Ah, September! The heat and humidity have dissipated. Roads are a little more clear, fewer joggers pounding their knees and hips to bits on the tar. Bicyclists four abreast and discussing the stock market are now back at their desks, and one might find a parking space where they need one. Martha’s Vineyard schools open on Tuesday for the year. Time to socialize with your neighbors that you have not seen all summer. The air is cool and crisp as we head into autumn.

Another fun summer season comes to a close for the children of Aquinnah who have had swimming lessons twice a week at the pool of Hannah Malkin. Mrs. Malkin has generously offered her pool for the children for more than two decades. Michael Wooley and his staff have provided lessons each week for the past few years. Thank you Mrs. Malkin!

Thank you to Charles Shipway and his assistant Noah Lipnick for teaching the Aquinnah children sailing lessons across Menemsha Pond for more than a decade. A wonderful learning experience for all. Noah Manning has enjoyed sailing lessons with Charlie as did his brother, Chris. Perhaps the reason Noah came home from the Shenandoah with a first prize knot award that he won for knowing the most lines aboard the ship.

Speaking of wonderful learning experiences, Noah Manning arrived home on Saturday after being aboard the Shenandoah for the week with his West Tisbury school classmates who will be entering sixth grade next week. Thank you to Capt. Bob Douglas for providing such a great educational experience for Vineyard students for more than two decades. They all had a great time, the food was delicious, jumping off the boat exhilarating, intriguing stories, a sense of togetherness outside their classroom, and simply having a grand time. They enjoyed going over to Tarpaulin Cove and of course there were many questions asked about the history of Naushon Island upon Noah’s return.

At Aquinnah public library on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m. is story time and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is kid’s craft. On Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. the After School Club meets in celebration of the first day of school.

Museum tours take place at the Aquinnah Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2. Be sure to stop in and see the newest addition to the whaling exhibit, a captain’s log book from 1840-1842. Also see The Maine Ingredient, an exhibit of Penobscot root club art and Passaquoddy birchbark art, proudly displaying this wonderful artwork of our northern relatives.

Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History will be here through Sept. 16. The exhibit describes little-known early 17th century that dispels and replaces “the Pilgrims and their Indian friends” stereotypes. Please see this historically accurate and informative exhibit while it is still here. For more information on all exhibits, programs and events, call 508-645-7900 or email aquinnahcc@gmail.com. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 12 and under.

Join the Federated Church in officially welcoming their new settled minister, Rev. David G. Berube, and his wife Ellen. The reception will be held Sept. 3 at the Mayhew Parsonage, 75 South Water street in Edgartown, beginning at 10:30 a.m., following the 9:30 church service. All are welcome.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 10 the Federated Church will no longer have two Sunday services. There will be one service at 10:30 a.m. Please join in to hear Reverend Berube and the music of the Federated Church Choir under the direction of Peter R. Boak. For more information call 508-627-4421 or email admin@federatedchurchmv.org.

Antonio Budin, Ivan Goldin, and Katarina Zlopasa are still enjoying their work in Aquinnah and the wonderful cultural exchange on a daily basis. They will be heading back to Croatia way too soon but it has been a wonderful summer for all.

George Katilus will leave this weekend for his sophomore year at Tufts University, where he is on the swimming and diving team. An ace swimmer for sure. He spent his summer as a lifeguard at Squibnocket Beach and Lucy Vincent Beach, as well as at Cliffhangers. His parents, George and Chris, will suffer from empty nest syndrome but look forward to his frequent home visits.

Joan LeLacheur will have an open studio on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 42 Old South Road. There will be wampum jewelry in traditional and contemporary designs and beautiful art cards by Susan Shea. Flexible appointments for busy people. Contact 508-645-9954 or Joanlela57@gmail.com.

Congratulations to USCG Chief Robert Parent and his wife, Valerie, on the birth of their daughter Veda Lynn Parent on August 22 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Veda was welcomed home by her brothers Robert, Eli, and Isaac.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Emme Caroline Buresch Carroll who will be seven years old today. Ed BenDavid celebrates on Saturday. Clyde Smith will be a teenager on Sept. 2. Garth Nancy Edwards observes his special day on Sept. 3. Rev. Roger Spinney will celebrate a milestone on Sept. 3. Bob Pacheco also observes a milestone on Sunday. Paula Belain parties on Sept. 4. Kuhpay Hayes Spears Vanderhoop will be four years old on Sept. 3. Mike Ciancio celebrates on Sept. 6. Paul Manning will celebrate on Sept. 7.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.