Early deadline for the long weekend. There has been a distinct shift around the island, a calm and stillness, fewer cars, people and activities, but many places to drop in and chat over a cup of coffee, snack, meal, see some art, take in some history, find your newest treasure, walk, just at a slower pace than the frenzy of summer. Walks with sits have yielded sightings of the communal cormorants on floats and rocks, ospreys flying and fishing, herons in trees making their prehistoric dinosaur calls, rafts of black ducks, some scaups, hummingbirds enjoying feeders and flowers, jays and crows competing for the loudest vocals. Some of these wonders will be migrating in the near future; they will be missed.

Things you might not want to miss here are happening at the Southport Memorial Library. Their Mah Jongg meetup is now on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your tiles if you have them but I heard the library has ordered some. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays the coffee table beginning at 10, hot beverage, something baked and enjoyable company; all are welcome. As of the 4th you can see a new art exhibit featuring the work of Suzanne Stokes known for her printmaking, papermaking and embossing work. Her pieces explore the vast energy of the ocean and nature and will be at the library through October. There are, of course, all the other services the library offers from museum passes to Wi-Fi, vast collections to choose a read from, and printing and scanning. Stop by and see for yourself, it is “bigger on the inside.” New hours are Tuesdays 9-4, Thursdays 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. 

More art and traditional craft can be found at The Barn, as well as creative workshops. The next workshop will be: Fused Glass | Sun Catcher on Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. You will be able to create a fabulous sun catcher in this glass fusion workshop while learning how to work with different techniques depending on your design. The glass will be fired in the instructor's kiln and ready for pickup one week after class.

For more information and to sign up visit: https://southportgeneralstore.shopsettings.com/9-12-26-Fused-Glass-Workshop-Sun-Catcher-p835213045 

If you’d like to add vibrancy to your day, or gain new appreciation for a view you thought might have become mundane after seeing it so often, stop by the Elderkin Studio at 66 Pratt’s Island Road. You will find yourself surrounded by lush colors and familiar landscapes brought to a whole new level of beauty. Even if you have stopped by since the opening in July, pieces have changed. Hours are:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., or by appointment. 

The Pub at the Newagen Seaside Inn is now featuring their new fall menu, but they will be closed for dinner on Thursday, Sept. 10 for a private event.  Live music resumes on the 13th with Nat Hussey from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Always a lovely time there, top notch wait staff, excellent food and a view that just cannot be beat. I will admit to saving up and going for lunch once a month with my great church hat from the thrift store, sitting on the deck, having an appetizer and feeling quite posh. Go ahead and treat yourself, you will be happy you did.

Speaking of thrift stores, you might find a hat of your own at Southport Island Treasures, or some other item of want or need, many fall items have arrived and are displayed just as you feel the need for a seasonal change in your living space. Angel is collecting for the Southport Historical Society this month and the free raffle could make you a winner of some great potholders and a gift certificate.

A reminder that the Southport Fire Department has one last item to auction, a 1973 38.5 foot EGG Harbor Flybridge Sedan Cruiser. The bidding will take place at Town Hall on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. For more information you can contact the Fire Department or to see pictures, check out their FB page.

That about sums up the events, I am sure that you have your own Labor Day things, maybe a last beach day, picnics with family and friends, grilling, beverages, the best potato salad, all the traditions that happen, and then the banning of white clothing as we delve into fall and then winter to come -- sort of odd, but an old tradition held fast to by many. A request was made that fireworks not be used, but you do as you like, perhaps just do so with caution and courtesy. The island is dry and brittle even after this little bit of rain, and many suffer from the noise, humans and animals alike. Whatever your plans, enjoy bidding the summer season good-bye, though we still have until the 22nd for autumn to officially begin.

May Peace Be With You.