Mezzo-soprano Lia Kahler performs on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown as a benefit for homelessness and veterans.

A new key to happiness exists where one might expect it least — the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. On Sept. 30, the hospital welcomes back Meditation and Mindfulness, an eight-week class directed by Dr. Elliott S. Dacher MD, now in its eighth year.

This August, the first bottles from Rob Hale's Martha’s Vineyard Cider Co. were delivered to Island restaurants. The inaugural cider is called Hard A Lee, named after a wooden boat that has been in the Hale family, which owns the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, for more than 90 years.

The 27th Pat West Gaff Rig and Schooner Race is this Saturday, Sept. 19. The race honors Francis (Pat) West Jr., and is a benefit for Sail Martha’s Vineyard.

David Nathans will step down early next year, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum announced Wednesday. He has strengthened programs; a capital campaign at the old marine hospital remains incomplete.