We finally had much-wished-for rain. Four inches, give or take. Although I sympathize with anyone with a flooded basement, or roads or driveways washed out, I am so grateful for the rain and the misty days that have followed. Also the drop in humidity and cooler temperatures. What a relief.

Compliments to the West Tisbury School for the new plantings by the driveway, bright cushions of chrysanthemums. What a cheerful welcome to returning teachers, students, and parents.

Kathy and Norman Lobb have just returned from visiting their daughters off-Island. Dee and Doug Quesnel live in Huntington, Vt., and Amanda and Roger Clary in Rouse’s Point, N.Y. Kathy said, “We had a great time hiking, kayaking, visiting a winery and a couple of microbreweries. Now we’re ready to settle in for the fall.”

Buffy Weber, Rob Stevens, and Allison Hepler were all at the Slocum House over the weekend, having a last bit of family and Island time. Rob and Allison returned to Maine on Sunday. Buffy will drive her and Rob’s mom, Dorothy Barthelmes, back home to Bethesda, Md., after Dorothy’s annual visit. Six weeks didn’t seem long enough for us to do everything, but I hope Dorothy enjoyed her West Tisbury sojourn. We are already looking forward to her coming back at the beginning of August 2016, although we tried to convince her to just stay right through the winter.

David and Libby Fielder are busy “playing tourist” with Libby’s brother, Mike Wade, who arrived from Washington State for the week. They have a full itinerary planned. The highlight will be a trip to Aquinnah to see the newly moved lighthouse.

I saw Robert Herman at the Hebrew Center Sunday evening and asked how Fia was doing. You may remember Giulia Fleishman going to study in Israel and looking for a home for her dog while she is away. Robert and his wife, Madelyn Way, agreed to take her in. Robert reports that “Fia is definitely in charge of the household, getting along just fine, but Giulia will have trouble getting her away from Madelyn.” Apparently Fia and Madelyn have bonded. “She’s a great dog.” But, of course, we knew that before.

Sunday evening was the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The sanctuary at the Hebrew Center was filled with worshipers, music, and good cheer. The world around us feels particularly filled with challenges. I know that the refugee crisis in Europe was on everyone’s mind. I cannot begin to imagine leaving my home and everything I have ever known to get into a boat or to just begin walking, not knowing where I would end up, or even if I would be alive to end up anywhere. I hope this New Year brings some resolution and peace to our beleaguered world.

West Tisbury friends of Marie Burnett are invited to a memorial service and champagne reception this Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17, from 4 to 6 o’clock, at Grace Church.

This Sunday, Sept. 20, the Island Clergy Association is sponsoring “A Place for Us,” a concert to raise money for Island homeless and veterans. The concert, which will feature mezzo-soprano Lia Kahler, begins at 3 pm at the Old Whaling Church.

Pam Thors wants to remind anyone interested in applying for a Community Preservation Grant that applications are due this Friday, Sept. 18. You can find application forms and information online at hwesttisbury-ma.gov/Boards/comm-preservation-com.html. Applications can be sent online to cpa@westtisbury-ma.gov or with Pam at Town Hall; her phone is 508-696-0100, x120.

Polly Hill Arboretum is offering an Introduction to Grasses workshop given by Dennis Magee, author of “Grasses of the Northeast.” The two-day workshop will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9 to 4, and Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 to 2. It will include labs, lectures, and fieldwork. Cost is $120, $100 for PHA members, and $80 for professionals with island land management or conservation organizations. Preregistration is required.

At the West Tisbury library this week, Dr. Elliott Dacher will talk on Monday, Sept. 21, 7 pm, about “Happiness Without a Reason.” Friday, Sept. 25, six of the 87 contributors to “The Widows’ Handbook” will speak and read from the anthology of poems by contemporary widows. Speakers are: Jacqueline Lapidus, Susanne Braham, Donna Hilbert, Susan Maher, Christine Silverstein, and Holly Zeeb.

The Derby started Sunday at 12:01 am, and will run through Oct. 17. Avid fishermen and women will be out all hours of the day and night, onshore and off. Be extra kind to anyone you see looking particularly ragged over the next month, and hope for euphoric victory for yourself or someone you love.