Oh, how I love September in Aquinnah. The weather has been superb and the water is still warm. Over the weekend I kayaked over to Picnic Point on the pond with my husband and a friend and it was so heavenly. It felt like the Caribbean. Or what I imagine the Caribbean would be like since I’ve never actually been. You get the picture — it was lovely and I felt like I was “away” and not at home and that was even lovelier, a little two-hour vacation in our backyard.

This Saturday, Sept. 13, will be Giulia’s last day on staff at the library. There will be an informal, festive celebration throughout the day to send her off. There will be refreshments served, and if you are inclined to bake or cook something to contribute to the party, please do. I know I will miss Giulia’s sweet way with all the town kids and her kindness. I wish her the best of luck in all her endeavors.

I know it’s only September, but this is the first of two times that I will mention the winter holidays in this column. The Chilmark Preschool’s fall fundraiser is portrait sessions with Island photographer (and former longtime Aquinnah resident) Albert O. Fischer. This is the third year that the portrait sessions have been held, and the photos make great holiday cards. The sessions are held at either the Grey Barn & Farm or Menemsha Beach. The dates of the sessions are: Menemsha Beach, Sept. 20 and Oct. 4; Grey Barn & Farm, Sept. 28 and Oct. 18. Contact Sarah Waldman at 781-799-9941 or sarah.fm.waldman@gmail.com to reserve your session. Sessions are $75. The profits go to Chilmark Preschool’s enrichment programs.

There is a collection of poems available by Island and off-Island writers about the Gay Head Lighthouse. It is called “Legacy of Light: Poems for the Gay Head Lighthouse,” and Aquinnah resident and talented artist Mitzi Pratt has hand-bound 50 copies. The limited editions are $175. They can be ordered by emailing Mitzi at meprattbookbinder@me.com; there is a softcover version for $20 available as well, but the limited edition would make a lovely Christmas or Hanukkah present. Proceeds from the sale go to the Save the Gay Head Light fund.

Adrianna Ignacio is coming home! She should be released from Spaulding Rehab and home by this weekend. Her recovery will continue for a long time, but at least she will be here with her friends and family and not alone in a hospital. Welcome home Adrianna, we are so glad to have you back.

If you noticed speeding ambulances headed up to Aquinnah a couple of weeks ago, they were for Anne Vanderhoop, who broke her other hip (not the one that broke on Halloween). She is recovering at Spaulding Rehab on the Cape until Sept. 16, and would love to hear from people; please drop her a line:

Anne Vanderhoop

Spaulding Rehabilitation

311 Service Road

East Sandwich, MA 02537

Walter Delaney died on Tuesday, Aug. 26. He moved off the Island in June to be closer to his daughter and her family. Walter was town meeting moderator for 36 years and fire chief for 17 years. He served on many committees and did much service for the town of Aquinnah. His wake was held last Thursday and his memorial service was private. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy, who died last summer. Our hearts go out to his daughter, Gayle M. Delaney, and her husband Andrew Dineen and their son Raymond. Remembrances may be made in Walter’s memory to the Aquinnah Fire Department, 63 State Road, Aquinnah, MA 02535.

Happy birthday to Paul Manning, who celebrated on Sunday, and happy birthday to Anja May, whose birthday is Saturday. Ona Ignacio will be celebrating in style on Tuesday, and Eliska, one of the bartenders at Chilmark Tavern, will be celebrating on Wednesday. Congratulations to Emmett Taylor, who started kindergarten at the Chilmark School last week. Good luck to Nanauwe Vanderhoop, who started at the Walnut Hill School last week. I have a feeling that Nanauwe will do great; it’s her parents that I’m a little worried about, as Nanauwe is boarding at the school and so David and Saskia have an empty nest right now. I know that although they miss her they are awfully proud of her.