The weather over the Labor Day weekend was mostly good. Rain from tropical storm Harvey held off until Saturday night and continued most of Sunday. If you went out to eat Saturday there were lines of people waiting to be seated at the popular restaurants. School opened for the fall term on Tuesday. Sunday is National Grandparents Day.

At this time of the year Joe Howes would remind people of an old saying that has proved to be quite true over the years. “You can tell what the coming winter will be like by how large the area of black is on the first white caterpillar you see this fall.”

A sure sign of fall is the start of the 72nd annual Bass and Bluefish Derby on Sunday. Joyce Bowker, director of the Up-Island Council on Aging, reports that the fresh fish schedule at the Howes House will be on Thursdays during the derby. Please call 508-693-2896 after 10 a.m. that day and the staff will know the amount of fish that will be distributed to the senior citizens in the up-Island towns.

Alex Karman, of Albany, N.Y. is vacationing at his mother’s home on State Road. He hosted Ray, Sheri, Alex, and Evan Ash of Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. and Jeffrey, Cristina, Catalina, and Alexander Batt of Alexandria, Va. They enjoyed meals cooked with fresh produce from the farmers’ market and relaxed at the beach. His uncle Bruce is expected to arrive next weekend. He is an avid fisherman and will be joining the derby.

Alan and Francine Kaufman, of Plum Bush Point, report that they have had a good summer. Francine reports that last week they had several house guests.

Ann Quigley, over at Polly Hill, reports that Saturday at 1 p.m. Rebecca Lindenmeyr will give a presentation on technical direction for creating beautiful functional habitat gardens using two sample projects. Participants will leave with plant lists, quantities and suggested arrangements that can be adapted to their own sites.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports on two library activities this week. Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., the library will host an art reception featuring the work of Billy Hoff. Refreshments will be served. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the library will be offering a free girl power and self defense workshop with Melanie Platcow. The workshop will be combined with sports including yoga and kickboxing. Lunch will be provided. For ages 12 to 16. Sign-up required.

Harry Athearn reports that the 18th annual Living Local Harvest Festival will be held at the Agricultural Hall on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free fun for all ages. All day educational programs, 50 or more interactive booths showcasing Island organizations, live music, local eats, a special Energy Carnival by Cape Light Compact with The Vineyard Montessori School, and more. A community supper and contra dance will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Kelly Arruda held a birthday party for her daughter Alice Rose last Saturday afternoon. It was attended by friends, relatives and neighbors. A good time was had by all.

Happy birthday to: Harry Athearn, Dan Larkosh, Lucas Bailey, Shannon Robertson, and Doug Bardwell Friday; Edward Jones, Doyle Bunch and Spenser Hughes Saturday, Dorothy Fisher, Peter Clark, Jim Branch, Dan Larsen and Scott Campbell on Sunday, Anne Evasick, Ryan Rossi, Maria McFarland and Bob Holt on Monday, Tim Barnett, Emily Lou Brush, Sofia Van Raan, Lauren Bedford and Deborah Shipkin on Tuesday, Jim Powell, Loren Gibson and Shirley Howell on Wednesday, and Katie Hough, Geraldine Brooks and Ann Richards on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Nadine Barrett. 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.