First time in Texas? It won’t be her last. Tamma Willoughby returned from a long stay in beautiful San Marcos. Tamma went to check on and help out her daughter Ashley. Ashley married Sam Byrd, as you know, and moved to his hometown. The have a darling 16-month old, Jude, full of pep. I alerted you a few months back that Ashley’s brother, Chris Cimeno, has a GoFundMe Page for my talented friend and former neighbor Ashley who has a cancer diagnosis. Tamma reports that Ashley is doing much better and will be on chemo for a few more months. Tamma went to see her second daughter, distract Jude, and meet some Byrd relatives who could not make it to Martha’s Vineyard for the wedding two years ago.

Tamma reports the weather was very hot, in the 80s many days, and Ashley personally told me that trick-or-treating was a warm, don’t-need-a-jacket kind of night.

Tamma was thrilled with the beauty of the town, the convenience to the hospital Ashley is using, and the wonderful friends and relatives. She had a great time with Sam’s grandparents. They all took turns playing with Jude. Tamma hopes to return soon. If you have anything for Ashley, Sam and Jude, or if you need addresses, please contact Tamma while she is back on island.

The programs offered at Alex’s Place, the teen center at our YMCA, under the direction of Tony Lombardi and Laurel Whitaker, are interesting, fun and endless. This Saturday morning, Nov. 12, seniors who need help with technology get free assistance from the young people who were raised on this stuff. Bring your charged phones, laptops, devices, and check out this wonderful space and the helpful students. I have a meme that says ”Don’t make fun of me for not knowing technology, I taught you to use a spoon.”

Saturday is an important day also for the fundraiser for Standing Rock at the Chilmark Community Center, a pot luck and concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.

While tickets are not being sold, there is a suggested donation of $20 per person to enjoy Kate Taylor, Jemima James, Willy Mason and many of our Island musicians. It is going to be a great night to come together.

With the high season officially over, our town turns to winter pursuits. Poetry is back on Tuesday night, Nov. 15, at the Vineyard Playhouse. Come hear Arnie Reisman, Fan Ogilvie, Don Nitchie and some of our other silver-tongued writers at 7:30 a.m. Ten dollars cash at the door also entitles you to a beverage and a piece of pie.

That isn’t the only offering for off-season entertainment. Monday night classic movies are back, five dollars cash admission at the door, hosted by Jamie Alley. The list of titles are impressive. You cannot top this event and price.

The Martha’s Vineyard Partnership for Health offers a free training seminar for volunteers interested in helping people manage chronic conditions and employ strategies to stay healthy. These strategies include exercise, cognitive system management and coping mechanisms. Lunch, snacks, and training materials are provided, but you must pre-register. Call 508-627-5797, ext. 114 or email ksamways@ihimv.org to save a seat. As a caregiver of many years I cannot emphasize the importance of this program enough.

November 11 is Veterans Day. We must always remember. Our American Legion post 257 will have the Avenue of Flags up for your visits and remembrances.

Congratulations to the MVRHS boys’ soccer team on their tournament win off-Island Monday. They returned to a welcoming crowd at the dock, appreciative parents, friends and fans.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Rene and Joanne Moncada on Nov. 14.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Victoria Hehre, Richard Cohen and Lizanne Donegan on Nov. 11; Nov. 12 is a party for Isaque Silva, Matt Brown, Suely Oliveira, Tim Sylvia and Cricket Willoughby; Nov. 13 is shared by Lillian Beal and Rosemary Jackson; Nov. 14 shines on John Gardella, Alfred Francis and Ellison Brasil; Nov. 15 is for Juraci Rodrigues and Ria Cimeno; Nov. 16 is claimed by JackLynn Parker, Sara Benson and Jo-Ann Walker; and on Nov. 17 Tessa Rose Whitaker takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.