Recently my wife experienced a medical emergency, the outcome of which we feel merits sharing. On the pitch black early morning of August 23, my wife fell at our home, suffering severe damage to her hip.

Okay, enough already!

When Bob Clay took to the podium at the derby awards ceremony, and the hard-earned, well-deserved chance for a brand new Clay Motors pickup truck, the irony of the moment was not lost. Just what I need, he joked. Then, true to his character, the moment became about Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard. If he did indeed possess the winning key, the truck would be given to Habitat. Bob and Fran Clay have long been supporters and donors to affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard. I wish to express on behalf of the entire Habitat for Humanity MV family, our heartfelt gratitude.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services thanks you, the Martha’s Vineyard community for showing your support of our agency this fall. The people of this Island are truly generous and we applaud and thank you for your encouragement and assistance as we continue the vital work we do.

My Captain Ron and I with our beloved dog Wendy, washed ashore in 1988. In our thirties and full of dreams and spunk, we sailed into a perfect storm. Sometimes the crests of the waves were the highest of high, sometimes the troughs tumultuous. The Vineyard was our ship; the people its crew.

Sad news has reached us from Sally Sears Sinclair. She mourns the loss of her grandson Scott Graber. A full obituary can be found online at the Hudson Hub Times. His family suggests that donations be made in Scott’s memory to the Hudson Fire Department Association, 40 South Oviatt street, Hudson, OH 44236, to be distributed by the family to Scott’s passions. Our hearts go out to Sally and her family.

Chilmark will sport some new stripes on Wednesday when lines are to be painted on the newly paved sections of Tabor House Road and D.H.’s Hill. Hopefully, they will not be covered with snow too soon.

The weekend weather was seasonable. Some ferries were cancelled on Friday due to strong winds that brought down thousands of leaves. The days are mighty short with a 4:30 p.m. sunset. Old Jack Frost has made a brief visit, but he says he will be back soon.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Gazette has excerpted oral history interviews conducted by Linsey Lee as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s exhibit Those Who Serve: Martha’s Vineyard and WWII. Here, interviews with Jane Slater, Nelson Bryant, Curtis Jones and James McLaurin.

Coat or no coat? That has been the question of the week. First it is so cold that you have to wear a coat with a scarf and then the next day you are back down to shirts with maybe a sweater. Who knows what next week will bring?