We fortunately missed a visit from hurricane Matthew, although Sunday and Monday were rather blustery with northeast winds and steady rain. Tuesday it was back to the 60s and sunshine all day. A great day for the cranberry harvest. The Bite has now closed for the season.

At the Aquinnah Public Library this week: on Saturday, Oct. 15 story time is at 10:30 a.m. and from 11 to 3 p.m. is kids craft: paper plate pigs. On Tuesday Oct. 18 the after school club is at 4 p.m.. And, down the line: the library’s Halloween party will be held Sat. Oct. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be creepy crawly crafts, slime making, glow in the dark tattoos, a costume parade, and, of course, candy.

You still have time to request an absentee ballot from Aquinnah town clerk Carolyn Feltz. For instructions, please call Carolyn at 508-645-2304. Not quite sure how this ability to vote early will turn out but we shall see.

The Sargent Gallery is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment; contact 508-645-2776 for more information. Seasonal refreshments available.

In celebration of Martha’s Vineyard speciality plates hitting the road and to thank those who have purchased plates to support Community Services and other Island nonprofits, license plate holders are invited to attend the Tour de MV License Plate — a group caravan around the Island — on Sunday, Oct. 16. Participants are asked to arrive at the high school parking lot at 1:30 p.m. The caravan will leave promptly at 2 p.m. from the high school and end at Community Services for a barbecue and live entertainment by Tristan Israel and Paul Thurlow. Those in the caravan must have a MV license plate on their vehicle. For more information or to register visit mvlicenseplate.com.

Neighbor Corinna Majno Kaufman is hosting a personal day retreat including a personal transformational healing session, lunch, a signed copy of Corinna’s book, and plenty of time to meditate, journal, reflect and walk by the sea. Part one entails discussing and releasing old beliefs, tuning into inner voices, and preparing to transform thinking. Part two focuses on rebuild

ing the soul, transforming beliefs and habits. The cost is $499 with optional overnight lodging available at an extra fee. For information contact corinna@corinnakaufman.com or 415-887- 8456, corinnakaufman.com.

Condolences to family and friends of Myrtle Bacon of Palmer, who died on Sunday, Oct. 9 following a brief illness. Myrtle was the matriarch of her large and extended Bacon family, all descendants of the Johnson and Pocknett families of Aquinnah. Myrtle and her sisters Rose Bacon Langevin and Charlotte Bacon attended quarterly tribal general membership meetings along with their brother Roy and his family. They always arrived with arms full of their home-baked foods to share with all for the meeting. She will be greatly missed by many.

Kudos to Aquinnah police officer David Murphy, Aquinnah fireman Darren Leport, and Aquinnah harbor master Brian Vanderhoop in rescuing Eric Stange, whose dingy capsized while he was attempting to check on a sailboat about 150 yards from shore. Officer Murphy swam the 150 yards to rescue Mr. Stange while Darren and Brian brought them all to shore in small boat. Many others were involved in the rescue. Belated happy birthday greetings to Oceana Arroyo Dias, daughter of Antone Dias and Jannette Vanderhoop, who celebrated with a large party on Sunday.

Ted Sutton and Joan Leibovich were at their Aquinnah home over the weekend. We will look forward to The New York Times on Oct. 16, especially the magazine section as Joan’s son Mark Leibovich will have his interview with Hillary Clinton.

Joe Spinelli and John McKinstry returned to Manhattan this week after a whirlwind visit. This was their first summer in years not being on the Vineyard. While here, they were invited to many dinners with as many of their friends as possible, ending their stay with breakfast at Biscuits with Jyl Manning and yours truly before heading to the boat.

Happy 12th anniversary wishes to Shaun MacPhail and Alexandra Taylor on Oct. 16.

Happy 14th anniversary wishes to James and Melissa Mahoney on Oct. 19.

Happy birthday wishes to Forrest Alley on Oct. 15. Tillie Arrow Taylor will be four years old on Oct. 17. Neal Maciel, Darlene Pachico, and James Vercruysse all celebrate on Oct, 18, as will Abel Rutkowski, who will be four years old. Louis Belain parties on Oct. 19. Clyde Phillips observes his special day on Oct. 20.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.