Hello friends and neighbors!

The deciduous trees are finding it harder to make chlorophyll with the shorter, cooler days. Of course that means we will be treated to the annual display of rainbow colors in our canopy soon. I do love this time of year, and it always goes way too fast! So get out and enjoy these gorgeous days while you can.

Sunday’s weather was picture perfect for Westport’s 10K Shore Run. The field of runners and walkers may have been small, but it was certainly interesting! Dedee Greenleaf-Hodgdon , her dog Gracie, and Jerry Mason’s daughter Sarah Richard made the Post Office Road loop a true “Fun Walk” by pausing to chat with neighbors and to browse the Pottery Shop along the way. Kudos to Westport’s own Brian Waterbury, who completed the run despite a shoe problem resulting in blisters! Gail Reinertson and her adopted hound Besor from Brunswick ran the hills and still had energy to smile at the finish line. Winners included a participant from Juneau, Alaska, and a family of four from the United Kingdom also urged each other on over the beautifully rolling racecourse. Falmouth’s Leslie Cooper was a returnee training for a marathon who appreciated the low key atmosphere of Westport’s Race. Per usual, Rob and Marcie Whitney along with their children and the Westport Volunteer Fire Department helped organize a safe and enjoyable morning for all. Thanks to all the sponsors and participants for making it happen!

The Westport Island Artisans’ Guild will be holding their 19th annual Craft Show this Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by the Old Town Hall to purchase unique gifts and collectibles, quality home decorative items, and wearables for yourself or someone you care about. There will be refreshments available, and all proceeds from them will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. If you have any questions, contact Anne Cole-Fairfield (882-5078) or Pamela Shockley (882-9412).

The following Saturday, Sept. 23, don’t miss the Westport Island Cemetery Tour sponsored by a collaboration of the Community Association, the History Committee and the Cemetery Committee. If you are interested in history, genealogy, or simply seeing some interesting sites on the Island, meet at the Old Town Hall at 10 a.m. for a guided driving tour of eight Island cemeteries chosen for their historical significance and ease of access. The tour is anticipated to take about 2 ½ hours, and free refreshments will be available at the Old Town Hall at its conclusion. Donations of non-perishable food items are always appreciated for Helping Hands Food Pantry. For more information, visit www.westportcommunityassociation.com.

Later that afternoon, Erin Bailey and her champion black lab Casco will be eagerly waiting to meet you at Ames True Value from 1-5 p.m. Help support Team Casco’s trip to the Dock Dog World Championship Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee and enjoy some delicious home baked goodies in the process! Casco has been invited to particpate as a Master in Big Air, a Cadet in Extreme Vertical, and a Nitro in Speed Retrieve. This is one excited, energetic canine who would love to meet you!

Your newshound appreciates all contributions more than you know! Contact her at pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.