Whenever there is a baby born into our community we jump for joy, but in addition to the baby, there is a family that gets to take center stage. Aretha Brown, daughter of Kate Taylor, and Keron Brown are proud parents of a healthy and lovely baby girl. Zuri Elizabeth Brown was welcomed into the world on Sept. 27, not only by her parents but by her most amazing big sister Fiona. In addition to mom, dad, big sis and Grannie Kate, there are dozens of family and friends including aunts Aquinnah Witham and Liz Witham and uncle Ken Wentworth ready to give her as much love as a tiny human needs.

Another reason to raise a glass in toast and celebrate with fine new china place settings is Lisa and Buddy Vanderhoop’s 20th wedding anniversary. Yes folks, two decades have passed since these two tied the knot on the Gay Head Cliffs, on a spot that has since tumbled town to the ocean. Theirs was the first wedding reception at the new Ag Hall and, my oh my, it was one heck of a shindig. These two, surrounded by a celebratory crowd, really knew how to cut a rug until the wee hours of the morning. May your 20th anniversary provide you with an opportunity to create some wonderful memories that we are all still talking about in 2035.

On a sad note, David and Kitty Vickery hosted a memorial gathering for Will Monast Saturday at their stunningly beautiful new home off Old South Road. The small house nestled in the trees on a rise of land was Will’s last art building project before he died in February. Earlier in the day the entire extended Monast family, including Will’s wife Leslei, the four children, Will’s siblings and their spouses all went over to Cuttyhunk by boat to scatter his ashes at sea. At the gathering Will was remembered warmly with tears, laughter and shared stories, as a brilliant sunset flooded the western edge of the Vineyard with light.

Stefanie Hecht of the Gay Head 10K Committee says there still time to register for the Oct. 4 Run for the Light road race. The race kicks off at 10 a.m., and folks who either procrastinate or simply wonder if they can pull off a 10K have until 9:30 a.m. on race day to get their number and lace up their running shoes. More information and details about the event can be found at gayheadlight.org.

Aquinnah Library associate Morgan Stanley-Kominers,was nice enough to pass along information regarding some of the upcoming library events. On Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 4 to 5 p.m., there will be a Pokemon party. What’s the scoop? It’s really pretty simple. Bring your cards to play and trade with friends. There is an additional opportunity on Saturday Oct. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. for those who cannot attend the after-school event. If turnout is good, the library folks are considering making this a monthly event.

For those of you who marked your calendars for the DIY body products get together at the library, there has been a change of date. It is now scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29.

Joe Spinelli, jewelry salesman extraordinaire, and John McKinstry spent the month of September enjoying themselves quite often with the company of the Manning clan. According to June, they all dined out together numerous times and departed a few short days ago simply so they wouldn’t have to loosen their belts. They will spend the month of October in Manhattan followed by wintering at their Miami home.

Before departing, John and Joe enjoyed a lovely luncheon at the Eastman home along with Charles Young, Mary Jane Pease, Craig Rakela, Charlotte Cook and June Manning.

Taylor Ives and Sarah Shriber tied the knot Sept. 19 at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. Best man Matt Seeman, flanked by groomsmen Sam Griswold, Danny Merry, Ryan Kurth, Dan VanLandingham, Lewis Colby and Farley Glavin all stood with excitement alongside Taylor. Sarah, along with her maid of honor Willa Tracosas Hughes and bridesmaids Jackie Rubbo, Brie Van Dam, Julie Kramer Kirkpatrick and Joey Russell all looked casually elegant on the grass at the Vanderhoop Homestead overlooking the Atlantic. The couple will continue exploring the Island, walking all of the land bank trails, star gazing, swimming in any weather condition and hanging out with friends.

Kate Murphy Kausch was back in town a couple of weeks ago from her home in Utah to celebrate her dear friend Sophia Van Everen’s marriage to Dhakir Warren. Meanwhile, the Kausch offspring, baby Sam and big boy Noah, are growing, growing, growing. Grandparents Christine and Tom Murphy are over the moon about those boys.

I hope you all enjoyed the super moon total lunar eclipse that took place at the beginning of the week. The Mahoney family, Melissa, Jim, Aileen and Seamus, enjoyed watching the spectacular phenomenon from a rooftop in Chilmark.

I’ve been eying the forecast, as have others, wondering what exactly Mother Nature may bring. At the time of my writing, boats have been hauled or moved to more sheltered settings, outdoor furniture has been brought in and folks have snuck out of town a bit early concerned that ferries may not run in the event that we get a big, strong blow. I am hopeful our preparedness simply is met with the simple phrase “That was a close one.”