Nothing celebrates September like being invited to my friends, Bob and Elaine Klein, for dinner and a sunset view from the Lagoon. We have known each other for 40 years. We’ve been through our parents’ passing, our children’s growing and accomplishments, our ties to the Old Country, White Plains, N.Y., and our beloved Island here. We have not caught up for a long time. I was amazed to learn that this was the first time since Bob’s parents acquired the house on the Lagoon in 1947 that Bob and Elaine had spent a September here. They agree this is our most beautiful month. Same time next year.

The children’s derby that the Steamship Authority hosted last Sunday at 6 a.m. was fabulous. Many of my young friends attended, among them Mikey and Hailey Waters and Prudence Fisher’s daughter, Brooklynn. It is another annual September event to treasure.

My friends Leide Prata, Naromar Prata, Jr., Gisele Nascimento and Joao Prata boarded the steamship and crossed the big water last Sunday at 7 a.m. to make it to Gillette Stadium by kickoff at 1 p.m. This was their first game in person. Trust me, they are among our most loyal fans. Nothing like walking into work Monday morning after a Pats win Sunday. My sympathy goes to my nephew, Jonathan Gardella. I know he is a fan for GangGreen.

I am informing you now of a special town meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Tisbury School gymnasium. The subject will of course be plans for accommodating the students.

In library news, Art in the Stacks features the works of Opal Wortmann. And the scholarly yet scintillating Linsey Lee will hold forth on the third book of her Vineyard Voices series on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in the program room. I’ll see you there.

I have been trying to catch up with several Island poets and writers to sign their books whoch I am driving around with in my truck. When trying to reach Arnie Riesman to sign Sodom and Costello, he posted a photo of him having dinner along the Hudson in New York so I guess I still have to wait for him. I am also hoping he will give me the news on our starting date for the off-season Poetry Cafe.

Our Neighborhood Convention meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Tisbury. Linsey Lee will be the guest speaker.

One of my favorite students of all time, Daniel Manning, is visiting Venice, Italy with his beautiful wife, Martie Wagoner. Safe travels and lots of fun to them.

Wes Stokes reports that his Dad, Bill Stokes, is doing very well after heart surgery at Hartford Hospital. Getting well soon, my dear neighbor.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 29. Happy new year to all.

Happy anniversary wishes to Joseph and Susan Canha who celebrate 50 years on Sept. 27.

Belated birthday balloons to Karen Mercier for Sept. 23. Karen shared her day with Bruce Springsteen.

I can never forget that Sept. 25 was my dad, Silvio Gardella’s birthday. Celebrating on the same day are Daniel Gardella and Mikey Waters, Jr. And on Oct. 3 Bill Maciel takes the cake. Many happy returns.