As I prepare to leave this drenching summer in West Tisbury for autumn in scorching northern California, I am haunted by last September.

The Vineyard has one nursing home and one assisted living facility.

What is happening nowadays in Edgartown is disturbing, a cause for alarm.

The thrill that I felt reading the headline about the land bank’s purchase of 32 acres at Red Gate Farm in Aquinnah was instantly followed by a deep sense of dismay when I learned the details of the purchase.

From the Oct. 1, 1991 edition of the Gazette by Virginia Poole:

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank reported revenues of $508,989.70 for the business week ending on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.

Edgartown

Kenneth E. Handy purchased Lot 1 on Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road in Edgartown from Michael W. Hand for $360,000 on Sept. 20. Cowbay Holdings LLC purchased 26 Cow Bay Road in Edgartown from Frederick M. Condon and Carlene J. Gatting for $12,145,000 on Sept. 22.

Oak Bluffs

David S. Koberg and Kathleen H. Koberg purchased 45 Lagoon Road in Oak Bluffs from Burnett Realty Trust and Jeremy Emerson Burnett Trs. for $900,000 on Sept. 23.

Brian Athearn isn’t used to sitting still and keeping quiet. But on Wednesday, the Agricultural Society president stayed in his seat and listened to a string of speeches in his honor, before accepting the Spirit of the Vineyard Award.

When asked how many bands will be performing at this year’s LadyfestMV on Saturday night, co-founder Rose Guerin answered: “A million.”

Our featured animals this week are a pair of seven-years old, male tuxedo cats.