Yes, I voted, who didn’t? A momentous day, yesterday was the first day back to school for many kids and the first day back to the voting booth for many grownups. Great way to start the new year.

The season is going out with a bang, not a whimper. My friend Shane Vanderhoop True celebrated his birthday with a gathering of friends and family at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro. They later trekked back to our ‘hood for a party and some raucous games of laser tag.

On Saturday morning I was able to catch up with four Kleins: Marvin and Susan, Bob and Elaine. It’s been a long time since we sat down together. Many years of friendship have been shared, reaching from New York to California to our favorite Island. Bob spoke so beautifully at my mother’s service. What could be better than to review our children and grandchildren? Marvin and Susan headed back to California the next day. Bob and Elaine are preparing to celebrate a very significant birthday for Bob. Our friendship has held for many decades. We had a great visit.

Noel Macy and his friend Rachael hastened to the Island for a Labor Day weekend reunion with Noel’s family and friends. Tanita Macy celebrated her birthday dinner with a group of wellwishers. Noel and Rachael were part of the huge exodus on Tuesday. Sad to see so many leave but it has been beautiful weather for the transition. Meanwhile, popular DJ Jarrett Campbell kept his fans dancing on Saturday night, his last for the season at the Lampost. Bluto will be back.

I want to thank all who worked so gracefully over the long weekend. In the back of our minds is the scent of next summer. It’s a date.

I managed the summer with only one trip to the emergency room. I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Brandon Ayres who gave expert advice and patched me up. What would summer be without a trip to the ER?

Changes are always so difficult. None more than the sad news that Trina Kingsbury passed away. Trina speaks for herself. Years of solid friendship, artistry, the most creative writing — you all knew this amazing person. Trina was in the League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard with me. She was a fabulous columnist for many years, an accomplished equestrian, and a devoted participant in the annual Ag Fair. We are lonelier without her.

Condolences also go out to my friend, Kristen Kazlauskas, and her family. Kristen’s Mom, Romayne Marie Kazlauskas Maciel, left us early this week. Romy moved here in 1986 and lived in Vineyard Haven for 10 years. She married again and moved to East Falmouth 10 years later. Romy was an accomplished person, a great friend, and dedicated to her children. Her celebration of life will be Friday, Sept. 7 at St. Augustine’s at 11 a.m. While I never met Romy I feel like I knew her well. Rest in peace.

I am reminding you that the 21st annual 5k fun run/walk for grownups and kids will be here before you know it on Sunday, Sept. 16. Our library hosts this tradition. Register online and save $5. You may download the application from the library website. T-shirts, awards, raffles, and seeing all your neighbors are just some of the rewards for participating. I’ll be handing out water on Franklin.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Tanita Macy and Van Morrison who celebrated on August 31; Dianne Rhoades partied on Sept. 3; Seth Gambino observed his with a day off; Rob Bick was feted on Sept. 4; and on Sept. 9 Bob Klein takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Vineyard Haven town news can be sent to iklean@yahoo.com