If you are a friend of famous architect Francis Pitts, one of the stellar denizens of Our Town, if you are on Facebook with him or just know him the old fashioned in person way, be sure to connect for 11 fabulous photos he took on his recent trip to South Korea. Francis was in that neck of the woods to accept an award for his great work. I don’t know how he has the energy, fitting all this in with his daughter’s end of September wedding, but he did. The pictures are excellent and reveal a part of the world most of us will never see in person.

Other grand photos I find on Facebook are posted by our own Tammy Morrison Glen who runs the closed group, Cooking on the Vineyard. Just go on line and ask Tammy if you may join, she will accept you. I have been a member for about six months now. While I can’t say I have tried any of the recipes they sure look succulent on my screen. Yesterday, Oct. 1, Tammy’s group posted the rules for a cooking contest, with prizes. As I go to press now I cannot reveal the rules yet. Ready, set, cook!

Other challenges in Our Town: Susie Goldstein announces a special weekend at the Mansion House Health Club on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18. Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpappis present their CoreFusion workout classes designed to bring out the best in your body. The couple have created a routine fusing the Lotte Berk method barre with pilates and yoga. You will be all set for the winter couch potato syndrome. Speak to Brenda Wallis, fitness director of the Mansion House Health Club, at 508-693-2200 to reserve your space in class.

From the poet’s corner I must disappoint you and say that Arnie Riesman’s reading at our Vineyard Haven library next Tuesday night has been cancelled. Get well to Arnie and we expect him to be re-booked later in the fall.

But still going strong is the planned Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on the corner of William and Spring streets. Call now to reserve a table for your displays. There will be a bake sale table, white elephant table, jewelry, crafts, root beer floats, an Oompah band, a puppet show, a water balloon throw — who could ask for anything more? Call 508-693-1539 to reserve a space or for more details.

I hear you are enduring quite a strong Nor’Easter. I hope you all stay safe, and I regret the many outdoor sports activities our school teams must be cancelling now.

If you do get a chance to visit us in Nonna’s neck of the woods, wear a motorcyle or bicycle helmet. Just at her property line is a neighbor’s massive oak that is dropping acorns like bricks from a high rise. Other than that, we are doing just fine.

Nonna is reading Peter Robinson’s Final Account and I am almost finished with Lawrence Wright’s Thirteen Days in September about the Camp David peace treaty talks of Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begun and Anwar Sadat. Seems like yesterday.

Condolences to the family and friends of noted author and historian Herman Page. His contributions to our Island history will never be forgotten.

Belated anniversary wishes to my cousins, Richard and Barbara Gardella, who celebrated their 50th on Sept. 25. Anniversary bouquets go out to Ray and Laurel Redington-Whitaker on Oct. 5, one of the most beautiful and memorable weddings I ever had the pleasure of attending.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Bill Wingert and Mary Etherington Friday. October 3 is shared by Jeanie Hay-Sternbach and Toby Codding. October 4 is a party for Liz Figueroa, Rebecca Palmer, Lizzie Andrews, Zach Post and Michael Sawyer. October 5 honors Ross MacPherson and Megan Willey. And on October 10, Kim Samuels takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.