The waning summer days have given way to cooler nights and glorious sunshine without the humidity. But they have not deterred aggressive programming at the Oak Bluffs Library. Nate Luce, program coordinator, advises that September is Maritime History month on Pacific avenue.

In case you missed The Ocean Unites Us: 1619-2019, a program memorializing the anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves in the new world on August 31, there is more. On Sept. 2 there is a tour of the M.V. Shellfish Group’s Solar Shellfish Hatchery. For those who like maritime exploration you will be fascinated by Harry Ricciardi, who recently returned to the Island from seven months at sea with no engine and no electronics. He will give a talk on The Literature of Adventure.

Conch fishing and cooking, a sailing trip to Haiti, Women and the Sea are all part of this outstanding series of events. Kudos to the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs who have sponsored these programs in honor of Gordon Goodwin.

The children’s room at the library will not be outdone as they have begun a series of author, grandparents and back-to-school activities starting on Sept. 2. Please contact Mary Jane Aldrich-Moodie for the full program details.

Kathy Taylor (very related) has been voted by the Oak Bluffs selectmen to join the board of trustees of the Oak Bluffs Library. She has previously served on the associates board of the Boston Public Library and served as managing director of local corporate development at WGBH in Boston.

The Portuguese-American Club was the scene of a different kind of reading last week. The 2017 Rise’n Fly Bid Whist Tournament allowed 29 teams of two a chance to read cards and bid their hands. Duncan Walton and Leonard Stephens turned over the reins of the event to Margaret Bush Ware of Los Angeles. Tall tales and Greek paraphernalia contributed to the enjoyable meet, greet and compete evening. Can you say back to School Daze?

Circuit avenue is always full of people spilling onto the streets as they walk from shop to shop, but on last Saturday a new tradition was born at the clothing store of MV Allston. A talented group of young millennials from New York, including several divinity students from Yale and Princeton, formed a group called 50Summers. They revived the old “3 to 5’s” tradition after the beach as they hosted wine and cheese at a clothing boutique owned by Erica Belle-Williams. Michelle Burrell, Mia Hall, Nicole Stratchan, Donald Garner, Gabriella Cudjoe Wilkes and others are determined to make the Vineyard their summer home for 50 summers. Spread the word.

The end of this summer saw a transition in leadership at The Cottagers, as the indefatigable Olivia Baxter gives up the gavel of the presidency after four outstanding years of service. Part of her litany of accomplishments includes getting a new roof on their building, securing the donations of 26 members to purchase new windows, repairing the back door steps and generally stabilizing the building for the next 20 years. Programs included adding Black and Bling as well as White and Glitter fundraisers, the Literacy Event and re-positioning the African American Cultural Festival schedule and events for maximum success.

She maintained excellent communications to her membership by publishing The Cottagers News Blast during the months of July and August. Perhaps the highlight of her tenure from 2013-2017 was her greeting and introduction to Hall of Famer Hank Aaron at the Union Chapel Speaker Series in August. This proud Virginia Union alum, who was an award-winning master teacher in New Jersey and who is included in the Who’s Who Among American Educators has served her friends and colleagues with distinction and results. Hers will be a very hard act to follow. Congratulations Olivia!

This summer we lost the very popular Dr. Les Hayling of New Jersey and long time summer resident of East Chop. Always wearing a big smile as he drove around the Island in his Bentley, Les was dapper and gracious. He wore his famous red sports jacket like a king with the common touch. A revered Tuskegee Airmen, Les was known to fly up to the Vineyard for the long weekend before he would return to his dental practice in Trenton. Please shower his devoted and much loved wife, Adrienne and Les Jr. with hugs and remembrances as they balance their grief and reflect on the life and legacy of an Oak Bluffs legend.

On Sept. 3, please join the Federated Church in welcoming their new settled minister, Rev. David G. Berube and his wife Ellen at a reception to be held at 10:30 a.m. following the 9:30 a.m. church service. Church services will be held at 45 South street and the reception will be held at the Mayhew Parsonage 75 South Water street, all in Edgartown.

Oak Bluffs institution Charles Jones, better known as Cee Jay, is now resting comfortably in hospice in Florida. The information booth at the beginning of Circuit avenue has never been the same without his informed greeting and smile. Hold on my friend, hold on.

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Send Oak Bluffs news to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.