" as well as her other books, all excellent Christmas presents.

A reminder again that the Southport Democrats will meet at Dick Snyder's house after Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Republicans and Independents, and non-registered voters are also welcome. With Thanksgiving dinner well digested, more good eating will occur at the Methodist Church on Sunday, December 2, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending with Christmas music in the church. Again, all are invited.

Before we get to Christmas I hope everyone travels safely over the Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoys a tummy full of turkey and trimmings.