KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

This week has not been the greatest as far as weather is concerned. However, we really can’t complain as we have had very few rain days. Mother Nature is on her fall cleaning routine as far as watering the plants and clearing out the trees of their branches and leaves.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Talia Estrella, who celebrated Sept. 6; Tessa Hammond, Jonathan Santana, and Lukah Vieira, who all celebrated Sept. 7; Jacquelyn Hegarty and Alana Morris on Sept. 8; and to Adeline Hayman, who celebrates her day today, Sept. 9.

The Class of 1966 will celebrate its 45th Reunion on Oct. 15 and 16. There will be a gathering at 5:30 p.m. at the P.A. Club on Saturday, and at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Farm Neck. For more information or to reserve your space, call Herb Ward at 508-693-7683.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is hosting its 30th anniversary benefit golf tournament at Mink Meadows. The entry fee is $100 for 18 holes. The tournament features a shotgun start, continental breakfast, awards luncheon, celebrities and prizes. You can sign up at their Web site, hospiceofmv.org, or at 508-693-0189. It promises to be a wonderful autumn day for any golfer.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, Flatbread Pizza will donate a percentage of their food sales from noon until closing to the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living. As you know the center benefits all Islanders 55 and older with resources and services to live life to its fullest potential. There will be a great silent auction with theme baskets.

This week I have seen a lot of activity on our street. By the time you read this column, school has already opened. I have seen many posts on Facebook of mothers taking the kids off-Island for back-to-school shopping. Thanks to the ferry Island Queen, which for many years has transported Island families to Falmouth in late August for school shopping. Many years ago my Mom and I would make the trip and walk to Bradlees and the dress store (in that era girls were not allowed to wear pants or jeans to school) to buy school clothes and have lunch which was a big treat. We then opted for a taxi to haul all the goodies back to the boat.

I have also been following those who have gone to college either as freshmen or returning for another semester. I wish them all a good year — study hard, have fun and make new friends.

As we head into this weekend, let us all remember the families that lost loved ones on Sept. 11. It doesn’t seem possible it was 10 years ago as the memory is still fresh in our minds as if it were yesterday. Thanks to all who serve our country to protect us, and this weekend we give extra thanks to the police departments, fire departments and the EMS personnel who devote much of their lives to help us and keep us safe and make such a sacrifice — and especially to those who gave their lives in New York city all those years ago.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.