The fair is but a memory as most all of the carnival units returned to the mainland by Wednesday and signs of fall are beginning to appear each day. You must have felt the dramatic reduction in traffic on Monday as automobile traffic is beginning to thin out a lot each day. SSA boats are packed going to the mainland. On Monday and Tuesday the traffic was just horrible in Vineyard Haven. There were several end of the season parties last weekend and many more are planned over the holiday weekend. We are about to settle into our fall routine shortly as the sun is now setting just about 7:30 p.m. A lot of year round people will be taking a well-deserved September vacation shortly, Your mail box soon will have catalogs that feature Halloween supplies.

Sig Van Raan reports that on Monday he and Susan Dickler hosted a dinner party for 20 staff and board members of the Ms. Foundation. Chef Lexie Roth prepared delicious paella for the whole group; it was a magical evening under the stars. The following day Susan, as chairman of the board of the Ms. Foundation, hosted the annual summer fundraising gala at the Grange Hall. More than 100 folks attended. Although normally a celebratory affair, this year’s event, in the context of the recent events in Charlottesville, Va., was a sobering reminder of the critical need for vigilance and reaffirmation of women’s rights as well as all human rights.

Nicole Alley, her husband Arsen and children Robbie, Henry, Eddie and Mark finished up their vacation with her parents on Wednesday. They had a wonderful time at the fair. The older boys, 5 and 3, climbed to the top of the mountain game, had a great time with their Uncle Sam, and can’t wait to come back. Nicole received an honorable mention ribbon for her painting of the Gay Head light.

Joan Siffert of New York city finished up her vacation on Wednesday. She visited her brother John and his wife. She had a fabulous time gardening, beaching, going to Illumination and the fair, and drinking coffee with the regulars occasionally. She had a swell time and would like to return in the fall.

Mary Ruth Flores of San Antonio, Tex. came up to be with her sister Katherine Long for the fair and to assist her in the fiber tent.

The Kaufman family of Plum Bush Point enjoyed having their eight-year-old granddaughter Helene at their place on Tiah’s Cove recently. They had several members of the family visit and enjoy the fair and fireworks.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports just a few of the events this week. Saturday at 3:30 p.m., WMVY’s Dave Kish will screen a musical film followed by a discussion. On Sunday at 6 p.m., join them for a book release party. Enjoy bubbles and cake while celebrating the release of Jennifer Tseng’s The Passion of Woo and Isolde, Sarah Waldman’s Feeding a Family, and Susie Middleton’s Simple Green Suppers.

Happy birthday to: Pete Karman, Ken Rusyk and Sherm Goldstein Friday; Hallie Armer, David Roderick, Constance Breese and Taylor Smith Saturday; Nancy Burelson, Alan Northcott, Shannon Larsen, Paige McCarthy, John Christensen and David Vigneault on Sunday; Steve Hart, Jessica O’Connor, Bill Black, and Mae Deary on Monday; Nicole Alley, Carol Christensen, Tom Rancich, Joel Kirshbaum and Manuel Estrella 4th on Tuesday; Barry Stone, Cheryl Lowe and Christopher Gross on Wednesday; and Anna Edey, Pat Mitchell, Chuck Wiley, Michael Smith, Jennifer Powers and Janet Johnson on Thursday. Anniversary greetings to Matt Taylor and Dr. Carrie Flyer tomorrow and Sarah Monast and Elton Nascimento on Sunday.

A bit of cocktail party trivia: this week marks the 101st anniversary of the first telephone connection between the Vineyard and Nantucket and Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly nonstop across the country 85 years ago Friday.

Well that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Have a great week.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.