Every month carries its own unique spirit, but October has always been a stand out. Pumpkins on porches. Trips off-Island for apple picking and leaf peeping or a simpler version performed right here at home with a Sunday drive up Middle Road. Flannels, fish and that exhilarating derby vibe encompass this crisp and bright month.

With October comes the return of the Chilmark Church’s Tuesday pizza night. All are welcome to join for a slice, neighborly company, conversation and a round or two of that Scrabble-like game of Bananagrams. You needn’t feel obligated to bring anything, but a salad, some dessert or a few beverages to share are always gratefully welcomed. Start time is 6 p.m. As always, thanks to Julie Flanders for being the faithful pizza go getter.

Things aren’t buttoned up yet at Barn Again, but Bob and Emma Shalhope have said their farewells after another summer atop DH’s Hill is in the books. Oklahoma called them back for the winter but, as promised, we will stay in touch through pictures. Instagram makes that easy.

Robert, Stephanie and son Jack Shalhope have been in residence to do a little derby fishing between household chores. For the most part, the weather for their visit has been completely cooperative.

Brooks made a spur of the moment trip to Athens, Ga. to visit his cousin Sam. The University of Georgia Bulldogs hosted Auburn University Tigers. The Georgia-Auburn rivalry goes back nearly 150 years. The Dawgs took the win in a shoulder-to-shoulder filled stadium. Although the game was televised, we didn’t manage to spot the cousins in the crowd.

Bradley and I made a trip to Boston on Sunday where we were surrounded by aspiring tween gymnasts and former ones, too. TD Garden was the venue for the Gold Over America tour showcasing Olympic gymnasts including the G.O.A.T. Simone Biles. It was fabulous. Although we didn’t lay eyes on them, Estelle Mason and her grandmother Joan Malkin were somewhere in the screaming crowd. My ears are still ringing.

It seems that Todd Christy made a little trip out to Bethlehem, Pa. to watch daughter Wren lace up her shoes for Middlebury and race in the Paul Short Run hosted by Lehigh University. The team did well and how fun that Wren had her very own cheering section.

Congratulations to Tess and Kib Bramhall who have been honored with the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation’s 41st Creative Living Award. Between the two of them, they are conservationists, writers, artist, fly fishermen, derby hall of famer and more. A community celebration for the two was held at the Grange Hall on Oct. 9.

Kiddos are starting to think about Halloween costumes so it’s time for you to think about hosting trick or treaters. If you are a little off the beaten path, but want to dish out goodies to our young-uns please let me know. I’ll share the inside scoop with you. The fire department, once again, will host the kick off spot for ghoulish adventure on Halloween. Details to come.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Florida friends as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from a tropical depression into a full blown category 5 hurricane. Tory, Will and Will Dolan were making evacuation plans at the time of my writing. Dick and Susan Vincent, Coco Adams and, I’m sure, plenty of others were making preparations. Mother Nature is unpredictable and hurricanes are a humbling reminder. Wishing safety and wellbeing to all whose homes are in its path.

Don’t waste the October sunshine. It is fleeting. The gray hues of November will be here sooner than you may think.