The weather has been rather strange in Aquinnah this past week. Could have sworn a tornado went through here the other evening as it sounded more like a freight train going by. I was awakened with a telephone call from my daughter-in-law, Theresa Manning, on Monday morning that a tornado was due to hit within an hour and to seek shelter–that never happens on the Vineyard. Evidently, our neighbor, George Katilus, had notified the Vineyard Gazette about the impending tornado and waterspout. A waterspout has not occurred on the Vineyard for more than a century. By noon, it was simply another beautiful autumn day.

This week will be a time for much-needed sleep after staying awake so many nights cheering for the Boston Red Sox. It paid off and they won the World Series on Sunday night. Way to go! Wish I could have attended the parade in Boston but maybe next time!

Father Thyme, aka John Alley, always reminds us of Daylight Saving Time. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 and gain that extra hour of sleep.

At Aquinnah Public Library on Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a fun time making leaf critters. After finding leaves and other natural objects, participants will turn them into critters their own invention.

Tuesday, Nov. 6 is voting day. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. You still have time for early voting Friday in Aquinnah from noon to 3 p.m. Otherwise, see you at the polls! Democracy is not a spectator sport and you should not complain if you do not vote!

Rev. Roger H. Spinney will be the guest minister on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Community Baptist Church while Rev. Leo Christian has a few days to attend to business. Music will be performed by Michael Gilman, Aron Jackson and Sean McMahon.

First Baptist Church will hold an early Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the parish house at 66 William street in Tisbury. Dinner includes turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, dessert and beverages. Tickets are available at the door.

All Saints’ Day will be celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Federated Church in Edgartown. The service begins at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. David G. Berube, Pastor, with music by the Federated Church Choir under the direction of Peter R. Boak, Minister of Music.

Please join in worship on this special day. You are invited to bring a framed photo of someone special in your life, who has passed away, to be placed on a special table in front of the pulpit. For more information call 508-627-4421 or e-mail officefederatedchurchmv@gmail.com.

The Martha’s Vineyard Neighborhood Convention will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center in Tisbury. Rabbi Brian Walt will present Racism in South Africa and in the U.S. All are welcome. Please bring a vegetarian sack lunch–no meat or meat products; dairy and finned fish are okay but no shellfish.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard invites all artisans, candlestick makers, knitters and bakers to contribute to the Handmade from the Heart fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 8. Any unique handmade items, including jewelry, knitted items, paintings, pottery, photographs, Christmas ornaments, baked goods and more are welcome. Please call 508-693-0189 if you have items you wish to donate.

The United States Coast Guard signed for the newest Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter, Terrell Horne, on Oct. 18, during a signing ceremony in Key West. The fast response cutters are named after Coast Guard enlisted heroes and are replacing the Island-class 110 foot patrol boats. Lt. John Beal is the son of Robert and Brenda Gerosa-Beal of Oak Bluffs and Hingham.

Corinna Majno Kaufman donated a large canvas of her seaweed art to the town of Aquinnah this past week. Over the winter, she will send along a description of her work. For now, Corinna and her husband, Ken, are seeking a warmer climate.

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Lucy Durr Hackney who passed away at her home in Tisbury on Friday. Lucy was a wonderful hostess, always attending to each and every guest at her home. We served together on the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services board of directors, while her late husband Sheldon Hackney served as president of the board of directors of Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Their son, Fain Hackney, now serves as our president of the board of YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. They have all been very committed to the Vineyard community in many ways. Lucy will be greatly missed by many.

Condolences to the family and friends of Constance Cary Johnson, former spouse of the late Thaddeus Johnson, who passed away in Boston on Sept. 20. In recent years, Connie enjoyed attending tribal elders luncheons with her daughter, Candy. She was predeceased by her former spouse, Thaddeus, and by her daughter, Thaddene, and by her son, Allan TC Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Candy and her children, Nicole, Thaddeus and Aquinnah, by her grand-daughter Maya Barnes, and by many great-grandchildren. She is survived by her cousin, Priscilla Taylor Belain, and her son, Christopher Belain of Aquinnah. Priscilla traveled to Boston to attend services for Connie.

Happy birthday wishes this week to Greyson Bowker on Nov. 1; Sharon Diamond Araujo on Nov. 2; Janice Cook Sylvia on Nov. 3; Melissa Vanderhoop Abram will celebrate a milestone on Nov. 4; Aaron Metell will party on Nov. 5, while his brother, Jeremy Provost, parties on Nov. 8.

Aquinnah town news can be sent to junemanning152@gmail.com.