Friday is the beginning of the Columbus Day holiday weekend and the end of the extended shoulder season. The leaves are dropping fast and pumpkins are on many a doorstep in town. The last farmers’ market and artisan festival of the year will take place at the Grange Hall this weekend. The post office and all municipal buildings will be closed on Monday.

A schedule change that will affect a lot of folks will go into effect early next week on Monday when the Vineyard Transit Authority begins its winter bus cutback. The VTA operations manager reports there will be three buses serving us — the numbers 3, 5 and 6. The bus stops in town will be at; Cronig’s, in front of the Grange Hall and at the town hall. Also, each bus will be serving more than one route during the day. Be sure to pick up a copy of the new schedule or access their web site vineyardtransit.com. It has a lot of additional ground transit information and schedules, or call the VTA at 508-693-9440.

Alan and Francine Kaufman down at Plum Bush Point report that they found out the true meaning of “If you build it, they will come.” She reports that they hosted 19 visitors at once when their new guest house was completed late this summer. It was hectic but well worth the happiness that was shared by their extended family visiting from three states, including six children who are likely to remember this summer for the rest of their lives.

Ernie Thomas of Lambert’s Cove hosted a birthday party and dinner for his wife Pam on Saturday evening at their home. Relatives and friends gathered for this special occasion and a good time was had by all.

Tim O’Rielly and his wife Jean, from Columbus, Ohio, came for her niece Lila’s wedding last Saturday at Flat Point Farm. They returned home on Tuesday.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports a busy week ahead. Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. the library will host a reception in honor of the work of William O’Callaghan, whose work will be on display in the library’s Community Room throughout the month. On Tuesday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Cannabis Control Commission is offering a Public Listening Session where members of the community identify concerns and issues regarding the adult use of marijuana, as well as issues particular to the Island.

Happy birthday to: Robert Amado, Catherine Flynn and James O’Connor Friday; Megan McDonough and Molly Gray, Saturday; Zackery Bresnick, Tim Walsh and Kathleen Hope on Sunday; Steve Lohman, Richard Rooney, Whitney Hyde and Sophie Abrams on Monday; Jon Harris, Lee Faraca and Lois Mayhew on Tuesday; Hanna Beecher, Bob Mone and Martha Post on Wednesday; Lisa Amols, a milestone day for Bob Eisendrath, Sherri Church, Jessica Kelleher and Lisa Lillabridge on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Holly Eger and her daughter Julia and belated anniversary greetings to Peter and Karen Socorelis.

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

Editor's note: happy anniversary to John and Anna Alley on Monday.

Send West Tisbury news to alleys@vineyard.net.