The surf on the south shore has been significant. I’m still waiting to enjoy the warmth of the autumn weather that will return.

It was such a sad week due to the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her loss is felt by most across the nation but especially for her never-ending support of rights for women. With her loss and the recent loss of Congressman John Lewis, the atmosphere and the landscape has changed considerably in Washington. We can only hope for change, progress and for peace.

The Howes House will have the annual fish distribution for elders on Thursday mornings during the derby. Please call 508-693-2896 for the sign up list.

The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant is still open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. for your dining pleasure. Unfortunately, the Outermost Inn has closed for the season.

Early Friday morning, Sept. 25, at 7:30 a.m. meet at Aquinnah Circle with Vineyard Climate Action Earth First. Please wear blue and or green apparel.

Vineyard Independence Partnership (our VIP friends) will have another yard and art sale at 19 State Road in Chilmark on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here is another chance to purchase Chilmark Chocolate tee shirts, mugs, studio art and cards, etc. Sorry, no chocolate !

Congratulations to Gregory G. Clark who is leading in the MV Bass and Bluefish Derby in the boat division with his 12.34 pound bonito, outdoing his son Gregory W. Clark who was on the leader board a week ago.

John and Jennifer Haughton of Buffalo, N.Y. were at their family home at Lobsterville recently where they celebrated their 29th anniversary. John, son of the late Ronald and Anne Haughton, and Jennifer were married on the Vineyard during Hurricane Bob. The Haughton family still maintains a home at Lobsterville and the family members all continue to enjoy their allotted time there every summer.

Congratulations to Kathren Hogan and Charles Metros on the birth of their son George Riley Metros on August 29 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. George weighed in at 8 pounds 2 ounces. Welcome George.

The CG Menemsha Spouses’ Association of Menemsha hosted a welcoming party on Sept. 18 at Menemsha Beach. Our plans changed continuously due to the weather predictions and ended up being a pizza party to welcome new crew members. Welcome to BM1 Colleen Wilson originally from Florida who recently transferred from Gulfport, Miss. and to MK3 Andrew McCloskey originally from Delaware who recently served on the ANT team at Saugerties, N.Y. And to officially welcome MK2 Clint Collier, BM2 Shane Mullen and his wife Haleigh, BM2 Johan Ruiz-San Juan, and welcome back to Gary Kovack as a Reservist who had previously served at USCG Station Menemsha. Despite the wind, we all had a great time, especially the young children who are at the beach as often as possible year-round. Till next time — fair winds !

We would also like to bid a fond farewell to BM2 Justus Christopher who has recently transferred to Boston.

Happy 16th anniversary to Dan Sauer and Nonie Madison on Sept. 25.

Happy 25th anniversary wishes to Captain William D. Vanderhoop aka Captain Buddy and his bride Lisa Bibko on Oct. 1.

Happy Birthday wishes this week to Janay Dlabaj on Sept. 20; CS1 Alex Smith on Sept. 22; William Haoa Vanderhoop turned nine years old on Sept. 22; Ariel White and Jamie Thigpen celebrated on Sept. 23; Spa Tharpe will party on Sept. 26; Susan Wallo observes a milestone on Sept. 26; Sept. 27 is a day of celebration for Dr. Jason Lew, Dennis Rose, Kathy Ivory, Dr. Robert Hillberg and Paul O’Donnell; Kathy Santos Smith observes a milestone on Sept. 28; Chris Carroll and Liz Gude share the day on Sept. 29.

Elliana May Smith will be three years old on Oct. 1. Alyssa Mayrand parties on Oct. 1. Jessica Seeman parties on Oct. 2.