Warm temperatures and sunny days are very welcome this time of the year. Temperatures have been in the 70s during the day. If only this weather would last for a few more weeks. Many people are still swimming and fishing as if summer just will not end. Amazingly, the Menemsha Pond dredging project has been completed in exactly 19 days from midnight Oct. 1 through to midnight on Oct. 19. A very professional job. The dredged material has been transported to Chilmark for storage by more than 100 truckloads to save for the Squibnocket Beach project. Job well done.

Halloween will be observed at the Aquinnah Public Library this week. On Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. story time will take place and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the kids craft will be paper pumpkins. On Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. have fun and enjoy the Spooky Halloween Party! Wear a costume, create your own trick-or-treat bag, and pick up some candy.

There will not be a Halloween party at the Aquinnah town hall this year. If you would like for the ghosts and goblins to stop by your home for trick or treat, please call Molly Purves at 508-645-3251 and she will place your name on a list for the young ones to visit your home. In the old days, everyone would gather at the town hall for a potluck dinner, bobbing for apples in a large aluminum tub as a favorite at Halloween, among other fun and games.

The annual pre Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at First Baptist Church on William street in Tisbury on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the parish house. A complete meal includes: turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, green bean casserole, dressing, cranberry sauce, beverage and pie — all for $17 per person. Dine in or take out. Call for information or to reserve your place, 508-693-1539. There will be limited tickets at the door.

Joan Gentry Patadal attended her Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School 50th Class reunion on Saturday evening at The Wharf in Edgartown. Joan was the Valedictorian of her class and had headed off to Boston University with plans on becoming a physician. She changed those plans, and headed west for a few years.

Across the channel at USCG Station Menemsha, BM2 Joshua Boytek and BM3 Joseph Belladue returned over the weekend after attending classes in Charleston, S.C. for radiation training. While there, they visited with Jesse Cisneros who will graduate second in his A-School Class this weekend and from there will be heading to San Diego, Calif. Dinner on Saturday night was delicious, dining with Joel Behr, Joshua Boytek, Jason Breau, Joshua Brooks, David Galan, Daniel Gonzalez, Sam Hoppe, Dallas Ricker, Christian Ortega Santiago, Colby Storm and yours truly.

The Tribal Elders luncheon was held at the Lobster Pot Restaurant in Bristol, R.I. on Oct. 19 so that elders from around the state could meet for lunch. Elmer Vanderhoop and yours truly caught up on our news after not seeing each other for a few years. Ralph Devine, Jr. was in attendance while home from Aspen, Colo. for a brief respite. Only three elders from Aquinnah attended, joining about 70 others for a great meal.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Joseph M. Spinelli who passed away on Oct. 20 in New Jersey. Joe had friends from around the world and it has been an interesting few days trying to let as many as possible know. Joe was a treasure and one of the most knowledgeable people with his vast knowledge not only about jewelry and antiques but about travel and a multitude of other interests. For those wishing to have John McKinstry’s email, please email me.

Condolences to the family and friends of tribal elder Gerry Jeffers who passed away on Oct. 23 at Massachusstts General Hospital. Services are incomplete at this time.

Condolences to the family and friends of James Marshall who passed away in Maine. We worked together for many years while he served the Town of Oak Bluffs, retiring as police sergeant.

Condolences to family and friends of Judy Nichols, a former co-worker at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where we share many moments of laughter and tears.

Happy anniversary wishes to Paul Henry and Beth Mayhew as they celebrate on Oct. 27.

Happy birthday this week to Paul Henry Mayhew on Oct. 27 who shares the day with Katie Tamoshunas Carroll and Patricia Rossi. Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop will celebrate his birthday on Oct. 30.

Send Aquinnah news to junemanning152@gmail.com.