Well, Pulitzer Prize-winner Geraldine Brooks has done it again. Her latest book The Secret Chord is sure to join her long list of New York Times bestsellers, and will be available for purchase and a book signing, complete with refreshments, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. Geraldine won the Pulitzer Prize for her book March. My particular favorite is Caleb’s Crossing. Can’t wait to get my hands on a signed copy of The Secret Chord.

Meanwhile, a very special Shabbat morning service will be held at the Grey Barn at 22 South Road on Saturday Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Come join us as the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center has a blessing of the farm animals. Please do not bring your own pets, but you may bring pictures. A vegetarian dish for a potluck is most welcome. Avoid any chicken-broth based recipes, as the barn animals might get offended.

I know many of you are gearing up for the spring trip to Cuba. Those of us who cannot travel are still able to study all things Cuban. Betty Burton has snagged professor Joseph Murphy to speak in the program room of our library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, on the African religious traditions of Cuba. All are invited and the program is free.

I miss seeing my friendly banker at MVSB, Sharon Simonin. I am fortunate to see her latest beautiful photos on Facebook. Sharon is a member of the esteemed M.V. Photography Club, which meets at 6 p.m. at our library every Thursday evening. Sharon’s amazing photos are now on display in Art in the Stacks, the continuing show on the lower level of our library. Enjoy.

A different kind of picture of the Vineyard is presented in Charlie Nadler’s new album, Alive from Martha’s Vineyard. It is wonderful to watch your young students grow up and become their best at what they want to do. All proceeds from Charlie’s album will go to Alex’s Place, the teen center at our YMCA. Don’t miss it.

Meanwhile, Charlie’s mom, Holly Nadler, has weighed in on last night’s debate. Holly was all prepared to adore Bernie Sanders like one of her Jewish uncles but could not get over the expertise, professionalism, and commitment to families and children exhibited by Hillary. Holly stands firmly in Hillary’s corner now. How about Hillary and Bernie on the same ticket? Now there’s a pair that beats a full house!

Confidential to Lyn K: Nonna is reading Mean Streak by Sandra Brown. I have just finished rereading one of the scariest and best thrillers I have ever read, Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. I guess Nonna and I are so different from psycho women that we are seeking the opposite in our reading material.

If adult athletics are more your thing than reading, Peter Lambos at the Boys & Girls Club has cooked up a great program. While the kids are at school, Peter invites you to use the gym Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 2:30 p.m. to play pickleball. Why should the kids have all the fun? I was first introduced to this cool game when I was subbing for Don Herman at gym class.

Richard Paradise of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society has a great treat for us on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. at the theatre, one show only. He will screen a restored version of My Fair Lady to mark its 50th year as one of best-loved musicals. I recommend you all go in Ascot Races costumes.

Condolences to the large Taylor family, on the death of Trudy Taylor last Saturday at her home in Chilmark. Trudy was a part of the Island story for so many years, on her own even without her very talented children she nurtured so well. Trudy could be seen at all things Island — the Ag Fair, thrift shops, poetry readings, events, the supermarket, and all of her kids’ appearances. She will be greatly missed.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Steffie Elliott Friday. Oct. 17 is a party for Fritz Knight, Sue Zonino, Hannah Berman and Margery Howes. Oct. 18 belongs to Noel Macy, Zach Pepper, Shawn Goodwin, Jermaine Campbell and Jim Pringle the elder. Oct. 19 shines on Maggie Greely and Benjamin Cotton. Oct. 21 is claimed by Allison Brown. And on Oct. 22 Robin Bailey and Isabella Bennett take the cake.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.