Autumn in Aquinnah — much-needed rain for most of the week with temperatures in the 40s to 60s. Tuesday evening, we experienced a beautiful sunset, the last of the season occurring after 6 p.m. The next sunset after 6 p.m. will not occur until March. Nothing could dampen the spirits of the Boston Red Sox in their thrilling game on Tuesday evening — go Red Sox!

Community Baptist Church of Gay Head, the oldest Native American Baptist Church in the United States in continuous ministry, will observe 325 years of fellowship, service and worship over the weekend. On Oct. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. the Wampanoag Tribe will celebrate the rich histories of the tribe and church with informative talks, spirit-filled drumming and singing, traditional games, fun crafts for children, great food and fellowship at the Aquinnah Cultural Center.

On Sunday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., worship will be conducted by Reverend Leo Christian. Join morning worship, a time of fellowship and a display of art and historical documents. Beverages and appetizers will be served at Community Baptist Church and at the Aquinnah town hall. For information, please call 508-645-2815.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Electronic Disposal Day will be at the campus on Edgartown Road next door the YMCA of MV from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 20, weather permitting. Rain date has been temporarily scheduled for Oct. 27.

The Ritz and Connect to End Violence present Ladyfest, an annual music festival held on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. It was co-founded by Rose Guerin and Kelly Feirtag in 2017, with assistance by The Ritz Cafe owner, Larkin Stallings. The event features artists from many genres of music. The first annual show was held inside The Ritz Cafe last October and has grown out onto the street. This year, the main stage will be at the top of Circuit Ave and a secondary stage in Healey Square.

Ladyfest partners with the Island’s own Connect to End Violence. The mission of Connect is to reduce domestic and sexual violence on Martha’s Vineyard. This includes providing crisis intervention services, counseling and support services for victims. All proceeds go directly to Connect. Ladyfest also partners with WMVY radio. Attendees who purchase a bracelet for a donation of $10 or up will receive a 10% discount to participating Island establishments for that weekend. Last year, The Ritz Cafe raised over $2,000 for Connect with a goal to raise $10,000 in its second year.

Truckin’ M.V. will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School parking lot on Oct. 20, an annual fundraiser for the Vineyard Montessori School. Kids and adults are invited to explore all kinds of trucks including fire trucks, police cruisers, excavators and cherry pickers. Food and snacks will be available for purchase. Parental supervision is required. Bring your camera. Tickets are $10 for kids and $25 for a family.

Yours truly attended the Steamship Authority on Tuesday afternoon at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center. It was a pleasure to see Gina Barboza, reservations director, whom I have known for 30 of her 40-plus years with the SSA. It was nice to personally meet each of the board members from off-Island and always nice to see Mark Hanover. General manager Robert Davis sadly announced that our beloved ferry godmother, Bridget Tobin, will be retiring next week. On a happy note, Bridget will return to be on duty as the Oak Bluffs terminal manager for the summer of 2019. All the best to Bridget and thank you for your 44 years of commendable service to thousands — always with a smile and more often a laugh or two along the way. She deservedly received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Kendra Buresch and Theresa Manning joined in the fun at grandparents and friends day at Falmouth Academy on Oct. 5, meeting up with us in Woods Hole. While away, we celebrated Bill Kistner’s birthday. In Falmouth, it was nice to meet up with Michael Dutton, Ernest May, Sharon Mello and Betty Searle.

Darren and Nancy Leport recently visited their son, Coltrane, during his freshman year parents weekend at Hobart and William Smith College in New York. While away, they also visited their daughter, Menasha, at Tabor Academy.

Congratulations to Theresa Kistner Manning who received a plaque during her last school committee meeting on Monday evening for her commitment of four years on the up-Island regional school committee as well as the all-Island school committee. Congratulations to Mike Marcus who received a plaque for his eight years on the same UIRSC and the AISC.

Condolences to the family and friends of Jeannette Herrick, a longtime summer resident with her family vacationing on Lighthouse Road.

Condolences to the family and friends of Marjorie Searle Look.

Condolences to the family and friends of Gregory Packish whom I had known since his childhood. It was always a pleasure to meet up with Greg who had a smile and a hug each time.

Have you noticed that awful red flashing sign at the Edgartown end of Barnes Road? It is not appealing to those with vision issues. Have you noticed the absence of the Tisbury/West Tisbury sign?

Happy anniversary wishes to Dr. Curtis Langer and his bride, Molly Purves, on Oct. 10.

Happy 14th anniversary to Shaun MacPhail and Alexandra Taylor on Oct. 16.

Happy 16th anniversary to James Mahoney and Melissa Nichols on Oct. 19.

Belated 1st birthday wishes to Louie Raymond Ives on Oct. 3.

Abel Rutkowski was six years old on Oct.18. Neal Maciel celebrated on Oct. 18 sharing the day with James Vercruysse; Pearl Vercruysse will celebrate on Oct. 21; Jenna Petersiel celebrates on Oct. 22; Chris Belain will party on the 23rd; Dr. Curtis Langer parties on Oct. 24 and shares the day with Isaac Taylor; William Cotton Runyan will celebrate his second birthday on Oct. 25.

Aquinnah town news can be sent to junemanning152@gmail.com.