The flash of a false albacore darting through the water at the tip of the jetty, striped bass migrating south as our waters begin the fall cool down, the first flash of bright color amidst the green leaves, the sudden gales and passing showers, whale and dolphin sightings, stars that shine bright in a night sky that wraps you like the warmth of your favorite sweater all have one thing in common and that is September. Atlantic hurricanes churn the waters and bring surfable swells to favorite spots like Squibnocket, Painted House, and Second Point. For those who crave more the surf off Nomans calls to them like nomadic surfers chasing mavericks, willing to be battered and beaten under the surface of a furious ocean just for the opportunity to catch the perfect ride through the green room.

September is fast approaching its end but it leaves behind a wake of excitement. On Sept. 20 at 10:01 p.m., Spider and Sarah Andresen welcomed a granddaughter. Seven pound, four ounce Violet Ocean Andresen made her way into the world at Wareham’s Tobey Hospital, where she was greeted by first time parents Tyler and Kelly (Keen) Andresen.

Another baby to happily announce resides in Maine but has strong ties to town. Harper William Bliss was born Sept. 11 to Meghan (daughter of Janice MacDougall and Will Holtham) and Eli. A super spunky and very adorable big cousin, Jolene Holtham of West Tisbury, will be sure to show young Harper the ropes when he comes to visit his extended family’s stomping grounds in Menemsha. Sixty-seven years. Count them, one, two, three, 67 years ago Jim and Roberta Morgan tied the knot.

Sixty-seven years is a long time for two people to be best friends. Yes, it’s evident that these two were kindred spirits from the very start. Just the other day, when Jim and Roberta circled through the Texaco for a little ice cream treat, I asked how does a couple achieve 67 years of marriage. Jim quickly responded by explaining that the secret is Roberta is always right except for a very few times when he was, but that hasn’t happened in a while.

Carl and Audrey Leaf follow just behind the Morgans celebrating their 64th anniversary. If I do my math correctly, that puts their wedding day in 1953 which is the same year U.S. Sen. John Fitzgerald Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.

Fifty-six years ago Judy and Ted Mayhew were wed. These two have accomplished a lot together including beautiful daughters, grandchildren both human and fur covered, travel adventures and more. They quite often are spotted riding side by side in their Mini Cooper with the top down taking in all the wonderful sights and smells in our town, the place they call home.

As fall sets in and begins to reel back the sunset, it’s time for folks to begin thinking about pizza. Chilmark Church pizza nights began this past Tuesday, Sept. 26. 6 p.m. is start time for the community meal. There are pizza and drinks readily available but a salad or sweets like a few chocolate chip cookies to share are always welcome. If you are new to the pizza night scene, reach out to one of the regulars like Pam Goff or Julie Flanders for more details. Don’t forget, it’s not just a meal, it’s a community gathering for pleasant conversation, a few board games (Bananagrams almost always makes it to the table) and a great spot to meet friends.

I shouted out a save that date back on the 15th regarding photographer Dena Porter’s first solo exhibition at the Chilmark library, which runs from Oct. 1 to 27, because, quite simply, I feared I may forget to mention the news at the appropriate time. Yes, I, like so many working parents trying to raise a family, occasionally forget something. Fear not! I retained the appropriate information and am sharing it at the appropriate time. The opening reception of Water in its Many Forms will take place Saturday, Oct. 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the library. I’ve seen a snapshot of her work and think her show is likely something you won’t want to miss.

Sarah Jacobs, granddaughter of the late Israel Jacobs, will spend the winter in town at the family home on Prospect Hill. Sarah will spend her time with flour on her cheeks and the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples wafting by her nose as she assists Pie Chicks’ locally famous baker and prestress, Chrissy Kinsman.

Congratulations to Ava Stearns, daughter of Sarah Doyle and Bret, for her third place finish at the Region 1 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championships held at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, N.Y. Region 1, consists of riders from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont competing a 12-obstacle course and a competition on the flat. Ava rode beautifully on North Run Farm’s Eclipse.

Bella Thorpe, our 14-year-old up and coming dressage rider who trains at Tracey Amaral Olsen’s Woodbe Farm, competed at the New England Dressage Association Fall Festival in Saugerties, N.Y. Bella, daughter of Bart Thorpe and Julie Flanders, achieved a sixth place ribbon. I am not knowledgeable enough to go into the details as I admit dressage is a tad confusing but please, if you see her, ask her all about it.

I bumped into Sam Feldman the other day and he reminded me that he is the founder and chairman of the National Widowers Organization. What began as a grassroots men’s bereavement group in 2009 has blossomed into various ways for men to cope with loss and learn how to grieve. Sam speaks from the heart and shares a willingness to speak to anyone who might need assistance adjusting to the loss of a spouse. He can be reached at sam@smfeldman.com.

Derby update: if you take a glimpse at the daily, weekly and overall leader boards you’ll surely recognize some names. Casey Elliston, Ryan Kurth, Tegan Fenner, Graham Stearns, Brooks Carroll, Mike Holtham, Pedro Guzman, Jonathan Mayhew and so many more. Congratulations to our friend Gwen Lynch of Cuttyhunk for her 21.06-pound junior boat striped bass which took both a daily and a weekly.

Send Chilmark news to squidrow@vineyard.net.