At last, Labor Day weekend has arrived. A reduction in traffic, cyclists, joggers and mopeds.

We observe our neighbors and friends heading back to their winter homes, boats covered up tightly for the winter, and children going back to their schools and colleges. Until next summer.

Schools open on the Vineyard and elsewhere across the commonwealth next week.

The weekly Writers Group has returned to the Howes House in West Tisbury and will be held on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m., led by author Jeff Scheur. The September 2 meeting has been postponed to September 9. Please call (508) 693-2896 for scheduling.

After watching the news on television constantly over the past year and a half, I had taken a little break for a while. This week, the television has been back on to view those courageously leaving Afghanistan, especially service members who have been deployed there. Thoughts and prayers for the 13 service members who lost their lives a week ago. Such a tragedy for their families to have to contend with at this time. I am so glad that war is over.

Thoughts and prayers for those affected by Hurricane Ida, especially for those I know in Louisiana. I have been following the Facebook reports from Seamond Ponsart Roberts and her family. It appears they were safe and sound from the storm. Seamond grew up as a youth on Cuttyhunk and then in Tisbury. She remains in touch with many she attended school with during her 11 years in Tisbury.

John McKinstry, accompanied by Ken Jones, arrived this week to give Joseph Spinelli his final resting place in Aquinnah, where he worked for more than three decades and had many friends. Joe passed away in October 2017 and wanted to have his ashes spread at the site of where he and John were married.

John visited with as many Aquinnah friends as time allowed. John, Ken, and yours truly then proceeded to the Menemsha Galley for lunch with Tom Fisher and Tim Rush. Always a delight to be in their midst.

Have you noticed the bench on the lighthouse grounds, placed there to commemorate the 85th birthday of Mrs. Barbara Okun. A nice place to sit, gather your thoughts, and enjoy the view of Vineyard Sound. Thank you, Jay Smalley, for letting us know.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Trudy Goff, who passed away at her home in Edgartown after a brief illness. Mrs. Goff was a dedicated volunteer at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for the past half century, assisting in many areas. She will be greatly missed by all.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Reverend Donald Lyons, who passed away at his home on August 24.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Rosemarie Gambino, who passed away at her home on August 27. Rosie was the dear friend of the late Ricky Vanderhoop and spent a lot of time in Aquinnah, especially when her son Seth Gambino worked at the Aquinnah Shop as a teenager.

Happy third anniversary to Daryn Foster and Alex Woodlief on September 1.

Happy twentieth anniversary to Ricky and Michelle Duarte on September 8.

Happy tenth anniversary to Sean Kelley and Chelsea Ives on September 10.

Celebrating birthdays this week: Michael Dawson will observe his special day on Sept. 3. My “old” friend and former classmate Michael Ciancio will party on the 6th. Aquinnah police sergeant Paul Manning will observe his special day on Sept. 7. Franciose Theise celebrates on Sept. 8. Richard Mulligan parties on the 9th, sharing the day with Matthew Vanderhoop and Tyler Vanderhoop. Matthew Seeman parties on the 10th.