September closed its doors with celebration. Not only did the late day sun glisten on the water, but the warm breeze brought in a night filled with a sky full of stars. Fishermen, swimmers, dog walkers, meanderers and the Squid Row resident seagull, who we all fondly refer to as Reginald, soaked up every last minute of the day complete with a sun dog. Some say the appearance of a sun dog means there will be rain or snow in the next 24 hours. Others say seeing a sun dog is good luck. Considering some fabulous folks were celebrating their birthdays under it, I choose to go with the latter.

Miss Maya Scheffer-Lew celebrated her second birthday on Menemsha Beach surrounded by family and friends including big sister Vera. The evening festivities were wrapped up with a run down the boardwalk to the car where all were buckled in and taken home for a bath and bed.

Also celebrating on a sandy stretch of Aquinnah beach surrounded by family and friends, frolicking teens and a few random fishermen, was Hillary Noyes-Keene. She cheered in the big 6-0 with all her might and, as I heard someone say, “Sixty just means you’ve been a perfect ten six times in a row.” I like that.

September also pleasantly surprised us with the soft opening at Iggy’s. Fresh pastries, various styles of coffee and, as described by Ludmilla, sweet community conversations were had on the porch of the former Snackery and Bite. They will quietly be pouring coffee again Sunday morning, Oct. 6.

Dave and Kathleen Wright used the derby as an excuse to travel to town, with pup Hank in tow, to do a little fishing along with some rejuvenating in the sunshine and warm fall breezes.

Nelson Rabinovitch has also made his way to town for spell using the very same excuse. The fish are calling.

Each year, when the month of October rolls around, I am reminded of a particular section in one of my favorite childhood books, Ann of Green Gables. This particular section reminds me a lot of here and, although the species of trees referenced aren’t quite the same, the sentiment is lovely: “October was a beautiful month at Green Gables, when the birches in the hollow turned as golden as sunshine and the maples behind the orchard were royal crimson and the wild cherry trees along the lane put on the loveliest shades of dark red and bronzy green, while the fields sunned themselves in aftermaths.” Ann exclaims in this section, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

I concur. October is remarkable for countless reasons.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Burt Irion this past week. He and his bride Wanda (Murphy) are in town for a spell. If I heard correctly, their son Aubrey is also paying a visit. Lucas and Trish Murphy popped into town on a glorious September day, too.

The Murphy family reminds us there will be celebration of Susan Murphy’s life on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. Susan was a vibrant member of the community participating in everything from mooring rentals, to town politics to knitting, carpentry and more. Be sure to arrive with a story to tell, a dish to share and love in your heart.

The Chilmark Community Center moderator’s committee, formed at the request of town meeting, has conducted a review of the Community Center organizational structure, facility use and programs. Emily Bramhall, Linda Coutinho, Stephanie DaRosa, John Diamond, Dan Karnovsky, Hillary Noyes-Keene, Matt Poole and moderator Janet Weidner have been charged with making recommendations for its use going forward. After multiple meetings with various stakeholders, the group is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5:15 p.m. at the town hall. All are encouraged to attend.