Labor day was a little less ceremonious this year. Many families are remaining at their seasonal homes. One of the most obvious ways to notice those remaining for a longer season is the abundance of new mailboxes along the byways. The beach plum season was greater this year than in past years. The grapes are just about ready for harvesting. The temperatures have dipped into the 50s with less humidity. The stillness of autumn is inviting.

The 75th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby begins on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services will hold the annual Electronic Disposal Day on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., partnering with the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. For more information and a list of items that you may recycle, please visit the MVCS website.

Welcome to Tosh Albie Fischer who was born in California on August 24, the son of Andrew and Emma Fischer, and grandson of Albert and Linda Fischer. Tosh was welcomed home by his sister Marni.

Congratulations to BM2 Colin Katilus, son of George and Christine Katilus, who was recently recognized by Admiral Ray, the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Bushey, the Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard on their recent visit to Station Seattle where they provided the crew with valuable insight on the Coast Guard’s current state and future direction. BM2 Katilus was recognized by the admiral for his exceptional performance at Station Seattle.

Kristina Kestenbaum Leslie enjoyed a brief weekend tour of Nantucket with Chrissie Laury-Chivers. They stayed at the Swedish Delight, owned by Ingrid Francis who gifted Kristina with books and objects of the Nantucket Wampanoag history. They enjoyed lunch at Madaket Millies and had a great weekend.

Kristina enjoyed a brief visit from her grandsons Phillip Singleton and his fiance Imani, and Darrius Lewis. Phillip and Darrius spent their summers with their grandparents in their youth. Phillip is now working for Amazon in Philadelphia. Darrius, having been the Aquinnah parking lot attendant for a number of years, is now with Aramark in San Diego and is working with the San Diego Padres.

Congratulations to Brian and Jordan Wood in the birth of their daughter Rylee Jean Wood on Sept. 6 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, weighing 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and 21” in length. Rylee is welcomed home by her sister Avalee Mae.

New books on the market to look for are Vineyard Noir (Scenes from an Island) by Jeremy Driesen, Vineyard photographer and musician. And, Martha’s Vineyard Burning, a long awaited memoir by David Duarte.

Across the channel at USCG Station Menemsha, welcome to BM2 Johan Ruiz-San Juan who transferred here from Portland, Ore. where he served aboard the USCG Cutter Bluebell. Johan is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Congratulations to CS1 Steven Smith who is the recipient of the 2019 Forrest O. Rednour Memorial Award of a shadow box for his duties at a small ashore dining facility at USCG Station Menemsha. Smitty (aka Alex) has been a CS1 for the past three years.

Congratulations to BM3 Brian Wood and his wife Jordan on the birth of their daughter Rylee Jean Wood.

Happy 51st Anniversary wishes to Chris and Barbara Murphy as they celebrated on Sept. 6.

Happy 9th anniversary wishes to Sean Kelley and Chelsea Ives on Sept. 10.

Happy 11th anniversary wishes to Jesse Wiener and Maggie Anderson on Sept. 12.

Happy 46th anniversary wishes to Tom and Christine Murphy on Sept. 14.

Happy 21st anniversary wishes to Jim and Nancy Benoit on Sept. 18.

Happy 16th anniversary wishes to Jason and Jessie Baird on Sept. 18.

Happy second birthday wishes to Sophie Stone Ginsberg on Sept. 8. Matthew Seeman parties on Sept. 10. John McKinstry will celebrate on Sept. 12, sharing the day with Janet Singer Finger Maine. Seamus Ritter Mahoney will be 10 years old on Sept. 13. Christine Katilus parties on Sept. 14, sharing the day with Geraldine Brooks. Captain Brian F. Vanderhoop will celebrate on Sept. 15. Lenny Clarke and Charlie Kernick share the day on Sept. 16. Jason Baird celebrates on Sept. 17.