I’ve been collecting news from Islanders via email, Facebook, and just plain talk. The range is amazing: birthdays, TV shows, garden sharing, health scares, sailing sagas, family gatherings, survivor groups, family visits and end-of-summer rituals. I’m thinking we can all relate.

Grandma Patsy Mackenzie sent this note: “Well, little Farah has done it again. She booked a TV show. This time it's a Comedy Central show called “Workaholics.” Ironically, it's one of Azzie's favorite shows. We haven't seen it, but hear it's a little raunchy. (Obviously, Farrah was not in one of those scenes.) She plays a little girl at a birthday party who runs up and hugs a puppet that one of the leads is operating. He and his buddies are hired out as clowns for the party. Don't know when it will be on, but hopefully I can find out and spread the word. Also, Andy is shooting a Progressive Insurance commercial next week, playing (what else?) a motorcycle rider.”

We’ll look for it, of course! Go, Andy!

Sandy Morrell Rooney sent this message: “Mom, Dad and I flew from Maine and Jessica, Anna and Adam flew from Virginia to Florida to surprise Deb on her 60th birthday.  We were all sitting at a table at her favorite breakfast place when she arrived. To say the least, she was surprised.” Really? No kidding! Good job, you relatives!

Sue Woolson sent me a special email to give credit: “I'd like you to thank the Morrells in the column for their wonderful Swiss chard. I have been helping myself to it since they moved off the island. We're off tomorrow and it'll take the usual 5 1/2 days, I guess, to get back to Tucson. See you next summer. (I'm already looking forward to it!)” Me, too, Sue!

In a shocking email from Matt Bogart, I got the following update: “On September 10 I had a mild heart attack!  I had felt some pressure in my chest the night before and when I got to work that morning, and with family history being what it is (and an ultimatum to call my doctor from Claudia), I got myself to York hospital ... I was a few days or even hours away from 'the big one.”

Deb MacGilvra sent me this report: “We are finally back on the island; very late this year.  We said a fond farewell to Monty and Sue Woolson and Peter and Carol Burvill, part of our Survivor Group who are leaving us way too soon.  We will miss them.  We will still be busy, though, as our nephew, Paul Zeller from Boston, Mass., will be visiting for a short while.  He is a straight A, fourth year student at Northeastern School of Pharmacology.  Just after that, Jason and Kateri MacGilvra will be up with new baby, Quinn, and, of course, we are very excited about that.  Scott MacGilvra should be making an appearance soon to haul his boat out and enjoy some porch time .... We are also looking forward to our visits with Uncle Ed Reed in the Harbor ....”

We do have some old news from the Smith-Bowen clan: “For those of you who saw Michael Smith and his beloved sailboat drift off into the worst storms we had all summer, fear not. He and his crewman, George Sawyer of East Calais, Vt., put down anchor in nearby Harmon's Harbor on the day they left and spent a rainy 12 hours there till the skies cleared. Then they made exceptional time heading down to midtown Manhattan, arriving just four and a half days after they set sail.

“Meanwhile, the captain's wife was given a grace period by her editor, and spent that quiet time at home finishing that last overdue Fairy Bell Sisters book, which will be out next Christmas. Becky is relishing the fall colors at Middlebury, where she is installed in the Casa Italiana; and Emma is looking forward to the possibility of art school in the spring. Do visit us in the Big Apple if you're down this way in the winter.”

Oh, this columnist (who teaches young children) can’t wait for the next installment of the Fairy Bell Sisters. But while she’s waiting, she’s enjoying the Robin Hill School books by Margaret McNamara.

Arthur Pierce sent this message: “We just finished hosting a Chili Party with our neighbors here in Belfast. A total of 18 were present including two young ladies who commute daily to Islesboro to attend school there! Apparently Islesboro has actively recruited 30 “off-Islanders” in order to keep their K-12 school open. Deborah used Lillian  O’Connor’s chili recipe which seemed to please everyone.

“Tomorrow evening we will be attending a preview of a photography exhibit that our across-the-street neighbor, Anna Strickland, will be displaying in Bratislava from November 7 to December 14. She will be the only American featured in this international event.

“Friday we head to Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf Homecoming.”

The Sturgis Clan is gathering to close our cottage this weekend (the regulars and a couple of surprises) we love it whenever the gang is with us. Check in next week for closing news.