Indian Summer is still very evident on the Vineyard. There’s an abundance of autumn foliage with vibrant colors, especially along Middle Road in Chilmark but virtually everywhere in UPIS LAND.

Wednesday is Veterans Day. Show your support of our veterans and active duty military. The Veterans Day Parade will leave Nancy’s on Oak Bluffs harbor at 10:45 a.m. and will arrive at the monument in Ocean Park at exactly 11:00 a.m. — historic and significant for Armistice Day. Dukes County veterans agent Jo Ann Kinnecom Murphy and VFW President Peter Herrmann will lead the parade. Congratulations to William Stafursky upon his becoming the new Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Veterans Outreach Worker. There are approximately 500 veterans across the Vineyard. If you are not already registered with Jo Ann, please do so.

The Facebook page Islanders Talk Benevolent Fund was formed this year with co-leaders Jessica Burnham and Lori Fisher. Originally there were 3,000 members in the Islanders Talk group and we felt it would be nice to be able to assist Islanders in need, especially during the holidays but in emergency situations as well during the year. The 3,000 members we thought might be willing to donate $5 each and by the end of the year we would have $15,000 to donate to those in need or to Island organizations that assist others. Two weeks ago we had our second event (the first being the Kale Soup throw down), a bake-off and bake sale as well as a silent auction and a lottery tree held at the PA Club.

Thanks to many generous donors, we are nearing our goal and in time for the holidays. Donations may still be mailed to Islanders Talk Benevolent Fund, Box 16. West Tisbury, MA, 02575.

Stop into the Aquinnah Public Library and join the adult coloring group over the next two Thursdays, Nov. 12 and 19 from 5 to 6 p.m. for a relaxing hour of great conversation and light refreshments. Bring your own coloring book and pencils or use those provided by the library. While at the library, literally check out Martha’s Vineyard Ferries, written by 13-year-old Everett Crowell Healy; very well-researched and written and not just for children.

Eliana Elizabeth Biocchi made her Vineyard debut over the weekend. Born on Sept. 30, Eliana is the daughter of Emily Laursen Biocchi and her husband Dominic Biocchi. She is the first grandchild of Dr. Peter and Marie Laursen, and the second grandchild of John and Bonnie Biocchi. Eliana welcomed visitors all weekend, each one of us being able to hold her for a few moments at least. We look forward to her return in a few weeks.

Condolences to the family and friends of Janet Searle LaValley, who passed away at her home in New Bedford on Oct. 26. Janet is survived by her brothers Glenn and Kevin, as well as her husband Raymond LaValley and their daughters Jennifer, Christina, and Rachel.

Condolences to the family and friends of Barbara McKie, who passed away on Oct. 23. Barbara and her late husband Roger were longtime seasonal residents of Aquinnah. They are survived by their daughter Betsy and her husband Donald MacDonald of West Tisbury and their sons Christian and Jared and families.

Will we see Molly Purves in Shakespeare for the Masses over the weekend at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse? Performances are Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. Produced by Nicole Galland. Admission free, donations appreciated.

Also on Sunday, Susan Klein, Alan Brigish and Gary Girouard will guide you through an evening of Island images entitled For Love of a Small Island. Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. Tickets at the door are $20. Mrs. Delores Churchill, her daughter Evelyn Vanderhoop, grandchildren David Elliot Vanderhoop and Carrie Anne Vanderhoop Bellis and great-grand-daughter Rosalie Delores Vanderhoop Bellis all returned to their homes in Masset, British Columbia this week after an all-too-brief visit with family and friends. This was David Elliot’s first visit home in four years. Of course they all enjoyed visits with their cousins as well as with grandfather David Elliot Vanderhoop 1st and great-grandmother Anne Vanderhoop Madison.

Naushon Beth Vanderhoop and her daughter Nanawusuwee returned to their home in Brooklyn Sunday after spending a long weekend visiting family and friends. Nanawusuwee is three years old as of yesterday and was inquisitive enough to ask my name when I assisted her in getting her boots on while at the library. We will look forward to their return over the holidays.

Celebrating birthdays this week were Shirley Medeiras Donaroma on the 1st, Ryan Malonson on Monday, Abigail Lana Peterson on Tuesday, sharing the day with Janice Cook Sylvia and Kayla Foster, Melissa Vanderhoop Abram and Cheryl Holenko partied on the 4th, and Elizabeth Witham and Gary Cook partied on Nov. 5. November 6 is a day of celebration for John Hanavan, Susan Peters, and Daryn Foster. Fiona Brown will be five on Saturday. Brad Combra parties on the 9th. Tate Buchwald will be 11 on the 10th and shares the day with Molly Cournoyer. Molly Purves parties on Nov. 11 and Sarah Howes on the 12th.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.