KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

The leaves are starting to turn. The fresh apples are in the produce department and there are pumpkins at the nurseries. The mums and cabbages are now in flower pots. There is a faint smell of wood burning in the air and you can sleep with the blankets up to your chin. Fall is here. Ain’t it grand?

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Jade Correll, who celebrated her day on Oct. 1; Julie Gomes on Oct. 4; Jackson Burgoyne on Oct. 5; and to Jayden and Jordan Coyle, who celebrate their day today.

Congratulations to Karen Rogers and Mathew (Matt) Coyne, who will be united in marriage Oct. 6. It doesn’t seem possible that Karen, who was our flower girl at age three, will be marching down the same aisle as a bride. Best wishes to you both — here is to a healthy and happy life together.

We are preparing for Nene to go back to Germany on Sunday. I have so many mixed feelings as she has been a big part of our lives since July. I feel like some of the mothers that are preparing for their child to go to college and leave the nest. She is a very independent girl, which makes it hard for us to remember that she is only 16 years old. It has been a great experience. If I had to do it all again I would not hesitate to say yes.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will hold its first in a series of fall and winter cultural luncheons on Saturday, Oct. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Grill on Main in Edgartown. The coming 2012-2013 series of luncheons will focus on the art and cultural community of the Vineyard since 1973. The theme for the series ties in with Arts Martha’s Vineyard, a collaboration of members of the Vineyard’s arts, culture and business communities, to promote and support the arts on the Vineyard during the month of October. The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce is a lead organizer for the month of activities, which is co-sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Times. In addition, October is National Arts and Humanities Month.

The featured speaker for the Oct. 20 luncheon is David R. White, executive and artistic director of The Yard in Chilmark. He is a dynamic speaker who served as executive director and producer of the Dance Theater Workshop in New York from 1975 to 2003. For reservations, call Leslie Clapp at 508-939-9440. Or you can purchase tickets from the following board members: Karen Achille, Shirley Dewing, Rise Tierney, June Manning and Ginger Duarte.

Laura Alexander, an instructor in Pilates and owner of Evolve, sent me a message that she is having an open house at the studio this Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can wander in, see the studio, ask questions, pick up a schedule, meet her and enjoy light refreshments. Evolve is across the street from the Stop & Shop in Edgartown.

After this week some families will be back together again as the derby will end. However, for the sportsmen families it continues with hunting season. It is now bow season and those men will be sitting in trees again. So be warned to get your orange out and make sure your dogs are leashed.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.