Thank you immensely to Katie Tamoshunas Carroll for acting as guest Aquinnah columnist in my absence. Katie certainly did a spectacular job and I am glad she was willing to fill in. Tuesday was a great time for me to start writing once again as it was Katie’s birthday and I felt she really needed to be celebrating with her family.

One really nice thing about June Manning taking a little breather from writing her column is the simple fact that I get to fill you in on her comings and goings. She would never write about herself and all of her adventures and escapades yet, she lives a truly full life that is fascinating. I’m not actually sure how the woman finds time to sleep.

Whenever there is a baby born into our community we jump for joy, but in addition to the baby, there is a family that gets to take center stage. Aretha Brown, daughter of Kate Taylor, and Keron Brown are proud parents of a healthy and lovely baby girl. Zuri Elizabeth Brown was welcomed into the world on Sept. 27, not only by her parents but by her most amazing big sister Fiona.

Monday night Alpha 11, otherwise known as Paul Manning, was called to respond to a lock out at 81 Lighthouse Road. Most of you may recognize that address as the Outermost Inn. Alpha 11 responded from Menemsha Texaco, where he happened to be fueling up the cruiser, to a surprise birthday party hosted by his bride Theresa. Surrounded by family and friends at a spot on the westernmost end of the Island overlooking one of the most spectacular sunsets of the season was an ideal way to welcome the half-century mark.