I have observed for 43 years on this Island that no one does Halloween better. Great care is taken and attention is paid to every detail of the most outlandish costumes. Whole workplaces present a theme. And our seasonal scarecrows from the Charter School are out in full regalia. St. Augustine’s and the library are offering warmth, treats and pit stops. Deejays cue up the Monster Mash. William street does it’s own well-organized thing. The dancing never ends. I pulled out my go-to costume, Tired Mother, and have a year to work on my theme for next year. Don’t be surprised. You won’t be.

The Neighborhood Convention holds its monthly meeting at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center next Tuesday, November 6th at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Please bring a vegetarian sack lunch. The topic is racism in South Africa and the U.S.

My favorite off-season activity reconvenes on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Vineyard Playhouse. That’s the Poetry Cafe under the direction of Arnie Reisman. Our usual suspects will convene at 7:30 p.m. for pie, coffee and friendship: Don Nitchie, Fran Ogilvie, Jill Jupen and Arnie himself. Perhaps I shall get over my stage fright.

Jenn Coito had a lovely reception at Michael Blanchard’s Crossroads Gallery last Friday night. Her theme? She wears Red Again. Some of the most interesting farm animal photos and amazing Vineyard vistas. I was able to get a head start on holiday shopping. Seeing so many friends there was heartwarming–a special delight was running into Katie Feeks after all these years.

The very next day we had a small gathering with two cakes to honor Bobbie Jo Sears on her birthday. She fielded calls from friends all day and accepted cookies baked especially for her.

Speaking of our great artists and poets on-Island, I know we look forward to Handmade from the Heart, which benefits our own hospice here. All manner of homemade gifts are sought by the hospice staff for our sale on Dec. 8.

With great sadness, I must report Marvin Rosenkrantz has passed. A loss for us all. Marvin and I had the most delightful conversations. He was a man in love with the universe. May he rest in peace.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Nancy Canha Merriman on Oct. 24. Fernando Almeda celebrated on Oct. 27. And on Oct. 31, Sunshine Iles took the cake. Many happy returns.

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