Nathaniel Hawthorne was spot on when he said: “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.”

This past weekend, we were surrounded by bare feet, salty hair, buckets of bait fish, convertibles with their tops down, children with ice cream –all attributes reminiscent of summer days. But, alas, shops are closing down for the season and friends are packed up and gone after one last hurrah over the holiday weekend. The Galley has dished out their last soft serve chocolate-dipped cone until May of 2019. The Home Port is on the back burner until next summer. Closing night at the Tavern was a hit enjoyed by a full house. Larsen’s, Menemsha Fish Market and the Menemsha Deli all still have their doors open at a reduced schedule for hearty fare.

Emma and Bob Shalhope have closed up Barn Again and put another season atop DH’s Hill in the books. Although I didn’t see them quite as much as in years past, our chats were always meaningful. I love hearing about son Robert’s family in Colorado and the wonderful activities grandchildren Jack and Claire are involved in. The tales of their August travels to Scotland to visit Adelaide were so detailed I felt as if I was with them. We vowed to keep in touch through Instagram pictures and I plan to uphold my end of the bargain.

A couple of the Steamboat Springs, Colo. Keefes were in town for a quick visit. Craig and eldest son, Quinn, aka Cruiser, a senior in high school hopped a red eye with three of Cruiser’s buddies to take in a little fall in New England. They fished for the derby both by boat and by land with fly rods and not, and maneuvered though some chores left from their summer stay. Cruiser managed to pull in a nice bass and take a first place daily while having some true quality time with friends. After a long weekend, the young men flew home in time for school and Craig took to the open road, driving the family car back to Steamboat. I’ll admit I was tempted to stow away in their Toyota.

Suzanne Greenberg stopped in for a little catch up while in town for a wedding. It sounds like her children and grandchildren are all doing well. It also sounds like the wedding was a lovely event and perfect reason to travel and catch up with friends.

Delilah Oliver, daughter of Liz (Seward) and Kevin, along with her MV United soccer team pulled off a major win at the Columbus Day Tournament held in Natick. Double overtime and penalty kicks made way for trophies, high fives and a lot of excitement to venture home with.

I’m sad to say I missed seeing our own Missis Biskis sing, play and put on a great show at the Ritz this past Saturday night. Our very own Ellen Biskis performed with some spotlight-worthy back up – her talented husband Tauras – to a full house. Next time, Ellen, the Carrolls will be in the house to cheer you on.

Just over a year ago, Jules Worthington was quietly laid to rest among the fall leaves atop Abel’s Hill after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Saturday, Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. is the date and time Judi invites all of you, his family and friends, to join her at the Agricultural Hall for a potluck celebration. Lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie down to the sights and sounds of Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish. Please bring your smiles, your stories, and a dish to share. In keeping with Jules and Judi’s desire to be green, please bring your own place setting, napkin and the ability to take home leftovers. No waste. No clean up. Just lots of fun is the goal.

Town clerk Jennifer Christy strives to get the word out to the community so be sure to share the following: early voting for the Nov. 6 state election will be available at the Chilmark town hall on weekdays, between Oct. 22 and Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon. Give her a call at 508-645-2107 if you have any questions.

Chilmark town news can be sent to squidrow@vineyard.net.