September is the “back to” month: back to school, back to school buses, back to the fishing derby, back to the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival hosted by Richard Paradise.

So glad the kids are in person at school. Lovely to see the yellow buses on the road again. Delighted for the film festival, which you may attend in person or by zoom. Looking forward to the fishers who will be visiting and enjoying the derby. And who can complain about the best weather ever on the Island?

Shane Vanderhoop True is back to his sophomore year in high school, this year in upstate New York. Shane’s mom, June, and his sister, Samantha, are pleased to have him. Shane is already enjoying the many outdoor activities in that beautiful part of the country. He promises to keep in touch and visit frequently.

One of my greatest high school friends married and lives in Texas, Roberta Ferrari Skeckowski. She will be in Boston for a visit in October. We are hoping to meet after 50 years. I am encouraging her to see the Van Gogh exhibit at the Strand theater. It is sold out through September but has much availability after that. Many island friends are purchasing tickets. It is getting rave reviews.

My dear friend, retired biology teacher Leda Giatti of Riverdale, N.Y., passed in October 2020. Leda rented on-Island every summer for probably more than 40 years. She was a devoted friend to many, including my mother and me. Some of her good friends, many former teachers, are having a celebration of life for Leda on the Island this weekend. Virginia Weis Cramer is one of them. She is in charge of the plans. It will be a bittersweet weekend.

Bittersweet also for the celebration of life for Rosemary Gambino this Sunday at the Agricultural Hall from 2 to 6 p.m. Her son, Seth Gambino, has invited all in our community who want to take part. I still cannot imagine the Island without Rosemary.

Get well wishes go out to three wonderful ladies: Amy Giammasi, Sandy Ferreira, and Bonnie Fyfe. May they all have a speedy recovery.

Anniversary bouquets go out to Tim and Nancy Merriman, who celebrated on August 31.

The birthday bandwagon was overloaded on September 7 with Goldie Chee Valladares, Carrie Stokes Lau, Carol Meikle, James Haney and Sharon Duncan. September 8 is claimed by Cindy Lockwood and Dan Larkosh. September 9 smiles on Oscar Polite. And on September 10, Altin Rizi and Heather Goff take the cake. Many happy returns.