We thoroughly enjoyed the warmth of the weather over the past week. However, by Wednesday morning it was nearly freezing. Fireplaces are already burning the remnants of last year’s woodpile, summer clothing is heading for winter storage, parking spaces are more abundant, lines in the stores are less long, and you finally have time to actually have a conversation with your family and friends whom you have missed over the summer. The goldenrod is abundant, beach plums were nonexistent this year, yet there will still be a few good beach days left to enjoy.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sheldon Hackney, who died Sept. 12. Sheldon was president emeritus of our Martha’s Vineyard Museum board and it was under his leadership, guidance and wisdom that the old United States Marine Hospital in Tisbury will become a reality as the site of the new museum. It was an immense honor and pleasure to serve with Sheldon. His history lessons at the Chilmark Book Fair and the Vineyard Haven Library were always inspirational and memorable. We shall follow his advice — Onward.

Congratulations to Richard Gross who recently won a Tony award for his production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, which was on Broadway over the past year. Roberta Gross is concluding her teaching of art at Featherstone for the summer. Roberta and Rick have recently moved closer to their Aquinnah home by now residing in Philadelphia.

As the 68th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby gets underway, Andrew Jacobs is presently in 3rd place with a boat bass of 12.66 pounds. It is encouraging to see more businesses offering discounts to derby fishermen this year, something the late Ben Morton and the late Al Brickman started more than half a century ago.

Beatrice Patadal was home over the weekend for a visit with her mother Joan and her aunt, Barbara Gentry.

Joe Spinelli and John McKinstry have headed to a warmer clime for the winter months.

Naushon Vanderhoop and her 10-month-old daughter Nanawusuwee of Brooklyn were home over the weekend for a visit with family and friends.

Would you like to learn more about some of the services provided by the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living? The Supportive Day Program, off-Island medical taxi services, luncheon at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, or even the food cupboard. Would you like to be on the mailing list to receive the Center for Living newsletter? Please email mvcenter4living@gmail.com to learn more or call 508-939-9440 to have your name placed on the mailing list.

Belated happy 49th anniversary wishes to Herb and Jane Slater as they celebrated on Sept. 12.

Happy 52nd anniversary wishes to Ted and Judy Mayhew on Sept. 23.

Happy 35th anniversary wishes to David and Diane Jensen on Sept. 23.

Happy 7th anniversary wishes to Ken and Liz Wentworth on Sept. 23.

Happy 9th anniversary wishes to Kevin Sheehan and Jeffie Butler on Sept. 25.

Happy 22nd anniversary wishes to Derrill and Joanne Bazzy on Sept. 27.

Happy birthday wishes to Trip Barnes as he parties on Saturday. Janet Foley will celebrate on Sunday. Leslie Clapp will party on the 23rd, while Divya Randolph will be four years old, and Aquinnah summer resident Michael Donaroma will party the same day. Jeffrey Madison celebrates on Sept. 24. Nora Duncheva will be four years old on Sept. 25 and shares the day with James Sanfilippo. Sept. 26 will be a day of celebration for Gretchen Webber-Gebb, Spa Tharpe, Hillary Smith, Susie Wallo and Sarah Thulin. Dr. Jason Lew and Paul O’Donnell share the day on Sept. 27.