Brilliant poet Paul Laurence Dunbar described, in part, his favorite month of the year like this:

October is the treasure of the year,
And all the months pay bounty to her store;
The fields and orchards still their tribute bear,
And fill her brimming coffers more and more
But she, with youthful lavishness,
Spends all wealth in gaudy dress
And decks herself in garments bold
Of scarlet, purple, red, and gold.

But what cares she that jewels should be lost,
When all of Nature bounteous wealth is hers?
Though princely fortunes may have been their costs,
Not one regret her calm demeanor stirs,
Whole-hearted, happy, careless, free,
She lives her life out joyously,
Nor cares when Frost stalks o’er her way
And turns her auburn locks to gray.

The Band of Brothers led by Darryl Settles took heed to Dunbar and were “all in” this past weekend from Oak Bluffs to Hines Point to Edgartown on a marathon of enjoyment and fellowship. Dancing with a DJ’s tunes, fishing, golfing, grilling, restaurant dining, football watching and, of course, card playing dominated the weekend. Photos, text messages and more suggest that Darryl, Patrick Targete, Ron Mitchell, Sheldon Lloyd and a dozen of their friends not only had a fabulous time but this might become a fall classic going forward. Many have talked about extending the fun and frivolity of August to the shoulder seasons. Congrats to this crew for doing just that! See you next year?!

The bright sun and fun was also enjoyed on a glorious lawn and cottage near Farm Neck hosted by Ewart and Wanda Brown, the former Premier and First Lady of Bermuda. Styled as a Toast Bye-Bye to the 2025 season, what was promised was great food, “premier” beverages especially dark and stormy drinks, treats, sweets, chat and chill. Those who came for the “chill” found no comfort. Celebrations like this had all in attendance begging for more.

I use the fall to catch up on some of my neglected reading often times searching for books by Island authors on a variety of subjects. This summer I spoke to Island resident Marilyn Holifield, distinguished attorney, and she reminded me of her book “Seven Sisters and a Brother.” It recalls how this group organized an eight-day sit-in at Swarthmore College in 1969 which forced the college to address the concerns of the then Afro-American Students Society. Given today’s difficult climate in academia, especially the elite institutions, this should be a good read. Much has changed since that 1969 sit-in. Since 2015, Dr. Valerie Smith has been serving as the 15th President of Swarthmore College. A summer Island resident, she can often be seen on Sundays at Union Chapel! Keep hope and promise alive!

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience! Enjoy it as life is fleeting.

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor.