The last roses of summer are still in bloom although the high winds and rain over the weekend may have even scattered those around. Most of the trees are now bare. It was certainly blustery on Sunday but the days remain nearing the 50s and dipping to freezing overnight.

Looking for something for the family to do following your Thanksgiving dinner? Head to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. to learn about In the Heart of the Sea, written by our friend Nathaniel Philbrick of Nantucket, to be presented by Bow Van Riper. We are looking forward to the release of the movie on Dec. 11.

Congratulations to the Vineyarders in harpooning the Whalers (sorry Nat Philbrick, Tim Madden and Tim Lepore) on Saturday. Thank you to Coach Herman for his leadership over the past 28 years. Congratulations to Elijah Matthews of Aquinnah, son of Nicole Ferguson and grandson of Shelley Devine Carter, who intercepted the ball in the final 11 seconds of the game!

Thank you to the students at the West Tisbury School for preparing 100 apple and pumpkin pies for families at the food pantry and for elders at the Up-Island Council on Aging.

There will be an open studio visit and sale of wampum jewelry and mosaic tiles by Joan LeLacheur at her home at 42 Old South Road on Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., email joanlela57@gmail.com for more information. On Saturday, the UPIS LAND wampum beadmakers will have an exhibition and sale at the Chilmark Public Library from 3 to 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., Reverend Cathlin Baker will hold the first of three contemplative services for the advent season at the West Tisbury Congregational Church. The first theme will be longing and preparing.

On Nov. 9, the Chartering Ceremony for United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-9 was held at the stately new boathouse on Menemsha Harbor. Thank you to David Pothier for inviting me to this event. The new Commander of 11-9 will be Timothy Carroll. My other longtime friends and schoolmates include Kenneth DeBettencourt (42 years as a USCG Auxiliary member), Glenn DeBlase, Wayne Iacono, Karen Kukolich, and Steve Mathias. It was a pleasure to meet Derrick Teel, a new member. It was a great pleasure to meet Commander of Sector Southeastern New England, Capt. John Kondratowicz, as well as Cmdr. Carissa April. Of course it is always nice to catch up with my friends from Station Menemsha, Riley Dreaney, Juan Gandara, Savannah Hode, Chief Trey Honeycutt, Chief Robert Riemer, Ryan Rossi, Mark Seawell and Spencer Thigpen.

Ronald and Joanne Spears have arrived from their grandparenting duties in Rhode Island. They are in Aquinnah to await the arrival of their next grandchild, due in the next week. They are staying at their daughter Jamie Sue and Durwood Vanderhoop’s home. Of course they will be here for Thanksgiving with the Vanderhoop clan and their grandsons Sowanahsh and Kuhpay.

Sincerest condolences to the many friends and family of George Szilassy who passed away at his home in Oak Bluffs on Nov. 19. George had spent the past four decades on the Vineyard, fishing and painting homes mostly up-Island, as well as town buildings. He was a resident of Chilmark for 20 years before moving to Oak Bluffs about five years ago. He loved Chilmark — the people, the work, the fire department of which he was a member— and he was always willing to lend a hand wherever he could, especially during holiday parties for the town. George was born in Hungary and raised in Medway, where his funeral services will be held. He will be greatly missed during his daily visits to Squid Row and the coffee corner at Menemsha Texaco. May he rest in peace. A man with a big heart.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Barbara Fenner (one of the Galley Girls) who celebrated a major milestone on Saturday amid family and friends. Diamond (Ellie) Vanderhoop will party on Nov. 28. Everyone along the East Coast will wish Joseph Spinelli a very happy birthday on Nov. 29. Nonie Smith parties on Sunday and shares the day with Alfred Alley 3rd. Coltrane Leport will be 16 on Dec. 1. Noah Mayrand parties on Tuesday in San Francisco. Millicent Smalley and Durwood Vanderhoop share the day on Dec. 3. Janie Bankoff-Popkin parties on Dec. 4. Jacob Vanderhoop will celebrate on Dec. 4. John Alley will observe his special day on Thursday.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.