Now I am wondering what happened to summer. Suddenly the sunset is earlier and earlier and the breezes are really cool. I’m not ready yet.

Saturday, Sept. 20, is the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance at the Edgartown Lighthouse at 1 pm. The public is invited to this moving ceremony for children, commemorated at the base of the Edgartown Lighthouse in the Children’s Memorial. You can also enjoy music and light refreshments provided by the Harbor View Hotel. Rain date: Saturday, Sept. 27 (verify at 508-627-4441, ext. 110).

September is a busy month at the senior center. Visitors enjoyed a music class presented by Charles Blank, an afternoon tea & talk featuring poets Annette Sandrock and Lee McCormack, an organizational gathering of Island writers, and a session about Medicare, targeted to the boomer generation.

Kathleen Samway presents a new senior center program on Monday at 1:30 pm called A Matter of Balance, introducing an eight-week series that addresses balance, falls, flexibility, strength and problem-solving. This series is designed for those who want to increase their activity level and fight the fear of falling. Kathleen is a physical therapist and clinical director of the former VNA.

Try the free Health Fair at the Tisbury Senior Center on Monday from 4 pm to 6 pm. Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and hearing checked, and get tested for glaucoma. Call 508-693-4205 with questions, or for an appointment for the hearing test.

The Friends of the Tisbury COA host a free Afternoon Tea on Monday, Sept. 29, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm to celebrate the end of summer. Everyone is invited. See friends, learn about events, and get involved. The Friends plan special events to raise funds for the center. You are welcome to learn about what is happening at your senior center, a community center for all stages of getting wiser. (I think that’s such a nice way to describe our aging.)

By the way, have you seen a large black snake recently? Black racers (Coluber constrictor) are important predators in grasslands, shrublands, and forest edges, all part of the Vineyard landscape. They are harmless to humans but control rodent populations, including the white-footed mice that host deer ticks (and Lyme disease). The Vineyard Conservation Society is helping to collect data on these snakes; they are really big and scary to look at, but terribly useful while not harmful to us. If you have photographed one or can say where you may have seen one lately, VCS wants to know: 508-693-9588.

Registration is open for all ACE MV fall classes: online at acemv.org, by mail, or at the new ACE MV office at 35 Greenwood Ave., 2nd floor. That’s the MV Family Center building across from our library. Or sign up at the Course Sampling Fair at the high school on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Class sizes are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

There are classes in job skills, math and English to prepare for college or GED, and college courses, as well as writing, jazz, canning, theater, and Thai cooking — even understanding Medicare. Adults can bring children (ages 6 to 12) to learn the basics of salsa and Latin beat together. I guess I should try the class on auto maintenance for women.

Cycle Martha’s Vineyard is only two weeks away. The cycling ride around the Island on Saturday, Oct. 4 (508-627-8303), benefits the Rotary Club and the Gay Head Light. You can ride again on Sunday — or run or golf. Sunday is a Gay Head Light 10K (gayheadlight.org). And more: The MV Golf Tournament at Mink Meadows on that Sunday benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters. Call 508-693-0101.

Belated congratulations go out to Doris Stewart and Jerome Clark, whose anniversary was yesterday. Anniversary wishes go out today to Louisa Gould and J.B. Lamont.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Hilda Illingworth. Wish the best tomorrow to Barbara Maciel. Happy birthday to Jan Dorchester and Dan Greenbaum, who celebrate on Saturday. Sunday belongs to Trip Barnes and Ken Ward. Happy birthday to Lori Dorsey on Monday. Next Wednesday there will be a run on birthday candles: Greetings go out to Muriel Laverty, Judy Federowicz, Kathy Rogers, and Kenny Davey.

Heard on Main Street: Take the edge off the darkening fall days and come together for the pleasure of learning. [ACE MV]