I swear I felt the Island get a little lighter on Tuesday. All of the summer people have now really and truly left; of course there are those who come back for Thanksgiving or New Year’s but the jig really is up. It’s over, folks. The Outermost Inn, Chilmark Tavern, The Home Port and Chilmark Store all had their last days on Sunday. The Galley closed on Monday and the Aquinnah Shop and Dreamcatcher have been closed for a while now. On the bright side, the shops at the Cliffs remain open, weather permitting, on weekends through Thanksgiving (and there are some good deals to be had).

I saw many Aquinnah folks coming in for dinner at the Chilmark Tavern in the final days, including Adrianna Ignacio and her sisters, Berta and Carla; Mitzi Pratt and Flip Scipio and Jimmy Sanfillipo joined them for dinner. Adrianna’s daughter Ona came in a few days later and said that she was taking her eldest son, Skyler, to get his permit on Tuesday! I hope that went well and keep your eyes peeled for Skyler driving around town (of course always with an adult). Paula and David Eisenberg came into the Tavern on Sunday and left for Colorado on Tuesday. Hanging on the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard all summer and then skiing the mountains of Colorado all winter does not seem like a bad life. Jay and Francoise Thiese came in on Saturday and Jay told me of a 100-mile bike ride that he did recently, riding from Springfield to Boston in one day. At the end of it he said that he felt every one of his 69 years. I’m not so sure I believe him — I always see Jay riding his bike around the Island or sailing his boat on the pond. The Columbus Day weekend felt very festive and it was lovely to see so many people, many of whom I know I won’t see again until next year.

Remember that the library is closed all week so the floors can be refinished. It will reopen next Tuesday with bright and shiny floors.

The Aquinnah Cultural Center is also closed, but you can get tours by appointment through the month of October by calling 508-645-7900.

Although all of our up-Island eateries have closed, do not fear. This week, October 16–19, the MV Food and Wine Festival (including up-Island chefs Jenna Sprafkin, Jan Buhrman, and Dan Sauer) is in Edgartown. The full schedule is listed at mvfoodandwine.com. The Morning Glory Farm Pumpkin Festival is this Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Since we now have more time on our hands right now is a great time to clean out your office, basement, home etc., and take those old electronics to the Electronics Disposal Day at Community Services on Saturday October 25, 9 am – 1 pm.

Also next Saturday, October 25, is the MVRHS Minnesingers Silent and Live Auction Benefit from 6 to 9 pm at Dreamland in Oak Bluffs. Tickets are $25, which includes hors d’oeuvres, chowder bar, and desserts. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available from any MVRHS Minnesinger or at the door or by calling 508-939-4053. The proceeds go towards the Minnesingers Scholarship Fund to help offset their travel expenses.

Welcome to all the soldiers participating in the American Heroes Saltwater Challenge, who arrived here on Sunday and will be here until the Derby’s conclusion this Saturday.

There have been many anniversaries lately and I wanted to give a shout-out to some great couples: Nonie Madison and Dan Sauer celebrated 10 years on the 25th of September, Paul and Theresa Manning celebrated nine years on October 8, and Alex Taylor and Shawn MacPhail celebrate 10 years today. Last Friday my husband, Curtis Langer, and I celebrated ten years. Here’s to many more years together and happy memories for everyone.