Today is the beginning of the Columbus Day holiday weekend. The last Artisan Festival of the year will take place at the Grange Hall on Sunday. The post office and all municipal buildings will be closed on Monday. Can you believe that in a month we will be operating on standard time? A special thank you to Charlie Kernick, assistant postmaster, for covering the office while I attended to some personal matters.

A schedule change that will affect a lot of folks went into effect last Monday. The Vineyard Transit Authority began its winter bus cutback and the VTA operations manager reports there will be three busses serving us: the numbers three, five and six. 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 website, vineyardtransit.com.

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 last 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 their vacation for the rest of their lives.

Jill Lumpkin, of New York city, and her significant other, Jim, have been in town for the past two weeks visiting friends and enjoying the weather.

Anna Alley returned home Monday night after watching the grandchildren, with an assist from her sister Nina, while Nicole and Arsen attended a business conference in Denver, Colo.

Linda Alley, the jelly queen, reports that tomorrow will be the last farmer’s market of the season at the Grange Hall. On the 20th, the winter farmers market begins at the Agricultural Hall from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. She wants to thank all the customers for making this year’s market a great success.

Phyllis Mera of Music street hosted a dinner/birthday party for Lynn Christoffers and Susan Block last Friday night at her home.

Jessica Rogers of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services reports that they will be holding their annual Fall Electronics Disposal Day on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. at their campus across from the High School. Bring your old and tired air conditioners, cell phones, computers, copiers, dehumidifiers, fax machines, microwaves, monitors, laptops, printers, ranges, refrigerators, scanners, etc. All proceeds go to Community Services.

Tara Whiting, town clerk, reports that absentee ballots are available now. One can come in and vote during business hours or request that one be sent to them. Early voting commences Oct. 22 and will run through Nov. 1. The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 6 election is Oct. 17, when the office will be open until 8 p.m. If you have any questions, please call 508-696-0148.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to noon, they will hold the annual Lynne Whiting and Carol Brush Fairy and Troll House Building Day. The rain date is Thanksgiving weekend. The library will also host a reception to honor the artwork of Heather Sommers. This exhibit will be displayed in the library’s community room throughout the month of October. On Thursday at 4:30 p.m., join them for a book talk with local author Mary Lou Piland. She will discuss her novel, For the Love of Spumoni.

A celebration of the life of Barbara Rivers will be held tomorrow at the First Congregational Church. The service starts at 11 a.m. with a luncheon and shared memories to follow.

Happy birthday to Tim Maley, Fred Fisher and Rebecca Sanders on Friday; Robert Amado, Catherine Flynn and James O’Connor on Saturday; Megan McDonough, Ryan White and Molly Gray, on Sunday; Zackery Bresnick, Tim Walsh and Kathleen Hope on Monday; Steve Lohman, Richard Rooney, Whitney Hyde and Sophie Abrams on Tuesday; Susan Abbott, Lee Faraca and Lois Mayhew on Wednesday; Hanna Beecher, Bob Mone and Martha Post on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Holly Eger and her daughter Julia.

Your columnist and his wife Anna Alley will celebrate their anniversary on Tuesday.

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.

West Tisbury town news can be sent to alleys@vineyard.net.