Bowling. It’s an alley you can play in, get three strikes yet you’re not out, and that’s how the Aquinnuts roll on Sunday evenings. Strikes, spares, gutter balls ­— they’re all good when the likes of Tom Murphy, Buddy Vanderhoop, Hollis Smith and Hughie Taylor get together. This past week, Hugh was unable to join his teammates so, thankfully, Chip Vanderhoop was able to stand in. They bowled amongst a packed house against a really impressive team (which possibly had a ringer who swooped in from somewhere off-Island) that scored more than 200 against the Aquinnuts’ impressive 174.

The weather has been relatively cooperative and folks continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Be reminded that archery season opened on Oct. 19 and continues through Nov. 28. You may want to consider wearing some blaze orange if you plan to walk woodland trails.

You’ve likely all heard by now about the exciting events that happened at the 70th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. For those who haven’t, let me share. There were a lot of familiar names that won awards, including Lew Colby, who took a third place in the shore division of the grand slam. A 4.12-pound bluefish, a 7.4-pound bonito, an 8.09-pound false albacore and a 22.35-pound striped bass totaling 41.96 pounds earned him one of the top spots.

Additionally, Lew and Giles Welch earned a very respectable ninth place in the boat team competition. Their team Aiden’s Voyage accumulated 57.03 pounds.

To top off the awards ceremony, Miles Whyte proposed to Deanna Withers on stage after his key turned the lock, winning him a boat. Neither reside in Aquinnah but both are regular faces seen out and about fishing, care-taking, socializing, and more. Deanna is a pinch hitter at Menemsha Texaco in the off-season, too. She’s that sweet familiar face that always holds up her end of a great conversation. Express your congratulations to them both.

Juli Vanderhoop shares that Evelyn Vanderhoop is here for a visit. Her mother, Delores Churchill, will also be in town for a visit. She has travelled to take part in the film screening of Tracing Roots on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Harvard’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The film offers, according to Harvard’s website, “a glimpse into the world of Haida elder and master weaver Delores Churchill. The film follows Churchill on her journey to uncover the origins of a spruce root hat discovered with Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchi—the “Long Ago Person Found”—in a retreating glacier in Canada.” If you find yourself in Cambridge, the film will be shown at 2 p.m. and a discussion will follow along with a weaving demonstration.

Also visiting from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia is young David Vanderhoop. He has not been home in four years. I am certain his presence will be celebrated.

Orange Peel Bakery offers community pizza night each Wednesday through the end of the month, weather permitting, of course. From 5 to 8 p.m., swing by that great oven that produces amazing, yummy goodness along with your favorite toppings. The oven will turn all the components into a cheesy, edible masterpiece.

Although Ella Mahoney is not in town alongside her mom for pizza night, Juli reports Ella is in her junior year in the Big Apple and “just amazing.”

Don’t forget, this Saturday at the Chilmark Library there will be a reception and sale from 3 to 5 p.m. featuring the wampum work of some very familiar folks. Beautiful pieces created by Joan LeLacheur, Kate Taylor, Donald Widdiss, Jason Widdiss, Giles Welch and Berta Welch will be available.

If you are looking to kick off Halloween festivities a tad early, this Saturday bring your kiddos to the Aquinnah library for pumpkin decorating. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., get your crafting on and bring home a spooktacular adornment for your front step or kitchen counter. Mark your calendar for next Friday, as there will be an All Hallows Eve party from 6 to 9 p.m. in the tribal building — costumes, I would say, are certainly a must.

Coffee hours have started at the Aquinnah library again on Saturdays. The doors are open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to warm up with a cup o’ Joe and some great conversation, and then head home before the darkness settles in with a good book or great flick for a cozy movie night.

If you are looking for Fynn and/or Yossi Monahan and you haven’t found them at home or at school, just shoot on down to the MV Arena. Those boys are spending a good chunk of their time on the ice. Whether it’s a top shelf, a wraparound, or a pretty goal, put the biscuit in the basket or if you prefer, just hit the puck between the pipes. Hockey lingo, it’s fascinating.

Birthdays are happening in town this week. Celebrations are taking place for Jenna Petersiel, Curtis Langer, Isaac Taylor, Buddy Vanderhoop, and Liz Witham, to mention a few. Happy happy!

Send Aquinnah news to squidrow@vineyard.net.