October has given us crisp days, glorious sunsets, cool nights, derby fishing and the surprise visit from of a glorious display of colors dancing across the sky. The aurora borealis revealed itself with a jaw dropping, awe inspiring, flood of purples, reds and greens in the night sky. Not only was the internet flooded with pictures, but the conversations surrounding this magical phenomenon have carried on for days.

The long weekend brought college kids (and their laundry) home for a little R&R with family and friends. I managed to lay my eyes on a few and most of those were filled with freshman-year stories. They all sound reasonably content with their homes away from home.

Oona Carroll has settled in to both the Equestrian Club and fencing at Mount Holyoke College where “the food is pretty good.” Although she’s been to the library (all college parents ask their kids if they’ve been to the library) she prefers getting her schoolwork done in the basement lounge of her dorm.

Clara Athearn seems pretty content at the College of the Atlantic. Her environmental studies are focused on the ocean so putting her body in salt water practically on a daily basis is a true taste of home. One challenge is the dining commons are not open on the weekends.

Aquinnah boy-man, Noah Manning, also ventured home from Cornell College. He reveled in his time with family and friends and, although I didn’t get in depth details about how college life is treating him, he did say, “It’s good.”

I also got a quick hello from Graham Stearns as he passed by after a day on the water. This is his third year at Colgate University so one can assume he’s reasonably content.

Adam Goldman ventured north from his home in central Florida to do a little Derby fishing with his dad Andy. The two had plenty of time out on the water together along with laughs and general catching up between them and Susan Heilbron were abundant.

Although it was a little breezy on the water and the temperatures have dropped, these factors were no deterrent for Tyler and Kelly Andresen along with kiddos Maya, Casey and Violet to pay a visit along with Kelly’s mom Lisa, to Sarah and Spider Andresen.

Sharon Bialy enjoyed a stretch of good weather and a little dose of fall in New England from her Chowder Kettle home before departing and heading back to the west coast.

When Finley Wilbur wakes up on the morning of Oct. 21 she will be five. A lot changes when you need to use a full hand to show your age. She spent her first five years learning to be a person and now she will come into her own, enjoying many of life’s firsts. I can’t wait to watch her soar and accomplish all of the things she has been looking forward to doing once she turned one full hand old. Happy birthday fabulous Finley.

Did you know the MVRHS Minnesingers are holding a raffle? I sure didn’t until word got back to me that one of Menemsha Texaco’s T-shirts was from and center. I was a little confused at first and then realized a keepsake quilt made from shirts commemorating local haunts and events was something I could potentially win with a minimal investment. Amidst the 16 T-shirts incorporated, there are a few notables surrounding my own design including Chilmark Chocolates, MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust and that from a 2015 Chilmark Road Race. Buy a ticket through their website at mvrhsminnesingers.org or harass one of the fabulous chorale group members including our very own Emily Bod and Quinlan Slavin.

F/V Little Lady has fished New England waters since 1929 with three generations of Jasons as her captain. She is an iconic piece of, not only Menemsha, but the Island and fishing as a whole. Little Lady is in dire need of restoration and Gannon & Benjamin is at the ready to receive her, but the cost to rebuilt her will be substantial. Because of her historical significance, Capt. Denny Jason has consulted with MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. The Trust has launched a fundraising effort and a stewardship program so this iconic vessel can continue to serve our community by not only providing seafood, but as an educational experience. To learn more, please contact the MVFPT at 508-687-0344 or info@mvfpt.org.