Today is the beginning of the Columbus Day weekend and the end of the extended shoulder season. The last farmers’ market and artisan festival of the year will take place at the Grange Hall tomorrow and Sunday. All municipal buildings, including the library, will be closed on Monday. Two schedule changes that will affect most everyone also go into effect that same day. The Vineyard Transit Authority begins its winter bus schedule and the Steamship Authority will begin operating on its fall schedule.

The leaves are falling a lot faster than usual, helped by the much-need rain we received. We should reach peak color before Halloween. If you are not registered to vote you have until Wednesday to do so. You may go to the town hall or call the town clerk, Tara Whiting, for details. You then can participate in the Nov. 4 state election. Candidates for U.S. senator, governor and other state offices down to county commissioner will be listed on the ballot. Also there will be four questions to decide upon: eliminating the gas tax, expanding the bottle bill law, casino law and the sick time law. If you are registered and wish to vote, absentee ballots are available in the town hall.

George Hartman reports that the Antique Power Show was very successful and well attended last Saturday. George, in addition to the engines, old cars and shingle machine, managed to put together a display of sewing machines. The festival dinner was well attended and a good time was had by all.

Linda Baughman of Philadelphia arrived on Thursday to visit Phyllis Meras and tend to her livestock. Linda enjoys her fall visits. She says the weather is always clear and crisp, making for enjoyable walks in the countryside.

Anna Alley of State Road returned home on Sunday after going up to East Taunton to visit our grandchildren Robbie and Henry and their parents. She reports that she and Robbie went apple picking, and they visited her sister Nina and a host of other activities.

Patrick White and Michelle O’Malley of Lewisham, Australia, were married last week in the Gay Head Lighthouse. It was their first trip to the Vineyard. They found the Island fascinating and quaint. They stayed at the Lambert’s Cove Inn.

James Ross and Marietta Anastos were married in Aquinnah on Friday. They are frequent visitors and had an enjoyable stay.

Emily Gadd of South Road left on Monday to return to Bozeman, Mont. She reports having a very busy summer and is planning to return for the holidays.

Amy Hoff reports that on Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the library, in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, they will host a dedication concert in honor of the “new” piano. Violinist/composer Maria Newman, pianist Delores Stevens and percussionist Martha Thatcher will perform. This event is a part of Fall for the Arts, and is open to the public with a suggested donation at the door. Proceeds go to the purchase of this new piano.

Anna Carringer over at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum reports that you are invited to kick off Halloween week with your family at the museum’s Vineyard Haven property at their second annual Halloween Festival and Nancy Luce’s 200th birthday bash on Sunday, Oct. 26. Nancy Luce lived in Tiahs Cove and is buried in the West Tisbury cemetery. You can decorate gingerbread gravestone cookies, create Nancy’s fancy letters on coloring pages, and make chicken hats. You’ll enjoy spider web hopscotch, play Halloween eye-spy, and decorate pumpkins with your favorite designs. Come in costume.

On Oct. 21, 1946 the Grange held a husking bee and barn dance following their regular business meeting at the Agricultural Hall. The committee in charge of the event included Arnold and Pricilla Fischer, George and Lillian Magnuson, Harry West and Percy Burt. A host of local musicians performed at the dance, including Mike and Leonard Athearn, Everett Whiting, Ernest Correllus, Stan Murphy, Artie Look and Gayle Huntington. George Magnuson sang several songs. The hall was decorated with pumpkins and corn stalks, and by all accounts it was a delightful and memorable evening.

Happy birthday to Jon Harris, Lee Faraca and Lois Mayhew today; Hanna Beecher, Julie Keefe, Bob Mone, Noah Maxner and Martha Post tomorrow; Art Nelson, Lisa Amols, Bob Eisendrath, Sherri Church, Sarah Waldman and Jessica Kelleher on Sunday; Noah Block, David Finkelstein, Steve Atwood, Carly Look, Chantal Pina-Gomes and Margot Parrot on Monday; Jeanne Borggaard, Dave Christensen, Enos Ray, Ryan Dwane and Shelia Rayyan on Tuesday; Geoff Borr, Jon Nelson 3rd, Patrick Caine and Steven Barbee on Wednesday, and to Edmund Mossey, Eleanor Rodegast, Jennifer Jones, John Washbrook Shelia Sawyer and Paul Lazes on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Susan Whiting and Holly Eger and her daughter Julia.

Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s edition. If you have any news please call or email me. Have a great week.

Send your West Tisbury news to: alleys@vineyard.net.